The annual fixture with the Suburban XI started with a fine and sunny day at The Willows. It was a game where the older Willowers were expected to struggle with the finer points of the game, like catching and throwing, after the festive break.

The game commenced in somewhat usual circumstances with The Willows taking their turn in the field first. The customary introductions, prior to the game, facilitated by the ever-enthusiastic host, ascertained The Willows had about three regular bowlers to choose from for their fifty overs in the field.

The Suburban XI lost early wickets and were in dire trouble at 24/4 until a very productive partnership in the middle of the innings of 129 for the fifth wicket between Joe Taylor and Chris Gleeson.

It allowed the Suburban XI to post a semicompetitive total of 172. Gleeson made a well composed 83 and Taylor posted a free flowing 44. The standout performances in a fine effort in the field were William Wright and Tony Gray, bowling largely unchanged.

The Willows innings then started in very similar fashion to the first, losing 4 wickets before there was 50 on the board. The innings was then resurrected with the second fifth wicket partnership of the match to amass a century. A stand of 114 was shared between Cameron Rennell and Fraser Hawes to make short work of the chase.

Rennell was last out with Hawes hitting the winning runs to be left undefeated. Another good win to reclaim the Broken Bail Trophy.