The Valley Of Peace Cricket Club Inc.

The Valley ground looked in absolutely sparkling condition when the teams arrived for this 40-over match, on a cool and overcast day. Ben Larter won the toss for the strong-looking Sydenham Cardinals XI side and batted, with his openers Nick Smithson and Brett (AB) rewarding him with a good opening stand of 48. We then reduced them to 60/3, with our debut players Wade Millar and Richie Mayo sharing the wickets, but Nick kept powering on until he eventually retired for a very good and chanceless 53.

Then the evergreen John Kerrison removed the formidable Ben Larter LBW (the 3rd LBW in a row they sportingly gave), a notable wicket for John as he’d previously also got Ben’s Dad John many years ago! So at drinks, the score was 100/4, but afterward the powerful Jamie Livingstone and Stokesy both hit very good and rapid 50’s, to put the Cardinals well on top – with Jamie hitting the shot of the day, a massive straight drive that nearly cleared the tall trees behind the pavilion! Thanks mainly to their efforts, although their other batsmen kept chipping in well right down to Jimmy Gallagher at 11, they eventually finished with the formidable score of 247/8.

The best of our bowlers were the debut pair of Richie (6 0 28 3) and Wade (6 0 33 2), while Mark Hume (1-30) and Stan Wooliscroft (0-32) also bowled worthily. While Tony Penny was sharp behind the stumps (including with 2 good stumpings) and Hamish Cochran took the catch off the day, a beautifully judged catch on the long-on boundary by the bridge – as although catching the ball over the line, he somehow managed to keep his feet just inside it.

After a good lunch, we obviously needed a good start and initially, Hamish Anderson and Mike Mehaffey provided this, getting us to 33 in good time while they both played some fine shots. But then they were both out in quick succession, Mike bowled by a fine ball from Brad Moore that swung back sharply. Humey then looked in excellent touch and with Wade took the score up to 69, but after picking up sharpish left-armer Jimmy Gallagher for 2 big 6s over square leg Humey tried again, and Brad Moore took a very good catch running round the backward square leg boundary. Then Jamie Livingstone (as if he hadn’t done enough already!) produced a high-quality seam bowling display, with 3 quick wickets that left us reeling at 70/6 at drinks, in a ‘4 wickets for 1 run’ collapse.

Tony Penny looked in fine touch and he and Graham Aveyard (who had earlier fielded very well) then steadied the ship in a stand of 26, before Graham was just run out after a fine bit of fielding by the youngest player on the field – who hit the stumps with a powerful side-on throw from 20 yards! Captain Bert then joined Tony and they put on a further 40 runs before Tony was also narrowly run out by an even more spectacular bit of fielding – when Brad Moore fielding by the tree somehow produced a powerful and accurate backhand flick, with his back to the wicket, that landed in bowler Ben’s hands over the wicket. Tony had made a high-quality 30, with some lovely cuts and sweeps, and his innings was comprised of 9 x 2, 2 x4, and just 4 singles, so well did he time the ball.

Soon after this came another yet wonderful bit of fielding by the Cardinals, when a well-hit straight drive looked for all money like going into the pavilion for 6 – but Jimmy at long on sprinted round the boundary, threw himself a long way through the air, and brilliantly managed to hold an absolute blinder left-handed at fullest stretch – only to narrowly lose the ball when he crashed to the earth! By now it was starting to get quite dark, but Ben wisely refused Bert’s appeal against the light – as the very complicated semi-Duckworth Lewis system that he tries to apply to such situations, somehow very mysteriously always just favours the home team 🙂

Bert somehow managed to be an unlikely top scorer with a lucky 35*, but we were well beaten as we eventually finished at 147/9. Interestingly one of our more experienced players had prophetically said before the game, when looking at the respective teams, that “they look about a 100 runs younger, fitter, faster and sharper than us” and this was exactly spot on!

But it was a game played completely in the best traditions and spirit of the valley, with everyone in both teams getting a bat plus everyone a bowl who wanted to. For the Cardinals Cam Rennell showed his keeping class, even standing up to the quicker bowlers at times, while Brad Moore bowled particularly well with 6 0 15 1. But the standout bowler was Jamie Livingstone, with the splendid figures of 6 4 6 3, to complete a great all-round performance from him! And the final words for this most enjoyable day are a big thanks indeed to our wonderful President Scott Cartwright, our sole host, who as always did a most splendid job 🙂

Bert Walker (lost the toss, lost the game, but did at least win a bottle of gin in the raffles!).

