Gratitude

By adopting the values and principles of the 1949 Walter Hadlee New Zealand led team to the United Kingdom, considerable success has been achieved by the Club over a period of 25 years.

The positive attributes and values of the ’49ers have been a keystone in promoting the encouragement and development of youth cricket throughout 26 secondary schools/colleges in the South Island and lower North Island.

The Club is appreciative of the considerable assistance and support of Headmasters, Rectors, Principals and Coaches in these schools/colleges.

Thirty-six boys awarded scholarships have been hosted over a period of 18 years by Sir Hugh and Lady Anna Blackett in Matfen, Northumberland, UK.

Youth tours. The first to India, Oman and Sharjah and seven tours to Sri Lanka, selected and managed by Paul McEwan, have resulted in the team members learning different cultures whilst playing under conditions far different from those in New Zealand.

Seventeen dinners have been held at which all the protocols of grace, loyal toast, introduction of guest speaker, vote of thanks and a toast to sport have been undertaken by boys from the various schools.

Speakers at these dinners have included Ian Healy, former Australian cricketer; John Eales, former Wallaby captain; Frank Tyson, former England fast bowler; Mike Coward, current sports journalist and commentator; Sir Richard Hadlee, Sir Anand Satyanand, former Governor- General; Iain Gallaway, Professor Hamid Ikram, Joe Bennett, Chris Laidlaw, Sir Graham Henry, Andy Ellis, a former All Black scrum half; Andrew Ellis, current Canterbury Representative, John Wright and Shane Bond, former New Zealand representatives, Don Neely a New Zealand cricket historian, Bryan Waddle and others.

The first ten years were overseen by our first President John Mitchell, a former first class cricketer and former Divisional Principal of Burnside High School.

The next 15 years the Hon. Sir John Hansen, retired High Court Judge, whose cricket experience extends to Hong Kong where he acted as Master in the Courts. Sir John is also a member of the Kowloon Cricket Club and liaised closely with all members of the Hong Kong Cricket Club whilst he was there.

And now, entering the second 25 year period, the Hon. Nicholas Davidson QC, a retired High Court Judge and person involved in many aspects of New Zealand sport, is planning the way forward for the Club.

To celebrate 25 years a dinner was held on August 17th in the St Bede’s College gymnasium attended by 246 members and guests where Mike Coward entertained the gathering with a thoughtful and humorous address. The Master of Ceremonies was Andrew Gourdie, a well known TV3 sports presenter, the Loyal Toast proposed by Beckham Wheeler-Greenall of King’s High School Dunedin who subsequently was selected for the New Zealand Under-19 tour to South Africa, Grace written and delivered by Josh McCarthy of St Bede’s College, Introduction of the Guest Speaker by Colby Allen of Otago Boys’ High School, Vote of Thanks delivered by Lachie Harper of Christ’s College and a Toast to Sport by Hugh Morrison of Wellington College. The evening concluded with an appropriate prayer from the Club’s Chaplain Rev Fr Brian Cummings.

Expressions of gratitude were extended to many Club members in attendance for their individual and proactive participation in assuming responsibilities within the Club.

To our sponsors, listed inside the back cover of our Annual Report, we convey our utmost appreciation for their support for youth by contributing funds towards club operations and in providing youth tours to the subcontinent.

We are indebted for our association with the following cricket clubs: I Zingari Australia, the Forty Club (UK), the Hong Kong and Kowloon Cricket Clubs, CCI of India and the Wellington Wanderers Club.

The association with Dilmah Tea, Sri Lanka, has been significant with Merrill Fernando who together with his two sons Dilhan and Malik and their staff have forged friendships with many New Zealanders. This was highlighted with Merrill being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Massey University in November. The evening was followed by a celebratory dinner in Wellington where the citation of the Award was read by Professor Paul Moughan and an acknowledgement of Merrill’s achievements delivered by Sir Anand Satyanand.

The initial link with Dilmah and The Willows has been further strengthened by the vision of Alex Reese who founded Cricket Live Foundation.

Alex together with Dilmah has established three cricket-life skills academies in depressed areas of Sri Lanka. At present 700 young children are learning within their new and adjusted environments. The headmaster of Moratuwa School south of Colombo advised that prior to Alex the exam pass rate within his school was 22.3%. Since the arrival of Alex and the establishment of the academy in his school the pass rate has increased to 53.3%.

Alex’s vision has extended to India where he is working with the Tata Group in the establishment of the first two academies in Mumbai.

May the example set by Alex provide a “spark” to other young Willowers to reach out to others on the basis that it is much nicer to give than to receive.

The ethos of The Willows is to assist youth particularly in the development and encouragement of their cricket skills and whatever other benefits the youth have been able to attain through being associated with the Club is a bonus within their self development.

Whilst cricket is the main thrust of the Club let us not forget the children’s Christmas party supported by the Police, Salvation Army Band and many others. This is an afternoon filled with fun and joy to children many of whom face challenges in their daily lives.

To conclude, a message to all batsmen: play in the V and build partnerships with the batsmen at the other end.

And bowlers: bowl line and length. Do not try and bowl six different balls each over.

And finally for youth: remember passion for the game, practice, persistence and a single-minded dedication to succeed will bring the desired results.

“Floreant Salices” (“May The Willows Flourish”)