After weeks of shocking weather the gods turned on a day of brilliant sunshine for the first game of the new millennium. The opposition won the toss but it took 10 minutes of debate before they put the Willows into bat.

Faced with the difficulties of a saturated wicket, the Willows openers showed great patience and stickability in compiling a 22 opening stand from 11 overs. The loss of the first wicket, however, initiated a major collapse.

Our talented and normally proficient batsmen succumbed meekly, playing across the line, driving early, being too adventurous and in some cases relying heavily on visualisation of successes of days gone by. At 36 for 6 , the team was in serious trouble.

From then on it was a case of survival on the drying wicket. Occupation of the crease and the quiet accumulation of runs were of prime importance, especially with a possible target of 120 in mind. The valiant efforts of a Liverpool import, Ed Clarke, helped in the partial recovery. But the Willows were finally dismissed in the 44'h over for a meagre 79 – just 10 runs more than the lowest ever total!

Sensing victory for the first time in six attempts, Clarrie’s team went about their task sensibly. The young opening bowlers, Sam McKerrow and Mark Wright, kept the opposition honest and made them work for every run. At 30 for 3 after 14 overs the game was at an interesting stage. However, a swashbuckling innings of 28 by Fahey ruined any fleeting chance the Willows may have had of winning. Denis Aberhart showed glimpses of past glories producing a tidy spell of 2 for 5 runs from 5 avers. Special mention must be made of Matthew Wright’s fine efforts as wicketkeeper.

Despite the difficult playing conditions, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and hospitality on a glorious Loburn day. It was great to don the whites, once again, and christen the new century.