Despite rain over the previous three days we were blessed with a fine and still day, although with the pitch being under covers in the lead-up, it had a distinct green edge. The Willows, led by Peter Devine, won the toss and decided to bowl.

This appeared the right decision with the Ashburton College team struggling at 97/7 after 36 overs but a match turning partnership of 94 runs for the 8th wicket by M Tait with 45 off 39 balls and T Meyrick with 46 off 36 balls, enabled the College to reach 189 before being dismissed in the final over.

The star of The Willows attack was David Wakefield, the young Christchurch Boys’ legspinner, with 5/38 off 10 overs. He was well supported by Fraser Hawes with 3/29 (including 3 wickets in 4 balls) and Mike Hayes opening the attack with his offspinners taking 1/15 off 10 overs.

The Willows team appeared confident at the change of innings but things quickly turned to custard.

The College attack bowled an admirable line and length and quickly ran through The Willows line up cleaning us up for a paltry 62, with the top scorer being extras on 13, with no batsman reaching double figures. The College figures, not surprisingly, were very impressive with the College attack well supported by some outstanding slip catching with 7 catches taken in the cordon, and with Ben Mably at 2nd slip taking 4 (a couple being absolute screamers).

The Willows XI were left to contemplate what might have been – and were given clear instructions from the selectors of future expectations!