Cricket at The Willows ended on a spectacular note. A warm autumn led to the final game against the Governor General’s XI. We were graced by the presence of His Excellency the Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand, who was delighted to see his team triumph over the former New Zealand representatives, representing The Willows. The Beige Oldies were well on track with a score of 7/109, but then an outstanding partnership of 152 between Tim Muir, the Captain of the Youth Team, and Peter Young-Husband saw the Governor General’s Team achieve a total of 261.
Despite runs from Nathan Astle and an elegant knock from Evan Gray, we fell well short. The evening before, a splendid dinner was held at the Christchurch Club, attended by His Excellency, Lady Susan Satyanand and all the players.
Overall, The Willows enjoyed an extremely successful season. However, we did suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of my old school, Otago Boys’ High School. This was due to the best bowling ever against The Willows by Tom Rutherford (son of Ken) who took 7 for 20!
The Willows’ members are a diverse and talented group. Our team, that fronted against King’s High School from Dunedin, was typical. A farmer, a sales executive, young men studying engineering, commerce, electronics, animal implant science, medicine and law comprised our side. The Captain was Cambridge Graduate Joe Bennett.
Once again, the club was beholden to our sponsors, Dilmah, ASB, Mobil, Vero and Tony Runacres and Associates. Their continued and generous support enables the club to continue to flourish. In particular, the continued sponsorship of Dilmah enabled The Willows to tour Sri Lanka, and a Sri Lankan team to visit New Zealand.
A personal highlight for me was the fact that The Willows hosted warm-up games for the Under 19 World Cup. I was fortunate to be present when Hong Kong took on the USA for probably the first time ever at any level. I was delighted that Hong Kong won and that three of their team were sons of former teammates or opponents during my stint in Hong Kong. It was even better that two of them performed with distinction.
The work of Vincent Cusack and Peter Devlin enhanced the reputation of our pitch that brings a rich bounty of runs every year, but gives accurate and skilful bowlers every opportunity. Once more we were blessed by the willing sacrifice of many umpires who stood at the ground throughout the season. My gratitude also extends to Tony Campbell and Rod Abbott the scorers. I said last year that it is easy within cricket in New Zealand to take umpires and scorers for granted, and I repeat that all players should value the input of these important participants.
Once more there were two lucky Willowers who were graciously hosted by Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett at Matfen, and this opportunity is one that is highly prized by young cricketers. Our support from New Zealand Cricket and Canterbury Cricket has been unwavering, and we have a great relationship with Canterbury Country Cricket. We are fortunate for the level of assistance we receive.
Last year I recognised the outstanding support we received from all the schools that play at the ground, their coaches and Principals. It was a delight to be able to host and recognise a number of them at a biennial dinner at St Bede’s. We were informed and entertained by our guest speaker, Chris Laidlaw, and by the question and answer session between Garth Gallaway and Nathan Astle.
Recently I was fortunate enough to attend four days of the Basin Reserve test against Australia. The occasion was organised by that Willower extraordinaire, Don Neely MBE. Due to the generosity of another Willower, Sir Ron Brierley, there were a number of former New Zealand and Australian players present. Many were Willowers. It was a privilege to meet the likes of Alan Davidson, Neil Harvey, Bobby Simpson and Ashley Mallett and to chat with Barry Jarman and the two batsmen who featured in that extraordinary tied game against the West Indies, Ian Meckiff and Lindsay Kline. The runout as they tried to scramble a win led to the first tie in history. These former players who were present at the Basin Reserve all represented the very best traditions of the game.
My personal thanks to the membership, both playing and non-playing, for their sterling support of the Club. It is support that is never forgotten, and we look forward to welcoming you to Loburn next season, and of that continued support.