The Willows elected to bat on a good looking batting track in warm conditions. A 28 run opening stand set us up for a good start with Mark Reid batting with some aggressive intent and finally being dismissed for a very well compiled 71. The loss of four quick wickets saw Glynn Howell and Alister Collins come together for a very good 88 run partnership. With Howell showing all his experience and deft touches in making 58 and Collins a very sound 31 contributing to our 213/8 total. The St Andrew’s bowlers worked hard with Jack Morrow and Tom Innes both bowling tight lines and Liam McBreenSmith bowling his leg spinners with great control only going for 19 from 9 overs.

The batsmen set about their task with great maturity and never really looked threatened by an experienced but not too troublesome bowling attack. Tom Selbie displayed a good arrange of shots to compile a very good 45 with Will Hamilton 56 and Sam Gilbert 36 putting on 78 for the 3rd wicket partnership and Oscar Wilson finishing on a polished 31 not out. The Willows’ bowling was steady but unfortunately was unable to generate enough pressure to take wickets. The standout performance by The Willows was the excellent display of wicket keeping by Alister Collins who took two catches and an excellent stumping all standing up.

The St Andrew’s boys proved to be too strong on this occasion and were proud to have the John MacDonald trophy back in the cabinet.