News & Opinion

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  Robbie Deans announced as next Club President

  The Willows are delighted to announce Robbie Deans as our new President to lead the Club into its next chapter.
  21 Sep 2025
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  Paul Rutledge

  President’s Report 2024/25

  Willowers all, It is with a heavy heart that I furnish my first report as President of The Willows Cricket Club. The sudden passing in March of our…
  30 Apr 2025
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  James Biddick

  A Kiwi in US college athletics

  James Biddick is a proud Riccarton High School old boy, who was a provincial under-age rep in both cricket and hockey while at school. He went on to…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Kate Ebrahim: Tips from the Best

  Former White Fern Kate Ebrahim (70 ODIs and T20Is for NZ) coached the St Hilda’s Collegiate School 1st XI from 2020 to 2023. Kate coaches cricket with…
  30 Apr 2025
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  The man behind Timpson’s Tigers

  Known as ‘Chub’ to all his friends, Brian Hays is a legend within teaching and rugby circles in our city. His long teaching career at Burnside…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Q&A with Joey Yovich

  MED would have loved to have worked closely in both cricket and business with our featured player. A proud Northlander with deep Croatian roots, Joey…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Obituary

  Nick Davidson: Former President of The Willows

  It is with much sadness and shock that we learnt of the sudden passing of our past President on 8 March. Nicholas was our respected and highly valued…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Obituary

  Br Bill Dowling

  Br Bill Dowling was like no other and due to his uniqueness, he will never be replaced and his loss has impacted so many people locally and all over…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Obituary

  Brian Hastings

  Brian learnt his early cricket by playing ‘Test’ matches with his brothers on a 10x4 metre concrete and trellis area at the front of their Wellington…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Obituary

  Dave Quested

  After success in the Linwood High School 1st XI as a right arm medium fast bowler and left handed batsman, Dave played for the Woolston WMC before…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Obituary

  Bob Wake

  It was with great sadness we learned of the passing of Honorary Member Bob Wake in May 2024. Bob was an identity and iconic figure at Whanganui…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Obituary

  Bob Wills

  Each year The Willows play St Kevin’s College (Oamaru) for the Bob Wills Trophy. We honour a man who not only attended the school but one who spent…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Obituary

  Richard Bromley

  Richard died in Christchurch in July 2024 and will be much missed and fondly remembered by a generation of Christ’s College cricketers, and cricketing…
  31 Jul 2024
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  Obituary

  Andrew Davidson

  Andrew loved his cricket. On game day he did everything from batting, bowling, scoring and even the speeches. With wonderful handwriting he wrote the…
  30 Apr 2024
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  Obituary

  Charles Wiffen

  Last winter we were saddened by the death, after a long illness, of Charles, a long-standing friend and supporter of the Club. Whether in farming…
  30 Apr 2024
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  Obituary

  Merrill J Fernando

  Tea has always had a special significance with our Dormer family. Mike’s Dad, Ormond Edmund “Ormy” Dormer was a tea taster and trader – he learned his…
  30 Apr 2024
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  Hon Nick Davidson, KC

  President’s Report 2023/24

  “Willowers All,”
  30 Apr 2024
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  Phil Gifford

  Amateur sport is battling – but it’s a struggle worth pursuing

  We are thrilled to have New Zealand’s leading sports journalist Phil Gifford as the writer of our lead article this season. In a stellar career Phil…
  30 Apr 2024
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  Carl Huyser

  Carl Huyser: a coach who has tasted success here and abroad

  Few among us can equal the feats of the BWUCC’s Carl Huyser. In as many years he has led the premier side, either as captain or coach, to five…
  30 Apr 2024
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  Tim Grocott

  Benefits of school sport for youth

  The Grocott name remains synonymous with the East Christchurch-Shirley CC for the last half century. In 2017 Tim Grocott became president of the club…
  30 Apr 2024
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  Q&A with Haidee Tiffen

