Light drizzle greeted the players first thing on Sunday morning which caused a number of the farmtng community to look very happy.

The Willows batted first and struggled to 24/4 after 8 overs, which included a very entertaining innings of 15 from Peter Joyce. Conditions did not favour the Peninsula bowlers who had to persevere with a wet ball.

The innings was turned around by Steve Bateman and Geoff Smith who took the total to 105 after 29 overs. Richard McGuire and Michael Hastings pushed the score up to 184 at the end.

The Crays began slowly and surely but by the 11th over were slightly behind their target at 20/2. McGuire and Jason Pawson bowled very tightly. Hastings enticed John Masefield to hit out once too often and claimed his prize wicket. This dismissal put a lot of pressure on the remaining batsmen who were unable to rebuild the innings. The last wicket fell in the 37th over at just 100.

Pawson and Cleighten Cornelius demonstrated youthful athleticism in taking two excellent catches, much to the envy of other players.

No doubt the Crays will be back next season in fighting spirit, looking to win at the Willows and on the tables at the Christchurch Casino!