He is thrilled, of course, that his team scored five tries in downing Cromwell, a week after fully extending Upper Clutha in their White Horse Trophy challenge.
But now as his team prepares to take on defending champions Alexandra at Molyneux Park, he is sweating on how many of his frontline players will be available.
Hooker Jack Clements is the latest casualty, rated only a 50-50 chance of starting tomorrow.
"There are quite a few others who are carrying knocks," Willis said.
"So it will be late in the week before we know who can and who cannot play.
"We had no spares last Saturday, but got through the game OK. I’m looking for reinforcements again for this week."
The victory over Cromwell was just the boost Maniototo needed because in 2023 they lost their first four games and drew the fifth, a forlorn start that ultimately cost them a place in the semifinals.
Maniototo’s biggest win in 2023 was, ironically, over Alexandra, 34-13.
Who could have foreseen that Alexandra would win their remaining five games and overwhelm unbeaten Upper Clutha in the final?
Alexandra coach Lee Wilson reports that, in contrast to Willis’ Maniototo team, he has a full and undamaged squad from which to choose.
"Having the bye last weekend has allowed our players to get rid of all their bumps and bruises. We’re going into this game refreshed."
Having said that, Wilson has enormous regard for the Maggots.
"Now they’ve tasted success, they’ll want more, so we’ll need to be on our game."
Arrowtown rebounded from losses to Alexandra and Wakatipu to edge out Matakanui Combined last weekend and will be determined to make it two in a row against Cromwell at Jack Reid Park.
Big-kicking Damian Ratwatte missed last week’s game but returns to the starting lineup.
It is rare for Cromwell to find themselves in the bottom half of the points table, so they will be desperate for maximum points.
Wakatipu, outgunned by Upper Clutha last weekend, will be seeking to regain the winning touch against strugglers Matakanui Combined at Omakau.
— Bob Howitt
