It was another cracker day for the annual fixture against St Andrew’s College with the ground looking a picture. Knowing that cricket at St Andrew’s continues to go from strength-to-strength under Mike Johnston it was decided a strong Willows XI was necessary.

The Willows won the ‘negotiation’ (in absence of a coin toss) and opted to bat first. Out strode Oscar Wilson and Brent Fleming to see off the new ball. What followed was a phenomenal opening partnership with Oscar Wilson reaching his 100* before the 25th over. The St Andrew’s bowlers toiled hard and beat the bat multiple times, but Wilson’s power hitting was something to behold.

Fleming continued on the positive start to reach a brilliant 63* before declaring himself ‘out of gas’ after a series of hard run threes and opting to retire. With momentum well and truly going our way, Robbie Frew (whose son Jordie featured in the StAC XI) and James Butler finished the innings nicely. The Willows finished with a total of 340/4.

After lunch, Adrian McFedries got The Willows off to a strong start with the new ball, bowling a miserly spell and deserving more reward than he got. StAC were two down early, but a strong partnership between Ongley (36) and Janett (76) got them back in the match. It was left to two Canterbury Over-60s representatives to restore order. Mike ‘Scrump’ Johnston and Stan Woolliscroft bowled beautifully in partnership. Unfortunately, a dislocated finger meant Scrump’s spell was cut short, but The Willows managed to finish the job despite Janett’s mature knock and Jordie Frew’s impressive 38*. StAC finished with 267/8 and The Willows retained the John MacDonald Trophy.

Thanks to Mike Dormer who got a few of us out of jail on Valentine’s Day by providing roses to present to our partners upon arrival home! It was a fantastic run-filled day with many friends and family present to enjoy the Willows experience.