Once again “The Willows” turned on the right sort of weather for cricket. The home team was particularly well motivated to perform against the visitors as the Willows had come second in the 1995 encounter. Things looked ominous for the visitors when their captain, Nick Davidson, tore a hamstring while fielding early in the match The Willows batted first after inviting the Medbury XI to field and rattled on 261/9 in 50 overs.

Adrian McFedries played some delightful shots in his 68 (I am sure we’ll see many more runs from his bat in the future). Phil Harris was all power in driving off the front and back feet to score 99 not out after coming in to bat at number five. He was most unfortunate not to score his second Willows century, but just ran out of overs.

The Medbury XI certainly felt the pressure in chasing such a competitive score right from the first over as Michael Owens warmed up. Unfortunately Andrew Davidson was on the receiving end of a rising delivery which seamed back awkwardly from outside off stump. The result when a new ‘Dormer’ four­ piece Kookaburra hits an unprotected left elbow is a broken joint. Andrew had to leave the field to receive hospital treatment. We all hope he repairs himself over the winter and is back ready and fit to once again hit left arm spinners far over mid wicket boundaries.

The Willows fielding was of high standard and all bowlers enjoyed some success. One delivery that will never be forgotten was bowled by the crafty John Gardner. Such was the flight of the ball that on re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere it had sufficient vertical momentum to drive the batsman’s stump an extra two inches into the ground and dislodge a bail at the same time. A fielder commented that the ball would not have reached the wicket keeper even if it had missed the stumps.

The Medbury XI was finally dismissed in the 34th over for 150, leaving the Willows a winning margin of 111 runs and more time for all the players to enjoy the aftermatch barbecue.