The Willows originally listed a very strong lineup which included Ben and Chris Harris, Lee Germon, Rod Latham and Paul McEwan. Unknown to the selectors, Ben Harris was to get married on the previous Friday so it was little wonder we had some defections. Ben, get your priorities right!

The young substitutes, Marcel McKenzie, Stephen Gibson and Steven Flanagan acquitted themselves very well, but the day belonged to Rod Latham who scored the Club’s second hundred and then bowled three overs without conceding a run. Rod, I think, was still looking to impress the NZ selectors. Once he had heard that his hundred did not get headlines in the Chch Press or the NZ Herald, he retired from the first class scene. Rod, congratulations on a marvellous first class career. The College team always battled in their quest for 224 runs, with too many of their batsmen giving their wickets away with a lot of overs to go.

On a very warm day, it was great to see so many parents out supporting the College team and enjoying some Willows hospitality.

The College team would have learnt a lot from their outing as it was a good opportunity to talk with some experienced Willows players.