THE Medlock Southend Evening League T20 Representative XI came close to a shock victory in their first match of the season.

Hosted by Old Southendian & Southchurch Cricket Club at a chilly Garon Park, the representatives XI fielded first after the home side won the toss and decided to bat.

The Old Boys made a very competitive 161-5 from 20 overs with David Johnson retiring on 51 not out, Rob Johnston making 36, and Sam Fowless 36 not out.

Jonathan Wagstaff was the pick of the bowlers with excellent figures of 4-1-11-2.

In reply, Wagstaff also shone with the bat making 53 not out as the Southend Evening League Representatives made 152 all out, missing out on a great victory by only nine runs.

Sam Hodgson was the chief destroyer of the Reps XI batting line up, taking 5-17 off of four overs and James Bunce who took 2-34 from two overs.

In total, more than £150 was raised for the Old Southendian hockey team who undertook a world record 52 hours of continuous hockey in aid of Age UK.