Recoiling from last year’s defeat by the Craz, the Willows were inserted on a green top. Josh Coli (68) and Jason Pawson (100 retired) took the blade to the bowlers, batting superbly to reach 187 for the first wicket. The howling north-west wind was as energy sapping for the Craz, who toiled manfully, as it was for the other Willows batsmen who chipped away in the lower order to finally reach 289/6. Other casualties of the wind being Peter Nancarrow’s car (his wife’s) being hit by a flying sofa on the motorway and losing half a bumper and side panel on the car. Peter’s consternation was mainly due to his forthcoming confession to his wife and vainly trying to think of a more plausible excuse.

The Craz struggled due to some steady bowling by the Willows and an outstanding effort from young Josh Coli who clean bowled six victims to finish with figures of 6/32 off 8.5 overs to be finally dismissed for 130.

Warren Eddington was the other victim when he tripped in his “run-up” to dislocate his shoulder and his finger leaving an exposed knuckle. Ten other white faced Willowers and Joe Bennett were left racing around in circles looking anxiously for some narcotic or alcoholic support. Warren is recuperating and plans his return match to punish the Craz for his unfortunate injury.