  Haidee Tiffen MNZM is currently Deputy Principal at Rangiora High School, our nearest neighbouring school. As an all-rounder she played 117 ODIs for…
  30 Apr 2024
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  Obituary

  Dave Biddick

  David was Sports Co-ordinator at Riccarton High School for 18 years and coached and managed cricket for 25 years. He ran the administration of sport…
  30 Apr 2024
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  Hon Nick Davidson, KC

  President’s Report 2022/23

  “Willowers All,”
  30 Apr 2023
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  Steve Hinds

  Paying it forward

  Nicknamed ‘The Enforcer’, Steve Hinds has been the World Rugby Citing Commissioner Manager since 2017. This after a full-on career with the New…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Nick Gibb

  Keryn Ambler: a coach with character and integrity

  When the Christ’s College 1st XI won their first ever national Gillette Cup title in December 2022 they were superbly led by coaches Keryn Amber and…
  30 Apr 2023
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  John Mitchell

  Justin Boyle: facing baptisms of fire

  Justin Boyle has had a stellar career in education and he wasn’t half bad at cricket either. I want to share some thoughts on both.
  30 Apr 2023
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  A tribute to Amy Satterthwaite on a stellar career

  With the retirement recently of Amy Satterthwaite from all levels of the game it is timely to pause and reflect on a wonderful career. During her time…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Q&A with Kate Ebrahim

  Kate Ebrahim is a superstar in the women’s game. The all-rounder has represented Central Districts, Staffordshire, Canterbury and Otago and played 31…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Obituary

  Mark Hastings: A cricketer who played with the gift of time

  Vince is Regional Director, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand in Christchurch and has worked all his career in the field of clinical medicine devoted…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Obituary

  Christopher Bazalgette

  It was with great sadness that we learned that long time Forty Club and Willows member Christopher Bazalgette passed away in January 2023 after a long…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Obituary

  Vince Cusack: Life Member and Square Supervisor for 18 seasons

  Mike Dormer insisted that cricket wickets, like male hairstyles, were “short back and sides”. The man who could deliver on both was hairdresser by…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Obituary

  Rev Fr Brian Cummings: Hon Chaplain to The Willows

  MED used to enjoy telling how it all began. We had invited Fr Brian (then Rector of St Bede’s College) to take part in a Sports Persons Service at St…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Obituary

  Frank Cameron

  I first came across Frank even before I got to Otago Boys’ High School. As a timorous primary school youngster in 1953 we relocated from Timaru to the…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Obituary

  Bob Fairbairn

  Members of The Willows Cricket Club extend their deepest sympathies to the Fairbairn Family, on Bob’s passing. He was dad and father-in-law to Kate…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Obituary

  Bruce Murray

  Many thoughts run through my mind as I pen a few words on the passing of former Wellington and New Zealand cricketer Bruce (B.A.G.) Murray. Foremost…
  30 Apr 2023
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  Obituary

  Don Neely

  A former NZC President, captain of Wellington and Auckland, and author of more than 30 books on New Zealand cricket, Don was a great friend to the…
  30 Jun 2022
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  Obituary

  Alan Davidson

  Alan Keith Davidson, AM, MBE (1929–2021) Member of The Willows (1994–2021) Alan Davidson, who passed away last year aged 92, was a truly great left…
  12 Jun 2022
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  Obituary

  Brian Aldridge

  Brian Leslie Aldridge, QSM (1940–2021) Willows Member & Umpire (1994–2021) Brian’s sudden death came as a shock to many and messages came from umpires…
  12 Jun 2022
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  Obituary

  Fred Goodall

  Frederick Robert Goodall, ONZM, ED (1938–2021) Willows Member (2006–2021) Fred was the youngest person to officiate in our Test cricket history. He…
  12 Jun 2022
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  Obituary

  Eddie Brownlee

  Edwin Thomas Brownlee, QSM (1936–2022) Honorary Member of The Willows & Umpire (1995–2021) Another stalwart and long serving honorary member of The…
  12 Jun 2022
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  Obituary

