Next up ‘In the Spotlight’ is our 2nd Team Captain, Dave Whiteley. Having played cricket for many years, Dave brings valuable experience to his side. Just take a look at Dave in the photo below from 1986. We’re sure there is a story to tell here!
Do you have a nickname and if so, can you explain its significance?
Wide! You’d need to ask Peggy or Mick Dalton…remember my early bowling years not being too successful but not entirely sure.
What sparked your interest in cricket?
Tom Wilkinson took me with his son Andrew to Wigan U11’s where he coached, briefly. Tom was a good player in his days with Winstanley Park & Daisy Hill.
Do you have a cricketing superstition, if so, what is it?
No, I’m not into whether putting your pads on in a certain order is really that important.
Who is your club cricketing hero?
Played with some great players at club level. Mark Yates, Dave Brighouse & Alan Baybutt to name but three.
Who is your club cricketing hero?
Probably admired Viv Richards the most.
Who is the funniest at the club?
Stu Craig, at the moment. Had some great banter over the years. Especially throughout the 1990’s.
Which team-mate is the tidiest in the changing room?
None of them, there’s kit strewn everywhere!
Who is the most humble player you’ve played with?
Probably Gordon Bennett, the quiet man in the dressing room. No-one wanted to let him down.
Who has been the biggest influence on you?
Probably my wife Sam, she’s been supportive and has started to actually like watching.
What one tip or piece of advice would you pass on to our juniors?
Practice hard and often.
What is your favourite post-match drink?
Usually a beer although not a lager drinker – it needs to be cold. Hopefully, I’d have earned it.
What is your favourite food?
Steak.
What is your favourite football team?
I’m a local man, it has to be Latics.
What is your favourite away ground?
Sedbergh…played against the school for the XL club couple of years back. First time they’d lost in 15yrs.
What is your favourite band/singer?
Coldplay are up there.
What would be your T20 theme tune song and why?
Dreadlock holiday…summed up cricket in one sentence.
What is your funniest or most memorable moment at ORTCC?
There are two games both up at Dalton that immediately spring to mind. One involved a stag-do open top bus (2 streakers) and the other a piece of calamitous cricket with Peggy and Alan Ackers.
What is your proudest cricketing achievement?
Playing for Lancs over 50’s with some excellent players.