With the ground in first class condition after a week of unsettled weather another stunning Willows day greeted both sides.

The Sydenham Youth XI Captain Will Herd called correctly and chose to bowl first. The Willows got off to a somewhat circumspect start, with tight bowling and very good fielding restricting scoring early on. The early loss of Carl Petersen, required The Willows XI to consolidate to get the innings underway. Sean O’Connell, with a well struck 59 was the mainstay of the innings and he was well supported bu Om Olva with 46, and James West with a useful 20, steadied the ship and provided a platform for a good total. However the consistent bowling & fielding effort from the Sydenham youth XI effort combined to restrict The Willows XI to a below par 181 all out on what was a very good wicket. Kahn Stanbury the young off spinner bowled very nicely and picked up 3 very well deserved wickets.

In reply the Sydenham XI got off to a somewhat shaky start, with the innings never really gaining any momentum, with the regular fall of wickets not allowing Sydenham to build any partnerships of any substance, with only Harry Durdin managing to making a start in getting through to 21.

Bowling for The Willows XI Nash Allin the young Weedens seamer bowled an outstanding line and length, mustering good pace, picking up a first 5 wicket bag for The Willows, finishing with 5f or 24 and his name on the honours board. Nash was ably supported by James West the Ireland U19 Leg spinner with 2 for 10. A total of 85 was a disappointing one for The Sydenham Youth XI, as they had come into the match with players in some very good batting form.

One of the most positive aspects of the day , was the way in which the Sydenham XI conducted themselves prior to and during teh match, The Willows XI captain Tom Music commenting on there competitive but respectful nature in the field, and there ability to stick to the task in dismissing the Willows XI for 181, describing it s one of the best bowling and fielding efforts he had seen at The Willows. In the end a comfortable enough win to The Willows.

Our thanks also go to the coaching and support team for The Sydenham XI Allen Hill, Daniel Herd & Paul Durdin who contribute much to Sydenham Youth Cricket, and an organisation that is making great strides in the development of youth Cricketers.

The Willows XI 181 All Out Sean O’Connell Om Olva 46 Kahn Stanbury 3- 55

Sydenham Youth XI 85 All Out

Nash Allin 5-24

Paul Rutledge Match Manager