It was a pleasure to host a young Whanganui Collegiate team at The Willows on the 25th of October. The WCS XI were accompanied by their Headmaster Mr Chris Moller and a large group of supporters from the North Island (including former international Mark Greatbatch – his son being a promising allrounder for the visitors) all of whom enjoyed The Willows setting.

The Willows batted first after winning the toss and were in trouble early at 10-3. J Wilson and N Hill provided some resistance in the middle order and then T McConnell, G Dickson and A Nuttall allowed The Willows to post a competitive 182 on a track that promised to suit The Willows experience spin attack.

The Willows bowled only five overs of medium pace in the Collegiate innings and our spinners J Horrell, A Reese, A Nuttall and A Gray bowled very tightly and displayed their skill and experience in dismissing Collegiate for 77.

A high level of camaraderie was displayed throughout the day including during the postmatch formalities. Club members can also be assured that The Willows batsman who played a reverse sweep during his innings has been spoken to.