The Willows v Christ’s College 1st XI on 13 January 2008

Season 2007/08

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, 13 January 2008Report by Robbie Deans

Previous match Next match

Christ’s College 154

A Yugaraja 43, W Mills 23, W Lonsdale 4/17

The Willows 157/6

R Deans 38

The Willows
won by 4 wickets

On another delightful summer’s day, Christ’s College 1st XI captain, Chris McGoldrick, won the toss from Robbie Deans, the newly appointed Australian rugby coach who was captaining The Willows for the first time, and elected to bat.

The Christ’s were soon in trouble at 3 for 27 however three reasonably good innings played by Harper, Yugaraja and Harrison enabled College to a total of 154. Excellent bowling from Willie Lonsdale and James O’Gorman were responsible for this low total.

The Willows started in fine form with the opening pair Nathu and Deans batting together for the first time in 25 years. Once these two were removed the Christ’s boys were entertained to two forceful innings from John Masefield and Paddy Ryan with The Willows ending up winning by four wickets.

Umpires: G Evans & J Rose