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Green & Gold Living Legend #17 - Brian Chambers

He’s loud, aggressive, in your face, abusive, full of sh*t, in short he’s irritable and irritating; he winds up his team mates and the opposition but by god, when he’s on song, not many can live with him on the cricket track. 

Chambo emigrated from the land down under 20 years ago when he came over to play cricket for the summer for Dulwich in London as their overseas player.  Unlike Sleepy who scuttled off home reluctantly last summer and Mick who’s planning to do the same at the end of this calendar year, Chambo did not escape.  He fell in love with “some English bird” and settled down with his three kids in England after a brief spell trying to convince Mrs C to settle down in Victoria.

Is he happy about it?  Despite all the blusterings, I reckon he’s just about accepted his lot now as an Aussie living in his English island prison but certainly in the time I’ve lived in Thakeham, Chambo has really struggled with the wind, rain and long winter nights.  He's not too good in the winter either.

Is he the greatest player the merged club has seen?  Definitely one of the most talented.  Some would accuse him of being selfish (and we thought he was just being Australian) but the stats would seem to indicate that he is the best.  Virtually every game has been with the 1^st XI where he’s opened the batting and the bowling until recently when his shoulder prevented the long bowling spells. (Certainly Walter and him used to regularly open the bowling for West Chilt and merged club for years).  He doesn’t do defensive shots unless they are exaggerated and he’s toying with a bowler.  His 198* which remains a record for the club was by all accounts an incredible innings (I was mowing the lawn) and was against our big rivals Brighton Insurance whose bowling was again probably the best in the league at the time.  

Opposition have been wound up by him for years.  We’ve received countless complaints about his behaviour from opposition, umpires and leagues.  Coversely other clubs like Insurance whom he smashed all around the park on that day in 2005 enjoy the banter.   He can frustrate many of his team mates too but on some days, they’re just in awe of his undoubted ability no doubt aided by his supreme self belief.  His two boys have a sort of “Absolutely Fabulous” relationship with him – raising their eyebrows when he goes off on one and having endless battles with him.  Will again is a firebrand bowler and aggressive batsman; Thomas a sort of miniature Brian – full of quips but a fantastic keeper, not a bad swing bowler and an equally aggressive top order batsman.  Both lads are currently struggling with back injuries – Will hardly bowled a ball in 2009 - and we wish them both full recoveries. 

Off the pitch Brian supports Australia and Arsenal.  He also likes rugby (union) even though he’s from an Aussie rules state.  He likes loud Aussie music but also still listens to Dire Straits? He can also put on someone called Kevin “Bloody” Wilson if you’re not careful.  He abhors draws as do most Australians and again cannot grasp the term “friendly” when applied to any sporting match.  He loves the fact that England has won the last two home Ashes series and that he hosted a number of POMs when England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Sydney.  Memorably when the final whistle went, BC rushed upstairs and ran down again wearing an England shirt.  At cricket do’s, there’s usually the odd case of Fosters which has been provided by our eldest Australian benefactor.  Some of it isn’t out of date too.  He also provides John Smiths which is great if you’re driving or shaving of course. 

In the past few years and as his shoulder shows the first signs of age, Dame Edna has announced he’s had enough of cricket and wants to play the old man’s game, golf.  However every summer he bounces back again keen for some more battles with some poor unsuspecting opposition bowler or captain. 

Will Mick and Ryan be able to get the best out of him this year? We shall wait and see. 

Chambers is awarded legend status for the undeniable ability and self belief; for the runs, wickets and abuse that he’s given and been given down the years.  He can certainly be a prat but he can also reign supreme.  Cheers Chambo, keep it coming.  We can take (nearly) everything you can throw at us. 

Brian Chambers – Green & Gold Statistics 

Next Week: The series concludes with Jim Gee

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