Drama before the first ball. The visitors sadly lost their captain Will Chandler with a broken thumb in the warm-ups. He had just won the toss and his team batted first on a sunny day at The Willows and reached a reasonable total of 243 off their 50 overs.

The innings was notable for a century for opening batsman Jake Jonas (Rathkeale College). Jake, a quiet achiever, went about his innings hardly noticed with ten fours but showed exceptional ball placement and running between the wickets. The dashing Oscar Jackson showed his class with an elegant 47. The pick of The Willows bowlers were Tyler Bruce, Will Anderson and George Gunn.

At lunch The Willows were satisfied that the target was achievable. After an opening stand of 79 and at 180/3 (off 34) we were well placed. Robbie Foulkes and Sam Idiens built the total. Devon Flannery, a Hawke Cup rep from Ashburton, had the game in hand until his departure at 196/4 and his own score on 52. After that The Willows struggled to kick on. Toby Clemett tried hard but with no partners we fell away to be 237/9 after the 50 overs.

The game was there for the taking. Hopefully eight Year 11 and 12 players will have learnt for next year’s return to The Basin Reserve. Finally, a big shout out to former NZ skipper John Wright who addressed both teams before the match.