A young St Andrew’s side arrived to warm conditions in Loburn missing the majority of their 1st XI squad who were away playing their annual fixture against Scots College in Wellington.

However, this did not detract from the quality of cricket. Batting first, The Willows found themselves in early trouble at 52/4. Two excellent run outs from the St Andrew’s fielders supported tidy spells of new ball bowling. Thankfully a quality fifth wicket partnership of 106 between James Tapper and Tom Bruce got the innings back on track, with both batsmen notching up half centuries. After 50 overs The Willows reached a par score of 224/9, with continued disciplined bowling and fielding restricting any real momentum to the innings.

The St Andrew’s run chase got off to a watchful start, but tight spells of opening bowling from Chris Burnett and Zac Watson had The Willows on top with the loss of three early wickets. Enter Matt Parker and Luke Germon, who compiled a promising partnership of 87 runs swinging the game back in the balance. Fortunately James Tapper rested control back to The Willows with three quick wickets with his off-spinners, capping a fine all-round display. Fraser Sheat contributed with three wickets of his own and demonstrated a bright future in the game at just 14 years of age.

In the end, St Andrew’s were bowled out for 182 with a breezy 35 coming from Sam Gilbert in the lower order. It was a pleasure to see the boys playing so straight, with yours truly having never fielded so many well-timed drives at mid-off! The young team acquitted themselves well, suggesting some great talent coming through the College.

It was great to get a win in my first outing as a Willows captain, and more importantly, return the John MacDonald trophy back to The Willows cabinet after Mitch MacDonald’s sacking the previous year.

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