Peter Williams’ North Canterbury XI were welcomed to “The Willows” for their first match and the day turned out to be one of the closest of the season.

Willows won the toss, batted and were dismissed for a low 176. Peter showed his charges how to work the ball around with a tidy 21, and other contributions came from Peter Devlin (35), Guy Bromley (33) and a cameo 15 not out from Phi! Harris batting ‘jack’.

NCSS started the run chase slowly but an outstanding partnership between Jarrod Ward and Cory James began to turn the game. After Jarrod’s dismissal, Cory proceeded to thrash the attack to all corners of the ground. After a steady loss of wickets, NCSS needed 20 runs off the last over with one wicket in hand. Three boundaries and four byes were conceded to bring NCSS within four of victory. Cory James was left unbeaten on 73. Ben Harris (thinking he was Malcolm Marshall) bowled ten enthusiastic overs for 16 runs and Jeremy Innes with 4/38 off ten was the pick of the Willows bowlers.

NCSS performed with distinction on the field, and with a little work on singles early in their innings, they may well have recorded a victory. We look forward to seeing them again next season.