We were all greeted with a magnificent day to play cricket which was in sharp contrast to the previous day when the touring team had been welcomed by a cold southerly storm which swept Canterbury.

It was agreed that the touring team bat first and they started briskly being 52 without loss at the end of eight overs.

The Willows opening bowlers Matt McEwan and Edward Nuttall tightened their line and length and the bowlers who followed maintained the pressure and at lunch the visitors were 143 after 34 overs. A highlight of the morning’s play was an outstanding catch at fine leg by Richard Pithey.

The Willows team were very pleased with the lunch time score having captured five Sri Lankan wickets but there must have been something in Anup Nathu’s curry and after lunch the Sri Lankan team rattled on 114 runs in the remaining 16 overs to reach a very competitive total of 257.

There were some delightful shots and hard hitting from Pathirana who scored 64 not out having combined with Nishan in a 75 run partnership at more than a run a ball.

In reply The Willows batting line up struggled with the pace attack and were dismissed for 62 runs in 16 overs and Thisara was left with the fine figures of 6 for 26.

All the Willowers enjoyed the opportunity to play against an overseas team of quality players and will follow with interest members of the touring party, some of whom will no doubt play for the Sri Lankan National side in the near future.