The fixture against CBHS is always one of the most hotly contested each season. The ten-time Gillette Cup winners always look forward to this match.

A Willows team stacked with potential was asked to bowl first. Any excitement generated by the dismissal of visiting opener Boyle in the third over was soon to be dampened as Ollie Lewis and Archie Redfern mounted a mighty second wicket partnership of 113. The pair stuck around for 27 overs together and frustrated the living daylights out of The Willows. Lewis’s dismissal only allowed a brief respite as the CBHS middle order helped Redfern through to a season’s best 115 not out. Cameos were provided by Sheahan and Moody, who contributed 17 and 21 respectively. Extras cost the home team dearly, and although on track for a 300-plus total, still allowed CBHS to set a daunting 266 to win.

The highlight of The Willows response was 55 from the opener Gareth Brooks, including a rarely seen 5. The remainder of the top order provided little in the way of contributions, and the tail was leaned on to provide respectability to the chase. Long time CBHS cricket coordinator Matt Parr made sure to cash in, with 23 runs of his own. The muted response from The Willows came in part due to an exceptional opening spell of by Jackson Pauling. The Willows were all out for 145 in reply – just not good enough really and questions are being asked if The Willows will be able to muster a side to push the boys from Straven Road next summer. Reinforcements are required!