The Valley Of Peace Cricket Club Inc.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Category: Match Reports (page 3 of 8)

Valley of Peace vs Swannanoa Cricket Club, 30th Jan 2022

Arousing to the cicadas chirping early on game day Sunday is always a welcoming sign for a quality day of cricket. The scene was set and arriving at the Valley of Peace ground is always a sentimental moment. Picture perfect with blue sky, dappled sun across the pitch and the outfield lush, green and mowed to symmetrical perfection.

The fixture against the Swannanoa Cricket Club is always a challenge. Hardened Saturday players who fight to the end as valid competitors; we were not disappointed.

Winning the toss the Valley inserted Swannanoa CC, for no other tactical reason other than being closest to the bar for the afternoon session. We were a confident bowling squad who bowled deep. The original VoP team had been decimated for COVID 19 reasons losing five players on the Monday prior, following the new traffic light changes. Full credit to Hugo Davison for assisting in completing the team. Several players were on debut, including Jonty Dalziel, Jaime Havill (aka The West Coast Warrior) and Jacob Haley, a promising talent aged 12. Spirits were high after the Friday afternoon net session, even higher after the Friday night rehydration session, which was located in Cougar Town. Claims of future greatness flowed; the details best left on the road.

After a couple of early chances went to ground, Swannanoa were trucking at four (4) an over with plenty of wickets in hand. Full credit to Hugo Davison for an opening spell of ‘freight express’ and The West Coast Warrior, who bowled with flight, dip and bite, for creating early chances.

The first changes, Harry Peeters and Benji Andrews bowled quality line and length completing eight-over spells on the trot, restricting our competitors scoring with minimal reward. Alex Toohey came on as second change from the members end with a vengeance, bowling at pace with movement both ways off the pitch; a miserly spell producing fruit with final figures of 2/3 off 6. An equal foil at the northern end, Sam Sidey, produced a quality bowling performance, seeing his allotted 8 overs out with figures of 3/19 off 8. Jaime Havill came back on for his second spell from the member’s end to tidy up the tail finishing with figures of 4/24 off 7. Supporting final spells from Jacob Haley bowling well on debut.

Supported well in the field and holding our catches, our bowling attack contained Swannanoa to 124 all out in the 41st Over. Highlights for Swannanoa were Lindon Adonis scoring 27 and their Skipper John Whitcombe anchoring the innings with 26.

A glorious Canterbury afternoon stretched out before us, we ate and drank like kings at lunch, perhaps too comfortable glowing in our success from the morning.

Swannanoa brought a consistent line and length and fielded well. Restricted scoring early meant we were under pressure from the outset. Brief partnerships in the top order were interrupted with regular wickets falling. The most significant partnership was built in the middle order with Hugo Davison and Sam Chamberlain. Willy Wonka bringing the chocolate and a pleasure to watch in the middle. Some additional flurries were supported early from Jonty Dalziel and Jim Blakely. At 90/6 with plenty of overs in hand we were positive we could get over the line. Full credit to Swannanoa for their bowling and fielding unit restricting runs.

As the pressure and the beating sun continued, Hugo anchored the innings defiantly, batting himself in and scoring late in the day. Runs from the lower order proved limited and partnerships were broken with regular wickets falling. The VoP was tentatively positioned at 108/9. Jacob Haley batted bravely, keeping out several deliveries. Hugo punished the loose balls clearing the boundary on several occasions and milked the strike effectively to have us 124/9. One to win leaving Jacob one ball to face before the end of the over to rotate the strike.

The game ended in a tie 124/10, leaving Hugo Davison 29 Not Out. As they say, cricket was the winner on the day.

The hosts for the game Scott, Barry, Cameron and Jesse had the bar prepped for an extended rehydration session due to the limited overs and low scoring game. Full credit to Swannanoa for their fielding and bowling attack, bowling line and length and fighting to the end.

A big thank you to the Valley hosts, The Valley groundsman and Swannanoa for a great game of cricket and a great day out.

 

Justin Hayley

 

Valley of Peace CC vs Swannanoa CC post-match presentation

Valley of Peace CC vs Swannanoa CC post-match presentation; check that scoreboard!

Valley of Peace vs Christchurch Police XI, 16th Jan 2022

After some reasonably heavy losses against the Christchurch Police XI over the last few years the Valley tried to field a team who could steady the ship. On arrival we were treated to a beautifully manicured outfield and block – one wonders if the presence of the Hagley Oval head groundsman in the Valley side put extra pressure on our own ground staff for this fixture?

The toss was won by the Police who decided to insert the Valley side. The openers made a watchful start, Jimmy Cannan hitting a couple of superb cuts before a dreadful mixup saw him standing next to the other opener in the 4th over asking who’s call the run really was. The Police bowlers really did hit their marks, and having former first-class cricketers coming on at first change is a sign of how accurate their openers really were. The Valley batting card shows a very slow run rate – from 10/1 after 4 overs to 31/2 after 15 overs. Ben Larter (35) and Simon Irving (15) helped to steady things putting on 50 for the third wicket before the Police brought Mike Kingston into the attack (5-17-8) who really started the wickets tumbling. At 91/7 the script for this Police fixture looked to be not straying too far from the usual, but Tom Byrne (17*) and Gareth Gibson (14) added what would become a match-winning 24 run partnership for the last wicket-taking us from 114/9 through to 138 all out.

