The Willows chose to bat first on a slightly green looking track. Immediately, and before we had reached double figures, excellent inswing bowler Sachin Negi had both our openers back in the hutch. However the experience of Paul Russell and Chris Mugford steadied the ship with a 100 run partnership and then with a number of starts we managed to get to a respectable 270 runs. Sachin was the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Riccarton started very well, with Jay Patel (24) and Cam Craik (34) showing good intent and playing in the V to put on a 69 run opening stand. Sadly, after that, things fell away with the real star being young Stan Woolliscroft (“the aged one” as he calls himself), who bowled superbly taking 5/14 to get his name on the honours board! Riccarton ended with 147. Some interesting stats from a game with 100 extras between the two teams, indicating a little holiday rust but 17 dismissals were bowled and two LBW!

It was great to have David Biddick at the ground; a man who has done so much for Riccarton cricket.