My first experience as captain at The Willows didn’t go quite to plan. At the time of the toss we had only eight players and the pavilion phone was being put to good use. In comparison the Suburban boys had brought along a strong and well prepared side. Their captain with the coolest name in cricket, Dan Vann, won the toss and elected to bat. The Willows wicket keeper Joe Bennett was disgusted at having to put his pads on so early in the day, but with eleven players of varying age now mustered we headed onto the field like Browns cows.

We bowled with a great deal of effort and charity throughout the innings. Andy Macgregor was economical at the start but as a group we struggled to bowl in partnerships, dished up 34 wides and gave plenty to hit on both sides of the wicket. Suburban obliged by putting the ball to all parts in amassing nearly 300. At one point it was looking far worse but a tidy spell from the youngest man on the field, Fraser Sheat, helped stem the flow. The lunch break was also helpful, and we performed well there.

In reply, the failed plan continued when we lost both openers for nought. Danny Dowds and Brad Doody did some repair work but when they fell in quick succession there was little hope. Andy Macgregor completed a good double with some lusty hitting to make the score respectable, but in the end a loss, and a convincing one.

Congratulations to the Suburban side that totally outplayed us on the day. My thanks to The Willows side for an enjoyable day out, especially to Joe who, as per, kept everyone entertained and distracted us from playing better.