Batting first, opener Tim McConnell was in no mood to muck around, blasting a quick fire 43 to have The Willows off to a rollicking start. His wicket, caught down the ground by an absolute screamer by Sam Idiens, allowed the CC bowlers to catch their breath. The Willows run rate slowed dramatically thereafter, from 11 an over to less than a run a ball while the Paltridge brothers consolidated the innings. Two excellent and well-timed knocks by Lachie Harper (41) and Keryn Ambler (82), against his own students, carried The Willows through to 276.

The College reply never really gained momentum until the later stages. Senior statesmen Hugo Davison and Richard McGuire schooling their younger opponents with their guile and experience. At 100/6 the game looked secure, however a captain’s knock by Tom McClean (77) — including a six over the pavilion roof — gave his side hope. This followed his three wickets with the ball earlier. The nail in the coffin was delivered by Davison and McGuire, with their second spells ripping through the College tail.

Man of the Match went to Tim McConnell, for setting the tone with both bat and gloves, finishing the day with six catches.