Let’s take a look and see who’s up next. It’s our very own Club Treasurer, John Lawrence.
How long have you been Treasurer of ORTCC?
I’m actually now in my third spell as Treasurer and have currently been in office for approximately 14 years.
What duties do you undertake as part of your role?
In addition to managing the day-to-day finances and preparing the annual accounts for the club, an important role is to continually look forward to ensuring that the club has sufficient reserves to meet its future commitments. As part of my role, I provide regular financial reports to the club’s Management Committee.
What is your day job?
I’m happily retired thanks.
What sparked your interest in cricket?
My dad played cricket locally for both Winstanley Park & Spring View. Although I was too young to see him play, my initial interest was sparked from him and we used to enjoy watching test matches on the TV together.
I always had a general interest in sport, but it was the late club legend John Brown who encouraged me to join the club back in the 1970s. The rest, as they say, is history.
Describe your favourite thing about ORTCC?
The people. The club has a unique atmosphere surrounding it, generated by so many special people.
If there was one thing you could change about the club, what would it be?
I’ve seen the club and membership grow so much over the years and although we strive to improve our facilities, just at the moment I’m not sure we’ve fully kept up with that growth. Ideally I would like us to have a larger clubhouse to enable us to better accommodate the needs of our members, supporters and visitors.
Do you have a favourite cricketing line/phrase? If so, what is it?
Being a Wicket Keeper, I’ve always liked the terms, “a snick or nick into the Keeper’s gloves”.
If you have been a player, or are still playing – bowler or batter?
2016 season was my last playing season. Some won’t believe this, but I actually started out by opening both the batting & bowling. That didn’t last long!
When the then Wicket Keeper of our junior team dropped out of the team because of “other interests” I took over the gloves and kept them throughout my playing career.
Who is your all-time favourite professional cricketer?
It’s a difficult one. I’ve seen so many fantastic players over the years but I would probably say Ian Botham. He was a player who would always generate an air of excitement whenever he took hold of either bat or ball.
What is your favourite cricket ground?
Easy, Orrell. Never failed to get a buzz each time I put the gloves on at our home ground.
What is your favourite football team?
The Latics.
What is your favourite food?
Coming from Wigan I enjoy a pie. However, I do like Thai food & enjoyed dining at Chaophraya Manchester but unfortunately it seems to have closed.
Who is your favourite band/singer?
Maybe not a band or singer, but you’ll usually see me getting my kicks out on the floor if a Northern Soul Classic is being played.
What is your favourite film?
I’ve always thought that the Lord of The Rings trilogy was an epic.
What one tip or piece of advice would you pass on to the club players?
When you finish the game never leave anything on the field of play.
What is your most memorable, or funniest moment at the club?
One of the most memorable I think was seeing my son Philip score his first ever 50 for the club and then later in the very same week, following it up by going on to score my first ever 50 for the 2nd team. I also remember that day opening the bowling for Northrop Hall was a Pakistani Under-19 International fast bowler. He immediately dismissed our opening batters but not before both had suffered broken fingers.
What is your proudest moment at the club?
Possibly the day we gained promotion to the Premier Division of The Liverpool & District Cricket Competition. A true credit to everyone who had been involved at the club and whose hard work over the years had resulted in our small club competing in one of the strongest leagues in the country.