A Willows side that mixed a wealth of experience with a sprinkling of youth assembled to host the LNZCC XI which itself contained a number of Willowers. The Willows batted first.

The game was evenly balanced at 27/2, before a great partnership between Calvin Scott (68) and Tom Music (50) gave the innings real momentum. A typically fast outfield allowed the boundaries to flow as both batsmen played positively. The two half-centuries were well supported by some cameos. Lachie Harper’s unbeaten 39 and some energetic running between wickets by Hugo Davison helped us post a competitive 241 in 40 overs. The wickets were shared by LNZCC with Kyle, Richards and Middlemiss taking two apiece. During the innings Phil Harris managed seven runs, which saw him achieve the milestone of 2,000 runs for the club — only the second Willower to do so and an incredible achievement.

The second innings started with a tight spell from Willows openers Hugo Davison and Sam Davis (two wickets) building early run rate pressure. The loss of our wicket-keeper saw Tom Music take the gloves, backing up his efforts with the bat and doing a sterling job behind the stumps. Later, this deservedly earned him the player of the match award.

The miserly bowling did not relent with Stan Woolliscroft spinning his magic and Hugh Symes bowling in tandem, taking two key wickets along the way. A strong partnership between Michael Singleton (40) and Matt Kyle (23) moved the score along but the required rate kept climbing. Graeme Inglis capitalised on this pressure taking three scalps in the final stages with the LNZCC side finally bowled out for 150. It was a hard fought match in hot conditions.

A fantastic after-match, hosted by the Dormers over at the cottage, was enjoyed by both sides, reiterating the special relationship between the two great clubs.