Having won the toss The Willows skipper elected to bat, the intent being to reverse last year’s thrashing by setting a formidable score and then restricting the Craz with what, on paper, appeared to be an excellent bowling attack. After twelve overs The Willows were 54/1 and Wolt’s decision to bat first appeared vindicated. Ryan Banks and Tim McConnell seemed well settled, and a good score was in the offing. But oh, how quickly can things change! Four ducks later and a total batting collapse resulted in The Willows being rolled for 78 in 28 overs. Full credit to all the Craz bowlers, in particular, Bob Masefield. Bob’s guile snared 3/3 off five miserly overs. The third top score of 17 was wides, for which The Willows team were eternally grateful.

The Craz appeared confident of another early victory but The Willows bowlers weren’t buying into that. At 21/3 The Willows bowling attack was well in control, although a “less than astute” bowling change by the skipper did create some consternation amongst certain spectators ... and a flurry of runs for Rob Breitmeyer. Inspired bowling from The Willows boys, supported by excellent fielding, saw the Craz wilt under extreme pressure. They were all out for 74. Paddy Reardon attacked the wickets relentlessly in all ten-overs and deserved his 4/12. He was well supported by Carlos McGillivray and Brendon Wellington.

A great result for The Willows and, with the game over by 3.15pm, there was ample time left for speeches and port.