The Willows proved too strong for the Queen Street Cricket Club (Auckland) on their first visit here. The visitors elected to bowl first with former New Zealand spinner Will Somerville looking to extract turn from another quality surface. He bowled a tidy spell but The Willows batsmen relished the conditions. Runs from Harry Passenger, Tom Mušić, Hugo Davison, Richard Breitmeyer and Ben Burrowes ensured a healthy total. Harry’s knock was particularly savage with all but four of his runs coming from boundaries (three sixes and six fours).

In reply after a patient start by opener Harrison it was fitting that Chris White offered great resistance and he batted beautifully. Ben Burrowes with his 4-for completed a tidy double while NZ Over-50s keeper Matthew Everest showed his class effecting two snappy stumpings. Grateful thanks to Chris and all his club members who generously support The Willows schools coaching programme on a yearly basis.