This, the third clash between the Willows and the Paul McEwan led Combined Secondary Schools, proved to be the closest finish yet.

Having lost the toss, the Willows were asked to bat and were given a good start of 42 by Brent Findlay (21) and Mike Johnston (14); however, wickets fell steadily as good bowling and sharp fielding (two run-outs) saw the Willows finish at 180/7 after 50 overs.

Evergreen Phi I Harris with 40 not out and Cameron Stone 20, gave some respectability to the total.

Wickets for the School team were shared by S. Meridan (2/28), Andrew Duncan (1/14), A. Chambers (1/21) and D. Moore (1/26). Fortunately for the Willows team, extras of 32 helped considerably.

Needing a top-class bowling effort to retain their unbeaten record against the Schools’ side, the Willows bowlers produced just that, as the young Schools’ side struggled. They found themselves 93/8 and a long way from victory. This however, was like a red rag to a bull as number 10 Paul McEwan came to the wicket to put on 45 for the ninth wicket ( 1 38/9) then another 30 for the final wicket when he was dismissed for a fighting 43 and his team all out for 168.

Other valuable contributions came from Michael Goldstein (26), M. Gorman (20) and D. Maw (21 ). Cameron Stone took the Willows bowlers honours of 4/25, with Mike Peacock (3/33), Brent Findlay (2/30) and Barry Townrow (1/19). All in all, the winning Willows team were relieved to win the game and receive the ‘Graham Dowling’ Trophy, knowing that they had a battle on their hands.

Many thanks to the Umpires, Dave Pulley and Lindsay Kerr; to Match Manager Peter Nancarrow and to Scorer, Mrs German for another lovely day’s cricket at an idyllic ground.