After last season’s last over loss, the Willows were after revenge against Oamaru’s youthful best.

The glorious uncertainty of cricket was never better illustrated than at this year’s encounter.

On a beautiful North Canterbury day the Willows won the toss and batted . At 39/4 and soon after 74/5 things were looking decidedly shaky and the Waitaki-St Kevin’s XI were licking their lips in anticipation of an easy victory.

Veteran Cran Bull had other ideas. When I arrived at the crease my confidence grew with the sight of the resolute Cran at the other end. My confidence was only diminished a tad when Cran proclaimed “I’m buggered”. Putting aside his tiredness and his cravings for a cigarette, Cran batted like a man possessed and made a cultured 57. Ben Cameron and Michael Peacock chimed in with valuable knocks at the end to steer the Willows to a respectable 207/9.

Michael Peacock with his subtle left arm spinners opened the bowling and did a magnificent job conceding just eight from his 10 overs.

John Blakely with his right arm quicks also did a great job and soon Waitaki-St Kevin’s were on the back foot.

They fought back and David Fox and James Leggat chimed in with crucial spells. The last wicket fell in the last over with the Waitaki-St Kevin’s team 16 runs short.

The Willows had won the ‘Rollie Everleigh’ Trophy and a great aftermatch meant there was plenty of opportunity to mix with the Waitaki-St Kevin’s team and their parents.

A special thanks to Peter who managed the day with his usual grace and good humour and Gary and John the Umpires who did a superb job.