After suffering defeat at the hands of theCombined Secondary Schools side last year, and losing the Graham Dowling Trophy for the first time, the acid was really on this year’s team to perform.

Our selector, coach and manager had the side in camp for a fortnight before the match, and with the promise of a bonus winning game fee, this year’s side was as ready as any that has ever graced The Willows ground.

On “winning” the toss The Willows had no hesitation in batting first. Openers Ben Orton and Shaun Coffey made batting look easy.

At 155 Orton retired with his score reaching exactly 100. Coffey also batted well, as he too had to retire on 100, with the team total at 257. Fraser Hawes 28, Michael Goldstein 25, and Troy Scanlon 23, saw The Willows reach a respectable 298/5, with James Boock being the pick of the bowlers.

The Secondary side then began chasing this total. Wickets did fall, but the runs were steadily mounting. Spectator interest was high as it came down to the last of the 50 overs, with 16 runs required and two wickets left. 14 runs came from five balls, and with only 2 runs needed The Willows were sweating. Sam Davis then bowled the unplayable last ball to take a wicket much to the delight of his Willows team mates, with the Secondary Schools scoring 297/9.

Tom Latham batted very well for his side, as had R Duffrey, M Henry and T Rutherford. All in all, an enthralling day’s play, played as cricket should be. Many thanks to umpires Rodger McHarg and Les Elliott, as well as scorer Tony Campbell for their contribution.