On a beautiful sunny spring day The Willows team won the toss and decided to bat on a belter of a wicket. The Willows team took full advantage of the conditions and with batsmen from four through to seven all getting into the forties, a big score was posted. Mark Landon-Lane started the rout with many fine shots all around the wicket as he capitalised on some ill-directed bowling. Partnerships followed with the next established batsman continuing with the scoring rate never falling below fives. Greg Stretch also enjoyed a solid knock as did Nick d’Auvergne with a series of pull shots on and over the boundary at the end of the innings.

The College team fielded well but most of the bowlers had below performances. The exceptions were Ben Blackman who maintained a good line and length and showed the others what was required taking 2 for 32. While Sam Boyce on his first XI debut deserved his 3 for 44.

The total of 280 for 6 was always going to be a hard ask for the students as The Willows team lacked any real “fire power”. The captain relied on the medium and spin bowlers to contain the batsmen.

A good opening stand by Matt Wills was followed by a very good and potential match winning stand by Blake Parata and Matt McCormick of 94 runs and saw College at 180 for 2 after 38 overs.

College were in total control, however, the pressure of the run rate got to them and both were dismissed in close succession trying to hit over the boundary. With runs to play with, The Willows captain was able to give everyone a bowl while still keeping a watch on the mounting score. The middle and tail order tried hard to keep up the run rate but good bowling and catching saw them fall short for a very creditable 209. The match ended with Jacob Wolt taking a leaping one handed catch at slip much to everyone’s surprise including himself.

The Willows match manager was pleased to add the Arthur Cresswell Trophy to the cabinet for 2010 pointing out to the assembled players and spectators that it has been on loan to Marlborough Boys’ College for the last 4 years!