A youthful team from Wellington arrived at The Willows, so youthful in fact, they went for a run before the start! Our team had a leisurely cup of tea choosing to introduce ourselves to one another and learning each other names. The Willows won the toss and chose to bat on a verdant new strip, with only the white crease markings distinguishing it from the rest of the field.

After the loss of an early wicket, McHardy and Johnstone, saw off the new ball bowlers and had a good partnership of 40 runs before we lost 6 wickets for 34. A bit of a flurry from the tail with Michael Hawke 18 not out, brought us to 136 in 48 overs. The Wanderers’ bowlers displayed great control on line and length, bowling one side of the wicket and no width. Their leg spinner, Wenlock, claimed 4 for 37 off his 10 overs.

Would our score of 136 be enough?

Our opening bowlers relished the seaming conditions and beat the bat on many occasions. Wickets fell regularly and at 7 for 114, we had a chance to win but an innings of 42 from John Imray gave the impetus to the Wanderers’ innings and they clawed their way to pass our score with no further loss. Will Lonsdale was the pick of our bowlers with 4 for 20 off his 10 fiery overs.