Henley taught a lesson by old boy Ferrar

Desborough won the toss and batted first on a difficult wicket at Boyne Hill. They were soon 31-4 with Berkshire player Tom Lambert (2-17) in particular proving a handful. However, Dave Terrington (28 retired Julian rule) and Owais Basharat added 39 for the fifth wicket, providing the base for Desborough to achieve a competitive total. Ray Kentish's batting was not pretty but was effective, and his partnership at the end of the innings with Chris Burnett of 18 proved to be vital. Sana (2-18) bowled well in the latter stages and prevented Desborough from achieving more than the final total of 100-8. In reply, Henley made a sound start, but from 23-0 they slumped to 48-5, thanks to an outstanding spell of bowling from former Henley player Dayne Ferrar (4-15). All four of his wickets were bowled and he captured the important wickets of Andy White and Sana. Henley were by now needing above six an over, and the run rate only climbed as Burnett (2-23) and Steve Wilmore (five overs – 1 for 15) turned the screw. Chris Ellison worked hard to get Henley back into the game (25 retired) but when he retired only Lambert was able to threaten Desborough. He briefly gave Henley hope as he lifted Nick Bielby for a straight six, but when Steve Wilmore bowled him at the start of the 19th over the match was there for the school to win. Terrington saw to this taking two smart stumpings in the last over off Bielby, leaving Henley 11 runs short at 89 all out. A delighted Desborough School skipper Wayne Stewart said of the victory: “Last time we played Henley they turned us over. They were a class above. “This time things went our way on a wet wicket. Scoring 100 would normally be well within their grasp, but it was not easy to bat. “Dayne Ferrar and Chris Burnett certainly came through for us.” He added: “Henley didn"t take us lightly or underestimate us, but as a team we all contributed and that proved just enough.”