Player Profiles

There are a few players that leave a big impression on a Cricket Club dressing room, and Colin is one of them. Equipped with a huge coffin cricket case, it's always easy to know if Colin is playing as the case takes up at least a 3rd of the dressing room. What is hidden within is anyone's guess as it does seem to produce endless articles of cricket clothing all in the same slightly ironed condition. It has even been known to hide the odd sandwich and wooden bowl (as in round ball type bowl) which ended up in his case after an away game.

As for his performance on the field, Colin could be described as competitive and he is not shy in showing this to the opposition and his team mates. As perhaps the most vocal player taking the field, some of his quips have become legendary. When coming on to bowl his left arm spin the captain will gently ask what field he wants and without fail the first fielding position he wants is "45 on 1" simply put as backward square saving one. It has also become legendary that some time during his bowling spell he will stop during his bowling action and hold the ball next to the stumps looking at the backing up non striking batsmen and that dulcet voice will utter "going somewhere fella?" Again a sentence engraved on the cricket memories of everyone who has played regularly with Colin.

In a career that has spanned several clubs from Warehorne to Old Stacians to Bilsington Colin has always approached every game with the same gusto and desire to win and although he has mellowed over recent years, no doubt this being one of the effects of fatherhood, he can still be relied upon for the odd difference of opinion with the opposition. During his current spell at Bilsington, where he returned to the fold for regular appearences in 2007, he has taken on the roll of cheif motivator and coach to the younger players including his son Luke.

From a cricketing point of view Colin is one of those few players that is an asset on the field in more than 1 department. He can easily bat anywhere in the top 6 and can combine good defence with aggressive shot making. He is also a very useful wicket taking spinner, something that his bad back has curtailed slightly in recent seasons. In the field i will always remember him as a fearless close in fielder with great reactions. As a bowler he was the man you wanted under the batsmans nose not only for his catching skill but for his vocal encouragement.

As a genuine all rounder Colin is one of those players that captains like to have and his knowledge and experience is also a bonus. Of late Colin has entered the realm of slight immobile slip fielder as his back does cause him problems. Colin is also a member of a very select group of players currently playing for Bilsington, the 100 club. My experience is that centuries in Village Cricket are quite rare and Colin is one of the few current players that can boast that acheivement. Despite his ability to disagree with the opposition, Colin's banter and desire to win would be sorely missed from any cricket club plus nobody shines a ball better than Colin. Last but not least he loves my flapjacks so that makes his a man of undeniable taste. (Robin Smith)

Whizzer comes from a circus and fairground family, and from an early age took charge of the 'Bash the Rat' stall during summer months. His skills were there for all to see. Not only did he win the 50p prize every time, he also honed these skills on the cricket pitch. His timing is legendary, and his cross-batted whack over square leg makes Mal Loye's sweep slog look very tame indeed. Always one to have the crowd on the edge of their seats, Whizzer has also accounted for more lost balls than any other batsman in the club. Sadly, Whizzer moved closer to London last year, and 2006 marked his last season. We'll miss him.

Mick 'Milo' Miles began his career in the days of uncovered wickets and timeless tests, and his batting pace and style often remind spectators of this bygone era. Never one to flinch from fast or agressive bowling, Milo has been the bedrock of the Bilsington innings on many occasions, often while other players get out in a desperate effort to increase the run rate. He takes inspiration from some of the game's most revered players, most notably Chris Tavare. "Now he knew how to bat", says Milo. "I can't be doing with all that hitting out nonsense. A decent forward defence is all you need in the modern game. They don't teach kids that any more. Show ponies like Pieterson could learn a thing or two from the likes of Boycott and Tavare".