In spite of dry, parched conditions all around, the Willows ground again looked a picture with a tinge of green from a previous rare downpour. The NCSS side, composed mainly of Rangiora and Kaiapoi boys, won the toss and elected to bat.

Our opening attack of Bisman and Stevens fought well without any real assistance from the pitch. However, the opening pair for the Schools team were equal to the task and had 91 on the board before a sharp piece of fielding left Hayward stranded, run out for 65. The next two wickets fell quickly, incuding another suicidal run out. A spin attack led ably by Keith Yardley kept the scoring in check on a fast outfield, picking up wickets along the way. Yardley conceded only 35 from his 10 overs and Campbell took 2 for 11 from six overs. The innings closed at 229 for 8.

Even a year away as a GAP student with little cricket couldn’t hide the talent of Chris Bisman. Opening for the Willows, he helped put on 91 with Rob Miller before Miller was caught behind for 26 by a talented keeper named McNally. Chris batted on with Phi! Harris (59*) to make a very fine unbeaten century which pulled us right through to the finish, victors at 232/3.