As I drove past the Valley of Peace Cricket Club gates, the thick overhead cloud dispersed and bright sunshine burst through. I had high hopes of this being a sign of positive things to come for the match between the Valley of Peace and Peninsula Goat Herders. Little did I know.

After being only on the reserves list on Wednesday, I had been appointed captain on Thursday and was short of players by Friday. After some chasing, Jesse and I managed to find an XI but much to my surprise, on the day, I had 14 turn up, I am claiming that as a first. To be fair, a Covid-cancelled inter-school brought two young Christ’s College debutants into the fold, and by the time we started, a Valley twelve was ready to do battle.

I had also arrived to find Peninsula Goat Herders’ manager Masefield in deep conversation with our head groundsman, eking out valuable info. After winning the toss. I followed the sage advice and batted first on what looked a very good wicket. A 45 over match was agreed.

The day started with Bob Masefield presenting Scott 3 wooden bowls which had been turned out of the Elm which once stood in the north-west corner of the ground – so not only did the Goat Herders remove the tree as a working bee for us, they then went away and created these fantastic bowls from the wood. What better vessel for holding Barry Frost’s famous home made peanuts on the bar could you ask for? A special thanks to Bob and his team for such a thoughtful gesture.

Jesse Tritschler

A good opening spell by Wedlake and Nicolls had runs exceeding overs until the 10th over, though Phil Harris was showing positive signs. Mike Mehaffy was starting to find the gaps and by drinks, Valley were 62 for 2, debutant Nick Gibb at the crease joining Harris. Phil batted beautifully for his 40, his straight driving particularly brilliant but when he was dismissed in the 29th over, the run rate slowed with only singles being the main mode of scoring.

Archie Prain had bowled with good energy and pace, the Rangiora High student dismissing both Harris and Gibb post drinks. Paul Dearsley, in his second match for the Valley, hit our only “6” and we never really got out of second gear and ended up on 152 for 8. A cameo at #10 by our other debutant Hamish Anderson Junior gave the crowd something to cheer about.

Opinions varied, as only they can in a cricket pavilion, on whether we had enough runs on the board. The father and son opening partnership of Captain Ben and Archie Prain started very aggressively for Peninsula, aided by three dropped catches early, the captain being the initial culprit and portent of things to come. The scoring rate doubled our start, a family mix-up breaking the partnership with a well-executed Valley run-out.

The irrepressible Stanley Woolliscroft was introduced (his fourth day of cricket in a row) and his second over proved successful, having the elder Prain caught behind. The highlight of the session came when Rhodes lofted Dearsley toward long on, Anderson Junior letting the ball bounce in front then unleashing a throw from the boundary for a direct hit run out for the ages. Anderson Senior again impressed – not sure how many direct hit run-outs he has secured in his long Valley career. Young Hamish then took his first wicket, a good boundary catch by Gibb, but by drinks, the Goatherders had struck their way to 120 for 4, Richard Breitmeyer taking charge of the innings and striking the ball beautifully, in the face of much advice from Anderson Snr.

When Gibb took his first Valley wicket with the score at 127 hopes started flickering but were soon dashed as the good batting continued. Hoban and Woolliscroft grabbed a consolation wicket each as the Peninsula cruised to victory with 78 balls to spare. It is honest to say (and to cut a very long story short) that as well as his missed catch, every field change by the captain was met with the ball going to where the fielder previously was, fitting that the final boundary reflected that exact happening. Some days are just not good cricketing days for individuals, lucky the venue and participants make it worthwhile.

I do feel that our bowlers bowled well and created enough chances in the wake of some aggressive batsmanship, but we were out-batted and – despite 2 run-outs and 2 other direct hits – out-fielded and to be fair, a 3 wicket-losing margin was generous. Well done to Breitmeyer on his well-compiled 43, Matheson’s 38 at # 3 was also very sound, and there looked like there was still good batting to come at the end.

Apparently, the Goat Herders have lost their goat. Any information please report to Bob Masefield. I feel this was lucky for Mr Music as he could have been the first recipient of the trophy given to an opposition player!!

