Reports on arrival were that the covers had a covering of ice at 7am on match day. This concern was soon dispelled as the sun came out on what would be a lovely day of spring cricket.

The Willows, desperate to end the losing streak against School, broke from tradition and took the field to try and exploit any moisture in the wicket. Burnside West team mates Matt Farrant and Sam Noster took the new ball and put on a superb display of seam bowling. School fought hard and a good stand between Tim Braid (43) and James Cannan (54) took the school boys through to 202/6. James Hantz was the star in the field, showing how a serious lack of practice can have a detrimental effect on one’s ability to catch a high ball. Just three chances! Simon Carter was very demanding, bustling through his ten overs for a return of 1/39.

The Willows made an indifferent start to the chase, finding it hard going and falling to 14/2. James Richards and Sam Noster steadied the ship until Mitchell Ross had Noster stumped for 21. The Willows managed to piece together small partnerships, but the regular fall of wickets made this tight. Finally, a 47 run partnership between Parr and Sam Davis in good time saw momentum swing back towards The Willows and a good stand between Farrant and Carter of 43 saw the team home in the final over.