Sunday 4 February was not a typical day for our Dunedin visitors, with a strong Canterbury nor'wester blowing. Whilst the players were kept busy keeping the bails on, M.E.Dormer was moving at a furious pace (never seen before at “The Willows") recovering overturned umbrellas, in between looking after important guests, notably ex-New Zealand Board member Or John Heslop and his wife, Barbara, and another ex-Dunedin and well known cricket identity, Frank Cameron, more recently an ICC match referee. Fortunately for the locals he was not called upon to adjudicate. In mid-afternoon Clarrie Anderson, President of Canterbury Cricket, brought out Jason Barry from England who was on a world cricket solo tour fundraising for the ‘Save the Children Fund’. His aim to play a game every week in a different country in the world over a period of a year – good luck Jason.

The Willows batted first against some tight bowling from Bruce Irvine and John Bell, saw them in early difficulties at 38/3. However, “The Press” duo of Simon Cunliffe and Brian Hastings set about a recovery. Hastings kept on batting at a steady pace and received excellent support later in the innings from Phi! Harris and Colin Hight. The Willows got through to a useful 217/6 after its 50 overs, with Hastings (89 not out) and Hight (38 not out) producing an unfinished seventh wicket stand of 71. The Dunedin Cavaliers of Chingford opening pair of Richard Shackleton and Warren Alcock weathered some tight bowling from Craig Thiele and Ross Cooper, giving the visitors a useful start of 60 runs. Wickets fell regularly and despite and excellent 51 from Alcock, the Cavaliers’ chances of overhauling the Willows looked remote. However, Willows captain Hastings had other ideas and was under strict instructions from MED to ensure the game went down to the wire. Some powerful batting from Bell and Hansen saw the Cavaliers requiring 14 runs to win off the last over. A difficult task. However, a couple of lusty blows and the Cavaliers were home with a ball to spare. The local captain was reminded by MED of the Club’s motto to play the game to enjoy and to win. Hastings has now completed two games at “The Willows” for two losses and it appears unlikely he will receive any further invitations to play. He’s currently making overtures to John Gardner and the Cavaliers for inclusion in their teams next year. The Club extends its thanks to the Cavaliers for coming such a long distance for the game, congratulates them on the win and trusts they enjoyed the match. We look forward to hosting them again next season – and revenge we hope!