It was a pleasure to arrive at the Jaguar Oval on a warm and sunny morning to see the block and wicket looking reminiscent of the early Willows years. It was flat and firm. With a well-balanced and capable side, we were keen to make the most of the tinge of green early on. CBHS were inserted and the ball was singing. Opener Mackenzie Smith was slow but steady and got himself through to 34 before falling. It was tough going for the boys from Straven Road and when keeper-batsman Mitchell McMillan fell at 133/6, the Willowers were feeling optimistic they may have a chance at a rare win. A fantastic partnership by captain Archie Redfern (45) and Angus Sidey (47) salvaged things. They ran and played with intent that had been missing for much of the innings to get Boys’ High through to 211/9 off their allotment.

The Willows wickets were taken by A. Nuttall and R. McGuire with useful spells from M. Hay, M. Parr and Paul Miller. A direct hit run out by v Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XI Dan Vann also helped to dismiss the very dangerous Redfern.

At the break, The Willows side was confident that they would have the batting to chase down the modest total on a good wicket. An excellent opening stand of 85 between Mitchell Hay (58) and Paul Miller (35) made a good dent in the total before CBHS Master in Charge of Cricket, Mitchell Rodden (20) and Matt Hay (29) kept the momentum going. Boys’ High hung in tough though. However, a colossal collapse of eight wickets for just 65 runs, squandered the chase and left the Willowers in a position where they managed to grasp a loss from the jaws of victory. Curtis Millard and Stan Ashwin did most of the damage to a frail middle to lower order and Boys’ High walked away with a 25-run win and a continuation of a very long run of victories over The Willows.

Despite the disappointing effort from our men, it was great to spend time with familiar faces and old friends and the day was a very enjoyable occasion as usual. We will have another go in 2020. Perhaps a new decade might bring a change in fortune against the blue and black?