Next up ‘In the Spotlight’ is 2nd Team Player, Alfie Clarke. Alfie has made a great start to the season and is currently running as our No. 2 bowler and No. 3 batter. Alfie is certainly not camera shy, so we are never short of a photo or two to showcase his talents! As well as 2nd Team player, Alfie also plays for our 4th Team. He is a great role model for our juniors, always providing fantastic advice and encouragement! Known for breaking a bat or two, he certainly keeps us all entertained! Alfie is 19 today, so we are sure you would all like to join us in wishing him a very Happy Birthday!
Do you have a nickname and if so, can you explain its significance?
My close friends and family just call me Alf. I briefly got called Boris for a small period of time but thankfully that seems to have died out.
What sparked your interest in cricket?
Originally, I never really liked cricket: I was a very good Tennis player when I was younger, but my mates from primary school all played Cricket rather than Tennis – So one day I went to a cricket tournament with St James’ Primary School @ ORT and ever since I’ve loved it.
Do you have a cricketing superstition, if so, what is it?
I will never bat or bowl in just a white playing shirt – I have to wear a jumper/pullover – even in 25 degree heat I will have a pullover on.
Who is your club cricketing hero?
Ali Sartaj – unfortunately he isn’t at ORTCC anymore, but he was the guy who taught me how to bowl off-spin, and whenever I was able to watch him bowl on a Saturday it was an absolute delight to watch – what a player!
Who is your favourite professional player?
Michael Clarke – unbelievable batsmen who played spin beautifully – all whilst carrying his country. What a player, I could watch him bat all day.
Who is the funniest at the club?
Luke Unsworth is definitely up there. Matty Kirby too.
Which team-mate is the tidiest in the changing room?
Probably one of the older blokes on a Saturday who wanna get straight home after the game – kit packed, subs paid, straight home and in a warm bath.
Who is the most humble player you’ve played with?
Matthew Hayes – he scores runs for fun and never tells anyone about the time he hit a 6 onto the road @ Ormskirk or the time he scored a 100 in the twos, or the time he took 3 slips catches in a game, or when he bowled himself 17 overs and got 5 wickets – great guy, so humble.
Who has been the biggest influence on you?
It’s hard to say really – a lot of people influence and inspire me to be better so I can’t really put a name on it. But, an honourable mention must go to Gary Hayes – as my junior coach we didn’t have the best relationship (99% my fault) but as I’ve grown older and matured more he really has taken me under his wing and I’ve grown up thinking he’s not actually that bad of a bloke. In all seriousness, he’s been massively influential to me making the step up from Sunday to Saturday cricket a few years ago and he would never say no to giving me lifts to away games, or if I wanted to work on something in the nets – a true gent.
What one tip or piece of advice would you pass on to our juniors?
Winning is great – but the friendships you build with your fellow players is much greater.
What is your favourite post-match drink?
Beers with the boys after a win – can’t beat it. Or (post-training) a Posthouse trip with Mush, Crumpo and Cheezy is always great.
What is your favourite food?
Indian food, or an authentic Italian Pizza – none of this cheap, stodgy Pizza – has to be from a true, authentic Italian takeaway.
What is your favourite football team?
Liverpool FC. Although, I do like to go and watch FC UoM with the Hayes’ – great days out (despite all the Mancs!).
What is your favourite away ground?
Liverpool CC, Southport & Birkdale CC.
What is your favourite band/singer?
U2 or Mumford and Sons.
What would be your T20 theme tune song and why?
Shoot to Thrill – AC/DC. Get the crowd going.
What is your funniest or most memorable moment at ORTCC?
Most memorable moment would definitely be the time when I was able to bat with my best mate Matty in a league game against Leigh 2’s last year. We’ve batted a few times together but this one was special. I finished the game 30-odd not out but the special thing was Matty finished 101* not out – and being able to be there at the other end and support his innings was something I really cherish – it was great to share a moment in the middle and to see him bat like that was unbelievable.
What is your proudest cricketing achievement?
Simple – anytime I get a call up to the 1st XI (Friday nights or Saturday). Honourable mention goes to a few weeks ago @ Fleetwood Hesketh with 4th team MH.