Unfortunately, due to early morning rain, the game was delayed until 12.30pm and was reduced to 25 overs.

Wellington Wanderers Youth XI won the toss and chose to bat on a well-prepared pitch and top outfield. A strong batting performance by Sheil Gandhi – 43 off 43 balls and Sam Mycock 51 retired from 35 balls – saw the Wanderers to a good score of 175 for 8 at the completion of 25 overs. The best of the Willows Youth XI bowlers were Will Graham (Ashburton College) and Regan Sheahan (Christchurch Boys’ High School) and they were the only bowlers to contain the strong Wellington batting lineup.

The Willows Youth XI struggled to adapt to the shorter format of the game and only Tom Dunlop (Riccarton High School) 33 from 33 balls looked at home against the lively attack. Support from Matthew Boyle (St Bede’s College) and Nick Lidstone (Christ’s College) tried to rescue the cause, but we did not adjust with too many partnerships broken in pairs and too many dot balls, leaving us well short at 134 for 9 off 25.

The experience of playing at the Basin Reserve with the big scoreboard screen and wellmanicured outfield was much appreciated by the boys, and to have ex-Test Umpire Evan Baxter overseeing procedures added to the occasion.

Respective coaches Dave Kelly and Evan Gray spent time with the players to help them enjoy the day and highlighted the opportunity of playing at an international test venue.

In the evening, over dinner, the teams were addressed by well known New Zealand cricket historian, Don Neely.

Wellington Wanderers totally deserved their win. A number of the younger Willows Youth XI will be eligible for selection in next year’s team and I am certain that this experience will only enhance their cricketing skills and results will follow.

The Willows Youth XI, in alphabetical order:

• Matthew Boyle (St Bede’s College)
• Joe Bradley (St Bede’s College)
• Marek Bungard (Shirley Boys’ High School)
• Dominic Cornish (St Andrew’s College)
• Tom Dunlop (Riccarton High School)
• Will Graham (Ashburton College)
• Nick Lidstone (Christ’s College)
• Matthias Paltridge (Old Boys Collegians)
• George Prain (Rangiora High School)
• Reagen Sheahan (Christchurch Boys’ High School)
• Lachie Stove (St Thomas of Canterbury College)