The Willows played the Shirley Boys’ High School First XI on an unseasonally cool and overcast day. The Willows batted first and were put under pressure by demanding bowling by the Shirley opening bowlers but two solid partnerships of 90 between Dan Vann and Brad Entwistle, and 80 between Dan and Ryan Entwistle saw The Willows gain momentum. Dan Vann batted very well and was sadly out for 99. The Willows got through to 262 which was a challenging total. Shirley Boys’ bowled steadily with Madoc Wiltshire 4/32 and Benji Irvine 3/43.

The Willows put pressure on early as Shirley lost early wickets. Mitch Gilmore batted well at the top for 29, and Ekam Singh hit the ball strongly for 51, including a large six off the Headmaster which nearly destroyed the luncheon area. Good bowling from Andy MacGregor, Nigel Marsh and his son Casey, and Jason Pawson put the brakes on the scoring. Tim Hampton-Matehe enjoyed the rare occasion of a bowl and took 3/26. The Willows had successfully defended the Steve Garland Trophy.

A moment of sympathy for the Shirley lads keen to inflict their first ever win over The Willows. They went into the morning session minus their key strike bowler, out with a back injury plus they had a wet ball to contend with. “It was like soap” said a frustrated opening bowler at fine leg soon into the match. – Ed