The annual match between The Willows and Hawkswood was not a sterling performance by this year’s Willows line up, although with rain descending on the ground late in the day we almost snuck in with an unlikely victory.

Inserted on a good looking wicket The Willows got off to a tidy start. Kelvin Scott was in a hurry as usual and with support from Jonathan Davidson we were doing well at 45 without loss after only seven overs. However, not long after we suffered a minor collapse and were quickly 60/4. There was the making of a middle order revival when Carlos McGillivray, Jeremy Wilson, and then Gareth Reed steadied the ship taking us to 154 (from 40). However, the last four wickets fell cheaply and eventually The Willows were dismissed in the 44th over for a less than satisfactory 172.

In reply Hawkswood did not start well due to some very demanding line and length bowling from Matt Parr and Carlos McGillivray, and at 32/5 we felt like we might have a good chance after all. However, what followed was a superb century by “Hawkswood’s” Dave Kelly that took the game away from The Willows.

When Kelly departed the score was 170/6 and the game all but in the bag for Hawkswood. But just then the heavens opened on Jaguar Oval, and Kelvin Scott took two wickets in two balls, and The Willows thought that they might just sneak in. However, it was not to be and Hawkswood got home in the 43rd over with two wickets in hand.

Players of the day – Dave Kelly (100*) and Carlos McGillivray (41 and 3/24).