When every good cricketer has had his day it’s out to pasture you go. What better place than the Elysian fields adjoining The Willows at Loburn.
Now that I have played my last competitive game, I recollect the start of it all; in particular, my first provincial involvement in the mid 1 960’s. For a kid out of the Waikato it was a privilege and an honour, over ensuing decades, to play with and against men of the calibre of: Brian Hastings, Graham Dowling, Cran Bull, Murray Parker, David Stead, the Hadlees and hosts of others. To be associated again, with the advent of the Willows in 1994, has been one of life’s added little bonuses. Together we are in awe and admiration at the achievements of Michael in fulfilling a dream. We applaud, too, the guiding principle of the Club which is to inculcate in the young a respect for the traditions of the game.
Affirming Youth and Working for the Future
Just as players must, inevitably in time, move to the category of non-playing member, so must our affiliated clubs move on. it is particularly pleasing to see the injection of youth and new talent into sides like the Cavaliers, Craz, Suburban XI and even the mighty Hawkswood. Not only is this good for the game but revitalisation ensures the continued survival of cricket clubs in an age of conflicting pressures and demands. More secondary schools than ever before are playing at the Willows (22 schools are represented every season) and requests from other 1st XI is for inclusion in tour fixture list continue to stack up. This youthful renaissance has unquestionably added to the quality of our operation. This season we have seen wonderful young cricketers like Tim McCiean from Southland Boys’ High School, score a century and Richard Abbott, from
Rangiora High School, take 5 for 32 ( a performance that gained him the prestigious Shadbolt Trophy). We acknowledge that Tim, Richard and the other top youngsters would not be able to perform at such a high level without the dedicated work of some excellent (but sadly a dwindling number) coaches and sports masters throughout our schools.
While mentioning successful individuals who have graced our ground, we also congratulate members of the Shirley Boys’ High School 1 st XI for being judged the team that put up the most meritorious performance against the Willows in 2002-3. They are deservedly the recipient school of the 49'ers Cup. This is a great effort for a side that Robbie and Steve have both worked hard to develop.
The Willows Foundation Trust
In March 2003 our beloved Patron, Waiter Hadlee, launched an appeal to establish a capital fund to set the Willows on a firm and permanent financial footing. As a cricket club we are blessed with fantastic assets. That extends from quality personnel through to a superbly appointed ground. We are all, therefore, duty bound to work for the long term survival of the Club. The success of this Trust will ensure that the Willows can continue to do what it was founded to do viz to preserve and promote the true ethos of the game of cricket, with an emphasis on fostering that spirit in the young.
Events on and off the field
Interestingly, two bogeys dog the playing side of the Club. One is that Roger Macfarlane continues to bring a side that defeats the best the Willows can muster (7 wins out of 9 games have now gone the way of Hawkswood). The fearsome multi-coloured Willows cap with its awesomely bright teal, navy and mauve stripes may terrify the livestock, the corgis, and young children out there but na'er that Mr Macfarlane.
Equally as curious is the fact that in all its glorious history, the Willows has never won a single away fixture (7-zip before this season). What happened this year at John Gardner’s ground? Just as the Diana Trophy was being packed into a car for a famous short return journey to Loburn the rain came to save Flaxton’s 100% home record. They had their last pair (old friends Hamish Loe, better known for his rugby prowess and Don Parsons, farmer and No.11 bat) at the crease and a massive 153 runs needed to top the Willows score.
Overall, results-wise, we fared well but of greater significance is the warmth, fun and friendliness that our opponents bring each Sunday. Thanks to all visiting teams for that on-going support and goodwill.
During a busy season we get the “highs” and “lows”. The “highs” abound and rightfully feature in the match reports that follow. The “lows” can vary from:
upsetting injuries (like the compound fracture that Warren Eddington suffered and Geoff Smith’s broken nose, etc), to
the hefty fine that Jacob Wolt incurred by travelling through Rangiora at 80km/h in a 50km zone, to
evasive action taken by Peter Nancarrow to avoid a flying mattress in a North West gale, that caused the loss of the front panel on Gaile’s prized Audi; to
Derek Burrell and Stuart Stevens being run out without facing a ball.
Quality Cricket Wickets
Vince Cusack and Peter Devlin continue to ensure that we have top quality wickets to play on. Early season centuries by current senior club and representative players is always a good sign. On one Saturday (26 October to be specific) the CCA senior club sides of Riccarton and Burnside WU were bowled out for paltry 23 and 49 respectively. The next day (Sunday 27 October) out at the Willows we had a score of 217 for 4 from 39 overs. Rep players lain Robertson (100) and Carl Anderson (65) relished the superior batting conditions provided. lt is pleasing to note too that Peter’s own batting average goes up season by season and is now a creditable 38.6.
A Large Team to Thank
To host 26 games in a season is a huge undertaking. To do that to the highest standard, year after year, takes good team work and loyal support. Fellow Willowers and their families join me in thanking the “real workers” that make our club what it is today.
A special vote of thanks goes to: Eisa Edgar (gardener), Jan Whittington (clerical), lsabel McRae (membership secretary), Richard Cowles (publications), John Whitty (catering), Miller family (pavilion maintenance, match preparation and BBO), Vince Cusack and Peter Devlin (grounds), Tony Campbell (scoring), the team selectors, Eddie Brownlee (umpire liaison) and finally and significantly Peter Nancarrow (our inspirational host and flag bearer for the Willows). Each person mentioned has been with us for a
now. long time That jloyalty and expertise you bring is a vital factor in the triumph that is the story of the
Willows Cricket Club.
Conclusion
Pasture beckons. Stumps have been drawn on a cricket career. 1 take solace in those wonderful words, written by Neville Cardus:
it was all over and gone now, as I stood on the little field alone in the glow of the declining day. “The passing of summer,” I thought. “There can be no summer in this land without cricket"*
In a few short months, cricket returns for the members of the Willows Cricket Club. it will be an anniversary season, the tenth in our short history. May we all strengthen in our resolve to provide quality cricket, played hard, with a generosity of spirit and a commitment to be good role models for the next generation of cricketers who are invited to enjoy our delightful cricket environment.
it has been an honour to preside over such a special Club.