Ben Cottrell Trophy

Ben Cottrell was a fine all-round cricketer who played for Christ’s College in the very first Willows match in October 1994. Ben hailed from a proud Christchurch sporting family that included his All Black grandfather Beau Cottrell and father Hugh, who was also a Willower. An offspinner and middle order batsman who played with both skill and great humour, Ben represented the Christ’s 1st XI with distinction for two years and played for Canterbury at age-group levels. He died aged just 18 as the result of a swimming accident, having smashed his last three balls for four at Elmwood Park not long before.