The Willows v Christ’s College 1st XI on 17 October 1999

Season 1999/00

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, 17 October 1999Report by Paul McEwan

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The Willows 150/9

P Fulton 40

Christ’s College 123

S Martin 4/20

The Willows
won by 27 runs

The timing of this game was not ideal due to most of the 1st XI preparing for end of year exams, however the Christ’s College team performed well in restricting the Willows to 150 for 9. Both opening bowlers, Ballin and Thomas, conceded only 2.5 runs per over and picked up 3 wickets. Later in the innings young Glubb bowled 7 overs taking one wicket for just ten runs. If it was not for extras (22), Peter Fulton (40) and David Bond (24) the Willows would have been in real trouble.

The target of 150 was challenging, with a slow pitch and a Willows bowling line up that included Sam Martin, Hamish Devine and Andrew Nuttall.

Christ’s struggled from the first ball when Foley was bowled by Sam Martin however Fisher (34) and Ballin (16) put on 47 for the 3rd wicket in fine style. Each of the next four batsmen got starts but lacked the experience to push on and threaten the Willows score. Christ’s finished all out for 123 with three overs remaining.