Where there's a Will...

WILL THOMPSON guided Corinthians to an impressive victory over Optimists in the KGV mist last night. The young opener made a well-paced and unbeaten 52 to help his side reach their 20-over target of 132 with two balls and five wickets to spare.

In an innings scored at a run-a-ball, Thompson showed it is not always necessary to go for the big hits in the shorter version of the game as his knock included only one boundary.

After having lost fellow Elizabeth College teammates Richard Angliss and Tim Ravenscroft in the opening eight overs, he received excellent support from another of his student colleagues Thomas Kirk.

The number four, who has yet to turn 15, upped the tempo at just the right time with his 44 made from 32 deliveries in a partnership worth 77.

Jonny Orme later struck a straight six in a brief cameo to edge Corinthians closer to their target before Thompson and Jake Le Marchant scrambled the winning run.

'It is fantastic to have young players in the team. Not only are they good in the field, but they are keen and want to be here,' said Corinthians captain Dave Piesing.

Earlier, Mark Clapham and Ian Damarell had given Optimists a decent start with an opening stand of 47 before Andy Biggins and Carl Pugh chipped in with useful contributions in the middle order.