Unlike last seasons high scoring fixture that went right to the wire, the 2004 match was a disappointing contrast. Willows batted first with openers Philip Maw and Chris Pettet registering 50 before Mawwas dismissed. Pettet went on and anchored the innings posting good partnerships with Paul Rutledge who filled that tough first drop position, Mark Savill for the third wicket and John Masefield, who in turn upon Pettet’s dismissal, combined with Andrew McCrombie for the final onslaught enabling the Willows the very satisfactory total of 275.

With under an hour to tea the Willows hoped to make inroads into the Combined Schools batting lineup. To say they achieved this was an understatement as Philip Maw and Bob Masefield both claimed 5 wicket bags and the visitors were dismissed for 34 on the stroke of tea. While the Combined School batting was disappointing it was a pleasure to watch Masefield and his bag of tricks. He finished with the remarkable figures of 5/5 from three avers including two stumpings to Paul Rutledge.

lt is hoped the experience will improve the school boys who to be fair were a very young team.