Waitangi Day was the most fitting date for an international match on The Willows calendar. We hosted I Zingari, one of the oldest cricket clubs in Australia. In what seemed a rather unpatriotic display on NZ’s national day, the only internationals on display were former NZ players Justin Vaughan and Phil Horne, who together with the current Black Caps captain’s father, Stu McCullum, turned out for the opposition.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, I Zingari got off to a flying start and were tracking for a large score until some economic bowling from Hamish Kennett and Andrew Nuttall tied them down. Matt Parr bowled well throughout and Sam Davis finished well (after much pleading to bowl downwind for his second spell), leaving I Zingari with a score of 196/7 off their 40 overs on a good wicket. As a result of a great start and some solid partnerships led by Jeremy Davidson with a well complied 80 not out, The Willows recorded a comfortable 7 wicket win with 10 overs to spare.

Following the match the two sides were quickly able to put aside any trans-Tasman differences and enjoy the excellent hospitality of Winsome Dormer. A great way to end a very enjoyable fixture between two clubs with a great sense of cricket history.