The Willows Youth XI included players from six South Island secondary schools and was lead by former Canterbury and New Zealand Representative, Rod Latham.

Gavin Larsen’s XI was a team of former New Zealanders but included current Test and ODI player, Chris Cairns. The day’s play was delayed due to rain, however, this gave an opportunity for the boys to spend half an hour with Chris who was able to pass on some of his !earnings and experiences.

Chris shared with the group his philosophies and talked about the time, many years earlier, when he decided that he wanted to become one of the world’s greatest all rounders. He mentioned that as soon as he did this it enabled him to set targets and pushed him to improve his skills and attributes. Further, he said that “what differentiates players is experience and all top players have had more failures than others. From failure comes learning and we are likely to learn more from failures than successes."

When play finally did get under way it was agreed to play a 35 over game and the Willows Youth XI battedfirstscoring 145 for 5.They struggled against the skilled opening attack which included; Geoff Allott, Michael Owens and Martin Snedden, however, a good partnership between Henry Fisher and Mitchell Shaw helped to turn things around.

This was followed up by the best batting partnership of the day between Ben McCord, from Timaru Boys’ High School, and Rod Latham, taking the score from 78 for 5 through to 145.

After another fine ‘Willows Lunch’ the Youth XI had the opportunity to display their skill and athleticism in the field and the visiting, more experienced players, struggled against an enthusiastic attack and they were bowled out in the 32nd over for 117. Willie Lonsdale delivered at genuine pace and tested the opposition, however, the key wicket of Chris Cairns was taken by Michael Peacock, an up and coming left arm spinner from Shirley Boys’ High. The innings was wrapped up by Mitchell Shaw from St Andrew’s College who also figured well with the bat.

Mention needs to be made of an excellent diving catch at second slip by Rod Latham to dismiss Richard Reid.

Although, low scoring, it was an excellent game of cricket which generated a lot of interest from a number of spectators prepared to endure the cold weather. The players very much enjoyed the occasion and the visitors expressed their enthusiasm to return again to extract vengeance.