Match day, unlike last year, was grey and cold with the odd shower drifting through. Marlborough Boys’ College won the toss and asked The Willows to bat first, which was not surprising considering the amount of rain that had fallen in the previous few days.

The Willows made a steady start putting on 67 for the first wicket before Scott McHardy was bowled. Shortly after, the rain made a return and was so heavy, it looked like it would be an early finish, much to the disappointment of everyone at the ground. The wise one Mike Dormer said “don’t worry it will clear shortly”. Once again he was proved to be correct and the innings commenced nearly 2.5 hours after we came off. The game was reduced to 30 overs each, which left The Willows 17 overs to bat. Some excellent hitting and running saw David Kelly retire on 77 and Simon Wilson and Matthew Stretch remain not out at the close of the innings. Matt Deaker was the most economical bowler of the Marlborough Boys’ College attack. The Willows was reasonably happy at the change of innings and looked forward to defending their total.

The Marlborough Boys’ College innings never got going and they were 14/3 before Harry MacDonald and captain Heath Murphy put on a partnership of 37. Once that partnership was broken the remaining wickets fell reasonably quickly with Marlborough Boys’ College bowled out for 89 in the 27th over. Pick of The Willows bowlers were opener Adam Hastilow who knocked the top off with two wickets and spinners Jeremy Wilson and young left-armer Harry Fitzpatrick.

In the end, it was a convincing win to The Willows. Marlborough Boys’ College have a number of players returning next year, so would have benefited from the experience of playing at The Willows.