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.
The wheels began to spin back in March when Hamish Loe used his club member influence (and charm) and coerced Mike Dormer to consider a game which would be a re-run of the 2018 New Zealand Secondary School Girls’ national final.
Somehow, Mike agreed so on a warm Rangiora spring day, the first ever female game of cricket was played in the 25-year history of the club. Much planning had gone into the game not only from The Willows personnel but also the schools. As we never play in whites and seldom play “In the V” much work had to be done!
We arrived via the scenic route having stayed overnight at Methven to be warmly greeted. Mike explained a little about the history of the venue, the fact that it is a quarter of a century old now, and that it sits on rural property that he and his wife Winsome own. The game was that extra little bit special because Winsome is a St Hilda’s Old Girl and she was hosting an old girls function in her beautiful adjacent garden. It was lovely to see the old girls come over in the final stages of the game and Winsome had her old school bags, some beautifully kept school books and lots of fond memories to share with the girls.
At the toss St Hilda’s chose to field. History was made as the teams strode out to the wicket. Tight bowling by the southerners made runs hard to come by and Christchurch Girls’ were 4/32 at the drinks break. Some rear guard action from Lily Collier (22 not out) saw CGHS through to 81, all out in the 31st of 40 overs. Megan Meltzer was the main destroyer with four wickets for just 3 runs.
After a magnificent lunch under the oak trees, on white tabled clothed tables and comfortable chairs, the teams went through their warm-up routines. Olivia Gain and Megan Meltzer began in pursuit of the 82 runs required. The bowling was tight especially from captain Georgia Edge. Olivia and Megan batted effectively and lost the first wicket on 49 runs. Olivia anchored the innings and saw her team through to a seven wicket win and she finished on 43 not out (however the game did carry on after the victory was secured and Olivia was retired at 52, the first ever half century by a woman at The Willows).
The match was played in wonderful spirit with strong friendships established. It was lovely to have many members from The Willows Club present. As well, Sir Richard Hadlee, New Zealand cricket legend, current White Ferns captain Amy Satterthwaite and White Ferns fast bowler Lea Tahuhu spent the day in attendance and presented the awards. St Hilda’s won the inaugural Willows Rosebowl trophy. Olivia Gain was Player of the Match, and Megan Meltzer and Georgia Edge were also acknowledged for their team contributions. Olivia presented The Willows President Nick Davidson with a St Hilda’s “Baggy Blue” cricket cap to add to the collection across the rafters of the beautiful pavilion. I hope that it serves as a momento of the occasion and a talking point that girls have now officially graced the presence of the iconic club.
All in all, it was a splendid day. Over 20 supporters from Otago made their way north. Parents, grandparents and siblings of the girls had a wonderful day out. A great crowd enjoying the occasion. Thank you to everyone at The Willows for making this possible. We will cherish this game for ever. Special thanks to Mike and Winsome and Hamish for starting the ball rolling.