The Field of Dreams has been bedded down for another winter. It is time to reflect on another highly successful season.
As the season began it appeared that The Willows was heading for its worst season ever. Four games were lost on the trot. But then things were turned around and the club succeeded in winning all our remaining games. A total of 21 victories and four losses was a highly successful haul. Two games were lost to rain, which saved us from the annual ignominy from Hawkeswood Wanderers. A number of games could only take place because of the unstinting effort of the second assistant groundsman, and his many willing volunteers who, against all odds, were able to get the ground into a playable condition. This was particularly so in the game against Wellington College where a helicopter was used to dry the pitch. We are more used to such activities on the international arena!
As always, we are indebted to our sponsors: Dilmah, ASB, Mobil, Vero, and Tony Runacres and Associates. Their continued and generous support has been tremendously helpful to the Club. There was the usual outstanding contribution from Vincent Cusack and Peter Devlin, and our pitch must now rate as one of the best in the South Island. We extend our gratitude to Tony Campbell and all the others who assisted with scoring this season and over the years. Scoring is a thankless task, and those who undertake it, along with the umpires, are the unsung heroes’ week-in, week-out, not only at The Willows but in cricket games throughout New Zealand. Our umpires gave the sterling service we have come to expect but should never take for granted.
Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett once more graciously hosted two Willowers at Matfen. This longstanding relationship is of great importance to the Club, and even moreso to the fortunate recipients of the scholarship.
As I write, an Under 17 team representing The Willows is playing in Sri Lanka. That this tour took place is due to the enormous generosity of Merrill Fernando, his family and his Dilmah business. We have also had support from their New Zealand Manager, Nigel Scott, who represented Auckland in the 1980’s.
Unfortunately, a number of inbound tours had to be cancelled because of circumstances outside the control of The Willows. This caused considerable frustration to the Club, as in each case enormous preparatory work had been undertaken, including booking of accommodation, arranging special meals and putting in place appropriate fixtures. However, we are confident that next season we will host a tour from Sri Lanka, as part of our biennial arrangement. (The Emirates have replied they are not coming this year because of costs).
Once again we have been privileged to have the continued support of our Governor General, His Excellency Sir Anand Satyanand. His support of youth in general, cricket and The Willows concept in particular, is highly valued. Over the season we have had considerable input from a number of former players, and I know they will excuse me if I pay particular tribute to the support we have had from John Wright over the last 12 months. We continue to enjoy the support of Justin Vaughan and all at New Zealand Cricket, and the stalwarts at Canterbury Cricket.
Given the aims and principles of The Willows, I wish to recognise once again the outstanding support we received from all the schools that play at the ground, their coaches and their principals. It is that continued support that makes The Willows the unique place it is.
Finally, to the membership, both playing and non-playing, my personal thanks for your continued support. It can truly be said that without that support we are nothing. But it is given often and unstintingly, and makes us the special Club we are.