The Hawkswood Wanderers have long been the bogey team of The Willows, with the Wanderers winning the previous three encounters in succession. With Mike Dormer being required to rush off to the outer corners of the world on business, he did however leave strict instructions that anything but a win would not be tolerated.

The Hawkswood Wanderers won the toss and decided to bat on a flat and even paced wicket (a Vince Cusack special). A magnificent second wicket partnership between Moorhead and Kelly gave the Wanderers a more than solid foundation from which to unleash in the final 15 overs. The above named Kelly is the ex Central District opening batsman David Kelly, who is now farming in North Canterbury.

The Willows’ bowlers and fielders stuck to their guns and to their credit didn’t wilt in the post lunch session. Stu Roberts, the evergreen ex Canterbury fast bowler, bowled a sustained spell and was unlucky not to take a wicket but he only conceded 23 runs from 8 overs. Eventually Moorhead was dismissed for 78 with Kelly finishing on 87 not out. At the conclusion of the 50 overs the Wanderers had posted an imposing 247 for 4.

Ben Yock was responsible for The Willows getting off to a great start and shared in two excellent partnerships. He put on 73 for the first wicket with Orton and a quick fire 54 for the fifth wicket with McIntyre. After Yock was dismissed for a well compiled 75, the Wanderers’ bowlers and fielders put the pressure on and strangled the life out of The Willows’ chase. Once McIntyre was dismissed for 42, The Willows’ innings stuttered and eventually they were dismissed for 221.

The end result, a well deserved 26 run win to the Wanderers, and the winning streak continues.

Overall, a wonderful day with the organisation of match manager, Peter Nancarrow, also a feature.

Sorry Mike, I know news of the result was wired to you immediately. I hope we didn’t ruin your business trip.