Batting first against a strong Willows team, Wellington got off to an inauspicious start with three wickets falling for just 3 runs. This was unfortunately a sign of things to come, as The Willows team revelled on their home turf. Both opening bowlers Munro and Harper had strong showings, taking 3 wickets each. In spite of cameos from Gliden (24) and Dharamwarune (34), Wellington struggled to a score of 102 all out in 34 overs.

With such a strong batting line-up on paper, it was always going to be a struggle for Wellington to compete. Early signs for Wellington were promising with Nathanael Paltridge being dismissed in the third over. This brought Archie Redfern to the crease to join Quinn Bungard. The two young guns did much of the hard work getting the home team to the total, putting on 51 for the second wicket before Redfern was dismissed. While visiting bowler Lusty was able to pick up another couple of wickets prior to the close of play, The Willows were able to reach the target by 3pm with 4 down.

Overall, a strong showing from the young Willows side, and promising signs for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, which will likely feature a number of players on the team sheet for this game.

Members of The Willows Youth XI were:

• Nathanael Paltridge (home schooled)
• Fraser Buckley (St Thomas of Canterbury College)
• Matt Munro and Matthew Boyle (both St Bede’s College)
• Thomas McClean (Christ’s College)
• Archie Redfern (Christchurch Boys’ High School)
• Jesse Frew (St Andrew’s College)
• Lachie Harper (Christ’s College)
• Charles Finnie (Cashmere High School)
• Quinn Bungard (Shirley Boys’ High School)
• Josh McCarthy (St Bede’s College)