The Willows v Christ’s College 1st XI on 23 October 1994

Season 1994/95

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, 23 October 1994Report by Richard Bromley

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The Willows 260/8

C McMillan 78, D Hadlee 46*, P McEwan 30, C O’Malley 28

Christ’s College 121

B Dormer 52, P McEwan 3/20, P Dormer 2/15

The Willows
won by 139 runs

The gods looked down and smiled upon this most auspicious occasion, the inaugural match at The Willows. The sun shone, the ground looked groomed and green, the pitch true. Making his only significant contribution to the day’s play, Bromley Sr successfully spun the coin and invited Bromley Jr’s College team to field.

A formidable lineup of seasoned willow, led by the Christ’s College coach Chris O’Malley (28) and living legend Paul McEwan (30), soon had the lads stretched wide, covering the boundaries. Craig McMillan (78) and Dayle Hadlee (46 not out) then hammered home further batting lessons to allow The Willows to reach 260 for 8 wickets in its allotted 40 overs.

Before the College XI had its turn, the ground, club and pavilion were formally opened with speeches from the two captains, Patron Walter Hadlee, and the landlady’s husband.

It was particularly gratifying that the late Trevor Campbell was able to be present to open the pavilion which bears his name. As he always did, he spoke briefly and eloquently.

The formalities over and afternoon tea consumed, the College batsmen went out to face a formidable task. They weren’t up to it, boys against men, and only Ben Dormer (52) and Tom Blakely (21 not out at number eleven) offered any real resistance. Not an exciting match, but a memorable first day for The Willows Club.