The Country Schools XI played with enthusiasm but were no match for a Willows team containing a mix of experience and youthful talent.

Batting first, Willows opener Sam Noster showed his potential with a hard hit century off just 80 balls to set up a challenging target for the Country XI. Noster’s innings included 10 fours and 3 sixes, one of them clearing the trees on the Eastern boundary. Ben Orton, Mark Priest, Josh Reeves and Tim Johnston also made useful contributions, with Reeves and Johnston posting the best partnership of the day, 70 for the 8th wicket. In the field the Country captain, Daniel Ede, excelled while Tim Harrison took a stunning catch on the boundary to dismiss Noster.

In reply the Country batsmen showed good application but had difficulty keeping the run rate near the required target, despite The Willows bowlers assisting with 32 wides. Dylan Goldstone top scored for the boys with 29, while Ben Orton returned the remarkable figures of 3/1 off 3 overs to upstage the frontline Willows bowlers as he finished off the Country tail.