This week the Sixty second mystery man interviews absolute North Midd Legend Sam Sheppard......

Sammy Sheppard

Sam Shep – North Midd Legend  welcome to 60 seconds with....

It’s an honour to be thought of as being worthy enough for interviewing alongside all these legends of North Midd.

How long have you been playing for the Midd for?  Earliest Memory?

I joined shortly after moving to London which would have been at the start of the 2007 season. Earliest memory of the club was watching a pre-season game whilst trying to choose between Highgate and The Midd. Seeing Marlon steam in that day pretty much sealed it, but having checked out Highgate first it wasn’t a tough choice!

My earliest playing memory has to be my sumptuous 99 on debut in the 3’s. Having not come close to replicating that score it must still be fresh in the selectors minds as I’ve clearly been living off that score ever since.

You are a big hitter of renown but your game has so much more doesn’t it?

So much more! Middle order batsmen have no idea how much we openers sacrifice in the name of the team. It’s quite an art form to continually take the shine of the new ball and see off the best bowlers, only to then get out in the 20’s to allow the real stroke-makers to cash in. Joseph James and I, in particular, enjoy seeing off a good solid maiden, just as much as hitting boundaries.

Opening the batting for the 2’s again this year?

It certainly looks that way after my less than solid efforts in the 1’s last season resulted in an aggregate of 0 runs in my 4 matches!

And what about the office?  Does your senior status hold much sway in nabbing a spot in the slips?  who’s joining you there?

I definitely feel at home in the office and the best news this season is the possibility of someone else taking the gloves in the 2’s. I feel we’ve been missing a solid opener/slip combo to step into Waymouth’s shoes so I’m planning on making that spot my own this season. In terms of colleagues in the office, Paddy and Craig are always keen but Waqas made a pretty spectacular case in pre-season with two sharp ones so we could have some big slip cordons this year.

All time favourite NMCC moment?

Very tough to choose one! A few that stand out include Hilly’s demolition of a watermelon in Wembley’s changing rooms using only his face and Highgate’s umpire’s outburst at Waymouth last season which had the whole team, and the watching 1’s in stitches.

Most memorable teammate?  Overseas player?

That’s a tough one as what makes this club so good is the atmosphere throughout all the teams and is exactly why people like me don’t look for a new club despite living miles away.

Hilly’s matchday antics certainly make him quite memorable and I can only hope marriage doesn’t change that. The stupid amounts of energy he has are an inspiration but it’s more the weirder stuff that sticks in the mind such as sliding under the pool table, warming up by having cricket balls thrown at him, and all the ‘free money’ he’s hustled me out of.

Overseas boys have to be Tino and Scotty Rich, my able tour drinking partners – it’s good to have people who can keep up! Also got to mention Pistol, what a legend. I’m sure he’s only 30 really!

Are you going on tour this year? Favourite tour memory / anecdote

If there’s a tour then I suppose there’s a fair chance I might tag along. I’ve only had the pleasure of one so far and most memories are fairly hazy although I do hope Wetherspoons hasn’t closed down since me and the aussie boys were last there. 3 years without our custom could hurt them but you can’t beat a polish beer or ten for breakfast! Oh and the culprit of vomit-gate outside our room was definitely Tarun. Fact.

Any chance we will find you at the bar after the game?

No chance whatsoever.

Best young player at the club?

There’s quite a few to choose from which goes to show what a great job our club does with the young ‘uns but, at the risk of swelling his ego even more, I’d have to say Zulfi. Quite apart from his ridiculously accurate bowling and the class of his batting (the ease of the 6 he hit at Old Actonians to the biggest boundary on the ground was a joy to watch), I’d say he was the best slipper in the club. Never seen him put one down so no pressure Zulf!

An honourable mention must also go to the young colt who has been opening up for the 1’s in recent times, Adam, I think his name is. As long as he sorts out his cramp problems he could be some player when he’s older.

Hopes and aspirations for the 2011 season?

Definitely to get the 2’s promoted. We wasted a couple of years trying to get of Div3 and having seen the standard of Div2 there’s nothing for us to be worried about. Also if I’m given the chance to turn out for the 1’s then I’ll definitely be aiming to score at least one run! And of course to pouch as many Sandy’s as possible.

