Craig Ottaway: Jon Lown feels threatened by my talent

Aggressive Ley Hill paceman Craig “Cranky” Ottaway has bounced back this season after a disappointing 2004. In an exclusive lhcc.org interview, he talks to Tom Holman about the season so far, his “pleasing” batting skills, and overcoming the closure of Stages nightclub.

lhcc.org: How do you think the 2005 season has gone for you so far?

Craig Ottaway: I think that we have started the season very well. We have had a few good results, and hopefully we can build on these and have a successful season.  A lot of players have found form from the start, and hopefully they will continue to play well. If others can find form as well, I think we will do well. I’m a bit concerned with availability at the moment as a few players have taken holidays. You know who you are, where’s your commitment??

lhcc.org: What are your personal goals for this season?

CO: My personal goal this season is to drastically improve on last year when I thought that I had a very poor season, and was very disappointed. I have been fully focused on this season and have even been putting in extra training with a coach in a bid for improvements.

lhcc.org: Do you think you have overcome the no-ball problem that has been troubling you in recent years?

CO: I haven’t overcome this problem yet but I will—just wait and see. I’m a very competitive player and strive for every bit of advantage I can get over the opposition. I know that this has caused a problem over the years, but I have been working on trying to cut the no balls down.

lhcc.org: Where do you think Ley Hill’s sides can finish in the two Mid-Bucks leagues this summer?

CO: I think that both of the sides have a great team spirit, and I’m sure that they will all pull together this year and have a very good season. I can see both sides finishing in the top half of their tables. C'mon the hill!!

lhcc.org: How highly do you rate the captaincy of Jon Lown in the Saturday Firsts?

CO: I think that Jon is kind of the Alex Ferguson of Ley Hill, but not as successful. He has been at the helm of the firsts for a long time now and has done the job very well. I don’t think it will be the same without him there. That may be a good thing?? A few years ago there were mumblings in the changing room for his head to fall, but somehow he held on and proved his critics wrong. I think Leeds being relegated from the premiership also had a very bad effect on him. He took it badly and I think this affected the team’s performances. But that’s what you get from supporting a shoddy team.

lhcc.org: Who would you like to see become the next skipper after Jon?

CO: I would like to see Ian Birkett become the next skipper. When Jon has been away on "holiday" (yeah right, filming the next series of Bargain Hunt!!!) Ian has stepped in and been outstanding. I think we even had the best run of the season under him. He’s a good leader and motivates people well.

lhcc.org: Who are the rising stars of the club for the future?

CO: I think there are a few potential stars in the making at Ley Hill. Jake Wells is certainly one that I see from the colts. I think that Kash Shakoor will also be a good player in the future, but I think he needs to focus himself more during the game.

lhcc.org: Do you think you are underused by Jon Lown as a batsman?

CO: Yeah, I definitely think that I am underused by Jon as a batsman. I have put in some really pleasing performances with the bat recently with Jon watching, and I think he is starting to realise that he underuses me. He may even feel under threat by my talent, and that may be his reasons for sticking me in at 10,11 every week!

lhcc.org: How are you coping on Friday nights before a big game now that Stages nightclub has closed?

CO: I was devastated when I heard that the Mecca that was Stages was closing down. What was I going to do on my Friday nights? I felt at the time that this was going to hinder my preparation work for the lead up to games on Saturdays. I have found ways around this though, but can’t tell you how I’ve done this, as I don’t want anyone else to capitalise on my routine!

lhcc.org: Why do you play hockey in the winter when it is quite clearly a game for girls?

CO: A girls’ game?? You must be joking. The men’s game of hockey is actually a very fast and physical game. I’d like to see you have a go at it you tart!!!! I enjoy playing it and it keeps me fit over the winter as I play about 3 or 4 times a week. You should see some of the girls that play as well! That’s where I found my girlfriend.