The Willows welcomed Otago Boys’ High School on a lovely spring North Canterbury morning knowing the Club had a real challenge on its hands having only beaten the visitors once in the past eight seasons. With the toss won The Willows took first use with the ball and made full advantage of a pitch that rewarded bowlers for putting the ball in the right places. Canterbury Māori rugby rep Harry MacDonald opened the bowling with a tidy spell and was well supported by his father, former All Black fullback Leon MacDonald (2/15), Chris Mugford (1/20) and Paul Miller (2/16). However the real damage was done by spinner Mike Peacock who claimed a five wicket bag cleaning out the tail and ending the Otago innings at 104 in the 32nd over.

Another former All Black fullback, Willows captain Ben Blair opened the batting and looked in fine touch before leaving it to current Auckland Blues coach, MacDonald senior (47 not out), to complete the run chase and a rare Willows victory against the boys from Otago.