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with us Sammy – all the best for the 2011 season

My pleasure

Previous Editions

Dave Reid (Reidy)

A blast from the past !  Opening batsman and first (as well as last) at the Bar its a very warm welcome to former NMCC overseas player Dave Reid !!!

Thank you very much!

So Reidy, what have you been up to  ?

Where do I start? A lot has happened in my life since I departed the mighty North Midd in July 2007! A 4 month trip through SE Asia saw Vicki and I arrive in Melbourne, Victoria. We both scored good jobs – Vic at Tennis Australia (she’s still there working part time) and me PE teaching at a secondary college. We got married in April 2008 in New Zealand....yes, very inexcusable of me for marrying a Kiwi (sorry Dazza!). After living it up in our city apartment, we decided to sell up and move out to the “burbs” after the birth of our first child, Xavier Cooper. Xavier is 20 months and is a little champion...his first word was “ball”. He is going to have a sibling in early October. I am now teaching a class of 20 students aged 18-20 years in an AFL Victoria (Aussie Rules) sports development program which is quite a rewarding job as my students either go onto university or enter the world of work once they are finished with me. 

For those that don’t remember your prodigious talents take us though your NMCC years....

I played from 2002 to 2007 for the Midd usually missing the 6 week school holiday period to gallivant across the globe. I played mainly in the twos for the first couple of years under the likes of Rev and Bootsy as I certainly wasn’t the best overseas player for the Midd then with Akshee and Faggy playing in the ones during this period. Once I was officially deemed to be a “Pom”, I played the next 4 years predominantly in the firsts. Tucker and Hilly both skippered me during this time.

Personal highlights included a 200 odd run 6th wicket partnership in 2005 in the ones (2nd division) with Tom Nicholl where we were in a very precarious position and ended up winning the game (Southgate was the opposition I think?-too many gin and tonics at the O’s Bar over the years!). We both got tons and I ended with 128. 2006 was a purple patch for me and averaged around 60 for the season including my highest ever score of 162 (albeit against a reasonably week side on the day....again the oppo escapes me!)

How did you come to be involved with North Midd ?

My English flatmate in Harringay, Kath Moulds was an English and Languages teacher at Highgate Wood and 2 of her students at the time was young Sherlock Holmes and Tin Legs. After telling them that I was some sort of Bradman (she was very disillusioned), the boys told her that I should get down to Park Road....so I did and I am so thankful that I followed this advice.

Previous Cricket achievements?

Just prior to coming to London, I was teaching in a small country town called Young which is in NSW, Australia. Playing for a local cricket club, the “Young Yabbies”, I was averaging 360 due to some not outs and poor oppositions and the local journalist wrote a full page article on me titled “Reid nicknamed the Bradman of Young”. Very embarrassing indeed! Needless to say, I was run out by my skipper in my last game before venturing to the Old Blighty for a small total and brought back down to earth.

Seriously though, I represented at a regional level for Riverina in NSW during my junior years whilst playing in Wagga Wagga, NSW (the town is so good they named it twice!!). Probably the highest level I played was in the ones (only 1 season I might add) for Merewether CC in Newcastle during my university years. This is the same club that Timmy O’Neill and Evan Flowers played for. All in all, I have been an average cricketer over the years that occasionally does some good things.

Still Playing ?

Just finished possibly my last season for the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) in the 4th XI where I managed to top the batting average with a measly 33 runs per game (shows how well our batsmen went this year). I have been very fortunate to play for the MCC since I left the Midd with Adam Dale (ex Australian one day player and also played 2 tests) being the coach for the club when I captained the 4th XI side to a dual premiership (one day and two day competition) in 2008-09. Willie Woot was there to celebrate with us! It’s been pretty incredible in these last few years pre season training in the indoor nets at the MCG, having the likes of Andrew McDonald and Brad Hodge playing in our first grade side when not on representative duties and blokes like Dean Jones and Max Walker attending some of our presentation dinners.

Favourite North Midd moment??

Hard to give a favourite but here are a few favourite moments:

Who were you teammates way back then?  Best and worst and all the inside gossip ?

