The annual Riccarton High School fixture was held with a heavy heart as we honoured the memory of Riccarton High School and Willows devotee, Dave Biddick with the support of wife Elizabeth and son James. Given the heat the toss was conducted in the shade of the pavilion and The Willows opted to bat.

Kelvin Scott who has been farming runs all season, nicked off for a royal duck to promising young pacer, Hamish Lindsay. Soon the Willows were 2 for 3. The young Riccarton High team were thirsting for their second win in the last 3 years, however James Biddick who had been helping the high school team in the last three months, carefully compiled a well crafted 50. He was supported by Zane Yates (20), Josh Bridgeman (20), Will Bretherton (25) and Ashan Wanasinghe (44*) to pull The Willows to a competitive 247. Brayden Woodgate and Bhavil Patel took 2 each and bowled economically.

The Riccarton High innings started cautiously with a lot of leaving and careful defence. It took 8 overs for the first breakthrough at 15 and then wickets fell regularly. Brayden Woodgate stoically batted from the beginning for 30 but the weight of wickets around him took their toll. For the Willows, Chris Mugford wound back the clock with his 3 for 6 and Ashan Wanasinghe dazzled with his spin and bounce with 3/21. Riccarton eventually succumbed for 77. James Biddick sealed his man of the match performance with a couple of screaming catches and some unflattering outfield sprints.

As usual the Riccarton High community supported the day wonderfully and John Mitchell hosted with panache.