Following three consecutive Sunday cancellations and with the weather only allowing one innings in the ‘Emus v Canterbury Kiwis’ fixture on the previous Friday, it was with relief the Gunnedah Youth XI was hosted against a composite Willows Youth XI in bright sunshine. The decision was made to use the emergency wicket due to the saturation of the block over previous days. Gunnedah won the toss and in true Australian vein asked the Willows to bat on what was a softish wicket. In spite of a careful and watchful approach adopted by the batsmen, wickets soon started to fall, but thankfully, for a 36 run partnership for the 9th wicket, the Willows innings ended on 149 with Dane Yesburg top-scoring with 26.

The bowling and fielding of the Gunnedah XI was very tight and what’s more proved an inspiration to the Willows XI when Gunnedah batted.

Gunnedah commenced the chase losing an early wicket and then found it difficult to dispatch a varied attack, well managed by the outstanding wicket-keeper, Aaron Johnstone. Brandon Hiini, not only batted well, but also bowled very tightly, and as the scores became closer, so did the tension rise. The scores level, last batsmen at the wicket and 1 ball to go—Thomas Gorman took a pressure catch at cover and the game ended in the first tie at the Willows ground.

Peter Nancarrow, the Match Manager, organised the after-match function in his inimitable style, presenting two Indian National cricket shirts signed by Tendulkar to a player from each team.

Gunnedah were worthy opponents and we look forward to hosting them again in the future.