Unfortunately this year’s match against Hawkswood was similar to many other matches over the last 25 years.

Winning the toss, Hawkswood (without regular stalwart Dave Kelly) chose to bat on a greenish Jaguar Oval surface. The Willows openers bowled well and picked up regular wickets; however, Hawkswood scored easily at five runs per over through to the 20th over. It was from then that The Willows put the brakes on with tight bowling from Graeme Inglis, Chris Harris and Alex Reese. By the 40th over Hawkswood had been restricted to 160/6, and 209/8 at stumps. A great effort by the team and we were (again) well positioned to chase down the Hawkswood total. Top scorer for Hawkswood was Canterbury first class player Edward Nuttall (43), with rear-guard support from Eddie Norgate (39*).

As has been the case on several occasions over the years, The Willows started well and were on 40 after 12 overs before the first wicket fell. Unfortunately they continued to fall and we were all out for 77 in the 32nd over. Openers Tim McConnell and Nic Hill were the only batsman to reach double figures. Nine wides the next best score! As usual Andrew Nuttall starred for Hawkswood with figures of 3/0 off four; along with Eddie Norgate with 3/15 off six.

It was another poor batting display by The Willows against old foes Hawkswood. There are no excuses, but it wasn’t helped by a miscommunication between the skippers, with The Willows fielding an Over-35s team against a much younger side. Hopefully we can restore some dignity at the finals of the Kindred Cricket Competition in February.