The South Canterbury combined schools (Waitaki/St Kevin’s) arrived at the ground together with their two professional coaches, against a Willows side inclusive of two players recently selected for the New Zealand Under-19 World Cup squad.

Batting first the Willows managed to achieve 185 with Connor Neynens contributing a well compiled 101 with the remaining batsmen failing dismally with extras contributing 30 to the total.

Under the conditions the Willows’ total appeared difficult to defend and this was certainly confirmed by the excellent batting of the combined school team with Grobler and O’Malley batting forcibly to take the game away from the Willows after just 45 overs. The Willows medium pacer Alan Gambles with 4 wickets did his best but to no avail.

The Rolie Eveleigh Trophy returned to Oamaru to reside on the desk of the Rector of St Kevin’s College.

[Editor: When requesting this match report Mr Thornton advised as follows: “I am still in mourning trying to face my demons as another loss as skipper is hard to take. Be patient and don’t push me to do the unthinkable!”]