Match manager Dave Kelly managed to bring together a Willows side with a good mix of youth and experience, including two former first-class players in Andrew Ellis and Steven Murdoch. After electing to bat, openers Todd Williams and James Anderson got us off to a nice start. Todd was quick to pounce on anything loose on his way to a well-compiled half century. When Murdoch and Ellis came to the crease they showed their class. Anything overpitched was hit straight and hard down the ground, unsettling the schoolboys’ lengths. Late cameos from Henry Hiatt (25 not out) and Simon Grant (19 not out) saw us through to 244/6.

In response, Nelson College openers Tommy Moloney and Jarryd Nicholls got the visitors off to a decent start with the pair sharing a 50 run partnership. After the first wicket the brakes were applied, and Nelson’s required run rate climbed. Jarryd made a patient 51, backing up the fifty he scored in the fixture last year. Wickets continued to fall and the boys were eventually dismissed for 177 in the 49th over. It was another enjoyable day for all.