Chippenham CC (04/06/2023)

Result: Weekenders LOST by 11 runs

Man of the Match Mike Orwell

10 overs 2 maidens 8 for 50 

 

After the extraordinary bowling figures returned by Mikey Orwell at Chippenham in 2023 the captain Mark d’Inverno set himself the onerous task of finding out what – exactly – made his opening fast bowler tick. 

 

Man of the Match Mike Orwell in reflective mode after bagging an 8-for for the weekenders

 

 

1.     How did you feel when you woke up in the morning Mikey? 

 

“Nervous excitement. Excited to be lining up with my comrades on one of the best playing surfaces of the season. Nervous about how my torn hamstring would hold up. Also nervous about reaching the Tharp Arms in time to secure lunch.”

 

2.     How did you feel running into bowl in your first over? 

 

“I had warmed up extensively using Pilates exercises that Kiki, my personal trainer, had given me. The oppo took the mickey a bit but I felt 110% ready.”

 

3.     To what extent do you think your first over was crucial? 

 

“Chippenham is a fairly flat wicket but has pace & bounce. I could sense there was swing in the air, so I tried to bowl as full and fast as possible. I was on cloud nine to get a hattrick with the first three balls.”

 

4.     Was there any moment when you thought to yourself, "hello this might be your day".

 

“When I got the edge of the 1^st XI opener with the first ball, I thought ‘Well, it will go for four but at least it’s a moral victory’. Imagine my surprise when Husain held the ball aloft at second slip! That doesn’t usually happen.”

 

5.     When you look at the 8-fer in the round - as it were - what was your favourite wicket?

 

“Getting the hattrick was special so early in the innings, but I was pleased with the fourth wicket, late in my first spell. The ball had stopped swinging so I was concentrating on landing the ball on the seam. The batter was the last recognised batsman, so to nick him off with a legcutter to Dazzler behind the sticks was very satisfying.”

 

6.     Is this your greatest spell of bowling for the weekenders, would you say? 

 

“Oh, for sure – probably my best ever. I’ll always remember the opening spell at Arundel in 2019, as it set up the victory against the Heartaches, but this was a special day where everything went right.” 

 

7.     Do you have any messages for aspiring young,  fast bowlers who might get to play for the weekenders one day?

 

“Days like this keep you going. For every match where you get clattered for 18 off an over by a South African semi-pro, you will get a hot streak like this. Also, try to be as ready as you can before every match, even if it means turning down a lager shandy from Steve Dunne. “

 

And a few more questions for some of our non-cricketing readers if I may Mikey –to dig a little deeper

 

8.     What’s your favourite meal? 

 

“So many to choose from, but Gammon steak, egg and chips has never let me down.”

 

9.     What’s your favourite drink? 

 

“So dependent on circumstance, Marky, but either a pint of Guinness or a Kir Royale.”

 

10.  What car do you drive?

 

“Currently in a BMW 118i Sport, but keen to go electric and something where I can fit Dan Hudson’s meal hampers and Darrell’s keeping kit in the boot.”

 

11.  What music do you like to listen to when you drive?

 

“I’m jazz man, so I go for Bill Evans or Chet Baker. I used to listen to techno but I got too many speeding tickets.” 

 

12.   Who in the world would you most like to meet? 

 

“Ooff, good question. It would be fascinating to meet Kate Bush – such a unique artist who must have many tales to tell from her career. Also I’m sure I could pick up some tips from Kate Cross.”

 

13.  Who in the world would you most like to be? 

 

“Christopher Nolan seems to have a good deal, telling the stories and making the films that he wants. But very happy with being the best version of me, really.” 

 

Chippenham CC (04/06/2023)

Result: Weekenders LOST by 11 runs

 

CCC: 193 for 9 (39 overs)

Orwell 10-2-50-8, Sharma  12-1-53-1, Keswani 10–1-47-0, Shimoga 7–1-32-0, 

H. Grant 132 not out, 

Catches: Husaini 2, Brockis 2

 

WCC: 182 all out (35.2 overs)

 

Husaini 2, McDonald 5, Sackville 1, Brockis 64,  Holmes 74, Dunne 1, Shimoga 0, Keswani 1, Sharma 4, Orwell 12 not out , d’Inverno 0

Extras: 16

Kumar 4-35, Lloyd 3-24,