18 February 1995 was a historical day for The Willows Cricket Club: it hosted its first overseas touring party, the Forty Club of England, and played its first Saturday fixture.

The sweltering day was also noteworthy for its strong reminder of yesteryear performances from Maurice Ryan (55) and Paul McEwan (44) and the cameo effort of that reluctant Headmaster David Brooke (46). Belying advancing years and the paucity of visits to the batting crease over the past 22 years, David Brooke quietly accumulated ones and twos before demonstrating a range of exquisitely executed drives and square cuts. His tenth wicket partnership of 39 with Stuart Stevens steered the Willows to a formidable 255 runs.

The English club never threatened the target and finished the day at 150 for 3. Andrew Davidson was the best of the bowlers – 2/20 from 10 overs.

At the aftermatch speeches the Forty Club captain, Carl Openshaw, paid tribute to The Willows for the rapidly arranged fixture. He presented the Club with a plaque and presented Maurice Ryan with a special Man of the Match Award in recognition of his fine 55.