Great lunch in the sun (thanks to Phil, John and Scott) and the Valley were not overly confident but did know they had something to bowl at. Nick Johnston looked dangerous early in his innings and so when Kurt Bayer’s (3-17-7) 11th delivery was lofted to Rupert Bool at mid-off it was a very important catch that was held safely. Gareth Gibson (2-14-4.5) was offered the new ball and the wind and took both up with some excellent pace, carry and line on offer. Ben Larter (4-21-8) came on and found the edge of the other opener and the Police were at 25/2 after 8 overs, certainly not behind the run rate at this stage. The Valley fielding effort was superb, with all of their top 6 batsmen being caught and no catches dropped – again, not something that we see every week in the Hoon Hay Valley.

The Police managed to lose regular wickets from here going from 44/3 through to 86/6. At this stage, young Hamish Falls-Anderson (0-19-7) came on with his off-spin into the wind and really managed to tie down that one end well. We had a bit of a scare with former Canterbury player Willie Lonsdale and their player of the day Mike Kingston putting on 40 for their 7th wicket, but after a sharp caught behind catch was held off Bool (1-10-4) 112/7 quickly became 115 all out.

So an excellent win for the Valley against an evergreen Police side, a match played in great spirit and we look forward to January 2023 to do it all again.

Short Scoreboard

Valley of Peace – 138 all out off 43.5 overs

Ben Larter 35
Paddy Sullivan 2-12-7.5
Mike Kingston 5-17-8
L Wolf 2-24-5

Christchurch Police XI – 115 all out off 36.5 overs

Dave Robertson 21
Gareth Gibson 2-14-5.5
Kurt Bayer 3-17-7
Ben Larter 4-21-8

Tom Byrne – VOP captain for the day
Jesse Tritschler – match report author

Valley of Peace vs Christchurch Golf Club XI, 12th Dec 2021

The story of this match starts well before the 11 am Sunday start. All the players and spectators are very grateful to Ant Polson who took the extra time and effort (and had the foresight) to cover the wicket from the Christchurch rain a couple of days out. That, along with Sunday morning cover assistant Jesse, meant we would start on time, the sky overcast, the heavy rain I’m told in rural Canterbury staying away and youthful Christchurch Golf Club XI team winning the toss with Captain Glenn Bongartz delighting in inviting the Valley to bat.  A 45-over match, 8 overs per bowler, was agreed.

Music and Mario Williams were well contained early by Mika MacDonald and Fraser Mearns, the latter in his first CGC vs Valley match, making a double breakthrough in his fourth over, having Williams neatly caught and trapping Jono Collins LBW.  Terry O’Loughlin came in and solidified matters, Valley working hard to get to drinks at 57 for 1 after 25 overs. Drinks often brings wickets and it would be Steve McLeod that would dismiss O’Loughlin (12), and then Valley debutant David Lloyd (0), in the first over after the break.

Tony Penny would be another victim two overs later, 67 for 5 in the 28th; not a great position. Some positive batting from Hamish Falls-Anderson (Junior) with 11 which then brought East Shirley legend Tony Gray to join Music at the crease, who had been toiling away at the other end against some good bowling and an absolute deluge of commentary from most of the CGC XI,  all in very good humour, of course, his past time at the club meaning this match was akin to the Ashes test for him (as was his strike rate).

Gray with a breezy 20 not out, Music ending the innings carrying his bat and the total would be 146 for 6, and some fine death bowling from Callum Cameron making things difficult and the pace a vast change from the leg-spin wonders of Bongartz and chief selector Callum MacAlpine.  The CGC bowled well, most of the bowlers improving as their spells went on. McLeod the pick of the bowlers with his 3 wickets, the Valley probably 15 or so below par (to steal a golfing phrase).

Golf Club started with an aggressive mindset against seamers Graham Aveyard and Chris House in reply, their 48 off 14 overs being twice the score of the VOP in comparison.   The better news was 3 wickets had been snared, veteran spin twins Gray and Stan Wooliscroft having one each, Stan accounting for the talented Cameron LBW for 26. However, this would pair Gareth Sanders with CGC MVP Warren Wisneski, (the difference in this match, three years running)  the battle with my spin twins being a fascinating watch for 16 overs.

My third spin option, Falls-Anderson (only about one-quarter of the age of the other two)  then dismissed both dangermen LBW to leave CGC 91 for 5 after 30 overs.  Hamish bowled very well, also taking Bongartz LBW and having McLeod caught by  Music to end his spell with 4 for 24.   House returned to dismiss MacDonald, the catch diving forward at backward point by the Ginger Lloyd should go down in Valley history.  It was a beauty! 118 for 8 after 39 overs,   29 off 6 required.

The Valley team had caught well but unfortunately, we missed a couple of skyers, but we hung in there, Mearns and MacAlpine taking CGC to 138 with an over to go.  The real story would become the three boundaries (one “6”) by MacAlpine in the 45th over to bring his team home with one ball to spare. Our bowlers found it hard to bowl to many of the batsmen whose golfing and hand-eye ability shone through and no more than Callum in that over where he iced the game, just as I as Valley captain dared to dream we could cause the upset. The 28 run 9th wicket partnership dashed those dreams.

My six bowlers all did well, but we couldn’t get across the line although I will point out the improvement from the consecutive 5 wicket, 113 runs and 40 run losses over the last three encounters.

After the game, we thanked Andrew Levenger and David Eathorne for their fine hosting (with awesome assistance from apprentice Josh House).  Glenn and I have named the trophy I regularly hand over the D Eathorne Trophy, a fine member of both clubs. Again to Ant and the club committee, thanks for the support, and to the Golf Club team, hope you enjoyed the day and I look forward to the 2022 battle.

Short Scoreboard

Valley of Peace   146 for 6 off 45 overs

Music 66 not out, Gray 20 not out, McLeod 3 for 13, Mearns 2 for 10

Christchurch Golf Club 147 for 8 off 44.5 overs

Wisneski 26, Cameron 26, Falls-Anderson 4 for 24

Golf Club won by 2 wickets with one ball to spare.

