For the first time this season the sound of willow on leather reverberated around Horton Park as a Marlborough Invitation XI took on their Nelson counterparts in a pre-season match on Sunday, signalling the opening of the 2019-20 season. The teams played two 25-over matches, Marlborough winning one by three wickets, Nelson taking out the other by nine wickets. Next week the opening rounds of the Tasman Premier League will be played. Photo Peter Jones.