The Willows v Christ’s College 1st XI on 14 October 2001

Season 2001/02

Head-to-head

The Willows first played against Christ’s College 1st XI in the 1994/95 season.

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.

Played

Won

Lost

v Christ’s College 1st XI

Sunday, 14 October 2001Report by Geoff Allott

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The Willows 241/8

B Doody 100 ret, C Sowden 42

Christ’s College 51

A Nuttall 3/10, C Sowden 3/8

The Willows
won by 190 runs

Similar to my previous outings to the Willows, the day dawned fine, the breeze was mellow, and the vista was superb.

It never ceases to amaze me what can be achieved when passion is an ingredient of a task. The outfield was magnificently prepared (thanks to Peter Devlin and Vince Cusack), and the wicket block resembled a true playing surface, similar to that experienced as a young cricketer playing at either ‘Lancaster Park’ or Burnside in the early days.

Our team was equally well prepared for what was going to be the first match of the season for many of us. We had the makings of a very balanced Willows side with youth and experience and wit (namely Joe Bennett) and enthusiasm.

We were told that the Christ’s College team was going through somewhat of a rebuilding stage, with the first eleven this season dominated by fifth and sixth form students. They too seemed anxious to don the whites, which would be their first outing of the season also.

After a terrific start by the Willows captain (convinced the officials that we should bat first) we walked promptly from the field to prepare for our innings. Brad Doody and myself opened the innings (with hopes of sweating out some of the refreshments that we had consumed the night before at Shane Bond’s wedding). With sweat pouring from the brow, Allott had the disappointment of returning.

The College team was bundled out for 51, and although it was the lowest total ever scored at the Willows, the most disappointing factor was the lack of application shown by their batsmen. While not wanting to be too scathing on the school side, to be bowled out in 30 overs is something that all cricketers should be disappointed with. We must make the most of opportunities that we are given, and certainly the ground condition and facilities provided the perfect setting for this to occur.

On behalf of all the players involved, thank you to all those that made the day as enjoyable as it was. The wicket, the day, the facilities, and most importantly the company, was all truly first class.