The Willows won the toss and decided to go against the norm and put the opposition in to bat.

Marlborough Boys’ got off to a slow and cautious start against a tight opening spell of bowling from Greg Stretch. The Willows then bought spin into the attack. With the experience of Mark Priest, Phil d’Auvergne and young Willows scholarship recipient, Nick d’Auvergne, the Marlborough Boys’ batsmen continued to struggle and ended up being all out in the 49th over for 129. The only batsman to offer any resistance was B Smith who compiled a tidy 50 before being run out.

Like the Marlborough Boys’ side, The Willows made a slow start against an accurate Marlborough attack. When rain intervened for the day, The Willows were 39/2 from 14 overs.