As always, thanks to Scott, Barry, Ant, and the team behind the scenes. Both sets of players are thoroughly looking forward to a return in the future, in no small part to the quality of the facilities and hospitality that these men do so much to help provide. To Ben, Bob, and the Peninsula men, congratulations. We look forward to righting the wrongs in 2022.

Scoreboard

Valley of Peace 152 for 8 (45 overs)  P. Harris 40, M. Mehaffey 26, A. Prain 2 for 27

Peninsula Goat Herders 154 for 7 (32 overs)   R. Breitmeyer 43, H. Matheson 38, B Prain 24, S. Wooliscroft 2 for 19

Result: Win to Peninsula Goat Herders by 3 wickets.

Tom Music (Valley Captain for the day)

Elm bowl presentation from Goatherders

Cricket in the outfield; calm before the storm

Amazing elm bowls from the Goatherders!

The outfield, vs Peninsula Goatherders

Valley of Peace vs Goatherders; the best seat in the valley

Sunburn and scoreboards, Valley of Peace Cricket Club

Quality greenskeeping & weather for the match vs Goatherders

And a few photos from Jim Smith, with thanks:

The favourite watering hole at Valley of Peace

Swapping team tactics at the bar

Talking tactics at the Valley of Peace pavilion

Another great day’s cricket at the Valley

Luncheon is served, mind the flies

The perfect sunny day at the Valley of Peace

The colourful spread for lunch at the Valley

And the few “stayers” who went the distance:

(L-R) Michael Mehaffey, Phil Harris, Paul Bateman, Stan Woolliscroft, Bert Walker, Greg Jones, Paul Dearsley and James Hoban

The Valley looked a picture as the two teams assembled on the green at 10.30am.

This much-awaited fixture between Christ’s College Old Boys and Christchurch Boys High School Old Boys, which was started 10 years ago, was now to be graced with a fine Edwardian Sterling Silver Rosebowl recently acquired from England. The trophy had been donated to the Club by the Banks and Bailey families, both of whom had strong associations with the Valley and their respective schools; Derek Banks (College) and Brent Bailey (School). Both Derek Banks and Alan Bailey have been members of the Valley for over 50 years with Derek acting as President for 15 of those years.

Having lost the toss Christ’s College were asked to bat. With good life in the wicket College worked hard to establish an excellent first wicket partnership of 52 between B Patton and T McLean. McLean would go on to reach 82 before being brilliantly run out by D Broom when a century looked very much within his reach. The Davidson brothers Michael (52) and Johnathon (21) were next to the crease both hitting strongly and freely. College lost 3 wickets on 182 but a Captain’s knock by Hugo Davison (27) and Eglinton (38) saw the total through to 6 for 258. Some useful hitting from J Thomson (20) and Gimblett (15) saw the final total reach a very impressive 290 for the loss of 8 wickets at the end of the 50 overs. D Eathorne gave everything in his 8 overs and deserved his 2 wickets but the remaining bowlers while working hard were unable to rattle a very competent College batting line up to any great degree and the two run-outs were pivotal in providing School with a fighting chance of success.

The School opener J Lewis was instrumental in the School fight back as he plundered an impressive (94) in quick time with all but 12 of his runs coming from boundaries. The Broom brothers Darren (29) and Peter (35) contributed to the fightback, ably assisted by D Eathorne (26) and H Cox (21). But in the end, it was not enough with School falling behind and finally succumbing in the 45th over to be all out for 227. Gimblett was the pick of the College bowlers with a spell of 4 for 41 and most importantly picking up the valuable wicket of Lewis. H Davison contributed a useful 2 for 53 off a shortened run.

College were the deserving winners on the day and it was a pleasure to see the Banks Bailey Rosebowl presented for the first time by Mrs Juliet Banks to Hugo Davison the College Captain.
The day was a great success and the game played in excellent spirit. We look forward in the coming years to this fixture between Old Boys.  Clearly, the bragging rights sit with College which I am sure will be all the motivation needed for School to lift its game for the next encounter.