They were all the “best” team mates. Here is a quick snippet of a few I played with:

Wayms – What a scene, he play.....Abysinniya!!

Dan Woottie - Wootton-the fireman with the magic smile

Muswell Hilly – the 2 can Sam! Still can’t believe you claimed that stumping against North London that time!!

Wozza “The Man of the People” Rockdog Ailes –had definitely the best gift of the gabb but perhaps not towards the women! He represented the Midd at my wedding in NZ which was great!

Willie Woot – the man whom I popped his little finger back into place thinking it was dislocated but was in fact broken.....whooops....CU!

Mustard – has he come out of the closet yet?

GMan – the craziest (along with his dog) being I know but one of the most interesting.

Tucker – the man who properly introduced me to the mighty Gunners

Bootsy – a heart of gold but don’t dare go near his daughter!

Twiz and Moby Horne – miserable buggers but loved their work

Dazza Eckford – what can you say about a bloke who can bowl right arm wheels opening the bowling, then come on later bowling left arm offies! I reckon he also had the potential of being on “Dancing with the Stars”

Sculls – an Aussie so therefore a legend. What more can I say!

Did you ever go on tour ?

Unfortunately only the once as I it always coincided with one of the last weeks of the school term. Thankfully I managed to convince my boss (Head Teacher) that I had been selected in a representative side to tour Cornwall and got the licence to go in 2005 or 2006? Best memory would have to be seeing Wayms doing his infamous “flaming man-gina” and having to carry him back to our hotel later that night!

Some words of advice for your admirers ?

Cricket advice: Don’t go back on a North Midd track! Go the red!!!

Social advice: Go hard or go home!

Many thanks Reidy ...  come visit us at NMCC again soon

No worries, I definitely want to visit soon! A big G’day to everyone. Sorry for those I didn’t mention!

Zulfi Azom

It’s time to introduce some real quality into this section.....  Tim Allen, Brad Scully and Tom Way are all good cricketers, don’t get me wrong ..... but this guys got Class.

Without further ado – it’s a very warm welcome to one of NMCC’s finest ...... ZULFI ........

So Zulfi – hows the winter been ?  - Get up to Anything Special ?

Before I start, I just want to big up the other guys in the list coz they also have a lot of  class and are club legends!!!.

Yh now the winter's been DECENT actually. You know, studying for GCSEs and stuff and training with NMCC academy as well as getting the chance to work with MR NOT RIGHT (Daz) on coaching the Young ones. So its been good, nothing very special tho, I would rather have summer all year round.

School Cricket , NMCC cricket or Middlesex cricket – give us the inside score here ...

OK. School Cricket- Pretty low in standard, only about two people know what to do and the rest of the team is made up of my friends so that we can still have fun on the outfield. Although, I should say that we actually did very well every year despite the fact that we hardly had anyone who actually plays cricket.

Middlesex Cricket- Very Good standard when you are playing against major counties but the standard drops when its a minor county. The coaches expect 120% every game though, Doesnt matter who you face.

NMCC Cricket- For my age group the standard is decent but not quality unless we play a very good opposition, however we just thrash every team so every other team know what time it is when They face the MIDDIES.

However, the First 11 standard is very good and challenging because people are smart and they try work out what your weaknesses are. Also there is a little margin for error. You dont usually get a second chance unless you are facing us ( we dropped like 5 catches every game last year). This is why I personally think that First 11 cricket is tougher than county.

What teams are you playing for this summer ?

I am playing for North Midd only really unless I get a call up from middlesex U17s coz there is no U16 this year. But I am gonna have to get a few runs on the board for the ones if I am to get a call up this year!

What’s it like being the youngest member of the NMCC 1st XI ?

Well, I like it because I sometimes get let off for doing or saying things coz i am young. But its great because I get to learn from all these great players who play with me. Every game there are guys who are giving me good advice based on what they have seen and I try to take them on board if I feel the advice are helpful. Its good. after a match because we have lots of fun with the jokes and Sempers music. Also I like it because even if we lose we still have our heads high.

And will Evan let you bat at 4 and bowl first change ?

Erm well I dont know really. I dont mind as long as we are winning. Its up to EV really. I will bat and bowl wherever and whenever he needs or wants me to.

Do you set any targets for the year ?  What are they ?

