As is the custom The Willows XI won the toss and elected to bat against a youthful Country Schools’ XI.

Opening for The Willows Tim Harrison (42), combined with David Wakefield (68) for a second wicket partnership of 88 to establish the innings. Useful contributions in the middle order from James Tapper (31), Eddie Commons (25), and a fighting 30m not out from Philip Maw, allowed The Willows to post a competitive total of 258 for 6 from its 50 overs. Bowling for the Country Schools’ XI, Fraser Sheat 2/49 and A Waller 2/19 impressed with the ball.

The loss of early wickets by the Country Schools’ XI meant that their run chase never really got going, as early inroads into the top order made by Tom Agnew 2/8, and Will Williams 2/13, meant that the target of 259 was going to be a tough challenge. Good contributions from S Lawson (27) and J Mariu (24) helped the Country score through to 109. John Hamilton chipped in with 3/11 to help tidy up the innings. Once again Tim Harrison’s wicket keeping was of the highest standard for The Willows.

A win to The Willows XI by 149 runs. Congratulations must go to the Country Schools’ XI for their enthusiasm and the way in which they represented Country Cricket on the day