The Board

Born in Timaru and attended Waimataitai Primary School. He graduated LLB (Hons) University of Canterbury, practised with Duncan Cotterill and Young Hunter, and has been King’s Counsel (formerly Queen’s Counsel), since 1996, practising from Chambers in Christchurch and Auckland. His work over 50 years covers a full spectrum, including criminal, family, professional indemnity, resource management, fraud prosecution, trust and contractual work. He was engaged in two Commissions of Inquiry, into the Wine Box on behalf of the Serious Fraud Office, and the families of the men who died in the Pike River Mine. Apart from membership of professional tribunals he has been heavily involved with sport including National Commissioner for New Zealand Cricket, Deputy Chair New Zealand Sports Tribunal (founding member) over three terms, member of the SANZAR judicial panel, World Rugby appeal panel, Investigatory Chamber of FIFA Ethics Commission. Appointed to the High Court based in Christchurch, retiring December 2018. Played cricket for St Andrew’s College First XI, College House, the Highfield Cricket Club (Timaru), Burnside West University, Old Collegians, London New Zealand, and Valley of Peace the Long Hops (touring team). President of The Willows since 2019, he resides near Matakana in the Rodney District of Auckland, with wife Rosie, children and grandchildren nearby. Trustee 180 Degrees Trust for youth at risk and former Fellow College House.

Currently the Chairman of The Willows, Paul is a former first-class player who had a substantial senior cricket career with over 200 matches for St Albans. He also represented New Zealand Schoolboys (U19) as a young cricketer. In his personal life, he is happily married to Megan and is the proud father of two adult children, Caitlin and Abby, all of whom have been steadfast supporters of the Willows for a significant period. He’s also a proud Grandad to Samuel. Throughout the years, he has been honoured to serve the club. His commitment to building upon the club’s legacy, continuing the work initiated by MED, and advancing the Willows within the cricketing community and among member schools remains unwavering.

Jeremy attended Christchurch Boys’ High between 2009 and 2013, where he was the 1st XI Captain and a 2013 Willows Sri Lankan Tourist. He has then gone on to play for New Zealand U19’s, Canterbury, & Munster. He is currently player coach for the Weedons Premier side. Jeremy grew up in Culverden on the family farm and works for BCITO where he also has experience in the Social Media, Marketing, and Comms space.

Alistair Sheard- Retired Chartered Accountant Treasurer of The Willows Cricket Club since 2010 Married to Margaret with 2 sons, and 2 grandchildren. Played Cricket For High School Old Boys 3 rd grade for 4 years after leaving Boys High School. Returned to play for 30 Years when High School Old Boys President B grade formed. Participated in trips with Clarrie Anderson to Golden Oldies Festivals in Brisbane, Christchurch, Sydney, Vancouver, Rotorua, and Birmingham

With his office in the club pavilion, Ben is ideally situated to oversee our ground in conjunction with former NZC Head of Turf Alan Gilmour. Ben won three Blues at Twickenham for Cambridge University, has represented the Barbarians, Australian Universities, Crusader Colts and is a member of the MCC. He is married to Georgie and has two young boys Angus and Ted who keep him on his toes!

Former Canterbury Magician 1985-1996 & White Fern 1988 and 1996. First woman to score a double century in tests, 204 v England at Scarborough, 1996. After playing days have been involved with cricket in a variety of spheres; NZ Selector, Head Coach Canterbury Magicians & U 19 teams, coached Premier Women, Division 1 & U 16 teams at St Albans C.C. Currently on the Board of Christchurch Metro Cricket Association. Occupation Teacher. Mother to Sam (24) who doesn’t play cricket but has a golf handicap of 2 and Tom (20) who is ‘living the dream’ in England playing cricket for the Blackheath C.C and hockey for the Guildford H.C in Surrey.

As a foundation member of The Willows I have been involved with the club for 30 years now. While harder to compete with the schoolboys these days my focus is playing Veterans cricket for Canterbury. Our Canterbury Over 60 team has won 6 consecutive Provincial titles and gone 28 games to date undefeated. I have always enjoyed huge support from my wife of 34 years Mayzie in my cricket endeavours, our children David (31) and Stephanie (28) live in Christchurch and who knows grandchildren may be arriving soon. Some cricket highlights – scoring over 2000 runs at the Willows and almost 11,000 for my Saturday club Heathcote. Was lucky enough to tour Singapore/UK and Holland in 2017 with several other Willows team mates. My son David is a keen cricketer as well, so this season we hope to play some games at the Willows together.

Richard has been a member of the Willows since 1998. He played most of his club cricket in Christchurch with Old Boys at senior (premier) level and still plays some games for Old Boys ‘Collegians Presidents grade as well as the Willows. Richard is married to Erin and their son Samuel is also a Willows playing member. Richard has practiced law in Christchurch since 1994 and currently works for the Public Defence Service based in Christchurch with his role encompassing work in Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Richard’s role on the Board includes player liaison and he would welcome contact from any players about any aspects of playing cricket at The Willows.

A playing member of The Willows CC since 2002 and Match Manager of the St Thomas of Canterbury College fixture. An old boy of Shirley Boy’s High School and have recently transitioned into Medical Device Sales after a decade in Sport Administration. I’m really excited to join the Board for the 2023/24 season, where my focus will be on leading The Willows Scholarships providing 1st XI school leavers the opportunity to play cricket in the UK paying forward the privilege I once received as a Dormer-Blackett Scholarship recipient to Matfen in 2005.

With a history dating back to 2009 as a Willows Tourist and progressing through the age group ranks of Canterbury’s under 20’s and Canterbury Country Senior sides, my cricketing journey reflects my deep passion for the sport. Beyond the cricket field, I serve as a Senior Insurance Broker at Hazlett Insurance Brokers. In my personal life, I have a supportive partner named Sinead and a young son, Walter. As the Head of Sponsorship, I am committed to driving our club’s success by forging meaningful relationships and fostering a vibrant cricketing community.