On Tuesday evening October 28th 2003, a most successful dinner dedicated to School 1 st XI cricketers was held in the St Bede’s College dining room.
Nearly 200 boys representing 14 schools from Canterbury, Otago, Marlborough and Nelson enjoyed a delicious meal , musical items from the Burnside High School Bel Canto Choir and Skylite Trio and addresses from the guest speakers Gavin Larsen and Stephen Boock.
Gavin Larsen stressed that 1st XI cricket is the peak attainment for many boys but for those who aspire to Senior Club cricket or even provincial or international teams, they need to set high goals. Then they need to set about getting there by pursuing excellence with determination and commitment. This will require extra practice beyond the normal and some sacrifice. Gavin was confident the future of New Zealand cricket was in good hands if the young men present were prepared to “put in the hard yards and support their team mates unreservedly”.
Stephen Boock reminded cricketers that ‘preparation makes performance’ and that attending to the small things dress, punctuality, behaviour and self discipline are what make a good, or even great, team. Stephen emphasised that self-analysis and honesty are as important to team members as to the coach. He reminded boys that friendship and camaraderie are the main reasons for playing sport and that there is no room for selfishness.in the game we all love.
The Willows Club acknowledges the generous support for the evening from Alan Seay of Meridian Energy, the ASB Bank, Justin Boyle (Rector of St Bede’s), Malcolm Ellis, Hon. Justice Hansen, Waiter Hadlee, Derek Burrell and the numerous other Willowers who helped run a most enjoyable evening. In particular, special thanks are due to the two guest speakers.