It was a pleasure to have Murray Parker, and wife Verna, as hosts for the 20th anniversary of this fixture. Expectations were high with a strong Willows team selected to contest the Mark Parker Trophy. After the loss of early wickets, Nick Horsley and Grant Brookland steadied the ship and later Tane Cordell-Hull scored a well compiled 40 not out. Alas, the remaining six batsmen were unable to score more than 15 runs between them. The Willows stumbled to 157. It was a first-rate bowling and fielding performance from TBHS led by leg-spinner Ross McCulloch who took an excellent 5-27 ensuring his name will be etched on the Honour’s Board in the pavilion.

There was confidence that The Willows would be able to defend this score but this did not happen despite taking wickets regularly. Strong batting performances from Harry Schmack (35) and Ross McCulloch (20) helped the visitors to the target in the 49th over with the final pairing at the crease. Nigel Marsh had another good spell with the ball. The Timaru lads throughly deserved their victory – their second in three years.