Over the last 25 seasons The Willows record against arch-frenemies Hawkswood can only be described as dreadful. With only six wins from 25 matches, over the winter The Willows committee decided that enough was enough, and hatched a plan to ensure a win in 2019!

Following the adoption of a new selection process, The Willows assembled a very competitive side to give Hawkswood a decent challenge. With a number of players flying in from various parts of New Zealand, it was a determined and committed Willows XI which took to the field.

Winning the toss The Willows elected to bat first. However, we did not anticipate young Will Prentice steaming in from the 30-yard circle, and dismissing in-form batsmen Kelvin Scott and David Wakefield in the first few overs. At twelve for two, the skipper did start to think that the plan may have backfired!

However, what followed was a number of good solid partnerships anchored by club stalwart Graeme Inglis (47). At 114/5 The Willows was ticking along nicely; that was until Tim McConnell entered the fray and scored a quick fire 38 including nine fours! Adrian McFedries also scored a rapid 38, and The Willows ended the innings with a solid 252/9. The pick of the Hawkswood bowlers was Eddie Norgate with 4/54, but it was an unusually wicketless Andrew Nuttall that was the most surprising.

Despite some good new ball bowling by Matt Parr and McFedries, Hawkswood started well, scoring at almost 8 an over until they lost their first wicket at 36. However, wickets continued to fall consistently with Hawkswood unable to cement any real partnerships, and they were eventually all out for 136 in the 28th over.

And so The Willows had its seventh win over Hawkswood and hopefully what will be the start of a long and successful period! Another great fixture with our long-time friends from North Canterbury, and we look forward to what next season brings.