Tom Music
Captain for the Day

 

Valley of Peace vs Tait Communications XI, Fri 19th Nov 2021

On arriving at the ground, I have never in my very privileged time of over 40 years playing at The Valley seen it looking better! While our Valley team included 3 Bens – “young” Ben Aveyard, “middle” Ben Rogers and “Big” Ben Larter.

On a lovely warm sunny day Ellery won the toss for the Tait Communications XI and elected to bat, and after being 9/2 Ellery himself and Les Humphries started taking advantage of the excellent true pitch with good bounce, and fast outfield, to start scoring freely. They had taken the score to 56 when Big Ben took a terrific running catch at long-on to remove Ellery, off Jamie Livingstone (having his first bowl since February, a good one). But this brought Sean Stagg in, all-round scourge of our team in last year’s close battle, and he and Les had rattled the score on up to 107/3 at drinks after 20 overs, at an impressive nearly 5.5 an over.

After drinks though our 2 spinners Wade Millar and Paul Dearsley both bowled well in tandem and pegged the scoring rate back, then after Les then Sean had both retired for very well made 40’s, Wade made further inroads with a double-wicket over. Middle Ben chipped in with 2 wickets in a valuable little spell and we had done well to have them 168/9 before the 2 retired batsmen returned. They rattled on another 22 before Big Ben capped an extremely good all-round performance by bowling Sean – Ben ended up with 2-13, THE catch and a run-out. Jonathan Davidson also got a run-out with a great side-on throw and overall our fielding was of a very high standard, with only 1 hard chance missed. Tony Danenberg kept very well, holding 2 good catches.

Following an excellent afternoon tea, our openers were soon into their work, and when Simon Carter was out in the 10th over after a good innings of 23 the score was already 53. Our other opener, young Ben batted superbly well and Mark Hume also hit the ball beautifully, both ended up retiring after an excellent partnership and at drinks, we were well on track at 125/1. Jonathan Davidson added to his consistently good record at the ground with 25, including 2 absolutely massive 6s, and Big Ben also hit 2 huge 6’s in his innings, before being caught on the boundary for 16. All the while middle Ben was batting very steadily and well, eventually finishing on 26* as we reached 192/3 with 5 overs to spare – a tribute to the top quality of the pitch.

For the Tait XI Ellery bowled well and economically and Les followed up his terrific batting with the best bowling figures, while they were handicapped by Sean (the destroyer of our middle order last year in a 6 run loss) being injured. Although he still mustered impressive pace a couple of times from just a 2 yard run up! And their opening bowler Tanya was accurate, after earlier hitting a couple of impressive boundaries. But the stand out in their effort was Khasi – who had the misfortune to have his first 2 balls both snicked at catchable height through the slips, then next over dropping a hard caught and bowled that injured his hand. But he stayed on and later took an extremely well-judged catch, off an enormous skier from Jonathan, just in front of the bar.

As always many thanks are due to our fine and friendly hosts on the day, Phil and John. Thanks too to Graham Aveyard for umpiring all of the 1st innings, though naturally, he didn’t want to umpire the 2nd innings as his son was opening! While our 3 Bens were responsible for 92 of our runs and 6 of the dismissals in the field – so echoing the captain’s pre-match comment, they definitely did help ensure we BENt the Tait XI to our will 🙂 And finally, we were pleased to record the first win in 3 games against the Tait XI, in a game played totally in the best spirit of the Valley – with the perfect weather and ground conditions making the day an absolute pleasure 🙂

Scores:

Tait XI – 190 (L. Humphries 53*, S, Stagg 48, B. Larter 2-13, B. Rogers 2-14, W. Millar 2-32.

Valley of Peace – 192/3 (B. Aveyard 41 retired, M. Hume 41 retired, B. Rogers 26*, J. Davidson 25, S. Carter 23, L. Humphries 2-26)

Bert Walker
Valley of Peace Captain

Christ’s College Old Boys vs Christ’s College 1st XI, Sun 14th Nov 2021

On a beautiful morning with an uncertain forecast, the Christ’s College XI assembled to challenge a team of Christ’s College Old Boys of mixed ages. The Old Boys captain Tom McClean advised the College team that the Old Boys would have first use of a hard and fast pitch. Lachie Harper and Tom McClean saw their team through to 50 in the 10th over, but at 103 for 5 in the 23rd over it was anyone’s game. Harper went through to make a well compiled and classy 110, and when a shower of rain stopped play in the 43rd over the Old Boys declared at 224 for the loss of 8 wickets. The College bowling had been steady, and the fielding had been outstanding.

The College XI never really got going with the bat. Troubled by Hugo Davison and James Thomson from the start and then by Harrison Lund, assisted by some very good catching and fielding, only Sam Idiens the captain looked comfortable, and the side was dismissed for 120.

A very good match played in good spirit in front of an appreciative crowd of supporters. Our thanks to both teams, Stephen Dods, Andrew Levenger, Hugo Davison, and the Valley of Peace led

by Scott and Tina Cartwright, and Derek Banks.

Derek Banks

Gathering of the two Christs College teams

Valley of Peace vs Army Officer’s XI, 7th Nov 2021

The day began with a very light drizzle and mist over much of the city – but the groundsman Ant Polson was on the phone early saying that the block had been covered and we should be OK. By our 11am start time things had brightened up a little but a persistent wind from the Pavillon end kept up most of the day.

The Valley was very excited to be welcoming back our Army Officer’s XI cricketing rivals after a many year hiatus in this fixture – the result of Major Jimmy Martin and our very own Ollie Dugdale (Flt Lt ret.) putting their heads together in the offseason.

