A gentlemen’s agreement between captains saw The Willows bat first on a good wicket. After an early wicket, a good partnership between Tim McConnell and Fraser Buckley put pressure back on the bowlers and keeping a nice run rate. Then enter spinner Tyler Bruce, who was all of a sudden on a hat-trick. His hat-trick delivery was only 2cm away, after a very gutsy leave by the skipper, trusting the ball to miss the off stump. The St Thomas bowlers continued to bowl well and set tight fields. The Willows were all out for 162 from 38 overs.

STCC also lost their first wicket cheaply. But enter experienced veteran club premier batsman Ben Rapson who is also a teacher at the school. Opener Tyler Bruce and Ben put on a good partnership getting the team to 100/1. With Ben retiring the onus of scoring the final 63 runs went on the remaining batsmen. The Willows bowlers kept it tight with Stan Woolliscroft showcasing a master class spell of spin bowling but going wicket-less. Without being able to get any breakthroughs, STCC were looking comfortable to cruise to the total. However, a late flourish of wickets to coach Tim Muir came at the end. He picked up four quick wickets with quality leg spin bowling. Another 20 runs from The Willows and it might have been interesting. Tyler Bruce batted very nicely for his 87 and never gave a chance before getting dismissed with only four runs required.

A big thank you to all involved. It was a great day and congratulations to the St Thomas 1st XI for a well-deserved win.