The below profiles have
absolutely nothing to do with me - Mike
Steve Graves (Gunter, Stevo,
Stevie G, Heinz)
Steve is still our
numero-uno strike bowler who's still not going for many
runs, and still taking wickets. Unfortunately his
participation this season will be severely limited due to a
shoulder operation which is a massive shame, but we look
forward towelcoming
him back ASAP. He's got a brand-new custom-made bat so we
look forward to seeing him spanking the cover drives,
knocking over the stumps, and giving umpires "the look" when
they say 'Not Out.' Steve is a former captain who has done
an enormous amount off-the-field which
reflects in our
positive bank balance.
Steve's
participation in 2011 has been limited, but since returning
to the side post-injury Steve is showing the old magic still
remains. The wickets tot up as he closes in on 250 for the
club, and the custom-made bat still works as demonstrated by
his fine unbeaten knock at North Enfield, ultimately crucial
in a tight finish.
Oliver Sayers (Leo, Ol)
The current skipper
has made an all-round contribution since first joining the
club and continues to tot up the runs and wickets almost in
proportion with his accumulation of tattoos. Tours seem to
agree with Ollie, who in Minehead made Goodwill history by
becoming the first man ever to take a hat-trick, and then
last year in Yarmouth pulled off two of the most sensational
catches in a narrow defeat to Ashe Park. The big question is
what's the next new bit of equipment going to be?!
Personal
bests for Ollie this season with the ball where he's bowled
really well. Breaking 30 wickets is not often done and he's
even managed to get an LBW decision! Batting-wise he hasn't
flowed but has still played some crucial knocks, like the
impressive rebuilding partnership with Das against St John
Fisher, building the foundation to an impressive win.
Peter Aplin (Jordan)
Peter has now been
at the club for 10 years, so will no doubt be asking about a
testimonial. He hasn't played much recently due to the fact
that he can't keep it in his trousers. On the plus side he's
got a wonderful young family. Peter loves being part of the
dressing room and will be touring with us again this season
and will no doubt play a few games here and there if we're
short. His batting remains as waiting to be unearthed and
his tempting bowling will hopefully bring a maiden wicket at
some point.
Pete made it for tour and was a bit unlucky not to get a few
more runs. Despite his lengthy absence from the side, he
actually looked like he knew what he was doing out there!
Aplin Jnr III is due in a month. Threatening to come down on
Sunday to Berko, though it's safer not to let the accountant
near the book.
Andrew Callanan (Roobear)
Young Andrew is
not-so-young anymore. He's been opening the batting for a
little while now and has been accumulating the runs at a
good rate. Quite frankly, he's another who should be
clocking up the centuries. In my opinion, he's the finest
slip fielder the club's had (although Westy will tell you
about him bottling it). I firmly believe that Andy and Westy
will one day bat through a whole innings. Oh, and no you
can't erase the first 20 matches Roo.
Andy will probably tell you he should have got more runs,
but then that's because he should have got more runs. Quite
a few starts without managing to kick-on will frustrate Roo
as the second half of the season saw him in Sheffield so
unavailable. He'll no doubt be playing the odd game for the
next few years so hopefully will still be contributing.
Managed to get out twice in one ball at Kenton, though
apparently Mike's been kind and only counted it once on his
average.
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Chris Cashman (Cashy, ATM)
Young Chris came to the
club as a fast bowler. Last season he suffered with pains in
his shins. Having been self-diagnosed he gave up the bowling
and concentrated on his batting. And how. Chris smashed the
record for most runs in a season by topping 400 including a
stunning 93 on tour against Lowestoft Town. More than
capable of hitting that century to join a very exclusive
club. Chris has the ability to hit the ball a very long way
and could prove deadly, especially now he's discovered that
he can actually time a cricket ball! Big things are now
expected of Chris, no pressure son, nobody watching.
A hugely bright
start to the season has somewhat dropped off for Cashy. Went
off like a train in the first few games, and that maiden
hundred is surely not far off. When he gives himself time to
build a platform he's brilliant to watch. Can hit a long
ball, as shown at Edmonton when he knocked one out of the
park and onto the A10!
Colin Correa (Mowgli, Tim
Howard, Col)
Still trying to
bat, still trying to bowl, still trying to field. God loves
a trier.
Not been a brilliant season but still chipped in with
wickets. Just enjoying the ride!
Derek Desmond (Del)
Del's been on a bit of a sabbatical having done the
organising for the club for a number of years. Hopefully
we'll see him about a bit more this year as he's a bit part
of the club (literally). My spies tell me he's been looking
to invest in a hat that doesn't blow off and that he's still
working on his bowling, though the fact he models it on
Murali means he's still chucking it.
The Sabbatical was
broken when Del answered a Goodwill SOS and played at North
Enfield. And he batted bloody well! Which has us all
wondering what he's been doing over the last couple of
years. Mind you he didn't wear that stupid hat! Welcome back
big man
.
