Pre-season hit out
The oval provided an ideal setting for a warm-up match between the Lancaster Park CC Premier side and Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XI. It proved an entertaining run-fest with both sides relishing an excellent playing strip. It was a pleasure to welcome back so many top players well known to Willowers from both previous tours and/or 1st XI matches.
CGHS turns the table in the Rosebowl match
To avenge their 2019 defeat in the inaugural women’s match, Christchurch Girls’ High School 1st XI had a convincing start-of-season victory over arch-rivals St Hilda’s Collegiate School (Dunedin) 1st XI.
On a bitterly cold October Thursday a rebuilding St Hilda’s side were asked to bat first. They were soon in trouble and limped through to be dismissed for 69. J Meltzer (23) was the only player to reach double figures. Wickets were shared with three to A McKissock and a brace each for G Edge, M Martin and K Hastings. CGHS made short work of the chase, reaching the target just one wicket down, with C Liddington (34) and J Hull (29 not out) contributing. At one match apiece it will be all on in 2021!
Congratulations to Life Members
Julie and Paul McEwan were last year joint recipients of Rotary’s premier award, a Paul Harris Fellow for their long-standing work and support for the Neonatal Unit Trust Fund. Together they formed a trust to support sick and premature babies, their families, nurse education and to purchase equipment for the unit at Christchurch Women’s Hospital.
We also wish Julie and Paul well as they relocate to Wanaka and enjoy a new chapter together in the wonderful Lakes District. Their contribution to The Willows has been immense from the very start.
Umpires and scorers
Howard Fowler and Dave Stuthridge both work tirelessly to ensure we have a full quota of umpires and scorers respectively to meet our fixture needs. We are very well served and grateful for the full coverage provided. 28 different umpires have officiated during the season. Those on multiple occasions include: Omkar Joshi, Dave Miller, Tony Scott and Mark Wood (4 matches), David Reid, Dallas McIlraith, and Duncan Blackstock (3), Dean Arps, David Stuthridge and Mark Dexter (2).
Those who have done a wonderful job managing our scorebook on multiple occasions in 2020/21 include: Jim Henderson (5 matches), Tony Doherty (4), Tony Feely and Nicola Blue (3), Ann McLeod, Rob Seabourn and Sandra Steere (2).
Grateful thanks to all umpires and scorers who have given their valued service to the club. The players certainly appreciate it.
National champions
Congratulations to Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XI who won the 2020 Gillette Cup and to Christchurch Girls’ High School 1st XI who won the 2020 Gillette Venus Cup. Both teams went through their national tournaments undefeated and won many matches by convincing margins.
Youth coaching clinics
We ended 2020 on a high with a two day coaching clinic run by club member Dan Vann from Evolution Sports Coaching at the fantastic facilities of Mainpower Oval. A fine group of 46 young men (12–16 year olds) made the most of the two days, working on both their physical skills and also their mental game. We were privileged to have the wisdom and knowledge of Former Blackcaps player and coach John Wright as well as a number of other excellent coaches (Dan Vann, Adam Hastilow, Alister Collins, Mike Johnston and Mitch Hay). Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to a bigger and better clinic in 2021!
Junior development match
We were fortunate and grateful to be able to play a junior development match at The Willows in December courtesy of Dan Vann. This was an opportunity for the boys to play at the ground, to showcase their skills and to learn about the game and its traditions. At The Willows cricketers from all walks of life and ability come together to play the game and help develop youth cricket. We had a range of ages from young Alex Yardley (filling in for a late withdrawal) who is only 9 playing with and against kids as old as 14 (with some careful bowling match-ups). It proved a memorable day.