After being asked to bat the Crusaders made steady progress, before increasingly heavy drizzle stopped play on several occasions. An early lunch was taken, the match shortened to 40 overs and after lunch the weather improved considerably. The Crusaders innings of 198/5 was due to consistent scoring by the majority of their batsmen.

The Willows team, whose ages ranged from 18 to 69, performed well overall with Sam Noster bowling at a hostile pace and beating the bat frequently. Sam was well supported by Hamish Teale with his off spinners who also took an outstanding running and diving catch at full length at mid wicket off the bowling of Alistair Sheard, who had earlier belied his age by holding onto a very sharp caught and bowled chance himself. Barry Townrow from Buller bowled an accurate and economical spell. What a great pleasure it was to have the former New Zealand captain Lee Germon behind the stumps. His ‘keeping was flawless and immaculate which certainly inspired The Willows team in the field.

In reply The Willows lost two early wickets however due to an excellent 3rd wicket stand between Hamish Teale and Brad Doody, the score was advanced to 131. Once this partnership was broken The Willows required 67 off the last 10 overs, and with 7 wickets left The Willows were obviously in a very challenging position. Regretfully Brad was out soon after and the following batsmen, all short of batting in recent times, struggled. The Crusaders two off spinners put a stranglehold on The Willows batting, backed by very keen fielding which kept the run rate climbing. The combined bowling figures of the two off spinners were 11 overs for 5 wickets for 33 runs which unfortunately strangled The Willows challenge resulting in a 36 run win to the visitors.

The Crusaders were a very well drilled team of pleasant young school lads from Victoria playing the last match of their annual five match tour against The Willows for the Bradman Trophy. They were a real credit to themselves, their coaches and to the schools from whence they came, and in particular their captain Tom Peter-Budge stood out for his all-round efforts with the bat and ball. Mention must be made of Hamish Teale playing for The Willows who had an excellent all round game and he is another with a very bright future.