The Willows v Nelson College fixture is always a much anticipated affair. The Willows won the toss and elected to bat on what is always a very evenly paced and good Willows wicket.

A couple of early wickets were lost which required some top order consolidation. This came in the form of P Knight (74) and B Hamel (27) combining for a 3rd wicket partnership of 101. P Miller (48) and C Mugford (38) added further impetus to The Willows total allowing us to finish at a competitive 249/9 after 50 overs.

The Nelson College XI stuck to their task well in restricting The Willows innings to 249 with some excellent bowling from J McKay (3/51) and F Murray (3/35). The Nelson College bowling effort was supported by an outstanding all round fielding performance.

As if to mirror The Willows batting effort, Nelson College lost a couple of early wickets followed by a period of consolidation. The highlight of the innings was a very well struck 74 by N Clark who was well supported by A King, L Clark, and T Somerville in the middle and lower order.

The Nelson total of 233 all out from 48 overs could have be a winning effort but for a little more application in the later stages of the innings. Nevertheless it was a good run chase. Bowling for The Willows, C Curnow (3/40) and P Miller (3/25) returned excellent figures ensuring that the chase would always be tough.

As always The Nelson College 1st XI was immaculately turned out and were a credit to themselves, their school and supporters. Our thanks also to Gary McDonald and Peter Grigg for the tireless hours they both put into cricket at Nelson College.