Following three days of dreadful weather, we were all blessed with an outstanding day. There was no wind, the sky was clear, the pitch perfect, the outfield dry, and sheep and snow-covered mountains in the background provided a perfect backdrop.

The Willows won the toss and batted first. Initial scoring was slow due to Boys’ High steady left arm opening attack of Daniel Fleming and Edward Nuttall. However, Chris McGoldrick batted very soundly for 63, and formed a second wicket partnership with Alex Rowe of 65.

Scoring momentum increased with a solid 39 off 29 balls from Matt Parr, and a handy contribution towards the end of the innings by Fraser Hawes of 27 off 21.

In reply, the Christchurch Boys’ High team started the chase well, however the promising opening partnership of 31 came to an end when Fraser Hawes had the outstanding batsman, Tom Latham, caught at mid-wicket for 13. The Boys’ High team was then well restricted by a very steady bowling attack and was dismissed in the final over for 189 runs.

Of particular note was Richard McGuire’s contribution in the field, taking three catches. Once again, ‘catches win matches’.