Ant Polson would be one of the club’s longest serving players having commenced his career at Swannanoa in the late 1970s. A burly player who has opened the bowling every year since 1979, he has the most potent of bouncers that can clear batsmen and wicket keeper with ease. His wily cunning approach to thinking bowling has earned him many a wicket. That he can still bowl some thirty years after commencing his cricketing career at Swannanoa baffles medical science.

Batting is interesting and in those years the elusive century has evaded him. Yes the odd 80 but that stupid sweep shot is his continual downfall. If he could manage a Ruth like figure then perhaps the ease of movement could help in that quest for three figures into a style of delicate nudges and innocent flicks. It is obvious to every keen observer that his current approach just won’t work.

A keen worker and dedicated behind the scenes supporter of Swannanoa cricket and North Canterbury cricket, he will no doubt be recognised by a New Years award at some point in the next ten years. His passion for attending working bees at 8am when the official start time is 10am is admired, respected and welcomed by his fellow team mates.

If an award was to be made to Ant in no doubt would revolve around his fine efforts at home baking over the years that have always been at a consistent level unlike his batting.

Yes a character at “Noa” and teams with his presence seem to loom larger than the average life, words like colossal, voluminous, monumental, huge and mammoth spring to mind when describing the Merv-like bowler from Swannanoa.