The original team selected for this fixture would no doubt have competed very well today but for many reasons only two from the list were still available, and this meant we had a very young and talented side to represent The Willows, against a Timaru side that has lost several senior players from last year.

Although I lost the toss we were invited to bat on a slightly damp pitch; not a big issue as we would have batted first anyway.

Our openers set up a brilliant platform for us, 85 for the first wicket in about 12 overs. Jack Henderson scoring a very classy 48, and Rhys Petrie who was finally out for an excellent 64. Rhys was later well supported by Kelvin Scott. With such a strong start we were always well placed to push on to a big total, and with Lachie Stove (38) and Will Macfarlane (33 not out) contributing strongly The Willows finished at 283 for 7.

With the wealth of bowling talent available, the skip was very relaxed that we had the fire-power to contain the Timaru Boys’ side. Given it was a very warm afternoon, I was happy to share the bowling around with short spells and all bowlers delivered as expected. Lachie Stove bowled with real pace, Arsh Singh opened and ended with 2 for 14, Kelvin Scott bowled first change, Micah Campbell was brisk too and claimed 2 for 6 off three overs. Rhys Petrie completed an excellent all-round effort with 2 for 14 to bring home a convincing victory for The Willows.