The Nelson College Fixture is always a much-anticipated match on The Willows Calendar, not least as it is the former School of The Willows Founder Mike Dormer. The Willows won the toss and elected to bat, on a typically well-paced, and superb Willows wicket. The Willows were fortunate to have Matt Rowe a contracted Canterbury player in their side for the day, and he contributed a well compiled 82, and he was well supported by Carter Woodgate who impressed with a well struck 62. The Willows were bowled out for 225, with The Nelson College side impressing in the field, and with good accurate bowling. Ryder Gestro led the bowling effort with 4-40, and he was ably supported by Hogan Ward and Charlie Booker who each picked up 2 wickets. The Nelson College batting effort was impressive led by Kurt Ward, who in his last innings at The Willows for Nelson College, scored an impressive 125 not out. It was truly a great innings by a very promising young cricketer, and his innings assured Nelson College of their victory. Kurt Ward was ably supported by the Nelson College Captain Oran Sim with 41, and in the end, Nelson College cruised to a well-earned win in 34 overs. I want to acknowledge the contribution that The Ward Family have made to Nelson College Cricket, not only Kurt & Hogan as players but their parents Merv & Wendy who have filled various roles for the school 1st XI, Merv as manager and Wendy as scorer at The Willows. Such was the determination of the boys to play at The Willows, after playing a match against St Andrews College on the Friday, they traveled to Dunedin on the Saturday to set the boys up for University at Otago, and then returned to play the Willows fixture on the Sunday, it’s commitment like this that sets them apart. During the post-match speeches, Michael Hayes from Nelson College read an excerpt from the Nelson College School magazine the Nelsonian, which acknowledged the contribution and abilities as a cricketer of one Michael Dormer, it was fitting end to a true Willows Day, and one I’m sure Mike would have enjoyed, and been proud of.

Paul Rutledge Match Manager