The Cavaliers arrived to view a ground described by a leading Christchurch heart surgeon as ‘looking like the national cricket stadium at Karachi – a green patch in the middle, an oasis, surrounded by a brown parched outfield’. However, with the drought conditions being experienced in North Canterbury the quality of the wicket again was a credit to the Willows’ ground staff.

Batting first, the Willows got off to a flying start with 108 opening partnership between Robert Miller and Paul Rutledge. Miller, a young left-handed batsman, went on to score his first ton at The Willows and other useful contributions from Paul Rutledge 39, Paul McCarthy 37, John Mitchell 43, Brian Hastings 41, saw theWillows through to a record score of 318 for 6.

The Cavaliers made a disastrous start being 2 wickets down for 9 runs after 4 overs but an excellent partnership by John Mathieson (29) and Garth Gallaway produced 111. Garth, despite losing partners at regular intervals, stroked the ball with superb timing and raced to a splendid century in quick time. He dominated the scoring, reaching his ton with the Cavaliers total at 162. On that performance there is no doubt he should retire from the commentary box and play for Otago.

TheCavaliers tail wagged, but the team could only muster 217 with another useful contribution from Bruce lrving (32). lt was great to have enthusiastic fielding on the boundary from the young Willowers, notably Jason Pawson and Paul McCarthy. Leading off-spin bowler, Cran Bull, broke down again, thus weakening theWillows attack dramatically and he will require a full medical clearance before appearing again at The Willows. lt was great to see distinguished guests from Dunedin watching the match, notably John Hislop and his wife Barbara, lain Gallaway, and Clive and Evelyn Geary.

Thanks once again to Grant Faulkes and his team from Dunedin for making the pilgrimage. We look forward to their return next season.