The combined North Otago schools (Waitaki and St Kevin’s) were treated to the class of former Central Districts batsman Dave Kelly who scored his second century at The Willows this year. His 102 retired came off 102 balls in 96 minutes. Dave, a North Canterbury farmer, enjoyed the dry and bare outfield but lamented some drought breaking rain would have helped on the farm.

Dave’s latest century came in the same week that his Central Districts one day record was overtaken by Jamie How, who scored 222 against the Northern Knights.

James Leggat 76, Michael Goldstein 38 and first time Willower Jack Lewis 32, all contributed to The Willows total of 288/6.

The Waitaki/St Kevin’s response got off to a blazing start with Stefan Grobler taking 21 off the first over but once Zac Watson trapped him LBW for 29, there was little resistance from the other batsmen. ‘Catches win matches’ was in The Willows team talk from an under-fire skipper whose losing record (until today) could have seen his Willows membership cancelled. Six catches were taken with one outstanding effort by Jack Lewis running to his right around the boundary to take a one handed catch.

Michael Goldstein who is famous for having played 365 rounds of golf around the globe in one year, demonstrated his many talents with his 38 runs and one of the six catches.

Richard McGuire was the best of The Willows bowlers with 4/20 with two wickets each for Zac Watson, Jim Wilson and Ben Mably.

The Rolie Eveleigh Trophy is back at The Willows.