I was first introduced to Adwalton in about 1987 by a friend of a friend Brian Gibson. Since leaving University in 1983 I had been looking for a cricket team to play for. Though hardly on my doorstep I pretty quickly decided after winter nets at Richard Dunne Centre that Adwalton was the place to go. It was surprisingly welcome place for a rare – at least then – breed – an Irish cricketer! (the fact they had a bar may have had some sway on my decision!)
There followed 7 seasons (2 as captain)

Best played with – Think it would have to be Dave Brownlow (but maybe that was influenced by the hours he spent telling me he was the best I had ever played with!). Notable others would have to be Andy Goor, Paul Bennett, Russ Laycock (still thinking batting left-handed is weird!), Ian Lindley, Brian Gibson, John Mitchell (T20 came to late for Mitch) & Brian Wilcox.

Most fun playing with – Brian Greenwood (over the years his run got longer & his speed got less), Gary Hopkins (that man could hit a ball), Graham Johnston (need I say more!)

Memorable characters –

1. Mr Jan Beugal – the most competitive player I have ever played with – Kohli did invent hesitating to walk when he was clean bowled! I am sure Jan appears in many opposition players & umpires lists of “the most challenging” – glad I was on his side though!
2. Wicketkeeper Roy Catton’s facial expressions & tuts as yet another ball went down leg-side.

Best moment - Without a doubt September 1993. Damp day at Moorside Green, batting first we found ourselves 3 down with barley double figures on board. Batting at 5 I was passed by departing batsman Paul Bennett who said something along the lines of “What ****** idiot of a captain would bat first on that!!” I was said captain (I hadn’t actually won the toss!) Just over an hour later I walked off 127 & score 200plus (Gary Hopkins was playing the defensive role at the other end)

Worst moment – Bowled a 19 ball over once – 13 wides!! Lindley never gave me the new ball again!

Funniest on field moment - Very hot day, Blaise Henderson had bowled non-stop from one end & was bowling brilliantly. Skipper Lindley approached an exhausted bowler & asked him to keep going to which he replied “Man, has nobody told you they abolished slavery a 100 years ago!”

Funniest off field moment – Too many to recall but

1. Brian Morell had me looking for weeks for his 2 appearances on the “100 greatest rugby league tries” – eventually found out that they were him diving at thin air as someone went past hm at full-back to score a couple of the 100 best tries!
2. Away match post-match pub crawls with Jim Coulson – now I have been in some dives in my time but Jim certainly knew where the barrel bottom was! I learnt a lot!