The oldest fixture on the list started under the watchful gaze of the match manager, who was the main instigator of the The Willows Club – Ben Dormer – on holiday from London. The weather was fine but windy from most directions.

The day started as we hoped it would finish – the toss was won! We batted. It was a young College team that took to the field first. The Willows expectations were high. Arnie Yugaraja (104 retired) took control. He batted wonderfully, striking the ball with power to all parts of the ground. It was a marvellous century. An 81 run partnership with Henry Wright (38) came at more than a run a ball. With a quick fire 26 at the tail of the innings from Matt Hudson, the Willows score of 262/9 was keeping management happy.

With some trepidation the College openers strode to the wicket – they’d never faced a 53 year old opening bowler. Unfazed they galloped to 27. A partnership of 72 with Jeremy Duncan and Will Southby had College poised to launch at the halfway stage, but some tight Willows bowling mopped up the last 5 wickets for 22 runs. Wickets being shared evenly amongst the attack of eight.

It was a great day enjoyed by all, the crowd was large and very supportive of both sides, possibly because the Willows XI contained three College boys’ fathers and a brother: two Leggats, two Hamels and three Wrights!