Under a cloudy sky and with daylight saving a memory, theWillows continued a fine tradition of poor top order batting in this fixture. At 115/8 it appeared that bad light wasn’t going to be an issue! However, a superb 40 not out by Otago import Bruce lrvine helped us to a respectable 158/9.

Having stacked our side with batting a heavy burden was placed on our four frontline bowlers and a selection of part timers. With Adrian McFedries and Bruce lrvine bowling good opening spells, Flaxton’s task looked tougher than first thought. However, Jonathan Davidson (50) and Rod Fulton (44) took Flaxton to 118/2 from 30 overs with little trouble.

But it’s never over until it’s over and with tight bowling and fading light it came down to 1 run off 3 balls, with 5 wickets in hand. Bruce lrvine bowled two dot balls, and a run out from the mad scramble on the last ball meant the match was tied!

Another last ball finish – but John Gardner’s hands remain firmly on the Diana Trophy. I look forward to the excellent hospitality and memorable cricket again next year... if selected!