Like the weather, the batting in this match was dull, doubtful and never reached the expected heights. There were several exceptions, when the sun tried valiantly to beat the mist and cloud.

Batting first the Willows made hard work of it, reaching 169. Most of the batsmen got starts with Mike Satterthwaite (39) being the most successful.

The Presidents Grade left-armers, Chambers and Robertson, stood out in a good all around bowling effort. They were supported by well set fields and a capable wicket-keeping display from Murray Mowat.

The home team’s inspired selection of no bowlers with a run up of more than four paces suggested a theory that the wicket would stay low, slow and take spin. It was proved right.

Led by Andrew Nuttall, the bowlers all made good use of the conditions, and the fielders, no doubt mindful of the low target, performed well. Or were they driven by their inspired leader (MED) lurking in the outfield with a camera, accumulating (perhaps) evidence for non-selection in the future? The gallows maybe, if we were truly thrashed.

Spear and Robertson batted well for the President’s Grade team but the tail succumbed to the pressure of good bowling and fielding.

In the end, the low first innings contributed to a fine finish with both teams eagerly anticipating a victory.

Six balls, one wicket and eight runs was the situation when Ken Baker (reluctantly) commenced the fiftieth over. With a wicket first ball, the Willows achieved a win which until the latter part of the day had looked very unlikely.