It was an absolutely stunning looking Jaguar Oval that greeted the very large contingent for the annual College fixture. North Canterbury at its greenest – in January?

A hungry Willows attack guaranteed early wickets if the skipper won the toss, which was duly done and the College XI was inserted. The early fielding didn’t quite match the quality of the bowling with multiple chances going down and with a team of 12 the captain decided to direct the game from the pavilion where upon the catches started to stick!

Hugo Davison and Richard McGuire toiled into a slight breeze and were responsible for the majority of the wickets with McGuire senior going for a miserly two runs per over. College had accumulated well against the faster bowlers but the introduction of spin from both ends slowed the run rate and they finished with a very respectable 225/8. Will Macfarlane had an impressive spell. Lachie Harper was the mainstay of their innings with good contributions from Beale, McClean and Manson.

The chase began with a flurry, Ben Dickie smashing a very quick 30, anything short disappeared over square leg and there was hope of an early finish until his demise. James Dobson anchored The Willows innings and again the slower bowlers of the fielding side were the hardest to put away. With ten overs remaining the game was finely balanced, The Willows needing around 8 an over with wickets falling. A very responsible but hard hit 30 from Tim McConnell, a resolute McGuire senior batting at 11, the game was decided in the final over. Three balls left, the game tied and College bowled a wide. It was a very subdued way to win but what a nail biter of a game. College bowled well, led by the impressive Louie Gunn, and their fielding was outstanding