With plenty to mull over after the ABs’ nail-biting loss in the final, things were looking more positive with a glorious afternoon welcoming the tourists from Mid-Canterbury.

The Willows won the toss and elected to bat. Paul Knight and young Jordan Sims opened up and put early pressure on the visitors, Knight in particular playing some glorious cover drives as well as an enormous hook shot into the next area code. Sims looked solid for his 28 before snicking off, the Willows 119/1.

Hastilow and Knight continued to accumulate as the lads from the south turned to their spinners. Knighty took a liking to this on a deck not offering a lot of turn and showed his class in bringing up his maiden Willows ton. The fireworks weren’t over yet with Hastilow sending six bombs over the ropes, before he shelled out for 73. The middle order took the home team through to an imposing 283 off their 40 overs.

In reply, Mid-Canterbury got off to a tough start before a superb fightback from their middle order offered a glimmer of hope – Lochie Jemmett playing shots all around the ground for his 46, well supported by Jack Middleton with 30.

Riley Wilson bowled well to secure 3/49. Mid-Canterbury all out for 150. We would like to thank our match day sponsor Taverndale and Partners and all the supporters for making this a memorable day out at the ‘field of dreams’.