The Army team were the consummate Valley guests – incredibly punctual, well dressed and very keen on the cricket field. Further, Capt Waaka Parkinson’s ability to find lost cricket balls in the long grass by a mixture of trigonometry, dead reckoning and semaphore type signals saved us a lot of time (and a fair few balls) during the first innings.

The day began with an excellent speech by Club Captain Jesse Tritschler as he reminded everyone of the proud history between the cricket club and the Army. It also served to introduce the prize for the winning side – the GOC’s ‘War and Peace’ trophy which had not been contested since the mid-1990s. From there a 50 over match was agreed upon and the Valley won the toss and elected to bat first. It is still undetermined whether having 7/8 Captains on the cricket field at once is a new experience for Valley members or not!

Sandy MacLeod and Charlie Due opened the innings getting through to 59 before we lost Sandy (30) and then Tom Music (0) in quick succession. At the other end, Charlie saw off an excellent opening spell from Army XI Captain, Capt Dougal Munro. Josh Blackmore (41) came to the crease and kept the runs flowing and we got through to 106/2 at drinks. Afterwards, Charlie kept swinging and ended with a very fine 102* – the Valley total getting through to 239/6 after 50 overs. The Army XI showed true team spirit in using 9 bowlers on the day and having across the board fitness and a spare fielder or two on rotation made for great viewing from the scorer’s box.

Thanks to Tina and Scott for a lovely lunch in the sun (it did appear during the break) and the chase was on.

Kurt Bayer (0-7-20) – channelling Richard Hadlee with a hint of Movember – took the new ball downwind and bowled good lines with some pace to keep the Army openers in check. Maj Alex Bowyer and Capt Dougal Munro both looking good early doors with some technically excellent boundaries being hit. Chris House into the wind was successful in his second over – delivering a wicket maiden in what became the start of a very good day at the office for him – 6 wickets from his 7.2 overs conceding 31 runs. George Ritchie (2-4-4) and Charlie Due (1-3-7) came on to relieve the hard-working opening bowlers. Some excellent catching was on display (not always the case for Valley sides) with 6 catches being taken and none dropped – the highlight being Kurt leaping up with his left hand to grab Chris’s 5th wicket. The Army were eventually dismissed for 62 after 21.2 overs.

It was a great occasion and the Valley could not have asked for better visitors – an excellent day and we truly hope the Army will be back next summer to try and win ‘War and Peace’ off us.

Sandy MacLeod – Valley Capt for the day

 

Valley vs Honest Trundlers XI, 31st Oct, 2021

With the inability of the real Honest Trundlers XI  to tour from Australia, a team of local players with less than honest affiliations was invited to play at the Valley ground on Sunday 31 October. The shady dealings commenced well before game day with the Trundlers captain Lance Ryan contriving to gain every advantage he could for himself and his team. Firstly he appointed Derek Banks as the manager of the Trundlers side establishing a clear conflict of interest for the Valley’s patron. Then he suggested that rather than having retired batsmen recycled if the innings was completed before 40 overs were bowled, the worst performing batsmen should be allowed a second chance. Clearly foreseeing himself staggering down the wicket and being stumped.

Captains Tony Penny, Lance Ryan

The day started with Lance attempting to subvert the honest result of the toss in order to gain what he envisaged would be an advantage in fielding first. However, with the pitch and the outfield in magnificent condition for so early in the season, the home side was able to make a solid start with Hamish Anderson (the Older) and Tim Fulton putting on a solid opening stand. After some middle-order jitters, there were outstanding contributions from Rusty Drake and Mark Hume (both retired) which allowed the Valley to achieve the challenging total of 179.

For the Trundlers, Geoff Olsen bowled economically and Graham Inglis pulled things back after the Valley’s solid start with a couple of wickets. They were ably supported with tidy spells by Bob Masefield and Trevor Thornton and by very sharp wicket keeping by Steve Fraser. Lance Ryan had a very short and unsuccessful spell at the bowling crease which was costly enough to sway the game result. His usual confidence had been dented when his teammates lived up to the team’s name and recalled a batsman who was given out lbw after getting a very fine edge.

Inspecting the pitch

The Trundlers also had a solid albeit slow start at the crease with Graham Inglis and Phil Harris digging in against a torrid opening attack from Ben Larter well supported by Mark Hume. Ben was extremely unlucky not to get an early wicket as he moved the ball away from the batsmen and jagged the occasional ball back in. Again the middle order faltered before Jono Davidson (retired) and Bob Masefield got the innings rollicking along and looking likely to set up a winning chance for the Trundlers.

However, the match came down to a close finish after tight bowling by Stan Wooliscroft and Rusty Drake supported by useful contributions from Graham Aveyard and Hamish Anderson (the Younger) who stepped in for Tony Gray after he, unfortunately, pulled a hamstring while batting. With Ben Larter and Mark Hume coming back for the final four overs and getting deserved wickets, the Valley managed to keep the Trundlers to 169 to win by 10 runs.

Game over, drinks abound

Contrary to Lance Ryan’s suggestion that the captains should select each other for the respective player of the day awards, Graham Inglis was the Trundlers award winner with a very good all-round performance. Tim Fulton won the award as the Valley’s player of the day primarily for two of the most remarkable strokes ever seen at the ground. The first was a square cut where not only was the bat perfectly horizontal but so was his body as he connected with the ball shortly before ending prostrate on the ground. The second shot was almost more incredible as on this occasion he was already lying on the ground as the bat despatched the ball to the boundary again.

