The first fixture at the Willows in the ‘true’ millenium had all the hallmarks of a fine occasion. The prospect of a fast wicket, convivial hospitality, warm overhead conditions and dogged opposition were all present. The chance to overturn the vivid memory of the previous year’s debacle was also uppermost in some players’ minds.

With first use of the wicket, the Willows cruised through to 105 for two and looked set for a respectable total. The openers David Fulton (25) and Anup Nathu (28) laid a good platform and were ably followed by Phil Harris (25) and Geoff Smith (32). All made promising starts, but struggled to go on with the task of reaching a sizeable score.

Regrettably, the rest of the batting lineup offered very meek resistance and the team was bundled out for 156 in the 43rd over. The last eight wickets fell for a meagre 52 runs, of which Hamid Ikram scored 21. Hamid’s cameo performance was a fine response to the light hearted sledging, dished out by the opposition ... manager. It certainly stimulated Hamid into action with some classical drives and pull shots.

Defending a low score, it was imperative that the Willows took early wickets. The ‘young guns', in the form of the Doody brothers, provided the necessary hostility, sending shockwaves through the opposition who were used to the far more sedentary deliveries of CCA President’s Grade. Phil Harris (1/18) and Matt Hudson (2/32) worked well in tandem and kept up the pressure. At this stage the fielding, especially in the slips, was exceptional with Phil Harris catching a gem. At 48 for five the Willows were well on top and looked confident of victory.

Clarrie’s XI had other ideas. Some lusty hitting by the lower order batsmen, a few dropped catches at critical times, and the absence of suitable backup bowlers, cost the Willows dearly. The pressure was released and not even the reintroduction of the Doody brothers could stem the flow. A brave ninth wicket partnership of 44 was finally broken by Tony Doody (3/37) with the scores tied on 156.

The Willows had a belated whiff of success but it was not to be. The hard fought match was decided three balls later with a single.

All in all it was a great day and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. The narrow loss was the only blemish.