The heavy overnight rain that fell in Christchurch had no effect on the match wicket and served to add a pleasant green tinge to the outfield which is not normally the case for the Willows in January. The Mt Hutt College side were making their first appearance at the ground and were enthusiastic, if not a little nervous, at the prospect of performing up to expectations of the many parents who turned out to support them.

The Willows was asked to bat and lost two wickets for 34. This brought David Bond in to join myself at the wicket and after a watchful start he raced to 41 off 46 balls. Following David was Adrian McFedries who bludgeoned 35 runs from 18 balls including two sixes and five fours. Christian Cunneen helped me through to a century, after which I retired and he scored a tidy 26 in his first bat for 12 months. The innings ended after 50 overs at a very healthy 277 for seven.

This total proved too much for the overawed Mt Hutt lads who were dismissed for 160 with only one batsman, Matt Gorman (67), making a substantial score. All the Willows bowlers were demanding with Chris Bisman collecting three wickets and four other bowlers taking two each.

The aftermatch function was attended by Sam Guillen, the West Indian and New Zealand test ‘keeper who also gave a lunch break address to the players. The true ethos of The Willows Cricket Club was never more evident than seeing Sam out in the middle with the two young ‘keepers passing on some of his vast experience and knowledge after the formalities were over.

A pleasant day, a good result, and another relieved captain.