Many thanks to the umpires Peter Williams and Dave Stutheridge; and as always to Scott Cartwright and his team behind the bar; and not least to the ground “staff” for having the ground in amazing condition.

After the match and the usual proceedings at the ground, the players and partners adjourned to The China Kitchen restaurant for more lies and a game song especially transmitted in from the Honest Trundlers poet laureate in Australia … and so the game went trundling on.

Tony Penny, Captain for the day

 

Valley of Peace Junior Invitational, 2nd April 2021

In the week following the fantastic 2021 Presidents vs Captains game, highlighted by the life members lunch and unveiling of the extensive work done on the club’s history, another historic fixture was held as the first Valley of Peace Junior Invitational match involving 22 quality Year 8 (form 2 for those more familiar) young men from various schools and clubs in the Christchurch region.

The brainchild of Glenn Bongartz, a frequent guest of the Valley and captain of the Christchurch Golf Club XI, the event was a joint fundraiser for the VoP and East Shirley Cricket Club involving two 20-20 fixtures on Good Friday.

As you can imagine with 22 juniors, a large crowd gathered with the area to the southwest of the scorebox was absolutely filled with parents, family, and supporters. They were well rugged up for the conditions including gazebos and cover just in case the forecast bad weather came through.

The 22 players were randomly drawn into two teams, the Cartwright-Grocott XI (captained by Douglas Bongartz) and the Tritschler-Duncan XI (led by Liam Suddaby), the team names highlighting the link between the Valley and East Shirley Junior Cricket legends.

Team managers then drew out batting and bowling orders, ensuring all had the opportunity to participate fully. Liam won the toss for the Tritschler-Duncan XI for the first match and elected to field. There were a few rules to work through with the players, but it was decided that fours and sixes would count for their full value, batsmen would retire after 24 balls and bowlers would rotate in one-over spells.

With all in readiness, umpire Music (who had transformed from parking attendant Music using the same VoP coat) walked out to “you can’t stop the music” by the Village People on the sound system – probably a Valley first I suspect? Jack Fletcher would walk out to “The Jack” by AC/DC partnered with Coll Thomson and put on a strong opening partnership of 35 off 7 overs for the Cartwright XI. This was in the face of quality left-arm opening bowling from Jimmy Jackson and Henry Murfitt aided by impressive spin bowling from Max Boyle.

Unfortunately, the predicted rain started to fall during the first innings making gripping the ball increasingly difficult. The players were enthusiastic to continue and displayed great skills in the greasy conditions. Jack Fletcher was retired 19 after his 24 balls, including three 4’s.

The score moved on despite the tough conditions but slowed a little to be 44 for 1 after 10 overs and 65 for 2 after 15. Michael Johnstone’s two wickets aided the Tritschler-Duncan XI cause.

Good stroke play near the end of the innings including memorable lofted cover drives and boundaries from Bongartz, William Sandford, and Cooper Hemmingway helped lift the score to 95 off 20 overs. Suddaby marshaled his troops well, set good fields, and was always clear with his communication with players and umpires alike. It was felt 96 was a reachable total at the end of the innings drinks break.

Wickets fell regularly during the first half of the Tritschler-Duncan XI innings – as did the rain! So much so a call to Ant was required to find the sawdust and then a break was required to let the worst of the weather pass through (and to resurrect the fallen spectator gazebo that had blown over in the wind). The score after 11 overs was 47 (the same as the Cartwright-Grocott XI) but 5 wickets had fallen.

So with 50 required off 9 overs the Tritschler-Duncan XI middle-order upped the ante and this left 12 required off two overs. William Sandford was drawn to bowl the 19th over and despite now super wet conditions, bowled an accurate over of seam bowling to restrict the scoring to just 3 leaving Jack Fletcher to step up at the death. While Dylan Cox (16 including three 4’s) and Lucas Irvine tried hard, 3 runs off the first 5 balls meant it was the classic 6 to win off the last ball. Jack held his nerve but the ball went to the boundary for four resulting in the Cartwright-Grocott XI being victors by 1 run.

The conditions at this point meant that another match was sadly unable to be started, but all boys had participated in the field and the majority had a bat. During the after-match presentations, Liam thanked Glenn Bongartz for the day, as did the parents involved. Despite the weather, it was a unique and excellent day that will hopefully live long in the memories of the players and families involved.

The umpires and scorers presented the following awards:

·      Player of the Day: Jack Fletcher 19 retired – plus excellent death bowling

·      Liam Stocker (Cartwright-Grocott XI) 10 runs, 2 for 11 bowling and a direct hit run out for the ages

·      Max Boyle (Tritschler-Duncan XI) 19 retired, 2 overs 1 – 6 spin bowling

·      Coll Thomson 1 – 3 off 2 overs including a maiden

·      Michael Johnstone 2 – 5 bowling

·      Liam Suddaby got an award for the way he lead the Tritschler-Duncan XI

For any day like this, many sponsors, supporters, and volunteers were required, a few of which included:

·      Dave Johnstone and Fresh Choice Merivale for the great mega meat raffle prize.

·      Durham St New World for providing the snacks and Raro.

·      Dan Vann and Evolution for the two-day holiday coaching course.

·      Valley of Peace CC for the ground and the print for the raffle.

·      Ant Polson the Valley groundsman, who was just amazing and went above and beyond the call of duty as always.

·      Ann Mcleod (professional scorer) and umpires Angus Mcleod and Tom Music.

·      David Lloyd and suit sponsored by the ANZ, supporters of cricket in New Zealand including of course the VoP CC. He also wins the best-dressed and number one barman award. Scotty, Barry, and the hosting team have some competition!!

