Batting first, The Willows posted a defendable but hardly imposing total of 200 for 7. The Waitaki/St Kevin’s bowlers and fielders stuck to their task and never allowed The Willows batsmen to build partnerships.

Young Lawry from Westport batted well for his 53 and he was ably backed by a fellow Coaster Troy Scanlon and the Mid Canterbury Cricket CEO, Richard Pithey, who unfortunately had to retire due to a torn calf muscle.

Whilst 200 was a competitive score, it soon began to evaporate when the Waitaki/St Kevin’s opening partnership reached 100 in the first 20 overs without loss. S Butler, their English professional, was outstanding and he was extremely well supported by S Conlan who had also opened the bowling for the Schools’ side taking one for 40 off eight overs – a good all round performance.

It took an inspirational spell of bowling from Scanlon (battling through the pain barrier) and some well flighted leg spin from young Lawry to even the balance and reduce the School side to 131 for 5, at which time Todd Sutton arrived to completely shut the School team’s chances of victory with a magnificent cameo spell of 4 for 9.

Huge thanks to the match manager, Gerald Austin (who attended Waitaki Boys’ High in the early 50’s), the Waitaki/St Kevin’s team, and of course the supporters who travelled for 3 ½ hours from Oamaru. It would be remiss not to mention the commitment of the Buller contingent consisting of Messrs Townrow, Lawry and Scanlon who travelled from the other side of the island.