Ranjan Sen (Stuntman, RJ)
Every club needs one and we've got Ranjan. So hands off
everyone else. The Stuntman works tirelessly for the club
off-the-field to ensure everything runs smoothly and has
done a stunning job since taking over. We were all delighted
to see him hit his maiden 50 against Little Kingshill last
year and hopefully that's the sign of things to come. Alas
his participation in the 2011 season may be minimal
depending on a knee injury but such is his commitment he's
been at 100% of games so far and believe it or not, the book
added up! Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery and plenty
more runs.
RJ has hardly
played due to his knee injury, then, returning to the scene
of his maiden Goodwill half-century, managed to get injured
again, wearing one in the face. Thankfully, his injuries are
healing which is a great relief. Has a good game on tour,
seeing us home with Trigger in the second game at Nailsea
showing he's still got it, and his knee is fine! 2012 will
be his year, you mark my words.
Gareth Hughes (Hugh-Z,
Paddington, Garth)
The longest-serving
player in the club's history continues to put in the
performances, week-in week-out. Gareth is still more than
capable with the bat (and pad), his wicketkeeping remains of
the highest order, and his "patting" technique continues to
frustrate, fascinate and delight in equal measure. Bringing
a towel just isn't the done thing with Gareth and no game is
complete without some "Shower Time." A
whole-hearted and popular member of the team who's now
sporting a rather fetching flat cap. Gareth remains
secretary for the club and does a fine job…..reading his
Minutes of Meeting after an afternoon session in the pub.
The big man closes in on 100 dismissals as a 'keeper and
continues to be a cornerstone of the dressing room. A maiden
one-day half-century the undoubted highlight of the
season (so far) and the towel is still conspicuous by it's
absence. On tour showed that his grenades are still
deceptive, and still somehow manage to lure batsman into
doing silly things!
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Michael Westwood (Trigger)
The youngest of the
Westwood brothers, Michael continues to be a big part of the
dressing room. He's working very hard on his all-round game
with the ability to bowl unplayable deliveries. Hopefully he
can sort out a consistent length and not overstep which can
be difficult with his size 28 feet. His batting is improving
and he's shown glimpses of what he is capable of so
hopefully that maiden 50 is just around the corner.
Definitely someone who could be churning out the runs and
wickets consistently very soon. Play it cool Trig, play it
cool.
Trigger, by his own admission, has been disappointed and
frustrated by his batting this year. But Edmonton, last
week, should give him the boost to kick-on. A sumptuous
cameo including his first ever clear-the-ropes six, gives
him plenty to take forward. He's taken a good number of
catches (from memory) and continues to be a massive part of
the team with his constant encouraging of others.
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Priyesh Patel (Pri, Elfie,
P-body,
Unlucky)
Everybody knows if you want a great night out, go to
Chicago's. And so it proved when, during a said night, we
found a young man named Priyesh who had played a bit of
cricket in the past. After a little persuasion, he came down
to our final net session and the rest is the past. Pri has
been a big plus for the club as a seam bowler and a fine
batsman, highlighted by his brilliant unbeaten 60 in the
fantastic win at Reed last year. He's got some good banter
about him, and has finally got a few nicknames so a huge
thanks to Shilpa on that one!
Priyesh has
grown into a key member of the squad with both bat and ball.
A bit of a stop-start season with availability though
thankfully work relented so he has been around. His swing
bowling can be unplayable, and his batting has generally
been very good. If only he could pick the gaps more, he'd
score millions! An all-rounder who should be moving up the
Goodwill stats pages pretty quickly over the next few years.
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Chris Westwood (Westy)
One day, many years ago, the Goodwill were really short of
players (a familiar theme) and had to play with 10 men, of
which one was a very young Christopher Westwood. With
bowling resources severely lacking, Westy was thrown the
ball and took 4 wickets. The rest is history. A couple of
years ago, an amazing transformation occurred and his
gradual improvement became a talent explosion. He's now
opening the batting, and quite frankly should be racking up
hundreds, and his bowling means he's always posing a threat,
even if it's to the umpire if a batsman is given not out.
Has the ability to smash several Goodwill records in the
future years.
Injury has limited
Westy's participation this season, and when he has played,
bar a couple of appearances, it's been as a batsman only.
The batting-form is starting to return and he's done well at
slip, pouching a few catches there. His bowling was
sensational against St John Fisher, and a good pre-season
should mean an explosive year in 2012.
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Darren Westwood (Ronny)
The Ginger Ninja is
another guy who pushes into the all-rounder category.
Darren, like so many others, has potential with the bat with
a top-score of 80 against Edmonton his career high. He's
still twirling his leggies and is fast approaching becoming
the latest to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 100
wickets for the club. A safe pair of hands under the high
ball, Darren has almost made the Fielder of the Year
category his own. Now for that massive season with the bat
Ronny-boy.
