News & Achievements

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  Willows Dinner 2001

  Thank you first of all for the honour you have done me in inviting me to speak at your biennial dinner. When I consider those who make up your Club…
  30 Apr 2025
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  Interdenominational Service – St Bede’s College Chapel, 26 August 2001

  Thank you for the privilege of preaching, and of trying to relate my Christian faith to sport.
  31 Mar 2025
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  Words of Wisdom

  Finally, words of wisdom, not only to cricketers, but to all sportsmen.
  1 Dec 2024
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  The Game’s the Thing

  Nothing that ever came out of England has had such an influence on character and nation­ building as this wonderful game of ours. Nothing that happens…
  1 Dec 2024
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  1st XI Dinner at St Bede’s College

  On Tuesday evening October 28th 2003, a most successful dinner dedicated to School 1 st XI cricketers was held in the St Bede’s College dining room.
  1 Dec 2024
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  1st XI Dinner at St Bede’s College

  I would like to welcome our guest speaker tonight. He comes from Wellington and has lived there all his life. He started playing cricket at the age of…
  1 Dec 2024
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  1st XI Dinner at St Bede’s College

  lt gives me great pleasure to thank Mr Larsen and Mr Boock for their speeches tonight on behalf of the distinguished guests and young players present…
  1 Dec 2024
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  1st XI Dinner at St Bede’s College

  This evening I have been given the honour of offering a very special toast.
  1 Dec 2024
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  Ten Seasons – How It Began

  It began with Ben Dormer. Early in 1994 he suggested that a practice pitch could be cut in the middle of a cow paddock that had not been used for…
  1 Dec 2024
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  Highlights of Nick Davidson’s term as Willows President

  Just as Nick Davidson’s sure hands snared four catches in his first match at The Willows in 1995 we have had the benefit of those same safe hands as…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Our Matfen chapter – farewell for now

  After the challenges of a global pandemic and then the sale of Matfen Hall in 2020, the sad news came through that the Matfen scholarship cannot…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Schoolgirls save the best for last

  Unseasonable cold snaps sadly put paid to a several planned schoolgirls matches. First, a double-header of games set to open the season in October had…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Golf day – field of 102 turn out including Sir Bob

  The Willows held its annual golf tournament in April at the Christchurch Golf Club with a big field 102 players. We were thrilled to have golfing…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Willows U17s take on ‘burgundy and pinks’

  In the last week of the summer school vacation we were delighted to host the Seddon Cricket Club (Hamilton) Under-17 team for two days. On the first…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Umpires and scorers enrich our game

  The Willows is always the better for having umpires and scorers for every game. The person who coordinates this is Dave Stuthridge and to him we are…
  28 Oct 2024
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  7 memorable moments from the past decade at The Willows

  The Willows – ‘the place where dreams come true’ – quote John Kinsella from 1989 movie Field of Dreams. Here are seven great moments to treasure; they…
  28 Oct 2024
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  National champions again at Kindred Cup for our Over-35s

  Our 2020/21 defence of the Kindred Cup started in a similar fashion to the previous two seasons, with conference losses to both United Country &…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Inaugural Willows golf tournament

  A field of 44 took part in the first Willows golf tournament held at the Coringa Golf Club on Friday 30th April 2021 in fine but coldish late…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Valued links

  The article on school first eleven cricket in the last annual report was well received by readers. This is the second in the series and looks at the…
  28 Oct 2024
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  The power of sport

  The following is an extract from a letter written on 15th February 2021 by MED to the Secretary of the I Zingari Cricket Club (Australia):
  28 Oct 2024
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  700 for IZ’s Hodge

  In January 2021, Mark Hodge took his 700th wicket for I Zingari, Australia. The majority of his 700 wickets are a combination of skilful and well…
  28 Oct 2024
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  NZ cricket trivia with Bert Walker

  On 31st January 2021 when Adam Hastilow castled the Nelson College opener with his very first ball it triggered a spectator enquiry, “I wonder how…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Vignettes

  Reprinted with permission from the book “Favourite Cricket Yarns” by Ken Piesse — published by The Five Mile Press Pty Ltd, 2014
  28 Oct 2024
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  Rex bamboozled

  Not often our irrepressible club photographer Rex Hayward, aka Lord Lichfield, is left non- plussed. He was one match a season or two back. As you…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Christ’s College 1st XI wins national title for the first time

  We extend our congratulations to the Christ’s College 1st XI, brilliantly led by Nick Gibb, on an outstanding win at The Gillette Cup for the first…
  28 Oct 2024
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  2023 recipients of the Dormer Melluish Aldridge Scholarship announced

