The
Ian Birkett Interview
Ian Birkett, Ley Hill's First Eleven vice-captain, elegant batsman
and third-choice spinner, has enjoyed a successful stint as captain in Jon
Lown's absence, leading the side to the brink of promotion with two wins from
two games. Here, he reveals his thoughts on his time in charge.
Q. How are you enjoying your stint as captain of
the Firsts?
A. I couldn't have hoped to take over the reigns at a better time. The club
is on a high and has broken free of years of transition. Despite the fact that
we have been missing five of our key players recently, I feel the strength of
the side has been the togetherness and the seamless squad rotation system. I
have enjoyed the role immensely, proving some doubters wrong by adopting an
attacking approach to games with some unorthodox fields.
Q. What are the team's chances of promotion this year?
A. I believe one more win on Saturday and we are there. It will be our
hardest challenge of the season as we are without the likes of Lown, Lee,
Rennard, O'Neill and Cherry, but in form players retain their place in a
reformed side from a few weeks ago.
Q. Where does the win at Bucks CC rank on Ley Hill's list of achievements?
A. I think it was our finest afternoon of this century! Rarely do we get
a point against Bucks. This time we took them apart piece by piece, fending off
their attempts at poisoning us with a hot curry before showing them how to slash
a quick 200 runs. It was the pinnacle of a fantastic ground-breaking season for
the club.
Q. How satisfying was the recent win over our local friends Bovingdon?
A. It was a pleasure not only to see the opposition captain ruin his own
team's chances before the start by deciding to field, but also to crash 245 for
2 against a testing attack. The contributions throughout the whole side were
instrumental in a drubbing that South Africa would have been proud of. The focus
of the team was outstanding, blocking out such distractions as a e-number ridden
tea, a sun-stroken Aussie opponent and a heckling club chairman and O'Neill on
the sidelines! Job well done.
Q. Whose performances have especially impressed you in the last few weeks
A. The batting form of messers Curtis and Leadbitter have come at just
the right time, taking the pressure off The ladies man and leading the way for
Ottaway, Thompson and Shakoor to cause havoc with the ball.
Q. Would you like to continue captaining the side in the future?
A. I am happy to hand back the reins to Lown, to focus more on my own
uncertain form, but I hope to be instrumental in the team's success in following
seasons.
Q. Do you have any message for Jon Lown on his sunlounger in Spain?
A. Firstly I hope that our favourite antiques expert has topped up the
tan for his forthcoming TV work. I would also like to thank our leader for
giving me chance to prove my worth at possibly the most crucial point of the
season! I hope he is ready to fit in with the new regime in the changing room
and the attacking approach in the field. I trust he will see the worth off a
settled batting line-up and the importance of telling the team who is batting
four before the openers
go out to bat!
Q. What is your policy on tea provision? The recent "bring what you like"
experiment provided a vast number of cake products; will you continue with this
policy?
A. Can everyone bring cakes next week please? Cheers! If not, I may
request vats of chicken tikka massala.
Click here
for more interviews