###Willowers all,
It is with a sense of honour and duty that I accepted the role of President of the Willows Cricket Club. The passing of Nick Davidson was a big loss to the New Zealand community, quite apart from his contribution to this community and Club, and he left enormous shoes to fill.
It was a privilege to attend the Ocean Beach fixture and be able to spend some time with Paul Rutledge to learn more about the full extent of The Willows programme. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the significant and pivotal role that Paul has taken on and continues to evolve in fulfilling the aspirations of Mike and the Dormer family. What has already been achieved is remarkable and I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to find new ways of maintaining and ultimately enhancing the legacy of The Willows Cricket Club.
The 2025/26 season was another successful one and I enjoyed the opportunity to gain greater insight into what makes this special club tick. It’s undoubtedly a team effort but I’d like to kick off by acknowledging the contributions of a few key people. First and foremost the Dormer family where it all started. Winsome has admirably picked up the mantle and added her own touch to maintaining the spirit of the Club. The next generation of Ben and Pete have ensured that the Club not only remains a priority but is also well resourced.
The Chairman Paul Rutledge has contributed endless hours of passion and competence, driving the club forward with a focus on but not limited to coaching. Alan Gilmour has applied his extensive experience and expertise to producing a Willows pitch that is of international standard. Darcy Palmer has donated endless hours of service, mowing and maintaining the surroundings of the ground. Jarrod Ward has gifted his carpentry skills to the club ensuring the pavilion is well maintained. Richard Cowles and John Mitchell have once again overseen the production of an annual report of the highest standard. Alistair Sheard for his expertise in making the books balance. Kirsty Bond for her inspiration within the Women’s programme. Tamai Sports for their service to the next generation and community.
The 2025/26 season had many highlights. The match reports will follow but I thought it worthwhile to mention a few achievements that stood out: Andrew Nuttall reached a personal milestone of 150 games for The Willows while Michael Singleton and Stan Woolliscroft reached 50 games. A number of loyal senior Willowers led the list for most appearances during the season: Tom Mušić (11), Carl Petersen (8) and Michael Singleton (7). Some travelled large distances for the privilege eg Joey Yovich from Whangarei and Mason Robinson who drove from Nelson to play on consecutive weekends.
In all, 26 games were played with another 4 rained off. Results: Won 14, lost 10, no result 2.
The Willows were beaten by: Wellington College, St Thomas of Canterbury, St Kevin’s College, North West Schools, Nelson College, St Andrew’s College, Waitaki BHS, Hutt International BS and two clubs: Crusaders XI and Hawkswood Wanderers.
Individual Honours: Centuries to Stephen Murdoch, Dan Vann, Flynn Brookland, James Jacques and Paul Russell. Matched by 5 centuries from the opposition. 1,000 runs aggregate: achieved by Michael Singleton.
One 5 wicket bag by Willower Hugo Davison (5/45) compared to three by opponents including 5/40 by Andrew Nuttall playing for Hawkswood Wanderers.
Key awards went to:
Shadbolt Trophy (Junior Willower)
James Jacques 103* v Marlborough Boys’ College
Winsome Dormer Cup (Women)
Ciara Hartland 61* & 3-for v St Margaret’s College
49ers Cup
North West Schools XI
Kindred Cup
The Willows Cricket Club
Our international relations were reinforced with the hosting of I Zingari and Blackbridge CC (Australia).
Another two Arundel scholars, Alistair Derry and Felix Nielsen, have been selected and links maintained with Matfen courtesy of an Ian Pilkington visit in February. All four visiting UK lads (from Matfen and Arundel) have represented The Willows together on occasions. These exchanges are the most powerful way of accelerating the personal and career development of the individuals lucky enough to receive them as many current Black Caps would attest to.
Long story short: the Willows Cricket Club is well placed and delivering exactly the outcomes it was designed for whilst simultaneously considering new initiatives, such as the reinstatement of the Emu and Kiwi fixtures for both men and women.
One of the challenges confronting the club is ensuring that we can continue to fund the future without compromising what makes The Willows experience unique and special. We are very reliant on a few capable, invested people, in particular our Board and need to ensure that any initiatives are quality oriented as opposed to quantity. Put another way, maximum impact with minimum resource.
Thank you to you all for your contribution to the legacy of this great club.
Floreant Salices
Robbie Deans
President