Kindred spirits gather for cricketing experience
UCVC batsman Simon Muir attempts to send the ball into the surrounding vineyards. Photo Peter Jones
Cricketers with a shared passion for the game, and the camaraderie that is associated with it, gathered in Marlborough at the weekend for two days of endeavour and entertainment.
The action in the New Zealand Kindred Cup finals, which were hosted in Marlborough for the first time, began on Friday, with a series of Twenty20 matches at Horton Park and Black Cottage, the home ground of hosts United Country and Vineyard Cricket.
Twelve teams from around New Zealand did battle to decide the national over-35 champions, with The Willows Cricket Club from Canterbury coming away as comprehensive victors, winning an entertaining final late on Saturday afternoon in front of a boisterous 350-strong crowd at Black Cottage.
The UCVC lads began well, winning their first two matches but came up short in their semifinal, losing to North Shore, who retain the Chatfield Shield, a challenge trophy.
The Willows, who claimed their fourth title in the event’s six years of existence, beat Wellington Wanderers CC in the other semifinal.
The level of competition was high, with some superb individual and team performances, notably a big century from former Black Cap Hamish Marshall for Wellington Wanderers CC against Seddon CC on Friday.
Friday evening’s get together was marked by the appearance of guest speaker Jeremy Coney, his articulate delivery and brand of cricketing humour going down a treat.
On Saturday, $2500 was raised at auction for Marlborough junior cricket and the crowd were treated to a fly over of a Nanchang aircraft.
Dave Clouston, host at Black Cottage and a member of the UCVC side, described the weekend as “fantastic”.
“It was a wonderful event, the weather was perfect for us and the cricket was played in the right spirit. It is still serious enough … still good cricket, and allowed everyone to get their cricketing fix for the weekend.
“Also, around 160 players and supporters came to town for a few days, helping boost the local economy,” said Dave.
Teams taking part were United Country and Vineyards CC, Ocean Beach CC, Albion CC, Greytown CC, Queens Street CC, Haberdashers CC, North Shore CC, Kaimai CC, Seddon CC, Clifton Country CC, Wellington Wanderers CC and The Willows CC.