Determined to reverse recent results, a strong Willows team was selected to face annual Christmas foe, Hawkswood Wanderers. Unfortunately, in a match that ebbed and flowed, Hawkswood once again prevailed off the back of some fine batting and bowling from Dave Kelly and Andrew Nuttall.

Hawkswood won the toss and opted to bat on what looked to be a green Willows pitch. Perhaps it only appeared green against the very dry outfield, as Hawkswood openers Kelly and Dickson were untroubled by The Willows openers, racing along at five runs per over. This run rate continued with Dave Kelly playing some magnificent cover drives as he raced along to what was eventually a very fine 100 not out.

The Willows bowlers toiled well and dragged the run rate back after Kelly’s departure, and were pleased to have kept Hawkswood to 193 for 8 after 44 overs. However, Andrew Nuttall proved to be hard to dislodge scoring what turned out to be a very important 45 not out, seeing Hawkswood through to 226 for 9 after 50 overs. Wickets were shared around, but it was the restrictive bowling of Graeme Inglis, Kelvin Scott and Stan Woolliscroft in the middle overs that kept the Hawkswood target to a manageable total.

Batting in repressive heat, The Willows started well, and raced along ahead of the required run rate. At 76 for 2 off 15 overs we were looking comfortable; however, not many overs later we were 116 for 8 after a middle order collapse. Proving as challenging as always at Jaguar Oval, Andrew Nuttall was the chief destroyer, finishing with the figures of 4 for 26 off 10. There was a hint of rear guard action, but it was not to be and The Willows were all out for 155 in only the 36th over. Top scorer for the Willows was Kelvin Scott with 45.

And so in what has become all too common in recent seasons, the trophy was handed over to Hawkswood, with promises to do better next year. All in all a great day, great weather and great company.