Willowers All,
In this annual report I want to make particular note of the contribution made to the club by its Associate, or non-playing, members. The focus of the annual report has always been on the playing side, but without the assistance and continued support of these local Associate Members, the club would not be nearly as successful as it is. It is their contribution that ensures everything happens at The Willows, and that games and other functions proceed smoothly. They assist with maintenance, fundraising, functions and administration. Our continued existence depends on them. In particular I would like to publicly thank Isabel and John McRae who have maintained the membership list since inception and are responsible for all mail outs. A tremendous task that I am sure all members truly appreciate.
The season just past was one of the most challenging, weather-wise, for The Willows. We were faced with a very wet spring and autumn, which was a challenge for the groundsmen (who have always met the challenge) and players as well. It was not a season for batsmen, and the bowlers delighted in the seam-friendly conditions. Notwithstanding that, Dave Kelly still managed to score two tons in the season.
As always, I wish to thank our umpires. I note that Howard Fowler this season notched up his fiftieth game. He joins an elite group, of Terry McLisky (87), Graeme Evans (79), John Elley (66), Bernie Hamilton (59) and Eddie Brownlee (58). We played 24 games, managing to win 12 and lose 12. Congratulations to Brad Doody and Tim McConnell, who reached their thousand runs.
The annual Children’s Christmas party was again an outstanding success. There were many activities for the children to enjoy, including face painters, pony rides, the bouncy castle, the Salvation Army Band and the police. Ice cream, candy floss, popcorn and barbecued sausages were constantly in demand. In excess of 300 children attended, and all received wrapped presents.
Our many and generous sponsors make all our activities possible. Our thanks to Dilmah Tea, Archibalds, ASB Bank, Vero Insurance, Mobil Oil, Runacres and Associates, Independent Fisheries, Charles Wiffen Wines, Placemakers, and Harcourts Twiss in Rangiora. I would urge all members to support our sponsors, because it is their ongoing support that continues to make the club viable.
We know that The Willows is all about youth cricket, and without the input from the many schools that play at the club we would not have enjoyed the success we have in improving young cricketers. We are sincerely grateful to all the principals who make that possible, and the First XI coaches, support crew, parents and the boys that make the First XI games so highly successful.
Scholars 29 and 30, Alex Tait from Southland Boys’ High School, and William O’Brien from Burnside High School, are now at Matfen to enjoy a season in the north of England. Sir Hugh and Lady Anna have proved to be truly remarkable hosts over the past 14 years. The club, and all the boys who have enjoyed the scholarships, owe them a great debt for their continued support and assistance to this programme, which is one of the jewels in The Willows’ crown.
Once more there was a successful tour of Sri Lanka, managed in exemplary style by Paul McEwan. This year he was supported by Garry MacDonald from Nelson College and Keryn Ambler from Canterbury Cricket, who were the assistant coaches.
We acknowledge a member, Major Campbell Roberts, from the Salvation Army, who made the last three in the New Zealander of the Year award. One of our most enthusiastic members over the years has been the Rev Mike Hawke, and we congratulate him on his induction as Dean of Nelson Cathedral. Another member, His Honour. Judge Andrew Becroft was appointed to the challenging role of Children’s Commissioner. We wish him well in this critical role.
Three Willowers, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls and Matthew Henry, represented New Zealand. Another, Andrew Ellis, successfully led Canterbury to victory in winning both The Plunket Shield and The Ford Trophy for the season. Peter Fulton, a very supportive member over the years and a former Canterbury captain, retired from first-class cricket after a stellar career with both New Zealand and Canterbury. We look forward to seeing him even more regularly at The Willows in the coming seasons. While I will not list the names of the 65 boys who have been lucky enough to tour with The Willows Cricket Club youth programme, there have been four Black Caps, 23 first-class players, and five in the last New Zealand Under-19 World Cup team. It shows the value of The Willows tour programme, but also The Willows’ approach and dedication to supporting youth cricket.
I mentioned earlier the umpires who have stood in 50 games or more at The Willows. But in singling them out, I would not like it be thought that we overlooked those other umpires and scorers who officiated throughout the season. Our support from the Christchurch and Country Umpires Associations has been truly outstanding since the formation of the club. Few cricket clubs can boast fully qualified umpires standing at both ends throughout the entire season.
I have mentioned previously the problem of players, especially younger ones, pulling out of Sunday games at the last minute. While the situation improved considerably this season, there is still a communication issue. The club’s communications have improved enormously, in particular due to the great work by John Hammond of Beck and Caul who has dragged us, not without protestation, into the digital age. The club is now active online and on Facebook, and text, emails and telephone are all used to ensure an XI turn out on Sunday. We have also introduced a system where the responsibility for putting the XI on the field falls to the captain. As I said, all this has led to a considerable improve- ment, but communication is a two-way street, and if a selected member does have any issues or problems about turning out, it is their obligation to contact their captain and the club as early as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made.
All members will be aware of the splendid work a fellow member, Alex Reese, does with his Cricket Live Foundation. It is pleasing to see the publicity he has received over the last 12 months. Just to remind you, in Sri Lanka he has in the vicinity of 450 boys under his care, with support from a number of other Willows members. The programme uses cricket to ensure that disadvantaged children learn both cricket and life skills. Alex is hopeful of expanding this into India, and has obtained approval from the Tata Group to plan the implementation of such an academy in Mumbai later this year. To support each of these disadvantaged children costs $300 per year. If any Willows member wishes to contribute to this extremely worthwhile programme, they can do so by contacting Alex Reese, c/- PO Box 22633, Christchurch. In that way you can effectively adopt a boy in Sri Lanka or India to develop their cricket and their life skills.
Finally, in my report this year, I want to make a comment on the need to do all that is possible to assist and improve the coaching of cricket in schools. This particularly relates to secondary schools. It is an area where, within our limited means, The Willows has assisted and participated in the past. However, The Willows is keen to see a concerted, co-operative and co-ordinated approach to this issue between New Zealand Cricket, the major and minor associations and clubs. We consider there needs to be more recognition that our future first-class and international players will come through the school system, and assistance to coaches and coaching in this area is not only a worthwhile investment, but an essential one. The Willows commits itself enthusiastically to any such critical initiative.