Yes of course. I want to score some big runs this year when I get my chance and end up with at least 400 or more for the season. Also I want to add on my run outs from last year and take all the catches.

How do you think the 1st XI will go this year ?  Any chance of promotion to the premier league ?

I think we should win the league this year. We have got the squad to do it. We only need to train regularly and be on it every game and I think we are more than good enough to win the league.

Who are your coaches  at NMCC / Middlesex ?  Anybody more famous than Darren Eckford ?

Mark Pittman, Dazza, nearly everyone at northmidd. They coach me in one way or the other. Some about life and other about cricket.

For middlesex I have had quite a few different coaches. Last year it was Rory Coutts but this year its probably Graeme west but that is if I get called up to play for the U17s.

No one more famous than Dazza tho. Although I have to say I have had a lot of people coaching me.... some very good and some terrible.

Who has had the most influence on your game ?

A lot of people. I cant name all of them but I have to say a lot of the NMCC adults- since I started playing senior cricket (3 years ago) from the 3's to 1's.

Dazza has influenced me a lot. Others like Evo, Sherls, Hilly, Anthony Holloway, Matt Drew, Ed Lake, Will Wootton, Amir Mopara ( he has given me many bats to play with), Mr Sculley (lordie. But he was very different in school though- no one would know he was a lordie if they saw him teaching), Sammy Shepp, Waymouth, Richard Nic, Ryan Cunningham, Pistol (he even taught me ICT at my school once, but then he realised that the school was like a jail so he couldnt hack it and hence he decided not to teach), Tarun Nethula, Couple of my teachers at school, Joseph James, Grifter (yes even grifter) And many many others.  If list everyone it will take too long.

I also have to mention Steve Nurse and Mark Pittman because they have done a lot for me and if it wasnt for Steve I dont think I would have been playing cricket.

Favourite team mate ?

Again, it is very hard to decide. I cant make my mind up really. I have to say everyone in the 1s. If I am gonna be honest, Everyone in the club really because everyone are really nice and show nuff respect to me. Everyone buy me red bull too so its all good. I m good with everyone at the club too.

Most memorable North Midd moment ?

There are a lot of good memories of this club on and off the field but I have to say WINNING THE NATIONALS U13s WAS THE BEST MOMENT!! THE first north midd team to do it and getting invited to the PMs palace was great. I was the captain of the team, still am, but I have to say the boys who I play with are great, they are so committed and on it every game so I RESPECT that. That is why I love captaining the team because everyone already knows what to do and what the expectations are. GREAT WORK GUYS. we will look to add more trophies over the coming years too and One day be in the first team together and win the premier league.

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with us Zulfi and all the best for the 2011 summer....

Thank You. You too MR/MS ANONYMOUS. SAFE BLOOD/FAM

Rob Brand

By overwhelming demand...this weeks 60 seconds is with NMCC’s Secretary / Treasurer / Kit Man / Main Mover and Shaker...Rob Brand!!!!

Rob, welcome to 60 seconds with...Park Road is looking a treat! The Natwest CricketForce day must have been a success?

Absolutely! I've just been down to the ground and the improvement over the last week is fantastic - well done to all concerned. I was of course willing everyone on from my pool-side sunlounger in Oman!

And lots of work must have been done over the winter?  Give us the highlights...

Where to start?....we've again dug deep to help the Pav pay  for a face-lift for  the squares and outfield, which doesn't come cheap...we've also been pretty successful in our search for dosh from Sport England, the Lord's Taverners etc - hence the refurbed nets, new sightscreens, new cover , new batting cage etc.

NMCC on the whole is looking in good shape for the 2011 summer then....

I'm always optimistic in mid-April, but with some very competent new players, the Colts continuing to perform brilliantly, and the playing facilities better than ever, why not? Only a few weeks ago we felt we needed some new blood among the seniors to gee everyone up, and now, fingers crossed, it looks as if we've got it just in time.

Your hopes / expectations for the upcoming season?

It's easy to forget how far all the senior teams have come over the last 5 years or so. The big hope  must be for the 1s to be promoted to the Premier League, as that would really put NMCC on the map and also put a few noses out of joint at the "bigger" clubs - I'd love it! I hope the 3s and 4s more than hold their own after last year's promotions, and that yet more Colts force their way into the senior teams. I'd really like to see commitment/availability improve - and last minute call offs reduce dramatically.