Match report: Brent Bailey

A lecture from President Scott Cartwright

The inter-team mingle pre-match

Christ’s College and CBHS Old Boys’ teams

Team pic #1

Team pic #2

The Gillens, Derek &  Juliet Banks, Alan Bailey

The grandstand on the outer

(L – R) G Gillen, Alan Bailey, A Gillen

Of interest in the last photo – pictured either side of Alan Bailey are the late Sam Gillen’s sons from CBHS, Gerrard (L) and Andrew (R), wearing their father’s international blazers, as Sam Gillen played Test cricket for both the West Indies and New Zealand, “a most uncommon occurrence…”! (Scott C)

Yet another glorious day at the Valley of Peace with the ground and wicket looking a picture thanks to Ant Polson and his grounds team. The Valley won the toss and asked Swannanoa CC to bat. Little did we realise opener Tony Horne would still be at the crease 50 overs later having compiled 134 not out. It was a patient and controlled innings but with plenty of powerful hitting when the occasion arose. Our congratulations to Tony on his fine innings and we look forward to seeing his name inscribed on the “Visitors Honours Board” in the future. Tony was ably supported by Conner McDonald and Captain Nathan Lang who helped Swannanoa reach 263 at the end of their 50 overs. Geoff Olsen, Dan Hooper, Alex Fulton (14yrs playing with grandfather Gordon), and Graham Aveyard all toiled away at the bowler’s crease but in the end, were outgunned by a very good batting display.

The Valley got off to a shaky start and at 4 for 26 things were not looking good. Tony O’Loughlin however dug in and took the Valley through to 5 for 113 with a fine knock of 52. Tony’s dismissal was a body blow from which the Valley would not recover, eventually succumbing in the 42 over for a total of 130.  S Rossvaar 4 for 18 and T Martin 3 for 14, were the pick of the Swannanoa bowlers.

Our sincere thanks go to Swannanoa for their wonderful help over the last two seasons as we worked through our ground restoration program following the Canterbury Earthquakes. It was certainly our pleasure to be able to host the Swannanoa team and be given the opportunity to acknowledge their greatly appreciated assistance. Special thanks to Barry Frost for his superb lunch and to our President Scott Cartwright for hosting throughout the day.

Match report:  Brent Bailey

When the Valley of Peace CC team list was written up it appears that our captain for the match George Ritchie somehow mistook the ‘C’ to mean ‘Cripple’ and went and broke a bone in his arm the week before the game! Luckily we had some local knowledge and managed to fill this 11th spot on the morning of the match, and George came down to show off his cast and enjoy a cold drink in the sun.

The Valley lost the toss and were asked to bat first – an ominous sign after batting first the last two years and not winning either match. Josh Blackmore (37*) and Callum Rhodes (12) did very well in the opening batting pair against some good line and length bowling from Aaron (0-41-7) getting us through to 50 before Josh retired on 30*. The wickets started tumbling when we went from 63/1 to 65/2, then 65/3 before Micheal Goldstein (44) and Jesse Tritschler (33*) steadied the middle order a little bit. Drinks were taken at 93/3 and before long into the second session both batsmen retired on 30* each. During the second 20 overs, we lost Jeremy Wilson (2) and Geoff Olson (14) before Ed Murray also retired with his 30*. Coming into the final overs we saw 3 of the 4 retirees recycled and the VOP ended 211/8 after 40 overs – about par according to the locals.

The run chase didn’t get off to a great start for the home team after G Olsen snared an early wicket in the 3rd over and Graham Aveyard worked hard from the other end, his first 5 overs going for just 16 runs. Geoff grabbed another in his 3rd over and we were well placed with Millbrook at 56/4 after 16 overs, and we were still ahead of the game at drinks with Millbrook on 74/4. Unfortunately for us, the catching in the field stuttered somewhat after a refreshment, and some good middle order batting meant that by the time we held a catch in the deep the batting team was on 199/8 and we were just a little too late. C Rhodes claimed another scalp to a catch at deep point and with Millbrook now at 208/9 it came down to Mike to come back from his retirement and hit the winning runs safely….a very close finish as it transpired.

The local rules at Millbrook Cricket Club make it a tough day out for the bowlers – no LBW’s effectively also means no one gets bowled out either – of the 17 wickets taken on the day 15 were catches, there was 1 runout and Geoff Olson was the only bowler to achieve hitting the stumps – so well done to Geoff on sticking with it on a hot day in the field.

Having covered all of this, on the day we had 22 people have a bat and 18 have a bowl so I don’t think there can be too many complaints about not getting a go. And to have it come down the last wicket certainly made it a match that could’ve gone either way – a really good finish.