Another setting personal bests this year. Darren's bowling
has come on massively and he's bowled superbly. Another who
has smashed his personal best for season wickets. His
batting opportunities have been limited (due to bowling so
well), but he's still got it as shown at St John Fisher.
Fielding-wise the catching has been very good, as you come
to expect to be honest.
Mike Wallace (Buzz, Matt, Wally)
One of the twins,
Mike made a bit of a return last year, and hopefully he'll
be around this year. His batting has potential and I'm sure
he wants to beat his brother's top score. His fielding
remains pretty good when he's sober although he's lost his
ability to throw the ball 173m. Married life eh. To infinity
and beyond!
Dropped out of tour due to the Emirates Cup (which Arsenal
lost) which was a shame as the tour alcohol consumption
dropped as a result. Hopefully may see him more in 2012
after a close-season fitness regime.
Mike Allaway (Olive,
Ali)
And so to Olive. A founder
member who resides in the USA but keeps his eye-in by doing
the website (now and again) which you're reading. He still
struggles to defend the ball, but when you only play every
so often, why not have some fun! The hairs still as greasy
as it used to be (or so legend has it) and it's always good
to have him over with his laptop. If only, because we can
see the updated stats. Then again, given he updates the
website, who's to say you haven't just read a completely
different profile for him to the one that was originally
written?!
To see Mike on two visits a year is a joy, and so it has
proved in 2011. Always good to see the old boy wielding his
willow and this year we've had in-depth information about a
couple of drops. Still, he's got a better dismissals ratio
than Gareth and has maintained the website pretty well all
year. He's gotta save for Justine's wedding next year, so
any donations gratefully received.
Subhakanta Das (Das)
A
shortage of members in our penultimate game last year saw
Subhakanta Das enter the Goodwill fold. In the first match
of the day, Das (as he's known) guided the Goodwill to
victory with a composed unbeaten innings. Yet again, the
Goodwill bug was caught and after being a near ever-present
at nets, Das has now become a full member. Das is a
potentially destructive batsman, committed fielder and is
also a handy leg-spinner who is capable of big turn, as
witnessed by Newlands, with a ball to rival Shane Warne's
"Ball of the Century." His celebration was memorable too, as
he fully enjoyed his maiden wicket for the Goodwill, even
though someone pressed his mute button. Welcome aboard Das.
A
big addition to the team, Das has proved a good find for the
club. His leg-spinners have complemented Darren well, and
with more regular games I'm sure he'll be improving his
consistency with his length. Has the ability to spin it
miles, and is decent with the bat as well. When he learns to
call, he'll be dynamite.
Paul Hiscock (Lars)
Yet another player roped in initially when we were short who
has now become a full member. Lars (it's a long story) was
also a near ever-present at pre-season nets. He's working on
his batting and is desperate to contribute runs-wise, but we
may possibly have unearthed a handy medium-pace bowler. His
full debut after signing up as a member saw him take a fine
catch, field superbly, and was unlucky not to take his
maiden wicket. Looking forward to seeing him develop. Oh,
and Paul Hiscock is really his name.
Another great find for the club, Paul came in with no real
cricketing experience and has done well right from the off.
His bowling is becoming more and more consistent and he's
even worked out a run-up! He's taken a fair few catches as
well, chased hard, run well, and is determined to put more
runs on the board in 2012. Another good addition to the
club.
Sachin Doshi (Sach,Disco)
When Priyesh and
Westy said they were going to bring Sachin to nets, we were
all rather excited. Alas the Little Master joined the IPL
and we got Mr Doshi. But I bet the Little Master can't
drink. Sach has been a welcome addition to the ranks and
increases our 'quota'. His debut match saw him collect his
first run, first wicket, first catch, and first drop so all
in all, a very expensive debut when you consider that's four
jugs he owes. Hopefully he sticks around!
Well he did stick around, and he did buy his jugs, and some!
Disco has been a big part of the season and has slotted in
to the club and the banter really well. His batting can be
electric (especially with my bat!) and his fielding has
provided some jaw-dropping moments…..like on tour at Nailsea…twice!
Looking forward to seeing him progress in 2012.
Marcus Wilson (Willo)
Marcus was another guy roped in
when we were short and it's great to see him join up this
year. Born and bred inAustraliaNew
Zealand, Marcus is a huge welcome addition if only for the
fact that he's bloody left-handed! Finally we've someone who
can bat cack-handed. Marcus has looked the part and is a
fine batsman who should be scoring big runs for the club.
He's also very lively in the field and a welcome addition to
the dressing room. And he also becomes yet another player
with the initials MW, as Trigger worked out…..eventually
.
Wow! As full debut seasons go, Willo hasn't done bad.
Smashed all sorts of records, probably still owes jugs if
anyone has been properly counting and has a book on the
market! (Though £50 is a lot of money for a doorstop if you
ask me). Willo has been a massive find for the club, and
seems to have enjoyed himself. A good asset in the field and
a few wickets as well means he's earnt his corn in 2011.