The prospect of defeating the Willows on their home ground, for a second consecutive year, was incentive enough for an excellent team of Cavaliers to travel north and take on the Willows on the hallowed turf.

Things started well for the Willows. We won the toss, and decided to bat and at 136 for 1 , things were even better. Keryn Ambler was first to go with the score at 136, for a brilliant 74, he displayed shots all around the wicket, and was outstanding. The Stone brothers, Matthew and Cameron, continued on where Keryn left off, and their rock solid contributions at the top of the order helped set the Willows on their way to a very competitive total. Chris was second out with his score at 63, and Matthew put together a good 36 before being run out.

The innings chugged along for a while, with good little contributions from Phil Harris 20, Stephen Flanagan 1 7, and a very hard hit 29 from our all rounder Richard McGuire. The usual contribution from extras enabled the Willows to finish on 28 1 , with the last wicket falling in the 50th over.

Despite this competitive total , the young Chingford attack stuck to their task well. The lightning fast outfield made it difficult for the bowlers, as once the inner circle was beaten it was generally a boundary. Despite this, the wickets were spread round with Nicholson picking up 3-53, O’Sullivan 2-57, Scully and Borrie 1 apiece, with Matthew Fielding taking 2- 34. Matthew is a Willows member who played for Chingford in this match.

Defending the competitive 281 was going to be a tough task; however we had that essential blend of youth and experience, the experience to open the bowling, and the youth to collect their bowling from the boundary – well not quite.

Chingford saw many useful contributions through their innings with M Higgins making 43, Henry 23, and the ever present Bruce lrvine 31 later in the order. The highlight of the innings however came from the bat of Matthew Fielding who capped of a fine all round match, with 66 well struck runs. His innings combined with the other contributions earlier in the innings gave Chingford a real chance of victory. However, as often is the way wickets fell at the wrong time, and the Chingford run chase fell short.

Doug McMillan opened up the bowling. Doug still beats the bat on a regular basis, and his left armers always have the opening batsmen playing him with the utmost respect. He finished the day with 1-27 from his 10 overs.

The Willows used eight bowlers in total, all doing their bit, but it was two fine performances in particular, that in the end proved the winning of the match, firstly from the Jacob Wolt, who took 3-21 from his 7 overs. But more particularly the 5-50, an honours board effort from Matthew Stone. Matthew capped off a great day for the Willows by taking the last catch, and wrapping up the victory by 52 runs, and in doing so won back the Cavalier Trophy.

Everyone contributed in the field, and made for an enjoyable game of Cricket played in a great spirit. The Willows thanks Chingford for making the trip north to Loburn, and we are indebted to the support provided by Bruce lrvine and his team in making the match possible.