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As previously discussed, we were always forced to rotate Dave and Mick as the league would only allow one overseas player per team.  Mick is primarily a bowler although with us, he’s been a bowling all-rounder.  An aggressive fielder in true Australian style too, he took more catches than anyone else in 2009 and made three run outs.  He was always quick to tell the captains what he thought, having just won the league at home as captain of his own team, and provided they explained their reasoning, he was happy.  Being Australian, he couldn’t understand the concept of a draw or that he was out LBW! 

As a bowler, it’s incontestable that Mick was absolutely outstanding with us in 2009.  He picked up two six-fors, two five-fors and took 95 wickets at an average of 10.22  His wickets total was more than twice as many as his nearest rival even though of course he bowled far more overs than anyone else!  His economy was of course miserly and like Dave’s batting which Bob loved to watch from the non striker’s end, there’s no doubt Walter enjoyed bowling in tandem with Michael for the 1sts.  Initially bowling for nicks “in the corridor of uncertainty” because that’s what he did at home, he was reminded of the value of hitting the timber or getting LBWs occasionally as he beat opponents for pace regularly.  Many batsmen on Saturday or Sunday weren’t good enough to get nicks.  His bowling was used less on a Sunday where others were given a chance and he was usually much too good for the opposition.  However when things went quiet or we looked in trouble, Horatio tossed him the ball and things usually happened as the majority of the opposition hadn’t a prayer.  He took a third of the team’s wickets every time he played which is sensational.  

Single handed

There’s no doubt too in 2009, especially on a Sunday, Mick "had a ball with his batting".  He was more relaxed in the job he realises is not the primary string to his bow and he made a stack of runs.  He nearly won us the game single-handedly with a big ton against the Fleet Street Strollers and certainly did win the game on his own with another against Beeding and Bramber when were getting bogged down.  His man of the match performance against Warnham in the last game of the 2009 season will live long in the memory.  He made an unbeaten 102* to give us a good chance of victory when we were six down for just 89 and when we took to the field, he blew away the visitor’s top order to set up victory.  He duly completed the first win over Warnham in years by running out their last man.  Mick also made stacks of runs for the 2nd XI but found the 1^st XI tougher going, being unable to reach 50 getting close on no less than four occasions. 

Camping Out

Mick’s a teacher by trade which meant he was always keen to get involved with the colts.  He demanded to know at Ansty why Sleepy and himself had not been nominated a colts’ side to assist with.  Can’t remember who we gave Sleepy to but Mick instantly started helping Paul Ackland when he could with the Under 13s.  This culminated with a summer camp during their cricket week before a home game at the Rec.  Many parents jumped at the chance to leave their sons with a qualified carer overnight, Tents were erected and party games were played.  Walter could hear the noise from his house across the Rec. which calmed down just in time in the small hours as he was about to come out in his fluffy slippers and give them a good talking to…  Again this had never been seen before at the Rec and with his adopted mother’s assistance, Mick barbecued and told stories; all the boys had a great time.