Thanks to Frazer Skinner for not only his long umpiring spell but also for running off and cooking the BBQ lunch – very much appreciated and a good showing of that classic Southern Hospitality we all enjoyed while in Otago. And thanks to Rob, Glen, and all the Millbrook guys for hosting us and continuing the great relationship we have between our clubs – we look forward to seeing you in Christchurch in December 2021.

Match Summary:

Valley of Peace CC (211/8) lost to Millbrook CC (213/9) by 1 wicket

VOP, 211/8 off 40.0 overs

M Goldstein 44

J Blackmore 37*

J Tritschler 33*

E Murray 30*

Bill (3-18-3)

Ross (2-22-5)

Millbrook CC, 213/9 off 37.0 overs

Jason 38

Mike 37*

Alan 33*

James 28

G Olsen (3-25-7)

J Kirk (3-50-7)

G Aveyard (1-22-7)

C Rhodes (1-26-3)

E Murray (1-21-3)

J Wilson (0-28-6)

M Kirk (0-22-3)

M Goldstein (0-18-2)

Jesse Tritschler, Valley of Peace Cricket Club

Millbrook CC pavilion – BBQ’s up

Millbrook CC pavilion and spectators

Millbrook CC the long boundary

Millbrook CC – an alpine backdrop

Millbrook CC pavilion and grounds

The Valley of Peace cricket team, Millbrook Feb 2021 (G Olsen)

The Valley of Peace achieved a comfortable six-wicket win over Hawkeswood Wanderers XI in the 2021 annual fixture. After winning the toss, Hawkeswood decided to set the target batting first.

The win was set up by the cohesive VoP bowling and fielding performance, one of the best I have seen in my years as a member. Seven great catches from seven opportunities set the platform with Will Tipping gloving a screamer (webbing) behind the stumps and Phil Harris catching a strident opportunity at first slip. Catches win matches – they say.

A great display from Sam Sidey with the ball (4-15) was a memorable highlight and well deserved. Tight bowling from Simon Carter 1-4, Ben Larter, James Hoban (2-11) and Hugo Davison (1-23) contributed with wickets and to the stranglehold on runs.

Top scoring for Haweswood, S. Burnett was caught on the long-on boundary for 26. Well set, if this chance was not taken, he could have gone on to a larger score and left the Valley chasing a more significant total.

Valley debutants, Harry Peeters and Benji Andrews, both contributed with wickets tidying up the lower order and the Hawkeswood Wanderers XI were surgically bowled out for 102 with overs remaining.

I congratulate the entire Valley unit for the performance. The Valley were set 103 to win.

Sam Sidey saw off the new ball well. As president of the Cheviot CC he had a fair amount of heat batting for the VoP. As his opening partner, we set the platform for the win, and I was fortunate to go on to make 50.

Will Tipping was caught early in his innings with the catch of the day by Mr Woods, caught and bowled for the Hawkeswood XI. Bert Walker commented, “the catch remains a scintillating memory in my short tenure of six decades with the club.”

Ben Larter, Simon Carter, and Hugo Davison brought the team home comfortably and showed maturity in their approach. Chasing small targets always remains a psychological challenge late in the day. The Valley went on to hunt down the target with six wickets in hand.

(Simon Carter remained Not Out 17 and Hugo Davison Not Out 11.)

Bowling performances for Hawkeswood Wanderers included a tight spell from Alex Kirkland (0-14) bowling left arm over with impeccable shape. At 15, he is a talent for the future and commendations to Hawkeswood for integrating young players into their succession plan.

Great game and a resounding win for the Valley. The players thank you to our hosts, for the luncheon and the immaculate preparation of the grounds.

Justin Haley – Captain for the day

Will Tipping slashes an on-drive for Valley of Peace

Justin Haley in action for Valley of Peace

An alert Sam Sidey for Valley of Peace

The opening match of 2021 was against our adversaries from Elmwood Park, Team Boon. In the sixth edition of this fixture, hopes were high at the Valley for a return to winning ways despite the never spoken of pre-lunch annihilation of 2020. A 45 over match was agreed.