·      David Howard Manager/Coach/Mentor of Tritschler-Duncan XI along with Jonty Howard (DJ Howie) and Jackson who did a magnificent job before and on the day with the player songs and ground announcing.

·      Final thanks to Scott for the support of the concept from the time Glenn came up with the idea in late 2020 through to match day. And to the players – well done, we look forward to the next 10-20-30-40-50 years of your involvement in hopefully the game of cricket and again at the Valley of Peace. The future of Canterbury cricket looks very bright.

Short scoreboard

Cartwright-Grocott XI  95 for 5 off 20 overs

J Fletcher 19*,  C Thomson 13, L. Stocker 10, A. Kafle 10, M. Johnstone 2 – 5

Tritschler-Duncan XI  94 for 9 off 20 overs

M. Boyle 19*, D. Cox 16, J. Jackson 10, A. Kafle 2 – 8, L. Stocker 2 – 11

Cartwright-Grocott XI win by 1 run

Players

Cartwright-Grocott XI  
Douglas Bongartz (Capt.), Liam Stocker, Ethan O’Donavan, Coll Thomson, Ankit Kafle, Will Sandford, Tom McIntosh, Cedar Murray-Carter, Spencer Hair, Cooper Hemmingway, Jack Fletcher

Tritschler-Duncan XI
Liam Suddaby (Capt.), Henry Murfitt, Zach Barrett, Ben Dowdle, Jimmy Jackson, Max Boyle, Michael Johnstone, Charlie Redfern, Dylan Cox, Jack Dale, Lucas Irvine

Tom Music
Valley Umpire and scribe for the day

 

Team coaches & team captains (D Bongartz & L Suddaby)

Valley of Peace Junior Invitational teams, April 2021

The Watershed, Valley of Peace Cricket Club, April 2021

 

Valley of Peace Captain’s XI v President’s XI, 28th Mar 2021

The last match of the season at the Valley of Peace Cricket Club was again met with good weather, a great result after only having lost one fixture all summer due to weather.

The injury toll for the Valley of Peace membership has shown the effects of all that cricket towards the end of a long successful summer  – going from a full 11 vs 11 the evening before the game to starting the match with 8 vs 9. At least I can say some of the injuries were cricket-related (read Tim Fulton’s match report from Dean’s XI with Hamish Anderson involved!). We were very lucky to have Hamish at the ground in his moon boot though as he managed to wrangle all the extras required – no mean feat on the morning of a match.

Teams were chosen for the President’s Captain (Hugo Davison) and my own side trying to ensure an even match and so it proved to be. Hugo’s team was put in to bat on a very hard deck, and early on it was an exciting fixture. Ben Larter had Hugo (48) all tied up (think Harbhajan Singh vs Ricky Ponting), while at the other end George Ritchie and then Tom Music (25) came and went to fine edges. Once Hugo retired after an excellent 40 (including seeing off some great quick bowling from Matty Lewis) young Nick Gibb (23) and James Barringer (41) came together to bat well right through to drinks.

Lunch was taken at 1:15 precisely to celebrate a very special day indeed. Scott Cartwright had arranged for all but one of the Valley of Peace Life Members to come out and enjoy lunch together in the sun. This was served by another Life Member (Barry Frost) while another came straight off the cricket field still in his whites (David Hearn). Scott made a great speech welcoming everyone and explaining the work the club has done thanks to the kind sponsorship of the ANZ bank to get our archiving and museum curacy work underway.

Also on hand were Tim Jones from the Christchurch Art Gallery and his colleague Howard Lange, both of whom have done the work. After lunching these men took a tour alongside our Patron Derek Banks with the Life Members to show off the work done in the Pavilion. A special thanks to all those involved in this gesture – over the winter more information will follow for our membership about what we’ve done and how it can be appreciated.

Back on the cricket field, it was a very exciting second innings…. Dan Byrne, George Ritchie, and Stan were all bowling well to restrict the scoring rate of the Captain’s XI. Needing 183 to win against this attack was always going to be tough. The youngsters in the team made a great start with Ben Heitmeyer making 26* and Matty Lewis 43* while the veterans Frazer Offwood and Greg Jones didn’t make quite as many. David Hearn really held up an end, while he watched batsman come and go at the other. Even Ben Larter’s hard-hit 35 wasn’t quite enough and the Captain’s side went from needing 34 off the last 5 overs, to 24 from the last 3 to finally 14 off the last delivered by the evergreen Stan Wooliscroft. Stan himself took the bails off to effect a runout and it was over.

So a close-run 13 run loss was the result as Hugo and the President’s XI bowled us out. An excellent day celebrating not only a great summer on the field but also off. A huge thanks to everyone who made the day possible – particularly Scott Cartwright and Barry Frost as hosts and Ant Polson as groundsman after a full summer of cricket.

Jesse Tritschler.

Match Summary – The President’s XI defeated the Captain’s XI by 13 runs.

 

President’s XI made 182/10 off 39.3 overs

Hugo Davison 48

James Barringer 41*

Tom Music 25

Nick Gibb 23

Graham Aveyard (3-44-6.3)

Greg Jones (2-26-6)

Jesse Tritschler (2-12-2)

Captain’s XI made 169/10 off 39.2 overs

Matty Lewis 43*

Ben Larter 35

Ben Heitmeyer 26* (retired)

George Ritchie (3-14-4)

Hugo Davison (2-19-6)

Play is underway at Valley of Peace Cricket Club

Stan Woolliscroft and lunch group

Lunchtime for Captain’s vs President’s

Barry Frost serves lunch

The Valley of Peace at its finest

Lunch around the bar

Lunchtime

Life Members’ pavilion tour

Photos of the archived memorabilia, honours boards, and other items can be found on our Photo Archives page.

