The first match of 2021 saw Riccarton High School 1st XI take on The Willows on an unusually lush green outfield and slightly green damp pitch after a week of unseasonal weather. The Willows, batting first, were in big trouble early, losing Kalhan Challu and Jeremy Wilson in the second over for first ball ducks and then Tom Music for 3 with some accurate bowling from Blake Stocks and Riley Hunter. The middle order of Grant Dickson, recent Riccarton old boy Tim Bridgman and current Riccarton High 2nd XI player Dom Hasselberg led a recovery to get The Willows to 97/6. Leg spinner William Robb then came on and bowled superbly taking 4/30 to have the home team all out for 154. Nigel Marsh was left stranded on 22 not out. A good comeback after the poor start.

In reply, The Willows also made early inroads through the tall timber of Nigel Marsh and Dan Vann to have Riccarton struggling at 47/6. Then some defiant batting helped to lift the Riccarton score, especially the final wicket partnership of 30 between Jaynesh Patel and Sachin Negi. Willows leg-spinner Stan Woolliscroft bowled extremely well with a miserly 2/21 off 8!

Another great day at The Willows played amongst great people and in great spirit. All the best to the Riccarton leavers and the team for their upcoming school season.