Twenty years on from the first ever Willows fixture (vs Christ’s College 1st XI), a new College team took on a Willows team full of old-boys (both young and old) and one ex-teacher by the name of Joe Bennett aka “the swallow of death”.

The day was fine but windy with the large College family contingent having to batten down the sun umbrellas in the afternoon session.

The Willows won the toss and elected to bat on a good looking pitch. After losing an early wicket, Ed Wright (46) and James O’Gorman (102 retired) put on 118 for the second wicket. This provided The Willows team with the platform for a solid total. O’Gorman played a measured innings mixed with some outstanding stroke play. Once he retired the College boys pulled it back well restricting The Willows to 242 for 6 off 50 overs.

In the second innings The Willows lacked a pace attack so decided to open with spin in the form of Hamish Robertson. He bowled a superb spell of 10 overs, 3/16. At tea the College team was 4/24 off 16 overs and were in deep trouble. After a stern talking to by the coach the College boys came out after tea and batted well managing to get through to 163 all out in the 48th over. J Kerr (44) and D Freeman-Green (60) batted extremely well to resurrect the College innings. Eight bowlers were used by The Willows to get the job done.

Another success for The Willows in its 20th year of matches against Christ’s College. Man of the match went to James O’Gorman.