 

St Andrew’s Old Boys vs St Bede’s Old Boys, 7th Mar 2021

A fine day was upon us as we assembled at the Valley of Peace cricket club to partake in the St Bede’s Old Boys v St Andrew’s Old Boys fixture, a 40-over affair. As Captain for the day I was pleased to observe our team looking in relatively good condition and after some meet and greet amongst all it was time to get down to business.

Match referee and Auckland Grammar old boy Grahame Thorne presided over the toss which was won by Scott Kilday from St Andrew’s and they elected to bat first. St Bede’s team manager David Eathorne had a few words of wisdom then we took the field. Jordan Bakermans and Brad Reid set the standard with the new ball, both working up some good pace to keep the batsmen on their toes. StAC openers Ollie Dugdale and Zac Foakes did well against the tight early bowling and got through to 46 for the first wicket.

Daniel Hooper wound back the clock downwind to keep the pressure on as Mark Murphy bowled his fine off-spin at the other end. Tim Frickleton, Charlie Due, and Chris Posa all chipped in with the ball, and with the classy wicket-keeping of Chris Boivin, St Andrew’s were restricted to 169 from the allotted 40 overs. For StAC Dugdale ended up on 50, with Kilday playing something of a captain’s knock to help from the other end. It was an impressive fielding display with everyone putting their bodies on the line.

Lunch was brief and we were soon at the crease, Charlie Due and myself, the run chase was on! Charlie took it straight to the St Andrew’s attack playing some majestic shots as we set about laying the platform. As I departed with the score at 57, Kevin McMenamin strode to the crease and looked in great touch before misjudging one. The dangerous Jordan Bakermans was unlucky early but Due kept the score moving and was soon joined by the big-hitting Brad Reid as the pair steered us home for a 5 wicket victory. The StAC captain threw everything he could at the batters, using 7 bowlers, with the evergreen Ben Cartwright ending up with 3 wickets for his efforts.

Due top scored with 67 and Reid ended up on 37, a fine display of stroke play from both. St Andrew’s were gracious in defeat and were a great bunch of guys to have a beer with afterwards and share some old stories, many largely exaggerated of course.

Ryan Eathorne

St Bede’s Captain

 

Match Summary – St Bede’s (166/5) beat St Andrew’s (165/6)  by 5 wickets

St Andrew’s, 165/6 off 40 overs

O Dugdale 50

Z Foakes 28

S Kilday 24

C Posa (2-24-4)

B Reid (2-28-6)

St Bede’s, 166/5 off 35.3 overs

C Due 67

B Reid 37

B Cartwright (3-39-7)

 

Taking middle & leg

St Bede's Old Boys cricket players

St Bede’s Old Boys 2021

The pre-match gathering

The coin toss

Cricket field with players surrounded by trees

Play is underway between St Bede’s Old Boys and St Andrew’s Old Boys

Grahame Thorne (left) and David Eathorne (right)

St Bede's opening cricket batsmen

The St Bede’s opening batsmen

Valley vs Canterbury Club, 19th Mar, 2021

The Valley was very happy to welcome back our old friends from the Canterbury Club on a lovely sunny Friday. It has been 4 years since our last fixture for various reasons, and it was great to have the Rev. Cameron Pickering on hand to formally welcome everyone – not only is he on the Committee at the Valley of Peace, but he is also a member of the Canterbury Club. Thanks must be given to both Cameron and John Kerrison for hosting this fixture.

Andrew Hopping made a good start to his day winning the toss for the Canterbury Club XI and electing to field, the slightly later 12:30 pm start meaning the pitch was shadow-free and well dried out.

The Valley openers made a watchful start, before Ollie Dugdale (6) and then Tom Music (5) were removed by Jason Middlemiss’s 3rd and 4th overs. He was enjoying the swinging 2-piece Red King it appeared from my vantage point as umpire. Jono Davidson (51) then joined Ben Aveyard (10) at the crease and the number of cricket shots increased in a hurry. Ben was well caught off Rondell’s bowling and we were at 42/3 off the first 11 overs. Things came right at this stage for the Valley as brothers Michael and Jono Davidson started hitting cleanly and a reasonable amount of time was lost to searching for that same 2-piece in the long grass. They put on 70 for that 4th wicket – with their father watching in the sun – which was absolutely needed as the Valley tail really fell away chasing quick runs. Extra’s stood out for us as the next highest scorer (25), while Twiss, Hawkes, Carter all took wickets towards the tail end of the innings. Lunch was taken with the scoreboard reading 190 all out.

Taking the field the Valley Captain wasn’t overwhelmed with bowling options so it was great that Ben Aveyard bowled well early on, striking in his 2nd over to snare Cutts for a duck. Michael Davidson bowled some handy seam up off a short run-up at the other end and only went for 6 runs in his first two overs. Kilday and Tritschler came on to provide the start of what became a 5-prong spin attack (very unusual for NZ conditions). The slower bowling seemed to help, with Kilday claiming Wall (15) and then Tritschler Ede (28) in their first overs – the score now 66/3. Hopps (10) came out and belted a couple of big 6’s, then holed out before Rondel (10) and Carter (43) really steadied the innings putting on 31 for the 5th wicket. Twiss was unlucky to be run out by a direct hit from Frazer Offwood and I suspect Simon Carter will be called on to shout him a drink at the Canterbury Club to apologise at some point soon. Jason Middlemiss (42*) made the most of the slow bowling attack and looked very good all around the ground scoring runs. The Valley Captain was really starting to worry when heads were down and the Club were cruising along and his secret weapon Bert Walker couldn’t make a breakthrough. Wicket keepers were swapped again (we used 3 in the end) and we kept battling away managing to keep Jason off strike as best we could. In the end, the Club went from needing 55 off the last 10 overs to 34 off the last 5 overs, then 25 off the last two – falling just short by 13 runs. A great finish to a great day’s cricket played between two evenly matched sides in an excellent spirit throughout.

