This was the first contest for the John MacDonald Trophy which will be played for by St. Andrew’s and “The Willows” in future annual fixtures.

The STAC captain, Paul Rugg, won the toss and asked the Willows to bat. Andre Burrell and Matthew Lancaster opened the batting, and as the morning temperature rose and the batsmen began attacking, perhaps the decision to bowl was rued. The opening partnership contributed 106 runs, and at lunch, the Willows were 150/2. After lunch, Andre Burrell continued to attack the bowling and retired at 100. As his father, Derek, had scored a century a few weeks earlier at “The Willows", the Burrells became the first father and son to score tons for the Willows. Peter Joyce added a quick 61 runs and after 50 avers the score was a respectable 253/6.

St. Andrew’s started their innings slowly and with insufficient urgency given the total they were chasing. Ryan Burson bowled well with the new ball, and finished with 2/27 from his ten overs. Mitch MacDonald, captain of St. Andrew’s the previous year and son of the late John MacDonald, bowled his leg spinners very well and took 2/24 off ten avers, including an outstanding caught and bowled to dismiss the St. Andrew’s captain. Derek Burrell took 2/39, and St. Andrew’s finished at 232/9. Only during the innings of Ben Blair, who played some excellent shots in his 59, and was willing to attack the bowlers, did St. Andrew’s threaten the needed run rate.

At the completion of a fine game of cricket, Mrs MacDonald (who is keen to be the first woman to play at “The Willows"I) presented the John MacDonald Trophy for the first time. This trophy was presented in memory of John’s contribution to cricket and to St. Andrew’s College.