On a sweltering North Canterbury day, The Willows amassed 331/9 against a spirited but inexperienced Nelson College attack. Ben Orton’s century before lunch was memorable; it was a splendid innings punctuated by shots all around the wicket. The tail wagged merrily when number 9, Hamish Teale, smashed an aggressive 81. The Nelson College bowlers never gave up; they continued to bowl with vigour against some very fine batting.

In reply, Nelson faltered badly with only Skeggs, who scored a fine 57, reaching double figures. Peter Younghusband took 3/14 from 10 overs, Detective Morgan bowled 2 overs (both of which were maidens) and picked up 2 wickets and Brad Stone, who completed the Buller Half-Marathon the day before, took 3/29.

The fielding was uncharacteristically agile for a Willows side with only Rod Latham, Detective Morgan and Captain Gallaway being over 35, Latham considerably so! The remainder of the side were in their late teens and early 20’s and it was a delight to watch some enthusiasm, none more so than the efforts of Fraser Hawes who bowled beautifully and fielded maniacally.

All in all, a very enjoyable day and the youthful Nelson College XI promises much better things in the years to come.