The new January timeline for the annual Valley of Peace vs Christchurch Golf Club XI match meant fantastic weather (27 degrees) and fantastic opposition, fresh from the golf courses and cricket grounds of Christchurch to take on the 10 men of the Valley. The skipper was concerned that our missing youthful debutant (yes, a ring-in) had been hurt or injured on his way to the ground. To this day I’m not sure where he is, but I hope he is OK.
Music winning the toss and opting to bat on a fine-looking wicket slightly disappointed Messer’s Bongartz, MacAlpine and the opposition, particularly after their strong 2023 showing. There was a particular yearning to see one of their number, James Pearson, carry on from his 160* in that fixture.
It was Hawker and Music instead that strode to the wicket, and at 31 without loss after 10 of the allocated 40 overs, things were looking positive. The introduction of Pearson with the ball this year would then prove pivotal, with the VoP slumping to 58 for 5 at drinks. This included the loss of Michael Davidson and Kim Smythe. Pearson had 4 for 8 from his five-over spell.
While Josh Lilley (45 off 41 balls) and Ray Steele (17) showed excellent resistance, once removed by Bongartz and Gill respectively, the innings petered out to 161 all out. Thanks to CGC for letting Michael Kirkland bat twice to fill the gap in my batting order.
Ever the optimistic captain, I was hopeful of making early inroads with an attack of Wenborn, Smythe and Davidson, and then getting young Anderson and ever-youthful Kerrison to clean up the tail. At 28 without loss after 10, it was good resistance by CGC but I felt we were on top, at least statistically, if not at the TAB.
At 110 for 6 with the dangerous Sanders and Pearson departed (that was after hitting one ball so hard and far it could only possibly be retrieved by future civilisations) hope still sprung eternal. Our problem was Gregor Croudis, who was showing the class that had him playing some List A games for Otago in the late 2010s and once again proving the resources and recruiting skills of Callum MacAlpine seem to outshine mine quite markedly.
Croudis’ 61 proved to be the difference with the golfers getting home 7 down with plenty of overs to spare. Mika MacDonald and the enthusiastic Stefan Dimou completed the run chase.
Hamish Falls-Anderson with 3 wickets was a highlight. The other bowlers went for less than 4 an over, so a good team performance but not good enough to break our victory drought.
Both CGC skipper Glenn and I paid tribute to Scott and the team behind the scenes for lunches, the venue and another magnificent occasion, popular on both club’s calendars. It was great to see members of both clubs joining the crowd watching and for those not able to make it, we hope to see you again in the future.
I for one am really looking forward to coming back for more in 2025 (if selected).
Tom Music, Valley of Peace Captain for the day
Match Summary
Valley of Peace – 161 all out from 38.5 overs
J Lilley 45, T Music 29, J Pearson 4 for 12, A. Gill 2 for 23.
Christchurch Golf Club First XI – 163 for 7 off 33.5 overs
G Croudis 61, F Jones 24, G Bongartz 22, H Falls-Anderson 3 for 55, M Davidson 2 for 31.
Christchurch Golf Club First XI won by 3 wickets with 37 balls to spare
