The ground was looking a picture as The Willows welcomed the most successful cricketing school in the country Christchurch Boys’ High School out for the day.

The Willows have an uncanny knack of winning the toss and today was no different. The home side took first use of yet another test standard pitch prepared by Willows head of turf Alan Gilmour. The Willows got off to a solid start, albeit a touch slow as the CBHS bowlers, led by big Ben Forrest, proved difficult to get away. Wickets fell at regular intervals. James Richards held the innings together with support from Angus Sidey, Colin Slade and Jeremy Benton. The Willows fell circa 70 runs shy of par at 231. This could have been a lot less if it wasn’t for a quickfire 40 from Man of the Match Robson Foulkes. Sam Frame led the wicket tally with a well bowled 3/36.

The Willows bowlers were on strict instructions not to eat too much as they needed to prepare well to defend the total. It could not have gone any better having both openers out in two overs leaving CBHS 2/2. An incredibly well played 82 from captain Callum Samson kept the hammer on The Willows. However the spinners bowled well causing poor shot decisions from the CBHS batsmen as the run rate rose. We were able to restrict them to 196/8 after 50 overs. It was great to have eleven former Old Boys play in the team and to have current Canterbury representative and former 1st XI captain Ed Nuttall to present the awards.