Unfortunately, due to a clash with representative trial matches, the majority of Boys’ High School’s regular 1st XI were unavailable for this season’s fixture, however, this gave an opportunity to a number of very promising youngsters on the verge of 1st XI selection, many of whom acquitted themselves very well.

The main disappointment was the late withdrawal from the Willows XI of Chris Doig. In two previous games against the School 1st XI he had failed to trouble the scorer and featured in partnerships with the Willows skipper of 0 and 1 . The eager anticipation of a continuation of this ‘fruitful’ run of form was therefore unrewarded.

The Willows XI took first use of another very good wicket and a consistent top order saw the team through to a very competitive 244 off its 50 overs. All of the team, including James Hantz with 53, Darin Cusack 73 and David Bond with 55, batted with style and freedom, particularly David, who reached his 50 off 49 balls. As often happens, a few cheap wickets were lost at the end in the pursuit of quick runs.

The School bowlers tried hard in difficult circumstances and were eagerly supported in the field. In particular N. Teulon with 2/38 and C. McKechnie conceding only 31 runs both off 10 overs, performed very well and are obviously real prospects for the future.

Chasing a large total against an experienced bowling attack, including former international or first class players, Geoff Allott, Dayle Hadlee and Andrew Nuttall, was always going to be difficult for the School team, however, fine batting by S. Cardlan (56) and H. Matenga (30), saw the side through to a respectable 141/9.

Geoff Allott with a bad back and all, bowled with real pace and fire to snare 6/23.

The older members of the Willows team hiding in the slips, found the whole thing rather frightening as seeing the ball was beyond them, let alone catching the odd edge!