Members of 1949 New Zealand tour reunited (17 November 1998)

17 November 1998

Members of 1949 New Zealand tour reunited

The Christchurch Press

Bert Sutcliffe and Martin Donnelly, the left-handed batting stars of New Zealand's 1949 cricket tour to England will be united again in Christchurch next month. Between them they plundered England's county and test bowlers for almost 5000 runs in what was, unfortunately, their only season together in the New Zealand team.

As a 19-year-old, Donnelly had toured England with the 1937 New Zealanders. He settled in England after World War 2 and highlighted his 1949 exploits with a double century in the Lords test. Donnelly never represented his country again.

Only Australian Sir Donald Bradman scored more than Sutcliffe's 2627 runs on an English tour. Sutcliffe represented New Zealand until 1965 and has been challenged only by Glenn Turner and Martin Crowe as New Zealand's finest batsman.

Donnelly will be travelling from Sydney and Sutcliffe from Auckland for a reunion of the 49ers in Christchurch on December 5 and 6. They will be joined by captain Walter Hadlee and team-mates Merv Wallace, John Hayes, and Geoff Rabone.

Wicket-keeper Frank Mooney hopes to get back from an overseas holiday for the reunion, but John Reid, who was the youngest 1949 tourist, has been appointed referee for the Ashes series in Australia.

A highlight of their weekend will be the unveiling of the Walter Hadlee Entrance at The Willows, Loburn. It coincides with a match between an Invitation XI and the first XI of Hadlee's school, Christchurch Boys' High.

"The entrance way, made of river stone, recognises the significant contribution to New Zealand and Canterbury cricket made by Walter Hadlee over 60 years," said Willows spokesman Mike Dormer. "The 49ers were Saturday afternoon cricketers who didn't get paid and always believed the game was bigger than themselves. They set the standard for New Zealand."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)