After the disruption in 2011 from the natural earthquake events that took place, this fixture was eagerly awaited. The weather played its part and once again the Willows ground was looking like a picture.

Playing for Dad’s trophy “The John MacDonald Trophy” is always a privilege and more so having my brother Nathan fly down from Auckland to play for the first time we were hoping for good things.

Not to be! We went against tradition and fielded first with a nice spell of opening bowling from James Tapper who set the stage for what should have been a good day’s outing for the Willows! Any thoughts the captain had of the Willows taking control of the game were soon undone by a solid display of batting from Freddy Anderson and Leo Carter who ensured the Willows required a formidable score of 266 to win.

With the Willows opener Michael Davidson looking extremely solid at one end and batting well, the Willows innings started promisingly but regretfully only ended with a score of 208 as no player could appear to hold up one end whilst Davidson scored the bulk of the runs. The wickets were shared by the St Andrew’s players, all of whom bowled with good length, and were well supported by excellent fielding.

The result was not what the Willows wished but it was a great day and we look forward to the rematch next season.

[Editor: Mitch MacDonald has been sacked as captain and will be replaced by his brother Nathan for the fixture in 2012/13 season.]