  Gary Lennon

  Words from a communique to the St Bede’s College community from Rector Justin Boyle.
  12 Jun 2022
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  Obituary

  Shereen Hussain

  Tribute from Julie and Paul McEwan, Youth Tour Co-ordinators from the outset.
  12 Jun 2022
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  Michael Heron QC and Charlotte Agnew-Harington

  Sport, women and integrity

  The increased focus on sporting integrity in recent years has coincided with an increasing emphasis on women’s sport. This has led to consideration of…
  4 Jun 2022
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  Q&A with Frankie Mackay

  Frankie Mackay, Canterbury Magicians captain is an absolute legend in cricket. She was an integral member of the 2022 White Ferns ICC Women’s Cricket…
  30 Apr 2022
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  Hon Nick Davidson, KC

  President’s Report 2021/22

  Willowers all, The season past was the first without the Founder’s inimitable presence and personality, but it has been a year of advancement on and…
  30 Apr 2022
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  Richard Hall

  More than just an annual fixture

  ‘If you have a Heavy Transport licence; you will never be out of a job.’ – Winsome Dormer It is not only about the cricket, the beautiful surrounds…
  30 Apr 2022
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  Dan Vann

  Mind games – how to improve mindset and mental skills as a cricketer

  By way of something different this year we have asked Willower Dan Vann to focus on the mental side of cricket. His words are aimed at coaches /…
  30 Apr 2022
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  Obituary

  John Reid: a towering career

  Former New Zealand Test opener Bruce Murray remembers the greatest cricketer he ever played with.
  30 Apr 2021
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  Hon Nick Davidson, KC

  President’s Report 2020/21

  Willowers all, The 2020/21 season was a watershed season for The Willows. The shadow of Mike’s deteriorating health lay upon us, but he fought on to…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Obituary

  Farewell MED: The Willows loses its marquee player after 27 glorious summers

  Michael Edmund Dormer (1937–2021) Willows Assistant Groundsman (1994–2020) Variously described as “a force of nature” or “the Napoleon of North…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Rebecca Rolls

  Shifting the dial in sport

  Rebecca represented New Zealand in both cricket and football. In cricket, as a wicketkeeper batsman, she played 104 ODIs, two T20s and one Test match…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Denis Aberhart

  To succeed in cricket

  There would not be many more long-serving principals of a New Zealand school than Denis. He was first appointed as a principal in 1983 and has huge…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Robbie Frew

  Mike Johnston: coaching supremo

  Good cricket coaches are as scarce as hen’s teeth. Here’s one from the top drawer. The article is written by a man who should know — Robbie Frew, who…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Q&A with Hamish Marshall

  We are delighted to have the popular and high-performing Hamish Marshall share his thoughts on his career and on the current state of our game. Hamish…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Obituary

  Iain Gallaway: the voice of cricket and rugby was a man of many talents

  Iain Gallaway’s deeds in cricket, sports broadcasting and the law are well known nationally and also throughout the world. Here are two tributes — one…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Bert Sutcliffe: the style is the man

  Ten days ago I received a call from New Zealand Cricket asking if I could provide them with an action photograph of Bert Sutcliffe to be used in the…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Obituary

  Nook Ebert

  Nook’s involvement with cricket began at an early age. He represented Hutt Valley as a batsman on six occasions including in three Hawke Cup fixtures…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Obituary

  Arthur Pitcher

  Arthur, a well-known identity in the Christchurch business community, was a Chief Executive with extensive experience in the leisure industry. He had…
  30 Apr 2021
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  Obituary

  Rolie Eveleigh

  Rolie Eveleigh will be fondly remembered by both his peers and the wider Waitaki Boys’ High School family, as a much respected teacher (1970–2002) and…
  30 Apr 2021
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  AB de Villiers: how good was this guy?

