The pride of the Willows was at stake when the annual battle with Flaxton Wanderers, our closest neighbour, took place. The Diana Trophy is the treasured prize.

Things started quite well for the Willows after electing to bowl. Doug McMillan, a bustling left­ arm fast bowler, took a wicket with the first delivery. He finished with 2/60 from nine overs in his debut for the Willows (subsequent physio reports have requested that he bowl all his overs in a row, and not in two spells).

Flaxton made steady progress until Bisman sent Hastings on his way with the total on 32. Bisman bowled very tidily, returning 2/42 from ten overs.

Trouble arrived for the Willows in the form of Mike Sutcliffe, English professional (playing for Old Collegians). He reached 88 and was instrumental, with Chris Sowden, in Flaxton reaching a grand 302. Sowden batted superbly for 102, confirming his promise as an up and coming player. While batting with his father Roger, the loudest ‘ping’ came not from the bat but Roger’s hamstring on a quick single!

Colin Hight showed that he is still a very competitive cricketer, always at the batsmen, and he conceded only 37 from 10 overs – a bowler any captain can rely on.

Charlie Bennetto confirmed his promise as a top order batsman with figures of 1/54 from six overs.

Inglis was out early for the Willows, but his departure brought together Bennetto and Ben Yock, who gave their side a fighting chance by putting on 152. Yock scored a superb 106, while Bennetto recouped his bowling figures with an entertaining 54. Gary Thomson, batting at four, scored an even 50, and he set up the innings for Chris Bisman to bring the Willows home.

Al! players contributed to an excellent day’s cricket – 607 runs for the loss of 11 wickets in total. Statistics like this underline the quality of the Willows pitch and ground.