Our annual 1st XI fixture versus the Willows is a highlight of the school cricketing calendar and one that is looked forward to by all. This year’s match against a strong Willows team was filled with highlights, a little drama and as always when playing against seasoned and high-quality opponents, some learnings as well.

The day dawned clear and fine and ground at the Willows looked absolutely stunning thanks to all the work of Ben Dormer and his Willows grounds team.

The Willows team, captained by Shirley Boys' High School Principal Tim Grocott won the toss and elected to bat.

Taking the new ball, Will Davis applied early pressure bowling good tight lines and was ably assisted by Ethan Gilmore with some good pace. It wasn't until the 10th over that the first wicket fell - Shirley Boys' High School Old Boy and last year’s 1st XI captain Mitchell Gilmore falling to a sharp catch from Seth De Rose off the bowling of Hadley Milligan.

The powerful Willows batting line up continued to pile on the runs as our 1st XI bowlers struggled with our line and length. However, our lads never gave up and continued to run in hard and eventually were rewarded with a late clump of wickets to almost bowl the Willows out. The Willows eventually scored 330/8 off their 50 overs.

With an imposing total of 330/8 to chase our lads went to lunch knowing the task ahead was a tough one. The new opening pair of Ashton Brown and Jake Wilson set the tone beautifully for the innings by forming a solid partnership and absorbing pressure from the opening bowlers. Ashton was the first to fall which bought Doug Bongartz to the crease who formed another useful partnership with Jake. Jake was eventually out for 35 after an innings filled with determined defence and some clean striking. Noah Bennett applied himself in the middle order against some sustained bowling pressure. Just when he was looking to pull the trigger, a mix up with his skipper saw him go, run out in the 32nd over.

A couple of cheap wickets followed until our lower order decided that it was time to be more aggressive and went on a boundary hitting spree against some tiring Willows bowlers. Josh Mcilraith, Seth De Rose and Nick Barrie hit some The 200 runs was brought up in dramatic and explosive fashion with a huge six over mid wicket off the mighty ‘diamond blade’ of Seth De Rose. The ball got stuck 6 metres up the large hedge row on the outside of the ground! The Shirley Boys' High School lads were eventually all out in the 50th over for 206. A resilient and determined innings showing some real grit and fight from our lads against the best bowling line up they'll face this year.

Principal Tim Grocott lead the after match proceedings presenting Willows pins to players making their Willows debuts - Ashton Brown, Jake Wilson, Josh McIlraith, Lleyton O'Connell, Ryan Withell, Nick Barrie and Seth De Rose. He also presented a Willows ‘Gold’ Pin to captain Will Davis in recognition of outstanding service to 1st XI cricket at Shirley Boys' High School. The Willows also presented Man of the Match awards to Jake Wilson for his fine innings and to Seth De Rose for his solid all round game and positive attitude throughout. Willows opening batsman Tom Music, Shirley Boys' High School Old Boy and Canterbury over 50's rep, got the Willows man of the match award for his innings of 93 runs .

Thank you to Ben Dormer and his team at the Willows, to the umpire Alyson, the Willows team and all the whanau support for making a fantastic day and one to remember.

Short scorecard.

Willows 330/8 off 50 overs ( Will Davis 0/45, Ethan Gilmore 2/61, Hadley Milligan 2/57, Lleyton O'Connell 2 for 51)

Beat

Shirley Boys' High School 1st XI 206/10 (Jake Wilson 35, Josh McIlraith 30, Seth De Rose 28, Nick Barrie 20 )