The preceding day was a groundsman’s nightmare, three inches of rain and a pitch to prepare. Well done the ground staff!

The wicket looked a bit sticky when The Willows openers arrived and the College bowlers were licking their lips. Two quickish wickets, then Jeremy Duncan and Keryn Ambler started the accumulation. Jeremy was batting forcefully but fell to a very good catch. We were then entertained with some delightful shot making as Keryn marched towards his retirement. Whether it was the heat or the consistently straight bowling from College the march was curtailed two runs short. But the damage was done and The Willows finished their innings at 262 on a pitch that was drying in the considerable heat.

Hoping that the long hot morning in the field would drain the College batsmen, The Willows had two quick wickets prior to tea and were optimistic of an early finish. On debut for the XI George Anderson stroked a masterful 84 with good contributions from Harper, Coull and Turpie. The run rate was a challenge for College throughout their innings as was some steady bowling from The Willows XI. After their 50 over stint College came up 27 runs short. Mention should be made of three good wickets from Adam Hastilow and a good spell from spinner turned quickish bowler Hugo Davison.

Many thanks to Tony and Bernie for standing in a very tiring day!