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Green & Gold Living Legend #16 - Michael Ford

Thousands of maidens hurled themselves off Worthing Pier a few years ago when that lovely Mike Ford announced his engagement to the future Mrs Ford, young Sue.  Mike is Mr Nice Guy (not another one! No wonder we never win many games. Ed) and a gentle man who is very good with his hands – a fencer.  He seems to know all the old West Chilt crew having been to university with Walter, lived with Rupert the Hunk and is well known to many through the rugby club which is probably how the Francis boys came to play with us for some years.  Ed Rydon has certainly discovered us through the Fordy route as have Greg and Ben Martin.

As well as being a one man recruitment officer, he’s one of the few at our club who can claim to be an all-rounder.  His fluent top order batting – he’s a left hander like Miller – has been an asset to the 1^st XI and the Sunday side for many years.  Mike’s been a tremendous foil to the likes of Rob and Chambers as an opener.  In 2003 when he made his top score at Arundel Castle, Fordy averaged 45 and his 100* in the first Sunday game last year ensured his 2009 average was just under 30.  In fact we saw him play 13 times last year which was the most for five years.  Welcome back Fordy!

His bowling is often underestimated but the slow right arm can be as effective as Malcolm Fitzgerald even if it is usually only really seen these days on Sundays.  He’s bowled over 50 overs in the last couple of seasons – remember we had Mick and others on Sundays this year - which is more than he’s bowled in any other season for the merged club.  His economy of 4.36 is not too shabby either for a slow bowler on a Sunday.

A really understated great man whose gentle style and warm smile creates a great first impression on the young, old and the females (Sorry Sue).

Awarded legendary status for the runs, wickets and smile; also for having the fittest dog called Megan in Sussex.

Mike Ford – Green & Gold Statistics

Seasons at West Chilt & Thakeham:  Nine so far (2001-).  84 games.

Batting:  80 innings for the merged club; 1649 runs at an average of 24.25.  11.44% of the team’s runs in the games he’s played. Three tons & five fifties.  Only the “foreigners” Bob, Chambo & Mick have more tons for the Club.  Number 7 overall in total runs at the end of 2009.

High Score:  126* for the 1^st XI at Arundel Castle against the Estates XI in August 2003.

Bowling:  225.1 overs, 34 maidens, 50 wickets @ 19.64. Economy: 4.36

Best: 6-67 in the defeat to his home town, Storrington, in July 2002. Two 5-wicket hauls.

Number 22 bowler on the all time list of wicket takers at the end of 2009.  15.92 of the wickets every time he plays.

Fielding: 17 catches & 1 run out

Game results:  Mike has been on the winning side in 53.57% of the games he’s played in 

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