When two proud cricket clubs with strong traditions meet there is sure to be drama. This occasion did not disappoint. The week began with an unprecedented amount of rainfall, so much that despite the covers being in place since Tuesday it was considered likely the two teams would meet for lunch and that would start and end proceedings. However there was a sense of a greater power at play as a break in the weather created an opportunity for Alan Gilmour to access the arena, mow the outfield, prepare and mark the pitch. A remarkable achievement although Ben Dormer and Darcy Palmer were nearly sacrificed for the cause as the weight of water on the covers proved too much for them to withhold, the first of many heroics on the day.

With the assistance of MED the toss was won and IZ invited to bat. The Willows had been humbled in the equivalent fixture last year and were keen for a fast start. Bowling into the southerly breeze Chris Nicholson struck first, removing one of last year’s century makers Phil Booth courtesy of an athletic catch to keeper Mike Singleton behind the wickets. He went on to remove both openers. This set the tone for the day with some exceptional bowling well supported by the field. Vaughan and Gerber threatened to turn the tide but were undone respectively by a Sam Davis ‘wobble ball’ and a quality AJMorris catch. Andrew Nuttall removed the other century maker from last year, Ben Van der Merve with an arm ball ‘special’. Richard McGuire came back for his third spell to remove the threat of Captain Mark Bayliss and President Mark Hodge, finishing just shy of a five-for from a busy shift, twice into the southerly breeze.

The Willows combination were respectful of the IZ tally and wary of the experience and next generation talent at their disposal but hopeful that if they could bat the overs they could prevail. Michael Singleton anchored the reply continuing on as he had started the day in assertive form, ably supported by the middle order of Lancaster, Murray and Breitmeyer. IZ legend Craig Hambleton opened up in typically demanding fashion producing a Nuttall like economy rate whilst removing the threat of A.J.Morris. One feature of the day was the IZ debut of Gus Bayliss a young player who showed enough with bat, ball and mindset to suggest we will be seeing a lot more of him in the future.

In increasingly trying conditions IZ made the Willows work hard for their scalp. We thank them very much for another great occasion and their resilience in playing through difficult conditions. Post-match both teams enjoyed each others company hosted by Winsome at the cottage where Nick produced some magnificent Canterbury fodder and at the conclusion a Mike Dormer Trophy was presented to the winning Willows combination in the mysterious absence of the Bill Douglas Trophy.

Thank you to both umpires Davern Lewis and Jim Stringleman and thank you also to Emma for capturing the moments.

Robbie Deans The Willows Captain