  Congratulations to Nick Gibb and Maggie Martin who were selected for this once in a life-time opportunity. Along with playing cricket the pair will…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Congratulations – Hawke Cup back to Rangiora

  In early November 2022 a strong Canterbury Country XI successfully uplifted the Hawke Cup from Hawkes Bay. In a match played at Nelson Park, Napier…
  28 Oct 2024
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  World title shot

  The New Zealand Over-60s side acquitted themselves with honour at the inaugural Over-60 Cricket World Cup held in September on the Sunshine Coast…
  28 Oct 2024
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  We owe it to the game to respect the official’s role

  Umpires and scorers are often people who want to give back or get back involved with cricket. Thanks to all who have stood or kept score at The…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Junior Willower days

  It was great to have some younger primary age players out on the oval immediately prior to Christmas. The two teams enjoyed an epic day. Under the…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Chatfield Shield – dynasty ends but Chats is back

  This year The Willows 35 years plus side travelled to Auckland for the delayed 2022 edition of the Kindred Club finals. North Shore Cricket Club…
  28 Oct 2024
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  Willowers reflect on memorable encounters

  Alex Reese Chairman of Cricket Live Foundation The first one was a few years ago now, when I went through my first proper break-up. Mike rang me…
  27 Oct 2024
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  Stellar success for Stead and Fulton

  Congratulations to two Willowers who have had outstanding seasons coaching at the highest echelons of our game.
  27 Oct 2024
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  Leading from the front – and done on the same day!

  Sunday 31st January 2021 can be etched in the annals of Willows history. On that same day, against Nelson College 1st XI, David Kelly became the first…
  27 Oct 2024
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  “I wish my son would do something like that”

  These are the words uttered by an Indian mother on an in-bound flight after finding out Alex Reese was 19 years of age and about to spend three months…
  27 Oct 2024
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  Two-peat for over-35s at Kindred

  Following our success in the inaugural season last year, The Willows entered the second season of the national Kindred Cricket Competition, determined…
  23 Oct 2024
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  Rain curtails play in NSW

  This season The Willows travelled to Sydney to play two matches. It was to be our second match vs I Zingari at their home ground at Camden after…
  23 Oct 2024
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  Merrill Fernando honoured with DSc by Massey University

  Citation read by Professor Paul Moughan on the occasion of the visit to Massey University by Merrill Fernando, the Founder of Dilmah Tea.
  23 Oct 2024
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  Vignettes

  Reprinted with permission from the book “No- Balls and Googlies” by Geoff Tibballs — Michael O’Mara Books Ltd, London, 2013
  23 Oct 2024
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  Willows all-time XI chosen by our Hon Statisticians

  After 26 seasons it is time to select a ‘best of’ Willows XI. To do so, Club statisticians (Phil Harris and John Mitchell) consult the cumulative…
  23 Oct 2024
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  In praise of SLOW

  Google ‘slowest test innings’ and the name near the top of most lists is that of Willower Geoff Allott (10 tests and 31 ODIs for NZ). At the time, in…
  23 Oct 2024
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  The leisurely approach

  Sources: Wikipedia, Cricket by B.J.W. Hill, pub Basil Blackwell, Oxford in 1960 and No-Balls and Googles by Geoff Tibballs, pub Michael O’Mara Books…
  23 Oct 2024
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  For the love of stats — NZ cricket trivia from Bert Walker

  Cricket is naturally full of interesting statistical coincidences, quirks and oddities, here are just a few of them involving Kiwi players over the…
  23 Oct 2024
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  National “Kindred” Champions

  This season The Willows took part in the inaugural Kindred Cricket Competition (KCC). This national competition for over 35 year olds, involved 12…
  21 Oct 2024
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  Life in cricket – 60 years on

  Now at 61 (not out) years of age it could be argued that my best playing days are well behind me.
  21 Oct 2024
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  NZ Over-50s v Riverina (NSW) at The Willows

  It was with pleasure that The Willows Club was able to host the above two teams. This fixture formed part of the New Zealand Over-50s warm- up for the…
  21 Oct 2024
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  The Willows well represented at the Over-60 Provincial Cricket Tournament

  Petone Recreation Ground, Wellington 3rd – 7th February 2019
  21 Oct 2024
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  An awe-inspiring feat of endurance

  The Cricketer is the world’s oldest cricket magazine, founded in 1921.Subscriptions can be bought here:…
  21 Oct 2024
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  Vignettes

