In winning the toss, Phi! d'Avergne, the visiting captain, hesitated a millisecond before inviting the Willows to bowl first. Two wickets fell in consecutive balls in the fourth over, however Richard Hayward’s hatrick ball was barely noticed in the rapid scoring by Karl Solomons who raced to 66 runs in 19 scoring shots. With 80 runs on the board after only eight overs the likely total didn’t bare thinking about!

The introduction of Barry Townrow bowling his “gentle autumn leaves” saw the prized wicket of Solomons fall with the third ball of a very telling spell at the crease. Barry’s 3/38 off 10 overs was a very good piece of bowling under excellent batting conditions. He was well supported by Bruce lrvine and the off spin of David Fox.

The mini collapse by Woodbank to be 103/6 only after 14 overs was turned with a very good partnership between Phi! and James d'Avergne. The father and son partnership realised 163 runs with Phi! retiring on 100 in the 49th over and James completing a very good half century. The excellent batting conditions and challenging total of 271 runs provided for an interesting second innings. A beautifully fine day with no wind seemed to get hotter in mid afternoon. At 56/3, the Willows batting side seemed to be the one wilting, however an excellent partnership of 203 runs between Matt Wright and Craig Stretch saw the imposing total reached with two balls to spare. Matt retired with 102 (he also scored a century in this game last year, Craig was left tantalisingly close on 96 not out. I can’t recall any chances or few false strokes in what was a remarkable batting display.

For the last fixture it was a very fitting finish to the season, in a perfect setting, excellent weather and impeccable hospitality.