As the 2004/05 season started, the day dawned a little overcast with a chilling breeze that blew gently throughout the day.

Upon arriving at the ground, both teams were greeted by the Match Manager‘s stern handshake and best wishes for the day’s play ahead.

The Willlows won the toss and had no hesitation in deciding to bat first. lain Robertson and Greg McCarthy got the team off to a solid start before McCarthy fell with the score at 46. Wickets fell with The Willows ending up at 181/8.

Batting almost throughout the innings and playing some lovely free-flowing drives and cut shots, Iain Robertson posted the first, hopefully, of many hundreds at The Willows this season.

Credit must go to Murray Parker’s XI who never gave up. Michael Smith bowled tidily into the wind and recorded the impressive figures of 3/45 from 10 overs. Smith was well supported by Hamish Bennett and Chris Hinton.

In reply, the young Parker XI struggled with demanding opening spells from Tony Doody (4/19 from 7 overs) and the evergreen Bert Walker (1/0 from 6 overs). Glen Colvin bowled a very tidy 10 overs of off spin into the wind and was rewarded with figures of 3/37. James Morrow and Brendan McCord batted well for the visitors.

Thanks must go to Murray Parker and Warren Eddington for bringing a young and enthusiastic side.

A special mention and thanks to Ben Walter and Tony Doody who, through their humour, made the afternoon all the more pleasant for the home team and umpires.