In recognition for his years of hard work on the training track (particularly early on in July at Pre-Season Training) the Willows have decided to take the unprecedented step of naming the first training day of each season - “Schmitty Day”.

In typical fashion, new Ashy Willows President Brett Kallio was on hand to cut the ribbon on the big event and say a few words…

“Neil "The Pre-Season King" Smith” was a cultural icon of the former Eastern Willows (now Ashburton Willows) Cricket Club.”

“A ten year player, Neil played a grand total of 6 games for the Club between 1995-2004.”

“Schmitty” was a tireless worker on the track and embodied true Willow spirit – it is no fault of his that his body “gave up” on the eve of the first match 10 years in succession…”

"The curtain came down on Neil’s much celebrated career when he fell down the stairs on the eve of the first match in 2004."

“I recall that we were due to open the bowling together in the 3’s that day. Thankfully I was there to take a cool 6fa and get us over the line. I know the big man would have been proud of me that day… I certainly was, it was a great spell.”

"In memory of the great man’s exploits, “Schmitty Day” has been coined…

Don’t miss the inaugural “Schmitty Day” on Wednesday 28 July 2010 – 7:30pm @ Xavier College.

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