For the first time a Willows XI played the Umpires Association in an end-of-season “friendly”. Up for grabs were not only bragging rights but also a trophy kindly presented by Dave Stuthridge who was also instrumental in organising the fixture! By agreement, The Willows batted first and were dismissed for the princely total of 77 runs. Only three players managed double figures. The Umpires duly knocked off the required total (with only four dismissals and two retirees). Mr Fantastic (Gavin to his mates) led the charge with a swashbuckling 35 retired.
In all, it was a humiliating defeat for the home side. Their constant bleating to get light meters out went unheeded. Officiating were the unbiased Messrs Brownlee and Hamilton who really had nothing to do as a steady stream of Willows “walked” whenever they nicked off and no decisions were required. Thanks to Dave Herber for scoring on the day. It should also be recorded that we had the first appearance of a woman (Kim Cotton) both batting and bowling at The Willows.
(Source: Annual Report 2016 - 2017)