On the day prior to this match the St Kevin’s 1st XI enjoyed a training session at Hagley Oval under the watchful eye of former Blackcap player, coach and Indian coach John Wright. Then former pupil Trevor Thornton gave them a tour of the ground and facilities.

The rescheduled fixture itself finally got under way the next day after two previous rained-off attempts in 2022. St Kevin’s won a closely fought contest by one wicket and took the Bob Wills Trophy away with them for a second time. The Willows posted 178 all out and the 1st XI managed to get over the line in the third to last over. The stand-out players in the match were the Sussex duo of Connor Bettsworth and Seaver Cowley for The Willows and Otago Under 19 rep player Liam Direen who led the charge to bring St Kevin’s home at the end. It was great to see so many players with connections to the school playing for The Willows.