As autumn drifts over The Willows Jaguar Oval at Loburn, members are left to ponder the triumphs and disasters of the last season.
The standard of cricket at the ground continued to be outstanding, and there were many exciting and tight finishes. As always, the game against the Governor-General’s XI was a highlight, and we acknowledge the former New Zealand representatives playing for us. We, and they, managed another win. Our thanks to His Excellency for once more being so supportive of youth, youth cricket and The Willows. The night before the game, a splendid dinner was hosted by Simon Leese, headmaster of Christ’s College, in their beautifully restored dining room.
The sympathy and condolences of the whole Club are extended to Andrew and Anne-Marie McRae for their tragic loss. Our thoughts go out to them.
This year the Club was visited by the Hong Kong Cricket Club, whose victory partially compensated for the trouncing received by Craigengower Cricket Club a number of years ago. Unfortunately, the redoubtable Rodney Miles did not accompany the Hong Kong tour, so could not add this victory to his list of overseas triumphs. We were also visited by the I Zingari XI from Australia, and the Evan Gray organised Wellington Wanderers Youth XI.
Our sixth youth tour to Sri Lanka was preceded by two matches in Bangkok against the Thai Under-19 XI and included matches at Galle, Colombo and Kandy.
For the first time, our great friend Merrill Fernando was accompanied by both his sons, Dilhan and Malik, when they visited Christchurch together, and as always it was a privilege to see them and enjoy their company.
The Wellington College First XI visit was accompanied by their headmaster, Roger Moses, and included such personalities as Doug Catley, Don Neely and John Morrison, courtesy of Mr Catley’s private jet.
Once again the Christmas party was an outstanding success. It is always a privilege to bring so much joy and happiness to so many disadvantaged children. We had the assistance of the police, and the presence of the Salvation Army Band was an added attraction. Santa Claus did his rounds, chased by adoring fans (more attracted to the sweets than to Santa, perhaps).
This is a very important occasion in The Willows calendar, and one that grows year by year. Its success is due not only to the visiting parents and children, but the strong support received from The Willows membership, many of whom happily volunteer to undertake necessary tasks on the day. I am grateful to them.
We note the success of the Christchurch Boys’ High School First XI in winning the Gillette Cup for the second time in succession. Also, it is appropriate to congratulate the Canterbury Country Cricket team, who not only won the Hawke Cup, but defended it successfully against North Otago. A number of Willows members were part of the victorious Canterbury side that retained the Plunket Shield under the coaching of Gary Stead who, with the captain Peter Fulton, have been long-term members of the Club.
A number of our young members who have been on tours to the subcontinent with Paul McEwan have progressed in their cricket to the stage of representing their provinces. This is an outstanding achievement, and no doubt reflects lessons learnt in that kind of touring environment and the exposure to quality spin bowling.
It would be remiss not to mention the outstanding achievements of our World Cup side, so ably led by Brendon McCullum. It was great to see Brendon earlier in the season when, during his rest time, he took the trouble to attend The Willows to see his old school XI (Kings of Dunedin) playing. The national team did wonderfully well to advance to the final, with scintillating and courageous cricket. Our particular congratulations to two Willows members who were part of the squad: Tom Latham and Matt Henry.
Perhaps the most notable cricketing event on the local calendar did not feature any playing of the game. Rather, it was the opening of the Hagley Oval by the Prime Minister as a high quality, boutique test venue. Added to that, the Hadlee connection was continued with the naming of the pavilion, prior to the first test to be played there, as the Hadlee Pavilion. This took place at a star- studded dinner where Sir Richard delivered the first Spirit of Cricket oration. Then followed a splendid test match, highlighted by Brendon McCullum’s 195, but better was to follow. Due to the good officers of Cricket World Cup, and the assiduous work of Cran Bull and Lee Germon, Christchurch was awarded the opening ceremony and the first game. They are to be congratulated for their efforts. The thanks of the cricket community must also be extended to Lee Robinson, as Chairman of the Canterbury Cricket Trust, and his fellow trustees, who raised the necessary funding to pay for the pavilion development.
Over this last season the Club has made earnest endeavours to improve its communication to members. We now have a good website, and electronic communication. A great deal of this work has been carried out by John Hammond, and our thanks go to him. Regular reports have been posted online by Jim Stringleman, along with a regular newsletter. As always, Rex Hayward has provided many photographs – both online and in our annual report.
Finally, can I make a plea to those few members who we have to chase for subscriptions. They are a modest $30 per season, and it is all spent in advancing the development of youth cricket. For every member who doesn’t pay, that is money that cannot be used for that purpose. So please assist the Club, and the Committee, by paying subs promptly.