Pre-match things were going well.  9 of the original 11 selected players were available (a rare thing for January fixtures and perhaps a sign of less travel in Covid times) and only one late withdrawal which was sorted within an hour with less than 10 phone calls. The selection of one of the club’s top bowlers as a wicketkeeper-batsman raised some Valley eyebrows but more on that later. A good selection mix as always,  from a Year 12 STAC student to those with 12 years experience in over -60s cricket, we were ready to go. The day had dawned fine, 25 degrees and on a slightly wet wicket, the Valley captain lost the toss to Team Boon skipper Phil Watson, who chose to bat, matching the Valley plan to bowl first anyway. President Cartwright in his address chose to mention the never spoken-of 2020 match and the ’13 for 7′ situation the Valley found itself in on that fateful day, but no matter, hopes were still high at the start of play.

An excellent opening spell then followed as James Hoban, Chris House and Graham Aveyard all picked up wickets at minimal cost to have Team Boon 19-3 after 11 overs. A sharp slips catch by returning Valley member Dion Blair being one of the early highlights. The skipper went searching through his bowling stocks in an effort to continue the momentum but Thompson and Gallop had come together for Team Boon and firstly steadied the ship, then took to the bowling, stroking any loose stuff into adjoining paddocks and across roads. 100 runs were added in 14 overs and talk amongst the fielders that 250 was on the cards but in his fourth over Stan Wooliscroft broke the partnership by dismissing Gallop for 61, and a couple of overs later, spin twin Kerrison repeated the dose by snaring Thompson, also for 61. Stan found form and took another two scalps to have Team Boon at 154 for 7 after 32 overs. Captain Watson and Ben Cartwright did well as we brought back our opening bowlers, adding 59 for the 8^th wicket. George Ritchie, House and Hoban tried to stem the tide bowling at the death and with Aveyard taking two further wickets the innings was wrapped up in the 44^th over with the total at 217. As well as Aveyard and Wooliscroft’s three-wicket hauls, Chris House taking 2 for 10 off 6 overs was a great return to form.

After another magnificent lunch, the Valley set about its chase, Hugo Davison being thrust the “Gilchrist”-like responsibility of keeping and opening. The Team Boon opening bowlers Welsh and Odyear were a handful (even during the 5 balls it took to “pierce” the legendary 8 slips, 1 gully, 1 leg slip first up field set) but at the 14^th over we were 33 for 1 (ahead on the “worm”)  but another sharp catch dismissing Music for 22 was a setback. At drinks, at 67 for 3 a platform had been laid, but Davison, seemingly rushed during a shorter than normal drinks break, was caught off Cartwright off the third ball after drinks for 36. Ritchie had made double figures, but soon departed, and unfortunately, a steady procession followed, three more ducks brought the total for the innings to 5 (just like the 2020 game that is never to be spoken of) and while Kerrison (2 not out) and Wooliscroft (1) improved their output from the past, a meagre total of 79 was all the Valley could muster. Cartwright’s four wickets (8-2-9-4) and Thompson’s two (8-6-2-2) strangled the lower order, great all-round performances from those two. Interestingly, in my previous night’s scramble for a late replacement, Cartwright was mentioned as an option.  I am sure he will be welcomed onto Valley teams in the future. The fielding and combinations that Team Boon had been exemplary, a match for many of their CMCA division 4 rivals on a Saturday I am sure. In short, they out-batted, out-bowled and out-fielded us on the day. Thankfully, we were successful in both post-match raffles!!

During the after-match formalities, my selection of Davison as a keeper was further brought into disrepute, though not intentionally, by President Cartwright as Scott awarded the HW Waters Cup to Hugo for his 6-13 bowing performance from the previous season. Hugo did a great job and would have been our player of the day alongside Stan.

As always, thanks to Scott (and Tina) behind the bar and at lunch, a magnificent effort. Great to see Jesse and a few other spectators there during the day, a wonderful spot on a summers day. I must make mention of the grounds, thanks to Tony and the team for the work they are doing providing a carpet like surface to play on.

In my second year of this fixture, the results may suggest a change at the top in the future. All the best to those chosen and I take this opportunity to encourage members to put their names down for this fixture. The match is played in exceptional spirit against colourful opposition who I am sure we will compete against with greater success in years to come.