  In my playing days I can remember being involved in only one game where a player scored a double century. It was against us too. During the 2020…
  31 Mar 2021
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  Hon Nick Davidson, QC

  President’s Report 2019/20

  “Willowers All,”
  30 Apr 2020
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  Anastasia Boyle

  A lifetime of cricketing summers

  Anastasia Boyle is a French language teacher at Burnside High School and sister of former Canterbury cricketers, David and Justin Boyle
  30 Apr 2020
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  Phil Holstein

  Selfless acts and the virtue of unsung work in sport

  Sport develops the balance of body, mind, and character. It is an important part of New Zealand’s culture; and we expect to take on the world…
  30 Apr 2020
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  Q&A with Willows legend Paul McEwan

  Paul kindly shares his insights on cricket both as an auspicious player for Canterbury and New Zealand and manager of eight Willows youth tours, one…
  30 Apr 2020
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  Liane Topham-Kindley

  Ken Rust: ‘Mr Cricket’ at Otago Boys’ High School

  This is the third in a series on our cricket coaches. The first was on Matt Parr (then Christchurch Boys’ High School) and last season on Garry…
  30 Apr 2020
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  Obituary

  John Grocott: reflections and tributes

  Fondly known as Groc, his recent passing was indeed a sad time for all that knew him. I first met Groc in our primary school days, in the Wellington…
  30 Apr 2020
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  Hon Sir John Hansen, KNZM

  President’s Report 2018/19

  “Willowers All,”
  30 Apr 2019
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  Clare Commons

  Sporting life after school – a mother’s view

  This woman’s a bit crazy. I know this because I said yes when John Mitchell asked me to write Commentary Corner. Only a crazy woman would agree to…
  30 Apr 2019
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  Q&A with high performance coach Bob Carter

  Willower Bob Carter played county cricket as a medium-pace bowler and useful batsman for Northants (1978–82) as well as pro football for Norwich City…
  30 Apr 2019
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  Tony Zohrab

  Garry MacDonald: Nelson coach par excellence

  Top cricket coaches are a rare breed. We are grateful to Judge Tony Zohrab for writing this article on the outstanding Nelson cricket coach, Garry…
  30 Apr 2019
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  Evan Gray

  Moulding pride in our men

  Roger Moses, ONZM, enjoyed an illustrious career as Headmaster of Wellington College from 1995 to 2018. This article on the career of Roger is written…
  30 Apr 2019
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  Hon Sir John Hansen, KNZM

  President’s Report 2017/18

  “Willowers All,”
  30 Apr 2018
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  Andrew Nuttall

  Cricket – the trip of a lifetime

  Thanks to the efforts of Stuart Spalding, Bob Masefield and fellow Willows Club members I had the opportunity to be involved with a month long tour of…
  30 Apr 2018
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  Ross Preece

  Reflections on rural cricket

  As a newcomer to the area I have been impressed with the enthusiasm and level of support our 1st XI cricket team enjoy. For them weekly travel is a…
  30 Apr 2018
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  Q&A with Tom Latham

  Tom kindly shares the highlights on his playing career to date and his thoughts on playing international cricket for his country.
  30 Apr 2018
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  NZ all-rounder Bruce Taylor and his dynamic debuts!

  Bruce Taylor made his name in cricket through a series of lucky breaks, but by also having the ability to instantly impress in a series of stunning…
  31 Mar 2018
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  Hon Sir John Hansen, KNZM

  President’s Report 2016/17

  Willowers All, In this annual report I want to make particular note of the contribution made to the club by its Associate, or non-playing, members…
  30 Apr 2017
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  Charles Lyttelton

  Lasting friendships across boundaries

  Lord Cobham, of Hagley Hall, Worcestershire, is an honorary member of The Willows.
  30 Apr 2017
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  Nick McIvor

  Cricket for character

  Cricket is a reflection of life and offers an education in life; an education that can be incredibly uplifting but also unforgiving. We encourage…
  30 Apr 2017
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  Rev Fr Brian Cummings, SM

