The strong old boys tie up with The Willows always adds a little bit of spice to the Nelson College fixture.

Nelson College got off to a good start by winning the toss and electing to bowl. An early break through by College, with James Watson back in the pavilion with The Willows score at 21, demonstrated that batting conditions may be a little tricky.

Some steady batting and fluent stroke play from The Willows top order wrested the initiative away from the College bowlers, with Ben Cameron prospering to the tune of 70, ably supported by Simon Wraight, Peter Younghusband (both Nelson College Old Boys), before the innings really took off with a well compiled 60 from former Auckland representative Richard Morgan. The Willows innings stumbled a little in the middle to later stages, but reached a respectable 241.

Nelson College stuck to their task in the field with Oscar Barkle capturing 5 dismissals in an outstanding display of wicket keeping.

The run chase proved to be a challenge for the Nelson batsmen, and at no stage did they ever get the scoreboard moving along, with any real purpose. Some lusty blows later in the order from Ellis added some respectability to the score. He proved that by taking the attack to the opposition bowlers it is possible to score freely. These young players must learn to back themselves and their ability.

All in all a wonderful days Cricket played in the right spirit. The Nelson College team, as we have come to expect, were immaculately dressed and a tribute to themselves and their College.