WALSHAM-LE-WILLOWS retained the James Grigg Twenty20 Cup at finals day, held this year at Battisford CC.

Weather has played a part this summer, with the preliminary round at Worlingworth being washed out. With evening matches the only option, it was decided that, as holders, Walsham should be invited to finals day to defend their trophy. Eventually Worlingworth and Stradbroke managed a game, which Worlingworth won to qualify.

The other preliminary at Battisford was a thriller. The hosts, Stowupland and Brantham each won one game, forcing a three-way bowl out, which Battisford won in sudden death after another tie.

Blessed with dry weather, a good Bank Holiday crowd saw Walsham post 200 against Battisford to win their first match, then score 162 against Worlingworth, skipper Stephen Owston finishing on 99 not out. Dismissing Rob von Elling for just 25 meant that their total was enough, and with two wins they won the cup.

The competition was held for the first time last year in memory of Pte James Grigg, a member of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment who played for Stradbroke prior to his death in Afghanistan in March 2010.

Michael Hugman, chairman of Stradbroke CC, said: “Thanks are due to Battisford for their hospitality, all six clubs for giving up their Bank Holiday to play in the competition, and most importantly for raising money for the James Grigg Youth Cricket Trust, set up after James’ untimely death in Afghanistan in 2010.

“This year’s total was �670, a marvellous effort, and evidence that cricket is a family and its influence reaches beyond winning and losing.”