Ashburton College elected to bat on a dampish wicket with another beautiful summer day unfolding at The Willows. With a youthful (apart from three players) Willows team able to make use of some assistance in the wicket, Ashburton College lost regular wickets with the only significant contribution coming from Ben Niles. They paid dearly and were bundled out for a meagre 84 in the 34th over. Chief destroyers for The Willows were ex-Ashburton College players Kieran Hunt (2/10), Scott Punselie (2/20), along with Carl Hooper (2/10). Also showing ageless skill with the ball were Stan Wooliscroft and Paul McEwan (with a one ball one wicket performance!).

In reply, another ex-Ashburton College player Michael Burton (20) and our own Paul McEwan (29 runs with three lives) managed to bring The Willows home in the 23rd over. The Willows skipper was relieved to make amends for last year’s loss and thanked all involved in this match – especially The Willows players for being available along with Mike, Jim and Rex.