Trophies

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 stroked his last three balls for four at Elmwood Park not long before.

Walter Hadlee Trophy

To be added

Macfarlane Trophy

To be added

Clive Geary Trophy

Clive Geary was a foundation pupil at King’s High School in Dunedin from 1936 to 1940. His exceptional sportsmanship and leadership were evident as he excelled as Head Boy in 1940, held the position of Regimental Sergeant Major in the Cadet Corps, and captained the 1st XV rugby and 1st XI cricket teams. Clive’s sporting prowess was exceptional, including a remarkable 167 not out and a hat-trick in interschool cricket. He was a vital part of an undefeated King’s rugby team and won the Challenge Cup for tennis. After serving in the RNZAF during World War II, Clive’s rugby and cricket talents continued to shine in England and France. He became a dedicated educator, earning his BA degree in 1951 before joining King’s as a teacher, coach and administrator. He retired in 1982, leaving an indelible mark on the institution.

Trevor Campbell Trophy

Trevor Campbell was honoured in 1994 when the pavilion at The Willows was named for him – the first act following the ground’s creation. Trevor visited the ground that year, and his son, Dr John Campbell, became a foundation playing member.

Trevor was the driving force behind the London New Zealand Cricket Club (LNZCC), founded in December 1951 while he served as Public Relations Officer at the NZ High Commission on The Strand. His vision was to create a London-based club for New Zealanders – a touring side playing in beautiful rural settings, offering cricket and camaraderie to those on their overseas experience.

Many Willowers have since enjoyed playing for LNZCC, sharing in Trevor’s enduring legacy. Fittingly, The Willows plays an annual fixture against LNZCC for the Trevor Campbell Trophy – honouring his contribution to New Zealand cricket abroad.

Arthur Cresswell Trophy

To be added

Bruce Dickson Trophy

Bruce was much-loved figure in Methven, Life Member of the Methven Cricket Club and Golf Co-ordinator at the Methven Golf Club. A respected Geography master and cricket coach at Mt Hutt College, he inspired students through sport and learning, even launching a community newspaper in the late 1980s that led to Media Studies being introduced as a senior subject in 1991. A man devoted to his community and the growth of young people.

Herb McGirr Trophy

A long-serving Wellington all-rounder (1914–1932) and one of New Zealand’s early Test cricketers, Herb McGirr made his Test debut in 1930 at the remarkable age of 38 years and 101 days, still the oldest New Zealander to debut. Beyond first-class cricket, he was a central figure at Nelson College, shaping generations of cricketers including Willows founder Mike Dormer and other Nelsonians through his coaching and mentorship. Known for his longevity in the game, he continued playing club cricket until the age of 67, giving up then only because “he slipped when taking in the milk” the day after scoring 70.

John Mitchell Trophy

To be added

Frank Cameron Trophy

To be added

Sir Anand Satyanand Trophy

To be added

Steve Garland Trophy

Educated at Linwood High School (1968–1973), Steve was a medium-pace outswing bowler and tail-end batsman for St Albans Cricket Club in Christchurch, known for his friendly and affable nature. He earned an MA and dedicated 42 years (1979–2019) to teaching History and Social Studies at Shirley Boys’ High School, serving 27 seasons as cricket coach and master-in-charge. Under his guidance, SBHS 1st XI became a dominant force in Christchurch cricket, helping shape the careers of future Black Caps including Darrin Murray, Michael Papps, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Gary Stead, and Richard Petrie. A man committed to education, sport, and nurturing young talent.

Peter Skelt Trophy

A true Southern man of cricket and rugby. Born in 1955, Peter attended Southland Boys’ High School before studying at Otago’s School of Physical Education, where he also represented New Zealand in badminton. Returning to SBHS in 1989 as a PE teacher, he has remained ever since, now serving as Director of Sport. Known as a hard-nosed rugby coach who valued mental toughness, he also played Hawke Cup cricket for Southland (1981–1990) as a leg-spinner and lower-order bat, later coaching the game and inspiring the next generation, including his son Hamish. A respected, old-school taskmaster dedicated to sport and youth.