Scoreboard

Team Boon – 217 all out (43.5 overs) – J. Thompson 61, S. Gallop 61, B. Cartwright 34, S.Wooliscroft 3 for 25, G.Aveyard 3 for 28

Valley of Peace – 79 all out (40.1 overs) – H.Davison 36, Cartwright 4 for 19, Thompson 2 for 2

Result:  Win to Team Boon by 138 runs

Tom Music  (Valley Captain for the day)

We were greeted to overcast but muggy conditions, with a stunning outfield and a hard but fresh deck. Our opponents for the day were Christchurch Golf Club (CGC) who seem to lift a notch when they get to oppose their former teammate, Tom Music.

Winning the toss we elected to bowl and had Dan Hooper (0-30 off 8) & Rumesh (1-20 off 10) starting off with some tight, challenging bowling. CGC battled hard with some good hitting from Bakermans (19) at the top of the order, and a resolute inning of 24 from Sanders.

House (1-37 off 9), Carter (0-19 off 5) and Levenger (0-11 off 2) all bowled well from the city end while Larter (4-19 off 10) and Frickleton (3-23 off 7) made good inroads from the pavilion end with Music picking up two very good slip catches.

At 80 for 5 in the 30th over VOP had the edge, but were aware that Wisneski was a threat as he continued to step down the wicket and hit strongly against the moving ball.

With an invaluable innings of 48 and a 51 run partnership for the 7th wicket with Reed (12*) Wisneski lifted CGC to a more than competitive total of 165/9 as VOP struggled to tie him down and pick up wickets from the other end.

In reply VOP had a number of starts from Music (11), Carter (10), and Larter (19) with Eathorne anchoring the innings with 18. This unfortunately left too much to do for Rumesh (22) & an injured Hooper at the end as VOP managed 121 all out in reply.

Injuries to Hooper & Levenger, and 3 dropped catches didn’t help our cause but CGC were deserved winners by 44 runs.

As always the game against CGC was a good battle and played in the right spirit.

Many thanks for Messrs Eathorne and Tritschler for hosting us on the day and Mr Polson and his team for the hard work as always on preparing such a great pitch and excellent setting to play cricket in.

Ben Larter
VoP Captain for the Day

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Participants for the VoP vs CGC 2020 match

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Valley vs CGC Dec 2020 from the Watershed

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The Watershed ‘fill-up bowser’ at the Valley

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Presentation time after the CGC match Dec 2020

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The toss was won by Valley of Peace Cricket Club and elected to bat for this 50-over match against Millbrook Cricket Club from Arrowtown.

Weather:
1st innings – sunny, 17 degrees
2nd innings – overcast, 12 degrees

A solid opening partnership of 49 between Ryan Eathorne 25 and Tim Frickleton 29 laid a good platform for the middle order Niven Boyle 31 and Hamish Cochrane 32 to progress the innings to over 100 by the 35th over. Although wickets began to fall in quick succession past the 40th over Dan Hooper 16 managed to help VoP finish at a defendable score of 163/9 after 50 overs.

Millbrook lost early wickets at regular intervals in reply as the wicket got slower as the day went on. Great opening bowling spell by Dan Hooper of 10 overs straight 3 for 11, and Greg Jones 9 overs 3 for 32. Riley Smith chipping in 5 overs, 2 for 21. At one stage Millbrook were 27/7 and then 38/8. VoP was looking forward to having the game done and dusted by drinks – 25 over mark. The last wicket partnership of around 70 by Rob who smacked his way to 50 and Billy 25 started to annoy the VoP bowlers and made the VoP captain get a little nervous. Luckily for VoP Graham Aveyard finished the Millbrook innings off with 5 overs 2 for 8, making it a handsome win for VoP by 36 runs.

Great day’s cricket played in good spirits and pleasing to have chalked up my first win as captain for VoP at our wonderful new look home ground.

Thanks to the ground/bar staff the hospitality was good as it always is!

Tim Frickleton
VoP Captain for the day

Wiley Niven Boyle facing the might of Millbrook for his 31 runs

Niven Boyle scratching around for his 31 runs

The second home match of the summer started with the best-dressed team – the Canterbury Over 60’s XI – that we’ve greeted for some time arriving in their #1’s. The NZ Veterans Cricket blazers pictured are available to players who have represented NZ in their various age grades, and the number on display gave the home skipper some cause for concern before the toss. It was also great to see so many familiar faces in the visiting side, as 7 of their players are Valley members also.

The Valley won the toss and elected to field given the damp outfield and the covered pitch having sweated slightly the night before.

