The Willows were defending the Mark Parker Trophy on what was an uncharacteristically green Willows ground for February. This year, fittingly, The Willows team was made up of a strong South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury contingent including Craig Hinton, Les Humphris, Maulik Patel, Richard Pithey and Simon Ward.

The Willows won the toss and, predictably, elected to bat. A solid start was provided by Simon Ward ex-Timaru Boys’ High School and James Richards from Christchurch Boys’ High School. With the loss of Ward, Maulik Patel then came to the crease where he played with patience and skill compiling a very well constructed 103 off 86 balls. Maulik showed his class in the innings that formed the backbone of The Willows score and was ably supported by Richards, Humphris and Teale, as The Willows compiled an impressive 301.

Of note was a spirited resurgence from the Boys’ High side following the lunch adjournment as they took 6 Willows wickets for only 90 runs with Sam Porter excelling.

Timaru Boys’ High commenced their innings against quality seam bowling from Craig Hinton and Les Humphris followed by excellent spin bowling from Matthew Teale resulting in wickets being lost on a regular basis with the innings terminating at 124 in the 35th over.

Boys’ High were a young side full of enthusiasm and a credit to the School in the manner in which they conducted themselves both on and off the field. Many of whom will return to The Willows next season.