Canterbury once again turned on magnificent weather for cricket. It was clear and calm with warm temperatures, which was a welcome relief for the Wanganui players who at this stage of the season had yet to play or practice outdoors.

The Willows won the toss and elected to bat on the well presented wicket which played consistently throughout the day. The Willows maintained a scoring rate of around four runs per over throughout the innings and finished on 209. The top scorer was Ben Orton who batted most attractively and scored 50 off 82 deliveries. The Willows’ score board was assisted by 49 extras which did not reflect the steadiness and quality of all the Wanganui bowlers who were ably supported in the field.

Noteworthy was wicket-keeper Harper’s three dismissals who completed a very tidy display The Wanganui batsmen were confronted by a lively and experienced opening attack in Willy Lonsdale, Hamish Malcolm and Justin Vaughan who played his first game for The Willows. The star of the day, however, was Matt Fielding who bowled at a lively pace and moved the ball in the air and off the wicket and was rewarded with outstanding figures of 10 overs, 4 maidens and 6 for 20.

Seven of the Wanganui batsmen were bowled which is indicative of the quality of the bowling. Although the Wanganui boys’ team was well beaten, they left a very good impression and were ably led by their captain, Ben Smith, who also demonstrated that he is a batsman of quality.