In breaking with the usual order of proceedings, Otago Boys’ were invited to bat first. The Willows bowlers, lead by Sam Baxendine, Hamish McCarthy, and a cunning Ryan McEwan, bowled miserably, restricting the visitors to 3 an over until the final throws of their innings. Opener T. Griffin showed maturity as his partners fell, carrying his bat to reach 71 not out.

At the change of innings, the target of 170 seemed modest, however OBHS would make the home side work for every run, matching tight bowling with aggressive fielding.

Michael Hayes provided the backbone of the Willows reply, and a good partnership of 81 for the fourth wicket with Michael Kelly had the Willows on track for victory. Unfortunately with Kelly’s departure, the Willows were unable to put together a second partnership to hit the winning runs, and with 17 required to win off the final over, the tail could muster only four.