On a beautiful nor'west day the Willows elected to bat on winning the toss. (We didn’t know it at the time but it was all we were going to win that day).

After losing a wicket in the first over some solid batting by Marcel McKenzie, Andrew McRae and Jarrod Ward saw us through to 164 for 4. St Bede’s, though, had bowled and fielded well to restrict us to a less than satisfactory scoring rate. The need to push things along saw us slump to 178 for 6. The seventh wicket partnership saw us through to 225 which was to prove less than adequate on a good pitch and lightning outfield.

We needed to capture early wickets to put pressure on St Bede’s but a positive opening partnership of 87 between N.Scarlett and B.Te Amo set St Bede’s well on the way to their target.This excellent start was built on by C.Cunneen and R.Krammer.

St Bede’s achieved their five wicket victory in the second last over.They fully deserved their victory because they were better in all three disciplines than the Willows on the day.The major difference between the sides was the quality of the fielding – St Bede’s were excellent.

Congratulations St Bede’s – the Willows lie in wait for revenge next season.