If the magic cricket fairy deigned that NMCC was worthy of 3 wishes, what would you ask for?

Another half a dozen Zulfi's, please..... A helicopter for those tedious away trips would be nice.....And no more dropped catches, ever!

How’s Nick?  What has he been up too?  Is a return to NMCC pace bowling ranks imminent?

Nick's in good shape thanks. Busy getting ready for his Finals at Uni followed by the 3 weeks of intensive drinking which he says he needs to recover! He's still a North Midd fan at heart, and I'm pretty sure he'll be back next year...or else!

And yourself…What do you get up to when you’re not running around with a clipboard at Park Road?

I play golf  badly (ask Hilly), support the lost cause which is St Johnstone FC with great devotion (off to Hampden Park this Saturday as it happens), hang out with numerous reprobates from my City days, fight a losing battle with slugs in my garden, and generally lose the plot with increasing frequency....

Any chance that you will don the whites and have a game in the 5’s?

Just waiting for the call! After all, I'm much younger than Richard Nicoll!

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with us Rob, all the best for the upcoming season and many thanks from all the avid 60 seconds with fans for all the efforts you put in to the club.

Brad Sculley

G’day Sculls! Its your turn to face the questions of the masked inquisitor in preparation for the upcoming season. How’s things in the US ?  What are you up to ?

I am currently residing in Santa Barbara, California and am Assistant Head Coach for the UCSB Rugby programme.

Well at least the NMCC North American XI has some firepower in the bowling ranks ( please see Waymouth’s assessment of his and Tigers mystery pies in a previous edition of 60 seconds with.... )

Did you get to see much of the recent Aussie summers cricket ?

I did and the less said the better!! Got to bowl to the Aussies and POMs in preparation for the Sydney test. Had Uzzie Kawaja in my back pocket if you're asking!!

And your thoughts on England’s team who face Sri Lanka and India this summer after another disappointing world cup performance ?

No - don't care - just want to see green and gold lift the world cup for the fourth consecutive time.....oh yes!!

What’s the secret of taking wickets on unresponsive North Midd tracks ?  ( Oz  please don’t take offence here)

Bowl with the new cherry from the Calthorpe End. Get Dazza or Tarun to produce a dodgy wicket and bowl plenty of 'grovlers' (see Semper for a description). Seriously though......get the new cherry and captain the team :-)

Any advice to young North Midd seamers that want to follow in your footsteps and open the bowling for the 1’s ?

It's the ultimate honour for any upcoming North Midder to bowl in the 1's, especially opening the bowling. Stay patient with your action, stick to your lengths, enjoy bowling and stay away from the overseas player on a school night - oh drat!!

How did you come to be playing for the finest cricketing outfit in North London ?

Through Mr Tom 'Waymouth' Way who I met in a charity game wearing the 75th anniversary North Midd sweater. New he was a serious pianter from the start and could lead me to new heights!!

Favourite North Midd moment ?

On or off the field??? So many but seriously, the players and people I met through this wonderful club!! Seeing the U13's progress to National Champions was pretty amazing!!!

Who’s wicket did you most enjoy taking ?

Grifter's in the nets!!

Team mates  - best / worst / funniest ?

Best = everyone I played with / Worst = never got to play with Grifter (just kidding big fella). A tall West Indian suddenly springs to mind for some reason??? / Funniest = Hilly and his monkey antics in the infamous 'cricket nappy' post match

Your own personal NMCC Highlight ?

The hat trick within an 8 for against the elite of Wembley wasn't bad either haha!!

Your thoughts on the upcoming season ?

Promotion, promotion, promotion

All the best mate – and thanks for spending 60 seconds with.....

Safe!!

Waymouth

Your turn to face the music Mr Waymouth......

I was waiting for this to be honest...... the fact that Bootsey was asked before me almost made me join my second favourite club in the Sheppards Cott region, Highgate CC!!

So your deserting us .....

