A greenish wicket presented plenty of early challenges for The Willows XI, who elected to bat after winning the toss. Graeme Inglis and George Earl expertly guided The Willows to 101 for the first wicket with some very skilful batting, Earl in particular striking the ball freely on his way to a well compiled 85. Useful contributions from Ben Bellamy and Tom Rennie playing in his first match for The Willows, allowed The Willows to compile a competitive total of 260 for 6 from its 50 overs. The Southland bowling was steady with the wickets being shared.

Early wickets spelt early trouble for Southland Boys’ High, and at 14 for 3 things looked grim. An outstanding partnership between O’Brien and Burns of 134 runs put Southland in with a chance. Burns with 53 and O’Brien with 97 (unluckily run out) and thoroughly deserving a century, were both innings of the highest quality.

The Willows XI managed to keep their nerve and record a win, due in the main to good fielding, and some excellent bowling by Tom Agnew and Andrew Harris from Christchurch Boys’ High School, who bowled extremely well at the death.

A very competitive game of cricket which in many ways exemplified one of the primary objectives of the Club, to provide good quality cricket, and encourage Secondary School players. It was a pleasure to play Southland Boys’ High and we look forward to an equally competitive match next season.

Thanks to our umpires Graeme Evans and Howard Fowler, and ever present scorer Tony Campbell, for helping make it a memorable day.