It was another blisteringly hot windy day at the Jaguar Oval. If I was a racing man, I would have said the track was fast and the penetrometer wouldn’t have even gone down 0.5cm. St Bede’s skipper Matt Boyle won the toss and batted.

St Bede’s started in aggressive fashion with Riley Stirling and Conor Fyall playing some positive cricket. They put on a 107-run opening partnership. Matt Boyle strode to the crease and proceeded to dominate. Matt played wonderfully and scored all around the wicket and when I made changes to the field, he hit the gaps. It was a delight to watch. Matt made it to an unbeaten century. Stan Woolliscroft bowled his big turning leggies to bamboozle the St Bede’s middle order to finish with 4/33. St Bede’s ended up on an imposing 281. However, The Willows boys thought this was achievable as the ball went across the outfield like a piece of ice on glass.

It was also great to see Dave Quested umpire his grandson Ben Trillo. It was ironic that Dave fired Ben LBW. One would suggest the next family gathering may have been a little tense … I look forward to seeing Ben and Dave next year! There could be some good banter between the two.

George Gunn and James McSweeney, the opening bowlers for St Bede’s, had The Willows in trouble early at 2/32. Then Regan Sheahan and recent old boy Joe Bradley put on a 66-run partnership. Regan went on to make a very well compiled 72; he really missed out on emulating Matt Boyle’s 100. Luke Germon also made a very attractive 27. Matt Boyle was the pick of the bowlers with 3/48. The Willows ended up being knocked over for 199.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable day especially for The Willows debutants Will Chun and Mat Burns. It is always an honour being asked to skipper The Willows. As always thanks to everyone who made the day special.