How long have you been playing at Earlswood?
I first played against Earlswood in 1983 for a Nomadic Team from work; after the game we went to the Saxon for a drink (in those days we didn’t have a bar in the clubhouse!) and I was invited back to play for ECC the following week by Andy Massey. I recall it was at Exhall & Wixford and I got 40-odd and was consequently invited back the following week too – the rest, as they say, is history!

What do you enjoy most about playing at Earlswood?
There are many things. The ground is still one of the best on the circuit for starters. The people have always been so friendly and certainly made me welcome right from the off. The camaraderie on and off the field is fantastic; and the atmosphere in our clubhouse and on the decking before, during and after a match is absolutely second to none. It’s a fabulous place to be at, with fabulous people on and off the pitch.

Highest score for Earlswood?
119n.o. against Henley (I think in 1996) – didn’t mean much though as despite only chasing 200 we still manage to lose the game – typical Earlswood!!

Best bowling figures for Earlswood?
Now folks, don’t laugh! I used to bowl quite a bit “back in the day” and have actually taken a couple of “Michelle’s” for Earlswood. One in a league match in the early 90s (also against Henley funnily enough – they must have been really rubbish in those days!!) and one in a Tour Match against Looe CC in the late 80s from memory.

I did take a wicket with my last delivery for Earlswood – although it was in an Inter-Club game in almost near darkness (even at my pace, or lack of it, the batter had great difficulty in picking up the ball the light was that poor!!).

Best moment in cricket so far?
Christ on a bike, where do I start??!! Please may I mention just a few?

Putting on 180 with my great friend Richard Jackson for the 1st Team against Hockley Heath when chasing 240 and we came together at 24-5. Jacko saw us home after I went for one big shot too many on 88! People still talk about that game now and HH were probably the best team in the league then, with a young lad called Barrie Yates leading their bowling line up!

Captaining the 2s at Norton Lindsey when we successfully chased 310 off 45 overs to win by one wicket off the last ball of the match. Micky Baker gave the legendary quote while sitting at the tea table at half time – “it would be a great game to win from here lads!!”

Watching the 1st Team beat Norton Lindsey in the Tapster Cup Final at Rowington (? 1999) with Jim Clarke being Man of the Match – that was probably the greatest game I have ever been involved with at ECC.

Favourite away ground?
Again, there are many and it is simply impossible to name one. Please indulge me again!

Banbury – fantastic ground, lovely batting track, top changing rooms and the best scoreboard (electronic) I have seen – Neil Thorne would love it!!

Always loved playing at Mullion and Perran-ar-Worthal on Cricket Tours in Cornwall.

Himley – best track I have ever batted on

Cotswold Hills League – Winchcombe, Stanway and Elmley Castle

Tapster Pennant League – Norton Lindsey and Rowington

But there is one ground that I promise will NEVER feature in this section. Mickleton. Horrible ground, dreadful pitch, poxy changing rooms, vile people and the biggest cheat of an umpire I have ever had the misfortune of coming up against. Oh, and it’s flipping miles away too. Simply awful. I’d rather go on a fortnight’s holiday to Somalia.

You need to take a road trip but must take three team-mates. Who gets the call?
Smashers (Ashley Mansell), BFK (Ken Rae) and Miffy (Paul Smith)

Who would be banned from touching the car stereo?
Smashers (sorry Ash!)

Who is a Captain in the making?
From what I have seen watching the first team over the last few years I would think Josh Craven. Good brain, quality player and lovely bloke. He’d get the respect of the dressing room.

Whatever happens in the coming years, PLEASE don’t let Arron do it again! He makes Nick Bolt look like the star pupil from the Mike Brearley school of Captaincy!!

Who is the dressing room joker?
Back in the day – Nigel Snipe. Absolute Legend.

Now – Well, I only tend to pop into the dressing room after games to say a quick “well done” to the lads but from what I have seen I’d think George Calkeld and Basher (Callum Hassett).

Who can't step away from the mirror?
Hugo (Chris Harrison) Obvs.

Worst time-keeper?
Nick Perrin. Absolutely unbelievable Jeff!

Who's the most dedicated trainer who puts you all to shame?
Sorry, I don’t understand this question.

Who has the worst potty mouth?
Back in the day, without doubt, David Snipe. He has become somewhat more controlled over the years (believe it or not!).

Who is Mr or Mrs Smooooooth?
Well, not me, that is for sure. I’d say chap – Richard Jackson. Chapess – Marie Kelly

Who is the least likely to help put the rope out?
That’s easy. Me. And Mini-Manners.

Who do you need to be ahead of in the tea queue to ensure you get some food?
Back in the day, BFK (Ken Rae), Steve Hartley and Wayne Scott.

These days, any of the youth. And Dave Snipe.

Best away ground tea?
Norton Lindsey. Awesome. Although many years ago Catney were pretty decent too. Who remembers the secret “stash” of home-baked cakes under the tables?

Though none compare to the spectacular teas provided for the Saturday 2nd XI during the 1990s by Mrs Manners and Mrs BFK – thank you very much ladies, simply the best.

Funniest thing you've seen on a cricket pitch?
Really? Where do I start?!

If there was one that always springs to mind, it was on Tour when playing at Falmouth CC. It was the day after Twiggy had “disgraced” himself while in bed and Twiggy was “loosening up” while the rest of the team sat in the seats outside the clubhouse. Wearing a pair of shorts, it soon became clear to all on the balcony that Twiggy had “missed a bit” when showering earlier, there being some “soiled areas” upon his calf and lower thigh – queue a vociferous rendition of that quaint football chant, “you’re s**t and you know you are” from all those watching from the seats in the balcony!!!

Who's the best Earlswood cricketer you have played with?
Despite what I have said above, Twiggy (Darren Branch) was the best all round cricketer I ever played with. A match winner with bat or ball in hand, and an excellent fielder be it close in or out on the fence.

Barrie Yates and Dave Richardson were the best bowlers I ever played with.

Dermot Horner and Jim Clarke the best batters I played with.

From what I have seen over the course of the last few years there are some excellent cricketers coming through the ranks at Watery Lane; Josh Craven, Sam Weir, Callum Bennett, Laura Smitten to name but a few. And Alex Laud and Gary Maynard aren’t too shabby either!!

Who's the grumpiest team-mate on the pitch?
Back in the day there were a few:

Dave Snipe - while a great player, his mood was rarely good. His management skills and general “joie de vivre” left a lot to be desired!

Flash (Phil Colbourne) was miserable too. Although to be fair that was not just on the field, but off it as well. In fact, he was just miserable all the time in truth!

Nick Clarke has his moments too. He didn’t achieve the moniker “Mr Obnoxious” for nothing!

Latterly, Steve Shale has enjoyed some major “cap throwing” tantrums on the pitch.

The most miserable sod I have played against has to be “Bilbo Baggins” at Kineton. What a total arse that bloke is.

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