The Willows fielded a strong line up against St Andrew’s College consisting of three ex Canterbury and NZ players in Nuttall, Allott and McEwan but it was the performance of Brandon Hiini who stole the show.

Willows batted first and at 2 down for only 8 runs they were wondering why but enter Andrew McRae (63) and Brandon Hiini (86). They almost single handedly managed to get the Willows to 223. The best of the bowling came from McCone 3 for 30 and the early spells from the opening bowlers of King and Shaw.

St Andrew’s fielded well and stuck to it even when the Willows managed to get to the bowling near the end of the 50 overs. When St Andrew’s batted they were put under tremendous pressure from the pace of Brandon Hiini and Geoff Allott and the spinners Nuttall and Goldstein. Almost all St Andrew’s batsmen managed to get a start but only C. van Beek and P. Duncan managed to get past 20. Michael Johnston, the St Andrew’s Coach, was the main wicket taker for the Willows, taking 3 for 22. Even though St Andrew’s only managed 116, they would have learned how important it is to gather singles in an effort to keep the score sheet ticking over.

After the game it was a great opportunity for Andrew Nuttall, Geoff Allott and Paul McEwan to speak with the St Andrew’s team to pass on some of their knowledge.