Thanks to the generosity of the opposition, the Willows were invited to have first use of the wicket. After a patient 81 run opening stand with Mark Savill, Martin Hadlee upped the tempo, demonstrating dominant form in reaching his second century of the weekend.

At 204 for 6 off 36 overs the game was evenly poised – that is, until the appearance of Adrian McFedries. In the next 44 minutes Adrian dispatched the bowling unmercifully in an entertaining display of power hitting. His 98 not out, including 12 fours and 4 sixes, enabled the Willows to reach a record score of 330/6.

Faced with a daunting run chase, the Woodbank cause was further exasperated by three of the top order Woodbank batsmen not troubling the scorer. However, a middle order revival saw the total reach a respectable 210. Colin Hight (2/16) and Marcel McKenzie (3/39) were the best of the bowlers.

John Doig’s second spell at the bowling crease provided some humorous moments. The first delivery was skied back to John who promptly dropped it. Even though the possibility of injury to his precious surgeon’s hands was uppermost in his mind, he was frustrated by the miss, and was even heard to call for assistance from JesusChrist. Umpire Terry Mcliskey commented: “ He won’t help!”. Unperturbed by the previous antics, John delivered the next ball which was thrashed into the off side, only to be brilliantly caught byMcFedries at short cover.

The last game of the hectic season epitomised all that is good about The Willows: fun, convivial opposition, runs galore, brilliant autumnal conditions and impeccable hospitality.