JR Reid and the ’49ers remembered
This photograph of the Christchurch Boys' High School 1st XI plus dignitaries was taken on Sunday the 15th November 2020 to acknowledge the death of John R Reid, OBE. Reid was the youngest member of the successful 1949 cricket Tour to the UK, captained by the late Walter Hadlee, CBE. In attendance were Sir Richard Hadlee and his three cricketing brothers — Barry, Dayle and Martin — all of whom attended, like their father, Christchurch Boys' High School. Also in the photograph is the current Headmaster of the school, Mr Nic Hill. Sir Richard confirmed that the ethos of The Willows was based on the values displayed by the ’49ers both during and after their tour. Walter Hadlee is the Patron in perpetuity of The Willows Cricket Club.
North v South Over-50s
On 26th February 2021 The Willows hosted the first of two inter-island matches for Over-50s players. The South Island won a thrilling low-scoring match. Chasing just 113 runs they just scraped home for a two wicket victory. Top performances on the day came from Scott Mason (4/25) and Andrew Hore (40) for the South and from Adrian Dale (44) and Neil Ronaldson (5/29) for the North. Two days later the North squared the ledger at the Heathcote Club with a strong 7 wicket win. Over-50s honours were thereby shared after a busy weekend schedule.
New drinks trolley
In late February the Club took possession of its new acquisition, a tuk tuk ex-Sri Lanka. It was sourced by Ben Dormer from Tauranga. As an added bonus the previous owner was able to kindly transport it by trailer down to us negating a hefty freight cost. Appropriately, the Dilmah Tea logo and picture of their founder Merrill J Fernando adorn the side of the tuk tuk. We also acknowledge the wonderful support of Michael Watt, a long-time benefactor to New Zealand Cricket, in working with Ben to procure our new pride and joy! The only one like it in the country.
St Kevin’s connections
St Kevin’s connections: (L-R) Craig Smith, Old Boy, teacher and coach, Lance Ryan OB 1967-69, Bob Wills OB and 3+ years in 1st XI in 1940s, David Reid match umpire and OB 1971-74 and Trevor Thornton OB 1964-68.