The pitch inspection at the start of the day revealed a hint of green. There was also a forecast of rain and so having won the toss The Willows elected to bowl and see if we could win the game ahead of the weather.

However, LNZCC had a fine opening stand from Scott (42) and McConnell (40). The introduction of spin from both ends saw the required breakthrough and restriction of runs. Both Andrew Nuttall and Oliver Borrie bowled superbly. Nuttall was supremely controlled and deserved even better than his 2 for 14 from ten overs. The brakes came off again and fine middle order contributions from Howell, Drayton and Haig saw the Londoners through to a healthy 247 from their 50 overs.

The highlight of the innings was a reverse sweep from Al Drayton that Brendon McCullum would be proud of. For The Willows Matt Hudson bowled very well taking two wickets with a combination of seam and swing.

The Willows reply started well with Sam McGuire making 23 opening the innings. The pick of the LNZCC bowlers was Mark McGoldrick who bowled with pace and extracted a lot of movement from the pitch in taking three fine wickets. The Willows middle order of Murray (27) and Borrie (26) then played some sublime shots and set the platform for the run chase. Andrew Nuttall 33 not out and Matt Hudson 50 not out played superbly increasing the scoring rate to have the chase at 202 for 6 in the 34th over. Unfortunately for the second time in the day a heavy hail storm hit and with the oval blanketed in white the game was at an end.

Referrals to both the Duckworth Lewis and Dormer Lewis formulae saw the game won by The Willows but the official outcome was a draw. That was definitely the right result.