The result was a foregone conclusion when the Willows captain forgot to call when the coin was tossed. On the second coin toss we batted, with senior members departing quickly to give the ‘young uns’ an opportunity. Willie Fairbairn (38 not out) and Richard Leary (41 not out) rescued the Willows from a disastrous start, John Gardner being the sole ‘oldie’ to hold fort with a well compiled 34.

Chasing 220 the Swamphens struggled against tight bowling from Chris Bisman (2/21) and teasing off-spinners from Jarrod Ward and Keith Yardley. Although Dave Stead was quite prepared to depart after the 49th over, it wasn’t until the final over that the Swamphens secured victory over the gallant Willows.

An excellent game played in good spirit, the trophy had to be shared at least once every five years according to Willows ‘lore’ and will be returned in the year 2000 to its rightful keepers!