Deserting!  A little harsh, 17 years of service I have you know!!  That's nearly £6000.00 of match fees I've worked out.  Best value for money ever.  Claire and I have a great opportunity to go and live in Northern california, we would be mugs not to do it.  Exciting times for us, married and relocating half way across the world within 2 months.......Literally buzing with excitement!

NMCC has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Bar my Mum and Dad and my now wife I can honestly say that NMCC is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  The people you meet and play with (no pun, easy Brando) are all amazing.... 

Have you played many games this year ? hows your form ?

I think I've played 7 league games this year, felt in good nic to be honest.  Top score of 49, too many jazzy 30s and not pushing on....  Big year for the 2nd team, I will be looking on from the US.  Seeing the standard in the league there is no reason why shouldn't be in the shake up for another promotion. 

Favourite North Midd Memory ?

Best young talent at the club ?

Zulfi - best cricket brain in the club, FACT

Favourite teammate and why ( please include the inside info )...

Got to be Hillman for being the most intense and fun player to play with... could go on for hours

Dan Woot a close second, no better companion in the 'office'

Are you going to come back and play ?

Who knows, would love to........If and when I come back to the UK I will be in London, North London, N4....... back in my manor.  Can't leave Mustard and Wozza in charge, biggest set of lose cannons I've ever met.  They couldn't run a single, let alone N4!

I can see a decent opening partnership forming in the US with yourself and Tiger ... though a pretty weak bowling attack ....Interesting you that.

Tiger Tim captained our Successful Derbyshire Tour in 1996 (where I still believe I hold the record for an NMCC colt on tour in Derbyshire with 146* v Belper Meadows, still have the ball......  Tiger and I put on thousands that Tour.

I would also not listen to anyone slam Tiger's bowling, or mine for that matter.  Some of the slowest non spinning off break bowling from two ends from Tiger and I is enough to unsettle both Nashville and San Francisco's finest.

Tiger and I are in talks with the USCB (United States Cricket Board) about playing for the USA in the upcoming Las Vegas ICC Sevens tournament.....watch this space

A final message for all your fans ....

All 4 Teams are in the hunt for a strong second half of the season.  Any less that 2 promotions could arguably be seen as a failure.  Make sure if you are involved in any of those games to give it your absolute all.  Don't leave it to anyone else, make the difference yourself.  Enjoy every game you play and enjoy being part of the greatest cricket club on the planet.

NMCC goes live in San Francisco on July 27th.....

Cheers Waymes and thanks for spending 60 seconds with ........

Bootsy

So Bootsy out of retirement again ? How many times have you retired before ?

I stopped playing in 1989 to 2000 but that was not retirement. Last year i retired from playing COUNTY league.

Didn't we even give you a retirement present ?

Its in the box for when i do stop playing.

How are the 4's shaping up this year ?

The fours are doing,well undefeated after five and i think we will be there in the shake up come september.

Must be great to have some batting superstars like Timmy Allen and Rich Nicoll as regular members ?

There is no substitute for experience so its great to have them around plus its good fun.

And the colts ? Who has shown some early promise thus far in the season ?

Will Crackers has done really well and so has Jamie Davis but not sure that we will see him again as he has done really well for the threes.

Still rolling the arm over yourself ?

Yes and bowling a few more overs than I was expecting to but I am keeping myself fit so I will keep going as long as possible.

Your favourite North midd teammate ?

It has to be Richard Nicoll. Been playing together a few years now and you just know you are going tp get 100%,

he always gets runs and he is a pleasure to skipper {not that he needs it}

Best young player you have seen at the Midd ?

In recent times it would have to be Tom Nicoll. At the moment Joe Cracknell

Any other nicknames ?

None that i could mention here

Favourite North Midd memory ?

Skippering the second eleven to seven straight wins when we just missed out on promotion. Winning the Bertie Joel cup

in 1987. Being awarded the 1st eleven captains cup in 1988

Are you organising the tour again this year ?

No. Willy Wootton is your man this year

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with .....

Dazza

Dazza - not sure i you have seen it on the North Midd website but you are the next victim of the secret reporter in 60 seconds with .......

So Darren  - just arrived back in Blighty for another season with the Midd, when did you arrive ?

May 4th I arrived saaan, just in time for training that evening.

