The Willows won the toss and elected to bat on a tiring Willows wicket. The early loss of Mario Williams, with the score at only 6, provided the opportunity for Matt House and Tim Harrison to apply themselves in difficult batting conditions. Their partnership of 93 set The Willows underway, with Tim Harrison compiling an elegant 51, and Matt House a visitor from the UK, a very compact 45.

It was then over to our resident All Black Aaron Mauger to really set the innings going. He together with Ben Bellamy played aggressively in the middle to late stages of the innings. Aaron with 56 and Ben 43 provided the impetus for The Willows innings reaching a respectable 243 for 7 from 50 overs. Bowling for Waimea, B. Hannah took 3/51, with the balance of wickets being shared amongst other bowlers. Waimea College impressed in the field with their enthusiasm and effort, and they were well led by Hamish Drummond, their wicketkeeper and captain.

The target of 244 was always going to be a stiff challenge for the youthful Waimea side. However they approached their task with determination. Hamish Drummond with 33 and Sam Field 57, both applied themselves well on a tricky batting wicket. A couple of useful lower order contributions assisted Waimea to a respectable 176 for 9 from their 50 overs. Particularly pleasing was the fact that boys achieved the goal they set for themselves of batting 50 overs.

Bowling for The Willows, again a good team effort, Peter Younghusband with 2 for 29,Willy Georgieff 2 for 19, and Greg McCarthy 2 for 32 all doing a good containing job.

Another excellent day’s cricket, against a very well presented and polite Waimea College XI, who were a credit to themselves, and their school. We look forward to welcoming Waimea College back to The Willows next year.

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