The two captains showed their experience by settling on a 35 over fixture to the agreement of all players! The ground was looking a million dollars with some lush grass, so James Dobson of LNZCC promptly put the Willows into bat. Tom Mušić (76) and Simon Carrodus (23) got the innings underway positively. Mušić and James O’Gorman (41) batted through the middle setting the foundation with Jonathan Davidson (25) adding some lusty blows at the tail. LNZCC were able to pull the rate back with some tidy bowling especially from Graeme Campbell. The Willows ended on 198/7.

Immediately The Willows got off to the perfect start with Chris ‘The Cannery’ Nicolson taking a wicket with his second delivery removing the dangerous Kelvin Scott. Chris would finish with figure of 4 for 14. The partnership between Matt Hudson and Nic Kyle saw momentum change in LNZCC’s favour. Hudson was striking the ball beautifully and finding gaps everywhere including the hands of some of the fielders. With the game in the balance Nicolson returned for his second spell taking the key wicket of Hudson. The Willows regained ascendancy before dismissing LNZCC for 158 to secure the victory.

Both teams thoroughly enjoyed the post-match astutely hosted by Ben Dormer. During the formalities the passing of the great John Thompson was acknowledged by son Vance who presented a LNZCC hat to The Willows which now hangs on a wall. A great fixture and already looking forward to next season’s rematch.