This historical occasion for “The Willows” Cricket Club – the first midweek and away fixture – regrettably resulted in the Diana Trophy returning to the Gardner’s mantlepiece, but not without a stern tussle.

In the final analysis, two North Canterbury stalwarts in Roger Sowden and Bob Masefield had a dominant influence, both with bat and ball for Flaxton.

Not intimidated by the proud reputations of the opposition G.Wright, R.Deans, G.Fulton, I.Templeton, A.Davidson), the Willows were well poised and in complete control with the Flaxton team floundering at 8/3 and 52/5.

However, with the arrival at the ground of “The Willows” Club mentor, resplendent in I Zingari blazer, the Flaxton captain was stimulated into action. Sowden (94) and Masefield (53) bided their time, seeing off the wily deliveries of Craig Thiele and Andrew Nuttall before the inevitable onslaught in the last ten avers. Helped by some regulation missed catches, the Flaxton pair plundered the beleaguered attack, finishing a creditable 215/8 off 40 overs.

The Willows top order performed well with Graeme Inglis (46), Derek Burrell (38) and Peter Devlin (41) making useful contributions. Needing 88 off the final ten avers, the middle order struggled with the spin of Sowden and Masefield. Only three timely sixes by Mark Savill in the last over gave the Willows tally more respectability.

Heartiest thanks must go to Diana and John Gardner who are always wonderful hosts. The atmosphere was most convivial, the food sumptuous, the cricket thoroughly enjoyable on a well prepared strip.

It is hoped the success of this occasion will ensure a permanent place in the two clubs’ fixture cards. Events such as this ensure total enjoyment and keep players of all ages involved in a positive and active way with the game of cricket.