  Reprinted with permission from the book “No-Balls and Googlies” by Geoff Tibballs – Michael O’Mara Books Ltd, London, 2013
  21 Oct 2024
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  Honours

  The club congratulates Roger Moses, ONZM on being awarded the CNZM for services to education and Kieran Read on his ONZM for services to rugby in the…
  21 Oct 2024
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  Welcome to our new president Nick Davidson

  A very warm welcome is extended to Nick who, following a very successful opening partnership of 25 between John Mitchell and Sir John Hansen, arrives…
  21 Oct 2024
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  50+ Caps

  At the 25th Dinner, personalised Willows caps were presented to nine members who have played in excess of 50 matches for the club. We salute the…
  21 Oct 2024
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  25 seasons: Willowers gather to celebrate historic year

  The following are excerpts of the address given by Mike Coward, respected cricket writer and commentator. Mike grew up in Adelaide but has lived in…
  21 Oct 2024
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  The Willows 25th Anniversary Dinner

  Sport is one the most powerful vehicles to assist success in life.
  21 Oct 2024
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  The Willows 25th Anniversary Dinner

  Let us pray:
  21 Oct 2024
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  Gratitude

  The Club’s Assistant Groundsman acknowledges the many and varied contributions upon which the The Willows has been built over its first 25 years.
  21 Oct 2024
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  Inaugural Women’s Match

  To be invited to play at The Willows is a real privilege BUT to be the first girls/ladies team to play is extra special.
  21 Oct 2024
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  Valued links with our 1st XIs Part 1

  This is part one of a tribute to 1st XI cricket with a focus on those secondary schools who have an association and play regular matches at The…
  21 Oct 2024
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  Looking to I Zingari

  It is surprising how often even well-established sporting clubs cannot define their core values or – beyond winning matches – their real objectives.
  20 Oct 2024
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  A good day at Hove

  Willower Murray Boyte is a New Zealander currently living in Brisbane. He is an avid cricket- lover.
  20 Oct 2024
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  Higher honours

  Every year The Willows provides an opportunity for young players to gain some valuable overseas touring experience. Many of these Willowers have gone…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Kiwi in Zimbabwe

  Graeme umpired 15 ODI matches in Zimbabwe between 1997 and 2001. Interestingly, in his final ODI played at Bulawayo, the Willower Dion Ebrahim batted…
  20 Oct 2024
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  The Willows turns 25

  1st 1994/95 First century by a Willows batsman – Paul McEwan v Flaxton Wanderers. 2nd 1995/96 Inaugural Club Dinner held – speaker Iain Gallaway with…
  20 Oct 2024
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  The Willows turns 25

  Well-being textbooks tell us not to cut back playing sport together in family groups. Over the seasons we have seen the benefits and success of…
  20 Oct 2024
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  The Willows turns 25

  Well-being textbooks tell us not to cut back playing sport together in family groups. Over the seasons we have seen the benefits and success of…
  20 Oct 2024
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  From the mouths of babes

  A few summers back I remember joining a sprinkling of fans on the bank at Lincoln to watch a pre-tour “friendly” match.
  20 Oct 2024
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  NZ batsmen and the nervous 90s in tests

  OUT FOR 99 IN A TEST! How frustrating for a batsman to get so close, but fall just one little tickle for a single, one solitary run short, of such a…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Fair Dinkum

  The scorecard for the Sydenham (Christchurch) v Valley Diehards (Brisbane) match at the 2018 Golden Oldies cricket tournament recorded: R.L. Walker…
  20 Oct 2024
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  What got me started

  All-rounder Andrew Ellis has played over 100 first- class games for his province as well as 15 ODIs and five T20Is for New Zealand in a long and…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Queen’s Birthday Honours

  Three Willowers were acknowledged 2017:
  20 Oct 2024
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  Stories and advice from Richie Benaud

  In his book, “Over But Not Out” (pub Hodder and Stoughton 2011), the former Australian captain (for 28 of his 63 tests) and commentator, Richie…
  20 Oct 2024
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  All Blacks at The Willows

  Since our inception in 1994 ten All Blacks have donned their whites during the rugby “off season” and had a run at Jaguar Oval. This special group…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Penguin International Rugby Club history

  The club was founded in 1959 by the late Tony Mason and Alan Wright, both players for Sidcup RFC, who subsequently became Vice Presidents of Sidcup…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Humiliating defeat!

