It was appropriate on the first match day after the passing of Sir Donald Bradman we should see a century before lunch. Gary Thomson provided the highlight with a century that contained 18 fours. The opening bowlers for Shirley Boys’ initially troubled both Gary and fellow opener Wade Burrell, but the first wicket didn’t fall until the total was 70. Wade was seduced by the brow of the distant hill. It was only the shattering of the stumps that reminded him that the distance between fact and fancy is merely the width of a blade of willow.

Ian Robertson (75) and Matthew Stone (30) were other notable contributors to the impressive Willows total of 279/9. Despite the rather daunting total and the run rate, particularly in the earlier stages of the innings, Shirley Boys’ never conceded an inch and continued their concentrated efforts to dislodge the Willows batsmen.

This was a young side, and the inexperience showed in the opening overs against a very tight attack from Lyn Sparks and Josh Coll. This pair conceded only 22 runs from 12 overs in their opening spells. When the batsmen might have seen some relief coming with the change of bowlers, Colin Right proved even more miserly with 1/10 from seven. Colin’s bowling was an excellent example to the youngsters that good line and length together is a deadly combination.

While the bowling was miserly, it did not stop Keryn Ambler patiently making 77. Keryn’s was the penultimate wicket to fall, and the side finished at 157 for six after 50 overs.

This was the first time that Shirley Boys’ High School has played at the Willows, and they were well supported by a large number of family and friends. The boys were immaculately presented and their behaviour both on and off the field was impeccable. They were a credit to themselves, their school and their families.

To mark the occasion of this inaugural match, each of the Shirley Boys ‘ players received a copy of Merv Wallace’s book, A Cricket Master, written by Joseph Romanos.