Although the dawn broke with a fair amount of water on the covers, the wicket was a very good one. On a sultry North Canterbury morning John Hamilton, the Swamphens’ skipper, called incorrectly and after a minimal hesitation the Willows batted.Thanks to a sound start by Chris Ussher and Peter Fulton we were in a sound position at lunch with Phil Harris and Geoff Smith batting well. Geoff’s square cutting was vintage stuff.

The now traditional superb spread by Ian and Elaine slowed the opposition enough to enable us to get through to 236 for four, with Geoff holing out for 45 , Phil finishing on a well compiled 61 and Jarrod Ward chiming in with a stylish 28.

We knew that we would have to bowl and field very well and with the attack lead by Sam Davis (3/39, including John Wright bowled with a beauty for 3) we managed to win by 10 runs, aided by four slick run outs and a truly great catch in the deep by Richard Leary. Spirited half-centuries were scored by Eugene Archer and Andy Hamilton.

It was a pleasure to have Gary Beer and Mark McNeill (on exchange from Melbourne) officiating and applying international limited over rules.

A magnificent game of cricket – thank you Swamphens.