The season began on October 1st with the home team taking on a buoyant St Thomas of Canterbury College line-up. Dave Kelly won the toss for The Willows side and was quick to don the pads alongside compatriot Tim McConnell. It was to be a rather unceremonious start to the season for McConnell, who was unable to replicate his power hitting from last season, and was bowled for 1 with the score at six. This brought Darron Reekers to the crease. Kelly and Reekers were able add 82 runs for the 2nd wicket before Reekers was dismissed. Kelly continued to compile his innings in a resolute manner, but was unfortunately dismissed six runs shy of his century with 160 runs on the board. The Willows finished their 50 overs on 205/6 – an impressive total on a low, slow early season deck.

St Thomas’s will likely have left disappointed with their response, with few batsmen showing their mettle against the experienced Willows attack. Just like The Willows team, St Thomas’s found it difficult to get up a head of steam, and were dismissed for 77 in the 30th over. Ash Sheeme was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/13 off his seven overs while Andrew Nuttall took his 200th wicket for The Willows.