  For the first time a Willows XI played the Umpires Association in an end-of-season “friendly”. Up for grabs were not only bragging rights but also a…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Waitaki Hall of Memories

  Like many of the schools and colleges that have regular fixtures at The Willows, Waitaki Boys’ High School in Oamaru boasts some beautiful and…
  20 Oct 2024
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  The first great allrounder, a new world record for NZ after 123 years and an amazing test

  New Zealand’s recent world record prompts Bert Walker to dig into archives to unearth a remarkable match, and salute a remarkable player.
  20 Oct 2024
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  Hurunui success at the 2017 Savile Cup

  The Hurunui Polo Club became the first South Island team to win the prestigious Savile Cup in almost 80 years in Hastings in February 2017. Hurunui…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Learning from the best in the game

  Ever thought about the focus and mental preparation of the elite player as he faces or is about to deliver a ball at test level? Here are insights on…
  20 Oct 2024
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  ASB Dinner 2017

  On a typically warm Christchurch October evening 250 people attended this year’s dinner held in the sports gymnasium at St Bede’s College.
  20 Oct 2024
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  Willows Tour to Australia

  It has taken twenty-four years for The Willows to tour and it was fitting that out first match was against our long term friends I Zingari Australia…
  20 Oct 2024
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  The Willows v Umpires XI

  After last year’s thrashing it was nice to turn the tables against the Umpires XI this year. The Willows lost the toss and were asked to bat…
  20 Oct 2024
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  “Sir Judge”

  Our Club President Sir John Hansen recently toured Mongolia with Craigengower CC (est. 1894, Hong Kong). The tour programme featured this pen…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Trans-Tasman ties strengthened

  In its 130th year, our friends across the ditch, I Zingari Australia, were able to re-establish a historic fixture on their calendar, The New South…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Governor-General’s Weekend

  The Club was honoured to be able to host Their Excellencies Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor- General of New Zealand and her husband Sir David Gascoigne to…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Salute the modern player

  It is 40 years since I last watched live international or first-class cricket. But, in the last year or so, with retirement and thanks to kind…
  20 Oct 2024
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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…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Lakes, quakes and enormous landslides

  From the driver’s seat of his Hilux, farmer Dave Kelly surveys his land. Or, more precisely, an empty space where several million cubic metres of his…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Sixteen year association with Matfen Cricket Club, Northumberland

  When Lachlan Stove and Rhys Petrie graced the playing field of the Matfen Cricket Club, in the West Tyne League, in April 2018, they were the 16th…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Demystifying coaching excellence

  Access to a quality cricket coach is critical for youth development in the sport. It is timely to acknowledge one of the best in the business. To do…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Getting to the top

  Today, our best cricketers are tracked from a very young age. Initially, through their home associations and thereafter (if good enough) nationally…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Unique cricket ground opens in Rwanda

  On 28 October 2017, the Gahanga cricket ground, in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda opened with a charity match between teams captained by…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Talent gets you noticed, character gets you recruited

  James Leath is the Head of Leadership Development at IMG Academy, a sports academy in Bradenton, Florida. In this role, James develops and delivers…
  20 Oct 2024
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  Youth Dinner at St Bede’s College

  Loving God, we gather here tonight in the spirit of camaraderie.
  18 Oct 2024
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  ANZAC tribute

  On August 15th, 1914, the All Blacks were touring Australia and were playing a Metropolitan XV at the old Sydney Sports Ground. During the match, a…
  18 Oct 2024
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  Tribute to John Eales

  Chief Operating Officer of Eagle Consumables, NZ Olympic hockey representative (Athens 2004 & Beijing 2008), father of two and keen Willower.
  18 Oct 2024
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  Governor-General’s Weekend

  Another fantastic weekend at The Willows and this year the weather played its part.
  18 Oct 2024
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  Future test stars

  Carl Openshaw is the archivist for the illustrious Forty Club in the UK. In their 2014 Handbook he wrote an article about 1st XI school boys who have…
  18 Oct 2024
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  The Running Game

  In the 1991 Rugby World Cup final, the decision was taken not to give a team talk, but to simply give Australian Assistant Coach Bob Templeton a poem…
  18 Oct 2024
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  World Cup action rekindles admiration for a great writer of the past – Neville Cardus

  Sir J F Neville Cardus (1888-1975) was the one cricket writer whom the former NZ Test Captain and Patron of The Willows, Mr Walter Hadlee instructed…
  18 Oct 2024
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  My cricket library – confessions of a cricket tragic!

  My dear dad Des got me interested in cricket from an early age, and he and Mum gave me my first cricket book – a coaching book. This was followed by…
  18 Oct 2024