Sunday 6th October did not begin promisingly for the Willows. With Mr Dormer absent and consequently no direct line ‘upstairs', rain was falling and a start looked doubtful against Murray Parker’s youthful South Canterbury XI. lt must be mentioned that a couple of Willowers who had perhaps slightly later nights than others seemed quite pleased with this state of affairs; however, Peter Nancarrow’s prayers were answered and the sound of leather on willow was able to ring around the ground for 45 avers per side.

Much to the relief of the Willowers mentioned earlier, the Skipper won the toss and elected to bat. Opener James Hantz looked in good early season touch for his 26 but when he departed the rot well and truly set in and the Willows were reduced to a precarious 67/5. As usual, the Skipper led from the back, making a relatively short two ball contribution to the Willows total. Perusing the scorebook after the end of the game, Mr. Dormer had the good grace to describe the whole top order’s effort as ‘hopeless’. Luckily the Willows were graced with depth in the batting. Andrew Ellis (SBHS) and Paul Rugg combined for a splendid 122 run partnership.

When Rugg left the middle after compiling a mature 54, Ellis really took charge smashing huge sixes off the last two balls of the innings to lift the Willows total to 21 7/7. Ellis finished with a fine 85 not out, perhaps ruing the 5 avers lost, and an opportunity to score a century, but no doubt enjoying the red ink next to his name.

Faced with a very strong Willows bowling attack, the South Canterbury XI struggled from the start and were never in the hunt. Jacob Wolt, after struggling in his first spell changed ends and bowled beautifully, taking 3/21 from his nine avers. Simon Murphy’s hostile pace and good direction delivered him two well deserved wickets, while the flight and guile of promising left-arm spinner Fraser Hawes was too much for the South Canterbury middle and lower order. Hawes took 2/1 6 from his nine avers, at a time when the batsmen were looking to accelerate, a testimony to his accuracy.

South Canterbury were bowled out for 1 05 in the 36th over, handing the Willows a comfortable 1 1 2 run victory.

So, an excellent start to the season- the Willows one from one. Well played chaps !