On a searing hot December day The Willows took on a London NZ side stacked with members of both clubs. The captains decided the fixture would be a 40 overs match due to the extreme heat. The Willows won the toss and elected to bat mustering 173. The innings was led by excellent contributions from J Murray, J Davidson, G Davis and S Davis. Unfortunately, no batsman kicked on to provide a substantial innings and wickets fell on a regular basis which restricted The Willows to a sub-par score.

The Willows knew that early wickets were required with the LNZ team having a powerful top order. M Bunyard bowled extremely well knocking over both openers early and from then on it was the Sam Davis show. Davis tore the heart out of the London NZ middle order, taking 5/20 in the process. Davis was ably supported by excellent tight bowling spells from J Pawson and A McFedries. S Woolliscroft mopped up the tail with two quick wickets. LNZ were bowled out for 70 with D Ferguson top scoring with 28. Mention must be made of the wicket keeping performance of G Howell with two excellent stumpings. The keeping performance was described by M Dormer as the best he has seen at The Willows in a long time.

Man of the match went to S Davis with his five wickets and unbeaten 31 with the bat. All in all, it was an enjoyable day and we look forward to the fixture again next year.