Following our success in the inaugural season last year, The Willows entered the second season of the national Kindred Cricket Competition, determined to defend our title!
Involving twelve clubs throughout New Zealand similar to The Willows, the Kindred Cricket Competition consists of teams of over 35-year- olds playing three ‘conference’ matches throughout the season, followed by a finals weekend in Wellington at the end of February.
Prior to Christmas we managed to secure two wins from our three conference matches; against Nelson Ramblers (Nelson) by default and Hawkswood Wanderers (match report page 21). The loss came at the hands of United Country & Vineyards (Blenheim). We had done enough to secure a place in the finals weekend.
Thanks to some expat Willowers living in Wellington (Jimad Khan, Sam Foley, and Maulik Patel) we pulled together a strong Willows side.
In the Quarter Final we played Harberdashers CC (Wairarapa) who batted first posting 197 off their 20 overs, with their opener scoring a superb century. Chris Mugford was the pick of our bowlers. We reached the required total with one ball to spare, five wickets down, with runs from Sam Foley (70) supported by Jonathan Davidson and Tim McConnell. Unfortunately, we also lost our first player to injury with Hugo Davison pulling a hammy. Such is over-35s cricket!
In the semi-final we were up against Wellington Wanderers including ex-internationals Richard Petrie and Hamish Marshall. Batting first this time we posted 202/8 with runs from Adam Hastilow (75) with support again by Jonathan Davidson (53) and Tim McConnell (38). In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, Wellington was bowled out for 97, with wickets for Chris Nicholson (4/22), Chris O’Connell (3/18) and Maulik Patel (2/15).
And so the 2020 final was an all South Island affair against new rivals United Country & Vineyards, who had given us a hiding back in November. Despite early wickets, The Willows middle order really fired, reaching over 200 for the third time in the tournament. Runs again for Adam Hastilow (56), Sam Foley (35) and Jonathan Davidson (42*). We were again very good with the ball, and Vineyards were dismissed for 102, with wickets shared around.
And so The Willows went back-to-back in the Kindred Competition, with Adam Hastilow and Chris Nicholson deservedly making the Tournament Team. The trophy was once again paraded around Courtenay Place by the players in their Willows blazers well into the small hours!
Special thanks to Sam Foley who not only turned down a family wedding to play, but pulled both hammies in the process and turned up to the reception later unable to walk!
If anyone (over 35) is keen to be involved next season, please let the Club know. It’s a lot of fun and a great chance for ‘older’ players to reconnect with old friends and play some competitive cricket against their peers and have a few beers and a laugh.