A brilliant day off the pitch . . . but absolutely abysmal on it for the Willows. Had MED had his way the entire XI would have been packed off after stumps for extra net practice – such was the ineptness of our batting.
First things first. The Wanderers had first use of a good track. After the loss of two quick wickets, Phillip Dickson (66) and Mike Satterthwaite (81) compiled a superb 166 run partnership. Not a chance was offered as the pair peppered the boundary with a good array of shots (which included five unmatched sixes). With the breakthrough coming just after lunch, the Willows bowlers did an outstanding job to turn the game around. In less than an hour the visitors lost 8 wickets for 37 runs. Our three pacemen were responsible – two (Sam Martin and Josh Coli) produced honours board performances with 4 wickets apiece and the third, the unlucky Adrian McFedries, who bowled 10 overs unchanged (in the hottest part of the day) for 26 runs, went wicketless.
A total of 214 was imminently gettable. But, frankly, we never looked like it! In less than 35 avers our fifth consecutive loss to Hawkswood was complete and what a hiding! When we were dismissed for the second lowest team score in the Club’s history, it wasn’t just the Captain in for the chop but the entire eleven that capitulated so meekly. Honorary Hawk for the day Andrew Nuttall relished our indecision with 4 for 20 off his ten overs.
Off the field it was a huge occasion. Father Christmas at the Willows brings magnificent family numbers to the ground and a true party atmosphere prevails. At 2pm “Ruts” swapped keeping gloves for a sack, fair brimming and wielded it in the best traditions of Santa. Far better than when he later batted! To see 30- 40 youngsters (and patient parents) having a make-shift game in the middle at lunch typified the spirit of the day. It was certainly reminiscent of days gone by at Lancaster Park during a lunch break.
Well done to all involved for a tremendous day. We appreciated the carloads of you who travelled out to join us and to share good times. Roger MacFarlane never stopped grinning all day. He and friends went home victorious again with the Trophy secure (which had 1999 HAWKSWOOD already engraved on it as part of the pre-match hype, just to rub it in! ) .
Shamefacedly, the Willows were left to lick their wounds. Paul “Mac” was last seen shaking his head at how we were diddled on our own patch into having to bat against a two piece ball. None, apart from our pace bowlers, had any chance now to be invited up for the return match in Cheviot in the New Year.