Having lost the inaugural game against the Mid Canterbury Youth XI in 2006, the captain was given another chance to redeem himself. This year Mid Canterbury won the toss and despite some prompting, chose to bat.

After a slow, but safe start, a bowling change was made at the 8th over with immediate success. Lyn Sparks picked up a wicket with his first ball – what an inspired choice. Unfortunately, we were still looking for inspiration for some time after that, as Mid Canterbury settled in for a long partnership. Not even the introduction of Mark Priest to the bowling crease could bring about any change and at lunch Mid Canterbury were very handily placed at 109 for 1 with 17 overs left. We were expecting all-out attack after lunch, but Mid Canterbury kept wickets intact, whilst accumulating. Finally, the 2nd wicket fell in the 49th over with Robbie Polson being dismissed for an excellent 95. Ben Ward, the opener, was finally dismissed in the last over for a patient 68 and Mid Canterbury finished at 221 for 3. A respectable score, but maybe a few runs short of where they could have been.

The Willows had a brisk reply with Andrew Sawers and Stephen Gibson putting on 109 for the 1st wicket in 18 overs. Sam Sawers carried on the onslaught and the Willows were well on course at 189 for 2, after 34 overs. However, a couple of quick wickets saw the run rate drop, but Warren Eddington and Tim Pender saw the side through to win in the 47th over.

Mid Canterbury were more than competitive for most of this match but with a couple of their senior players away on rep duty, the inexperience of some of the younger players was noticed in the field, with a number of catches being put down.