By Casey O'Connor
It was not the start to the Rep cricket season that the Warwick Davis Shield side was hoping for as they attempt to defend the 2018/19 Davis Shield title.
On Sunday at Forest Hill the Warwick side faced a very competitive Lockyer team. Chasing Warwick’s fist innings total of 150 Lockyer slipped past the required total with two wickets in hand to score what was in the end a comfortable win.
At 2/58 Warwick looked to be travelling well in the early stages of their innings.
Lachie Boal was the first to fall bowled Blake for 20. His opening partner Pat Gordon (16) was the next to fall. Tom Morris (26) added some stability before he too was dismissed. Nick Morris tried to steady the ship with a good knock of 29 before he was bowled by Willmett. A steady fall of wickets in the middle and lower order did little to help Warwick’s chances. The bowlers appeared to have the upper hand and scoring looked difficult. Lockyer could have made their job easier but for a swag (30) of wides adding much needed runs to the Warwick total. When the last Warwick batsman was dismissed Warwick faced an uphill battle defending just 150.
Lockyer opener Brett Sabburg set up the win for the home side with a good half century before Morris and Warwick captain Dave Walker combined to dismiss him.
The Warwick attack had success in and around the opener but while he was at the crease and scoring runs Warwick were in trouble. Batting down the order for Lockyer, Willmett also played well for his 39 runs.
Morris was the best of the Warwick bowlers taking three wickets however honours went to Lockyer who passed reached 153 with overs to spare and wickets in hand to claim the first win of the rep season.