The aftermatch went on to become the best in my experience as a club member. During the afternoon the Canterbury Club XI Captain made a call to Cambridge Terrace and delivery was taken of a BBQ along with all the trimmings. At 6:30 pm players were treated to fillet steak, marinated chicken, and a selection of salads, breads, and sides. A huge thank you to Andrew Hopping and the Canterbury Club players for this gesture – it was very much appreciated and went well with Jono Davidson’s donated raffle win prize to finish a great day.

We very much look forward to welcoming the Canterbury Club back in 2022 for another game of cricket.

Jesse Tritschler

VoP Captain for the day

 

Match Summary:

Valley of Peace CC (190/10) beat the Canterbury Club (177/10) by 13 runs

VoP, 190/10 off 38.1 overs

M. Davidson 63

J. Davidson 51

Middlemiss (2-7-4)

Carter (3-24-8)

Twiss (2-11-2.1)

Canterbury Club, 177/10 off 39.5 overs

Carter 43

Middlemiss 42*

Ede 28

M. Davidson (3-30-7.5)

Kilday (2-32-8)

Tritschler (2-30-7)

 

Batting into the sun at Valley of Peace

In full flight at Valley of Peace

Valley of Peace XI and Canterbury Club XI, Mar 2021

The Valley of Peace XI team, vs Canterbury Club XI, Mar 2021

 

Valley of Peace vs Deans XI, 14th Mar 2021

How good it was to meet the Deans XI again.

Two years after our last encounter, the long-standing friendly rivals brought a sprinkle of youth to the table, as well as a garnish of accomplished veterans.

Players shared various views on the preferred numbers of overs per side, from 20-apiece to veritable Test match, but it was clear on winning the toss at the Valley that the Deans’ were determined to bat long and lustily for a maximum 50 overs. So, with typical pragmatic Valley spirit, we warmed up and pushed on out there.

Deans openers George H. Jnr and Hamish Mc started in punishing fashion, a 59 run partnership was up in no time before Valley’s teenage quick Will Bretherton and the only-slightly-more-sedate Geoff Olsen combined to snare for wickets for a further 12 runs, including a key middle-order wicket, Hamish Wright, for 14.

The Valley cause was helped by excellent close-in catching. The captain is tempted to note his adventurous field placements, but his cunning plans would have come to nothing without safe hands. From this point in the match, Valley managed to exert a measure of control, though Andrew Nuttall kept the Deans’ ticking with a 14 of his own before Mark Hume had his prize.

Crispin Deans totted a few before falling LBW to nearly-14-year-old Alex Fulton, who turned out alongside father Tim and grandfather Gordon.

Hume struck again for VOP soon after with the wicket of George Harper. Valley sensed the end was near, and murmurs went around the ground for young Bretherton to again mark his run. However, mindful of the spirit of the game, the recent form of the batsman concerned, and the sensibilities of all concerned, captain Tim took possession of the ball.

By the kind of chance occurrence that can only be found in a game of cricket, the batsman opted to sky one of his deliveries toward Hamish Anderson, who took a fine catch and nearly injured himself for the first time that day. More of his injuries shortly.

VOP were pleased to dismiss Deans for 129 – and just as pleased with the lunch – but this was never going to be an easy chase.

Hume and Anderson Snr made a solid start against sharp bowling from J Harper and H McCulloch, both of whom moved the ball prodigiously through the air and off the wicket. Unfortunately, the first to leave the crease was Anderson, who was struck on the foot by a delivery that was adjudged dead ball. A hard incident to describe, suffice to say the freak circumstances forced him to leave the field. Hume carried on batting vigorously and new batsman Bretherton showed some nice touches before he guided one delicately into the slips cordon for 12. Riley Smith added a couple before falling LBW to McKenzie, then Dion fell in the same fashion for 3, this time to McCulloch.

By now, at 48 for 3, the game was delicate for the Valley, but the mood was still hopeful as Hume marched on. Then came a decisive moment – Hume caught off the bowling of Harper for 37. By then, Geoff Olsen had accumulated a tidy 19, but his dismissal to Hamish Wright added to the wobbles.

Within moments, it seemed, 85 for four became 90 for seven as two Fultons fell; firstly Alex – caught off Wright’s bowling, then Tim, deceived by the flight and turn of Nuttall.

By now, with Valley hopes hanging on a toothpick, Anderson was pressed back into service – gammy foot and all. He proved adept at keeping Nuttall at bay, which made it even more unfortunate that we lost him so early in the innings. But he too succumbed in the end to Nuttall, courtesy of an LBW. At 104 for nine, John Kerrison and Gordon Fulton were tasked with pushing on for the final 25 required, but it was not to be.

With as many as 20 more overs in hand for a result, Deans secured a win by those 25 runs to end a warm, fine day’s cricket.

Thank you to my willing team-mates, the Valley team on the day and behind-the-scenes pre-match, and thank you of course to the Deans XI, with whom we continued this treasured fixture.

Tim Fulton
VoP Captain

The Fultons (l – r) Alex, Tim and Gordon, 14th March 2021

The perfect day & the perfect pitch at Valley of Peace Cricket Club, Mar 2021

 

A panorama of the pristine Valley of Peace cricket ground, ready to take on Deans XI, March 2021 (.mp4, 8sec), courtesy of Jesse Tritschler.

 

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