Not only was I pulled in at the last minute to be the captain (no one else wanted to do it), I also now have to file the match report!

The Willows took on the Clarrie Anderson invitation team in this keenly awaited annual fixture. Like the inclement weather, The Willows team improved during the course of the day culminating in a comprehensive 7 wicket victory.

After winning the toss, the Clarrie Anderson XI was inserted on the basis the drizzly conditions would provide a bit more juice on the normal “batsmen friendly” wicket. However, this assumption failed to materialise as the ball turned into a “bar of soap” which required replacing on two occasions. The opening batsmen Tim McConnell and David Bull quickly capitalised with a 100 run opening stand in rapid time. It was only an inspired spell of bowling by the Rev Mike Hawke assisted by that Great Architect in the universe, and strongly supported by Lyn Sparks plus an outstanding piece of fielding by Jim Stringleman with a direct hit, which ultimately limited the Clarrie Anderson XI to 192 off their 40 overs.

Despite the early loss of Greg Hills, Geoff Miller and the Rev Mike Hawke quickly had The Willows team on the road to victory with a great partnership of 79, until Mike retired leaving Geoff to score an outstanding century, punctuated by fantastic pull shots before he also retired, leaving Peter Devine, captain for the day, to slog a quick 30 to complete the 7 wicket victory with some 5 overs to spare.

It should be noted the commitment of Rev Mike Hawke to cricket when after success firstly with the ball and then with the bat, he drove to Picton some 4 ½ hours north, caught the 10.00pm ferry to Wellington, arriving at 1.30am Thursday morning, finally to a hotel and then up early to commence a mission programme with North Islanders commencing at 8.30am – what commitment – young cricketers please note.