How long have you been playing at Earlswood?
I've been at Earlswood since about 2001. I met Dave Snipe on the school run and he persuaded me to bring Joe to junior training. Dave then spent the next year encouraging me to play as well. I was playing for Kenilworth Wardens at the time, so next year I joined as a player.

What do you enjoy most about playing at Earlswood?
It’s a great family club with lots of different characters from all sorts of backgrounds and careers which makes it so special. They always played pretty hard on the field and always had a beer afterwards whether win lose or draw. It’s a great shed in a field. I love the way we punch above our weight from the juniors upwards and have that slight chip on our shoulder which helps. There’s always a great atmosphere in the club after matches and we are the envy of much larger clubs. Afternoons on the decking, having a few beers with friends and watching Joe play in the sun. Nothing finer.

Highest score for Earlswood?
I scored 150 not out against Henley-in-Arden. The thing I remember most was it was the first time my Dad had seen me play in 25 years when I had scored my last hundred. The first thing he said when I hobbled off the pitch was to say ‘you struggled with the shot off your hip’ thanks Dad! No well done or anything! Next season I scored 130 not out against Henley again. I guess my lucky team, especially when Geoff Shepherd was bowling.
150 not out v Henley-in-Arden, 23/05/2009

Best bowling figures for Earlswood?
I took a 5 for against Winchcombe , I think at Watery Lane. I was an opening bowler when I was younger but by the time I played at Earlswood I was down to dibbly dobbler pace. Sort of Dave Snipe pace at his peak. When I was captain of the 2s I had an unfortunate reputation of bringing myself on when there was a 12 year old coming in to bat at 11. There may have been some truth in that but the book doesn’t mention a players age!
[Ed: sorry Phil, we haven't got that one but we do have a game against Stratford Bards.
3 - 9 v Stratford Bards, 16/05/2009

Best moment in cricket so far?
There are so many ...

Getting promoted to the CHL Premiership when Andy Paltridge was over from Australia.

Winning promotion as captain of the 2s with a very young side.

Coaching u11s to win the first two Solihull Cup competitions.

Organising the first u9s festival at Earlswood and having an all girls side.

Getting Clubmark for the first time.

Spending time coaching and talking to John Snipe.

Playing in a Trevor Penney benefit game at Dorridge for Warwickshire and having Trevor, Ashley Giles and Nick Knight at junior presentation in 2005 at a packed clubhouse.

Watching the 1sts win the CHL at Norton Lindsey and the party afterwards.

Meeting Alf Rose and talking cricket with Him and Thorney.

Seeing Marie play cricket on TV.

Watching Earlswood grow to what it is today.

Favourite away ground?
My first game in the CHL was for Stratford and we played Elmley Castle with the thatched cottages and the village green. It’s still my favourite but I also like Stanway and Winchcombe.

You need to take a road trip but must take three team-mates. Who gets the call?
Tough one but I’d have to go with Dave Snipe, who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of away teams' grounds and teas. We would talk cricket all the way. Martin Calkeld, even though I only played a few games with him. He’s brutal. But we always have a laugh and he makes the game look ridiculously easy. My last one is not a cricketer but Rob Potter. Hilarious stories and jokes about anything. Great guy and very funny.
Honourable subs would be Colin Murphy and Manners and Mamie Kelly.

Who would be banned from touching the car stereo?
There’d be no need for radio.

Who is a Captain in the making?
I’d have to say Sam Weir and Callum Bennett. Great players at different ages and good cricket brains for ones so young.

Who is the dressing room joker?
Nigel Snipe back in the day, and Colin Murphy. Always got a joke up their sleeves. I didn’t see Nigel in the mankini but I’ve seen the photos. Enough said.

Who can't step away from the mirror?
Dave Snipe, Nigel Snipe and Chris Harrison.

Worst time-keeper?
Steve Smith

Who's the most dedicated trainer who puts you all to shame?
From what I’ve seen Elliot Weir. I’ve seen him jog to the ground and then start his warm-up. Wasn’t the same in my day. It was usually a few beers and a stretch. The firsts are so much more professional these days and when Tariq played I think he instilled that level in the team.

Who has the worst potty mouth?
Has to be GFB. You don’t get that nickname for nothing Geoff. Although having played the odd time in the 5ths he’s certainly mellowed. He’s doing a great job helping all the youngsters understand the game in all its parts.

Who is Mr or Mrs Smooooooth?
I’d say Chief. Such a nice guy with it.

Who is the least likely to help put the rope out?
We didn’t have a rope when I played.

Who do you need to be ahead of in the tea queue to ensure you get some food?
Wayne Scott. Unbelievable appetite. He was big boned.

Best away ground tea?
Best tea was Mrs McGoverns cupcakes and millionaire's shortbread.
Best away tea was Catney with the cakes under the table.
Worst tea was Ebrington. One sandwich that was in a plastic container and looked like it was from a garage and a packet of monster munch! Unbelievable.

Funniest thing seen on a cricket pitch?
We were playing at Stratford Bards and a flock of sheep wandered onto the field. We asked one of the lads to get them off. Can’t remember his name but he was a landscape gardener of sorts and not the brightest. He walked up to the sheep and screamed ‘sheep f... off’ it turned out he was scared of sheep.

Best cricketer you have played with?
Will Windeatt is by far the best on field captain I played with. He was a genius about getting batsmen out. One of the best batters I played with too.

Craig Everett was the best batsmen I’ve seen in club cricket and a top bloke to boot.

Rob Slowey was the quickest bowler I’ve slipped too but Paul Smith was pretty sharp.

Bungle the best fielder and probably the best spinner we have had.

Best dibbly dobbler Dave Snipe and Neil Thorne. (how?)

Most talented player, Wayne Scott. Could do everything if the mood took him.

Grumpiest team-mate on the pitch?
Dave snipe when you take him off before he’s bowled 10 overs. I hear Hughesy has the same trait!. Maybe it’s their old bones.

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