It was exciting to see a green outfield post-Christmas and a pleasure to welcome Jack Coman and his Sacred Heart Team, Coach Alan Hunt and their families and friends to Jaguar Oval. The wicket was in superb condition and Sacred Heart elected to bat first.

After an early wicket claimed by a brisk Tom Agnew, the Sacred Heart batsmen compiled a well-structured and patient innings. Charlie Caldwell batting at five put on a fine display scoring a well-made 85 not out. He battered intelligently with the lower order to assist Sacred Heart reach 229/8 off their 50 overs.

Eight bowlers were used by The Willows. The pick of them were Ash Watson (2/37) who bowled with some serious pace, Tom Agnew (2/22) and the evergreen Kelvin Scott (2/34).

The Willows were confident of chasing down 230. They started slowly as the talented Sacred Heart left arm quick Matthew Gibson swung the ball at pace with exceptional control. The hardhitting Tim McConnell put The Willows back in the game with an excellent 49 at better than a run a ball.

However, The Willows lower to middle order, apart from Hamish Kennett (29) and Luke Courtney, struggled to deal with good straight bowling. The Willows were finally dismissed for 151.

The Willows thoroughly enjoyed the way Sacred Heart played their cricket. The Willows congratulates Sacred Heart on winning the Sir Anand Satyanand Trophy and hope they return to the Jaguar Oval again soon.

As always, The Willows team thanks Mike Dormer, The Willows Committee, umpires Howard Fowler and Terry McLisky, scorer Rod Abbott and everyone else who assisted to make the day highly enjoyable for all.