BIG HITTER: Ex-Servicemen batsman Matt Willis lines up another ball ready to dispatch it to the boundary on his way to 123.
EX-SERVICEMEN had some anxious moments in last weekend’s SDCA third grade semi-final, losing six wickets before taking the lead over Nowra.
Opener Aaron Van Essen and skipper Shawn Higgins both peppered the boundaries at the Added Area, only to be caught within sight of half-centuries.
However it was left to Matthew Willis and Vimalkumar Patel to put their team in front, and Willis went on with the job.
After being dropped on 99, Willis made a swashbuckling 123 of which 96 came in boundaries – 12 fours and eight sixes.
It was the highest score ever made by an Ex-Servicemen’s player in a third grade semi-final, and the tally of 8/309 was also the team’s best in such matches.
Willis was well supported in an eighth wicket partnership of 138 with Ben Philpott (30 not out) which was another record.
