The Willows’ captain for the day came into this match with Burnside High School 1st XI under immense pressure given that previous matches hadn’t gone to the Club’s well laid plans.

The Willows won the toss and given we didn’t have too many younger players, decided it was appropriate to bat first. The innings got away to a good start with a solid opening stand but the highlight of the innings was the partnership between opener Tom Latham and middle order batsman Sam Sayers. This partnership realised 110 runs and was the foundation of The Willows’ innings of 240 for 6. Tom Latham contributed 80 from 105 balls and young Sam Sayers, a superb 94 from 109 balls.

Burnside High School had their turn to bat after another superb lunch and struggled somewhat under the pressure of some very good bowling from Douggie McMillan (1 for 16), James Stevenson and dark horse Wade Burrell (2 for 11). Burnside finally managed 171 for 6 and thus The Willows were back on track for the season. Needless to say Mike Dormer was a happy man and was able to rest easily for the following week.

My thanks to the two umpires for the day whose job is a thankless one.