The Willows won the toss and elected to bat and were soon well under way with a good opening partnership between Todd Astle and Corey James who laid the foundation for two exceptional innings by Simon Allen and Michael Johns two ex-Wellington College 1st XI players now residing in Christchurch Allen was bowled by Brown for an excellent 56 with Johns undefeated on 95. Two excellent innings at the end from Bob Masefield and Richard Abbott contributed to a score of 304/8.

The Country boys stuck to their task extremely well, bowling a good line and length but lacking through inexperience in correct field placements for their various bowlers.

The Country boys began their chase with an opening partnership of 35 between Sands and Campbell who were followed by three very good innings from Green, Moore and Thornton. Bowling for The Willows, Todd Astle claimed 4 wickets with his accurate leg spinners and he, in turn, was supported well by Bob Masefield the veteran and the two youngsters, Henry Nuttall and Michael Peacock.