The players were greeted by a rather cold and dull day with many thinking the game would not be completed. The Willows batted first and started cautiously on a damp and green pitch.

The Willows lost a couple of early wickets but Danny Dowds and ex-Otago and New Zealand tourist, Aaron Gale combined for an excellent partnership of 103 for the third wicket. The partnership was broken when Gale was dismissed for a very well made 51 in what turned out to be very bowler friendly conditions.

Dowds was the last batsman to fall for 49 before a “rapid fire” end to the innings courtesy of a 54 run partnership off 35 deliveries between Adam Hastilow and the ever green Chris Dockerill. The Willows innings was completed reaching a very competitive 205.

The best of the Cavalier bowlers were G Martin and H Martin who had returns of 2/11 and 2/39 respectively.

The Cavaliers XI started briskly in their chase and reached 51 for 3 at the tea interval, well up with the required run rate.

The resumption in play brought about the introduction of young Durham professional, Scott Borthwick to the bowling crease. His next 16 deliveries of accurate leg spin effectively ended the hopes of the visiting team, claiming six wickets including three LBW decisions.

The Cavaliers were bowled out for 81, collapsing to lose seven wickets in 23 minutes after tea to finish the match.

The pick of the bowlers being the young Englishman who had the added disadvantage of bowling with a very wet ball.