Tell us how you got involved in North Midd cricket

Tom Smethers had been out in NZ for a couple of seasons playing at our club and in 2005 when the Midd got promoted to the second div he asked me to come over and play. So you can all blame Tucker!!

And your home club in NZ ?

The mighty SUBURBS.... What level did you play there ? The highest level I have played is the Auckland "A" side.

Nickname ?

Daz, Dazza, Ron, Zoom zoom, and more recently it seems "Not Right".

Your favourite North Midd team - mate ?

Why ? I couldn't possibly pick one. It is the all round team unity at the Midd that keeps me coming back. It is the only place I have seen that rivals the atmosphere in the dressing room of my club back home. I enjoy playing with whatever bunch of lads come on to the field with me.....but, if I had to pick one favourite team mate....it'd have to be fourfa!!

And are you spending some time coaching the colts ?

For sure. I will be down helping out some Saturday mornings and Richie Nic is getting me involved in the North Midd Academy. I'm also running a few one on ones for those who are after a bit of extra tuition. Should be good times.

( I hear that Darren has already lined up some personalised tuition for both Colts and Seniors alike - so get in quick if your son/ daughter would like to get involved )

Star pupil ?

Again, very hard to say as they have all started at different levels. I'm very pleased with the progress of all those I worked with when I was last here and it seems many of the colts have gone on to bigger and better things. It's great to see the colts section maintaining the winning formula, if we can hold on to these talented youngsters it should transfer in to very strong senior teams in the coming years.

And do you enjoy the coaching side of things ?

It certainly has its moments. It can depend on the individual. If you are working with someone eager to push themselves for success then it can be very enjoyable to both parties. It can be equally tedious if the players aren't in the right head space.... but we all have our days.

Favoutire North Midd memory ?

We come a long way, what a sweet love story.... The promotion in 2007...EPIC

And what are your aspirations for the season ?

Only option is another promotion.

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with .....

Douggie

Doug - how long have you been involved with North Midd Cricket ?

8 years

A distinguished playing career ?

playing career distinguished by rarity of appearances and completely random nature of performance on those rare occasions

Your involvement now is coaching and mentoring in the Colts section ?

yes but still hoping to iron out a few technical hitches with the batting with a view to opening for England

Your own personal North Midd highlight ?

a couple of 50s (well one was actually 48 but hey) one for the 4s and one in the adults v U17s

And some new coaching staff to the Colts ranks ?  How did the Coaches Coaching session go ?

Coaches Coaching session was fab - wish I could turn up on Saturday mornings and be coached, love the drills.

Any aspirations of being called up to play senior cricket this season ? ( i believe Steve Edwards has your number on speed dial )

would like to play seniors cricket but probably only really time to do the colts thing however expect I will get one or two games

Still running marathons ?

yes

Your favourite thing about the Mid ?

a great bunch of people to spend time with

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with us Doug  - lookout you North Midd people ... you could be next to face '60 seconds with...'

Timmy

So Tim, a tough winter ?  Did Jack Daniels and Johnnie Walker keep you company ?

Yep.....as well as Jim Beam!

Looking forward to the new season ?

Can't wait....should be another cracker.

Talk us through your own personal North Midd highlight ...

Everytime I put on that maroon cap with NMCC embroidered on it.

Is it just a coincidence or is it true that if you charge down the wicket to the first ball of the day your are guaranteed to score runs ?

I only do it to give the bowlers a moving target........most of them get put off by such a "big" thing approaching them at 40mph!

As a senior member of the all conquering 4's - your hopes for the team and where they can go after 2 years of success ?

Looking at the fixture list for this season, we will be facing better opposition, and I think this will give us a greater incentive to beat these teams i.e. (Ealing, Shepherds Bush,Winchmore Hill,Uxbridge, and Barnet Bs)......I am particularily looking forward to facing Kenton again!!!!

Tell us about your own brand odd 'slips humour' ( for those that have never fielded in the office with Tim - it is a laugh a minute...

I am not sure what you are talking about.......all I remember from last season was that most of our bowling was of good length!!!

Your favourite thing about the Mid ?

Being able to play against Hornsey!!!!!

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with us Tim  - lookout you North Midd people ... you could be next to face '60 seconds with...'