With big yellow smiling down, and the ground looking a picture, the scene was set for these two great rivals to do battle. The Willows have only beaten Hawkswood a couple of times over the last decade so when Mike Dormer was at the Hadlee gates to greet all arriving Willows XI for the day, the pressure was on.

The toss was won by Hawkswood captain Dave Kelly who didn’t hesitate to bat first. The Willows bowlers hit good areas early and had the visitors 73/4. Then captain Kelly (55) and Rayner (50) put on a good partnership getting their side through to 210 at the end of the 50 overs. Notable mentions for The Willows were McGillivray 2/37, Lester 1/30 and Ellis 3/14.

As the weather heated up, it was The Willows turn to have a bat. Hawkswood bowled with early vigour and had the hosts 46/3. Rayner 3 for 39 bowled well and later in the innings pressure was applied by both Mannering 2 for 35 and Mullock 2 for 36. It wasn’t enough though; as a great opening knock by Stewart (67) was key and when he paired with Ellis (82 not out) they were able to see The Willows home to a well deserved victory. Mike Dormer was a happy man!

It was another special day at The Willows, even more so with it being the annual children’s Christmas party. Father Christmas came to visit, there was a lolly scramble and the kids played on bouncy castles and rode farm animals all day. It was great to see Sir Richard Hadlee, John Wright, Robbie Deans and New Zealand cricketer Andrew Ellis come out to join in the day.