A sweltering December day greeted the teams as we welcomed the United Country & Vineyards side travelling from Marlborough. A 40-over game was the arrangement due to the naturally ageing nature of our rosters. A chance meeting the evening before with the club talisman at the Pegasus Arms, allowed The Willows leadership to be tipped off to bowl first on a fresh, under-rolled track.

The Willows did win the toss and gleefully elected to bowl. The Vineyards batted cautiously early as the pitch played well but was two paced. However despite solid bowling the batting was measured and both teams traded blows up until the 15th over. From there a strong platform was laid by former NZ A and CD representative Jarrod Engelfield (80) and Matt Stretch (67). They shared a 128 run partnership for the fourth wicket. As the pitch dried the run rate lifted and the Willows’ spin attack led by Hugo Davison (5/42) chipped away at the wickets and toiled in the heat. At 247/7 off 40 the Vineyards team had a competitive total.

The Willows opened with young UK tourist playing for Weedons, AJ Morris, and Carl Petersen in his unofficial Kindred audition. Answering an SOS late on Thursday Carl joined the cause and destroyed the opening attack, scoring 55 in quick time. On his departure Dan Vann continued on and scored one of the most brutal hundreds you will see at The Willows. His 100 included 10 fours and 7 sixes and came off just 55 balls. One memorable over went for 30 and the Vineyards attack had nowhere to hide from both the batting and the punishing nor'wester. AJ Morris batted sedately in comparison at the other end for his 62 but as the pitch became easier to bat on The Willows side chased down the score inside 31 overs and happily both teams retreated from the heat and wind and grabbed some beverages.

As always a big thanks to Dave Clouston and UCVC boys for making the journey and being strong supporters of The Willows and the Kindred cricket ethos. We look forward to battling again soon.