The off field highlight of the day was the debut of the new tuk tuk drinks trolley, complete with subcontinental music, graphics of Merrill J. Fernando and named in honour of Mike Dormer. It was perhaps unfortunate that tuk tuk driver Ben Dormer decided to drive through the middle of the pitch at the end of the first drinks break.

The Willows won the toss and bowled first and experienced early success having Waitaki 38 for five after probing bowling from Micah Campbell, Grant Dickson, Charles Finnie and Will Bretherton. Wickets continued to fall steadily, however, a brutal 83 from player-coach and former Maori All Black, Blues, Hurricanes and Crusaders half-back Billy Guyton saw them post a challenging 175. Jason Mavor was the next best contributor with 30. Micah Campbell was under bowled and finished with 4/13.

A solid second wicket stand of 54 from Josh Bridgman (66*) and Riley Wilson (32) set up The Willows chase and Charlie Finnie hit a punishing 40 not out to get us home for a five wicket win and claim the Rolie Eveleigh Trophy. Quinn Wardle bowled superbly taking four Willows wickets, all LBW.

It was great to have Waitaki rector Darryl Patterson in attendance as well as Kelvin, the Waitaki groundsman of 25 years. Thank you to the caterers and officials including umpire Mike “Darrell Hair” Dormer who had a brief stint in the middle. Floreat Waitakia.