  A matter of perspective

  The great thing about a sense of perspective is that there’s always more than one possibility.
  30 Apr 2017
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  Q&A with Peter Fulton

  John Mitchell talks to Peter Fulton who played 23 tests, 49 ODIs and 12 T20Is for New Zealand between 2004 and 2014. In February 2017 he also scored…
  30 Apr 2017
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  Hon Sir John Hansen, KNZM

  President’s Report 2015/16

  “Willowers All,”
  30 Apr 2016
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  Roger Knight

  Play within the spirit of the game

  The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is responsible for the Laws of Cricket and is currently revising these Laws in order to produce a new Code for…
  30 Apr 2016
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  Nic Hill

  In praise of today’s gallant youth

  As Headmaster of a large urban boys’ school I love the inter- actions I have with our young men and I am often left in awe of their abilities and…
  30 Apr 2016
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  Q&A with NZ’s greatest allrounder Richard Hadlee

  Q1. Most memorable game? I was fortunate to have played in an era when NZ cricket came of age and we had earned great respect as an international…
  30 Apr 2016
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  Obituary

  Derek Burrell: Don of The Willows

  Derek played cricket with the same courage and determination as he did when faced with pancreatic cancer. Sadly Derek was only 63 years of age when he…
  30 Apr 2016
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  Hon Sir John Hansen, KNZM

  President’s Report 2014/15

  “Willowers All,”
  30 Apr 2015
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  Robert Donaldson

  Catch! ... some wisdom from McCullum

  The call of “Catch!” elicits immediate focus—a shot of adrenaline, the tensing of muscles, a sense of anticipation for fielders ... and fear in a…
  30 Apr 2015
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  Dan Reddiex

  Why intolerance is essential to real change

  I was privileged at the end of 2014 to join our 1st XI in their annual fixture at The Willows Cricket Club. It was my first visit to this special…
  30 Apr 2015
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  Joe Bennett

  Sledging is obvious to all men of decency

  It has become clear that the International Cricket Council pays close attention to this column. Alert readers will recall that a couple of years ago I…
  30 Apr 2015
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  Q&A with former NZ batsman, Trevor Barber

  Q1. Most memorable game? It was playing my first (and only) test in 1956 against the West Indies at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. I remember catching…
  30 Apr 2015
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  Hon Sir John Hansen, KNZM

  President’s Report 2013/14

  "Willowers All"
  30 Apr 2014
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  Chris Clarke

  Future makers – a generation of Kiwis with a world vision

  We’ve all tried and, if you are like me, probably failed at explaining the game of cricket to visitors from nations who don’t play the sport. Most…
  30 Apr 2014
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  Warwick Maguire

  Growing the game

  The suggestion by the big three in cricket, India, India and India (sorry I mean, India, Australia and England) that they should have more control of…
  30 Apr 2014
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  Joe Bennett

  Every delivery was bait

  I must have played a thousand games of cricket but I remember few of them. What I do remember is the people I played with. At my first village club…
  30 Apr 2014
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  Q&A with former NZ batsman Brian Hastings

  John Mitchell recently enjoyed a chance to interview Brian to gain his highlights and thoughts on international cricket from his days at the top.
  30 Apr 2014
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  Obituary

  John Doig

  26.7.1946 – 23.7.2013 A Tribute by Lifelong Friend, Dayle Hadlee
  30 Apr 2014
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  Hon Sir John Hansen, KNZM

  President’s Report 2012/13

  Let me start my report on the last season on a very positive note by congratulating our New Zealand representatives, Peter Fulton, Tom Latham and…
  30 Apr 2013
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  Spiros Zavos

  NZ cricket needs to be returned to the true believers

  I watched the enthralling cricket Test at Wellington between New Zealand and England from my home in Sydney. At one point in the play I called over to…
  30 Apr 2013
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  Christine Leighton

  Stepping stones to a better world

  I believe, young people today have a mission, indeed a responsibility, which is really no different from the generations before them – and that is to…
  30 Apr 2013