Welcome to the Marlborough boys and congratulations for the effort you put in to maintaining your fixture after an early season rain-off.

At the start of play we observed a moments silence for the Christchurch terrorist victims and gave collective thoughts and thanks to the NZ police for their amazing response to this cowardly act. Amongst us was Sergeant Grant Stewart first on the scene at the Linwood Mosque.

Batting first on a green pitch The Willows were able to form a large partnership between Kelly and Paul Miller and headed into the lunch break at 140/2. Marlborough had a demanding pace attack but wickets in hand creates a green light and thanks to a magnificent century from Paul we were able to post a very competitive total.

Intent was strong among the Marlborough batsmen who ran particularly well between the wickets. Adrian McFedries built the scoreboard pressure with ten demanding and athletic overs and James Kelly snaring one of the Lavendar boys, took us into the final ten overs with the visitors needing 100 to win. Turning ones into twos and finding the fence on demand we headed into the final over with 20 needed. This proved a tad too much but it was a great game of cricket. The spirit of cricket was observed by all and one can only give thanks for the pleasure. The 2018/19 season could not have ended better.