Kurt Bayer opened the bowling well for the Valley and some hard work all round in the field paid off keeping the run rate down. After 10 overs the Over 60’s had put on 21 runs, then by drinks at 25 overs they’d got through to 43\3. Mike McHaffey (10) was unlucky to be run out by a piece of individual brilliance by Dan Byrne, and Kurt Bayer took a very timely and well-made catch in the deep to remove R Steele (16) who had settled in well as part of the Over 60’s opening partnership. Ollie Dugdale held a couple of sharp catches too, and when Bob Masefield (13) came out and drove his first ball for a superb straight boundary we had to change fielding placements quickly. Bob and Tony Gray (22) batted very well together putting on 33 for the 9th wicket, with the Over 60’s eventually dismissed in the 46th over for 123. The bowlers worked hard for the Valley, in total 7 being used, with Kent Gillman leaving the field after injuring his calf during his second spell. The wickets were shared around, only two bowlers snared more than one wicket – Warren Guy (8-2-19) and Tom Byrne  (8-2-13), his older brother Dan Byrne bowling in tandem well at the other end with great stats of (8-1-9). Kurt Bayer had a good day out too returning (8-0-15).

A lovely setting for lunch under the trees (thanks again to hosts Scott, John and Nick) as the sun came out and the temperature increased noticeably as the Over 60’s took to the field. The Valley openers provided just the watchful start we needed and Stan Wooliscroft (8-1-33) got the first wicket of Ollie Dugdale (16) trapped LBW in the 14th over. The spinners continued the form with Tony Gray (8-1-19) bowling out Jono Collins (4) in the next over. Tom Music retired after a well compiled 51* leaving Dan Byrne (16*) and Kurt Bayer (11*) to finish the runs off in the 34th over with the total at 125\3.

A special mention must be made of the work Ant Polson and Geoff Olson have done at the ground – it looks an absolute picture, with the outfield playing very truly and the new block bedding in well.

We hope the match served its purpose for our visitors as they get game time to prepare for some tough competitions ahead – next weekend in Wellington and then National Championships in February 2021. Good luck to the Canterbury Team from us all at the Valley of Peace!

Jesse Tritschler

A 40-over match was played in very good spirits on a Friday afternoon against an energetic Tait Communications XI. We were pretty happy to bowl them out for 144 in the 38^th over, so our confidence level was high going into the afternoon tea break. Debutants Paul Dearsley (3-18 off 8) and Mark Hume (3-24 off 5) both bowled well as did Simon Carter and the unstoppable Stan Wooliscroft. Ben Larter took an impressive catch that is difficult to put into words and Tony Penny took a sharp stumping.

The young Tait bowling line up made life difficult for most of our batsmen, however, Mark Hume batted very well for 53 and Simon Carter produced a solid 30. Only 1 other batsman made double figures. We needed 9 off the last over to win, but we ended up a few short.

Overall it was a great game of cricket on a beautiful day at the Valley of Peace!

Phil Smith

Mark Hume, Stan Woolliscroft, Paul Dearsley at Valley vs Tait Commns, Nov 2020

(a 50 over match)
A fine day at the Valley of Peace saw St Bede’s XI put in to bat. Facing a lively opening spell from C Jenkins and D Eathorne the St Bede’s openers R Ryan and C Duke dug in well and got the team off to a good start. The Christchurch Boys High School XI attack performed well. An excellent spell from D Burrows saw him bowl several maidens. T Astle was to show his class with a very tidy spell. The pick of the bowlers, however, was S Davis with 4- 10 which helped keep St Bede’s score down to a hard-fought 137.
The anchor for St Bede’s was C Due who played a fine innings for his 41, ably supported S Ermerins and J Bakermans.

CBHS, I am sure, felt well capable of meeting the required target but they did not count on a superb spell of bowling by S Ermerins 4-18 with great support from C Duke 2-15 and J Bakermans 2-13.
Phil McKay, after a fine session in the field with the gloves, was the only batsman to take on the challenge with a swashbuckling 51 but in the end, with only 96 runs on the board and no wickets in hand, CBHS was well beaten by a very good St Bede’s side.

Special thanks to Dave Eathorne, Ryan Eathorne and Dan Hooper for St Bede’s, and Dayle Eathorne for CBHS, for bringing this excellent fixture together.

Brent Bailey