Dave Biddick Trophy

To be added

John MacDonald Trophy

To be added

Durham Trophy

To be added

Bob Wills Trophy

Educated at St Kevin’s College in the late 1940s, Bob played in the 1st XI cricket team throughout his time at the school and in the 1st XV rugby team in his final year. In 1948, the school closed for six months due to the polio epidemic, and he did not return. Representing Southland against the touring West Indies, he suffered a severe shin injury when Everton Weekes clipped a ball to short leg. Beyond sport, Bob was a talented musician, excelling on the cornet and trumpet and winning the New Zealand Under-18 Cornet title. He regularly performed in touring shows visiting Invercargill. In recognition of his cricketing skill, he was named in the Marist Invercargill Cricket Club’s Team of the Century during their centenary celebrations.

Br Bill Dowling Trophy

Br Bill Dowling was a unique and irreplaceable figure whose influence extended far beyond St Thomas of Canterbury College, touching lives locally and globally. An inspirational mentor, he shaped students not only through sport but through genuine interest in their lives, creating a sense of belonging within the College community. Passionate about cricket, he devoted countless hours to training and coaching, guiding teams on tours and at events like the Nudgee Cricket Festival, which St Thomas won in 1993. Known for his dedication—even enduring injuries without complaint—he also instilled values of integrity, honesty, punctuality, sportsmanship, and discipline. His humor and character, from his iconic Adidas tracksuit to his legendary “Flaming Heck Man!” exclamations, left lasting memories. Br Bill also developed talented cricketers who reached high levels, including the Boyles, Fleming, and Astle. His legacy endures through the countless lives he shaped with care and conviction.

Mark Parker Trophy

Mark Parker, the son of New Zealand cricketer Murray Parker and nephew of former Test captain John Parker, played first-class cricket for Otago, Hawke Cup cricket for South Canterbury and captained New Zealand at Under-20 level. Gavin Larsen described him as “mega-talented ... a great timer of the ball and a consummate team man”. Mark learned his cricket at Timaru Boys’ High School and also played professional cricket in Hampshire. He was holidaying en route to Wellington for the 2002/03 season when his life was tragically cut short by the Bali bombings.

Rolie Eveleigh Trophy

Rolie Eveleigh taught and coached cricket at Waitaki Boys’ between 1970 and 2002. He was also involved in selecting and managing various age group Otago teams and served as President of North Otago Cricket from 1998 to 2001. Rolie had a great respect for the values and traditions that cricket espoused and he and his wife Wendy always enjoyed their visits to The Willows. He is remembered as an absolute gentleman and a passionate supporter of the great game.

Brian Hastings Trophy

To be added

Don Neely Trophy

Don Neely devoted a lifetime to New Zealand cricket as player, selector, administrator, historian and author. Beginning as a promising young batsman at Rongotai College, he went on to captain Wellington, memorably scoring 132 not out at the Basin Reserve in 1967 – the ground whose scoreboard now bears his name.

As a national selector, including seven years as convenor, he helped guide the team through landmark series wins over England, West Indies and Australia. Later, as NZC President (2006–09) and a Life Member, he remained a respected leader and ambassador for the game.

A prolific historian, Don co-authored The Summer Game with his wife Paddianne and edited the popular Men in White series and annuals that inspired a generation of cricket lovers. Honoured with an MBE (1995) and MNZM (2011), Don embodied his own words: cricket is best played “for fun and fellowship.”

Dermot Payton Trophy

Dermot captained the WCS 1st XI from 1960 to 1962, in his final two years at school, leading his teams through unbeaten seasons with skill and determination. He went on to captain and coach Central Districts, before returning to WCS as 1st XI coach for 15 years, guiding the side to two Gillette Cups and consistent finals appearances. He was one of just 50 Kiwis honoured in 2009 with an ICC Centenary Medal for services to cricket. Known for his straight-talking wisdom, his enduring advice was: “It’s a simple game – do the basics right, enjoy it, and you will do well.”