As skipper for the day I was keen to play a game of cricket so the boys could learn something. The game wasn’t about winning or losing but more a game of gaining valuable experience against some good players.

We won the toss and batted on an easy-paced pitch. The loss of two early wickets gave the College a good advantage, but a 127 run third wicket partnership between Cory James (78) and Jon Cunliffe (58) set the foundation for a useful score of 243/9 after 50 overs.

The College stuck to their task well in the field and there was some fine fast bowling from their skipper, Brendon Diamanti who took 3 for 25 from his 10 overs. The off-spinner, Hill, also bowled tidily to capture 2 for 39. I was impressed with his flight and change of pace.

It was always going to be a difficult task to score nearly 5 runs per over, and I wasn’t prepared to give them runs because I wanted them to be put under pressure as they would be in normal circumstances. Wickets started tumbling at regular intervals, especially when Greg Crean came on, a left-arm spinner from St Bede’s who flighted the ball and tempted the batsmen to hit out. Stephen Gibson bowled a variety of off-spinners and returned figures of 4 for 23 off 4.3 overs. College were bowled out for 128 in 44.3 overs, for a Willows win by 115 runs.

The all-round performance by the College skipper,- Brendon Diamanti (37 and three wickets) was their highlight.

It was a very good team effort by the Willows and the College boys enjoyed the experience which was ideal preparation for their encounter with St Andrew’s – a game which they won.