CRICKET CLUB PLAYER PROFILES

On his day Darren is a surprisingly accurate, sharp and consistent bowler. Hopefully there are many more of these days in the near future. Batsmen are warned to wear helmets and to never play back at Sodbury.

Qualified coach who has had his Sodbury career plagued by injuries. An attacking, stroke playing batsman and a specialist slip fielder.

A good Colstons cricketer, Steve has progressed through the youth ranks at Sodbury to cement himself into the 1st XI. Although he was mainly looked on as a bowler, his batting has always been close behind and it has since come off a treat. He'll now be looking to strengthen his 'true all-rounder' status in his future conquests. A strong batsmen who enjoys a good bottom hand.

Another Aussie flew over to lovely England in 2007 and this one came from the same Australian Cricket Club as one of the most famous Sodbury Aussies ever, yep Ged McBurney. Clarkey brought some great performances to the 1st XI and helped them gain promotion to the West of England Premier league in 2007. He fitted in very well. The women of Sodbury and Yate will miss him.

Former 2nd XI captain. An aggressive batsman/wicketkeeper who loves to cut and pull the ball from any line or length. Hoping to recapture his prolific form of a couple of years ago. In 2005 he had a nice run of form in the latter half of the season with some good knocks.

Matt turned up at the Ridings in 2006, after a lengthy absence, which pleased the boys no-end for obvious reasons. Its a joy to watch Bobby Dazzle playing his KP-esque flamingo flick through mid-wicket, but also feasting on his vast erray of hair-dos, and slightly fruity dress code is the icing.

Also possesses a lethal bullet like launch from point.

Long standing 3rd XI captain notorious for his miraculous, enforced last minute team selection. He has done a superb job with the 3rd XI over the years and helped numerous youngsters to flourish. A solid batsmen and deadly accurate bowler often takes a back seat to allow the younger players to develop but still a useful all rounder when needed.

Son of the bashiest batter in the south west, Ben will be keen to prove his bowling capabilities. This young'un has time on his side and will be keen to show his dad a thing or two with the ball!!

Aggressive, big-hitting batsman/wicketkeeper capable of scoring runs very quickly. Had a good debut season in 2003 and continues to blast some monumental knocks. Steve also kindly sponsors the club's match balls via his company - Doidge Computing Ltd.

An oversight has seen Craig never appear on the CSCC player profiles....until now.

Craig has shown some great promise over the years and has the potential to turn into a tidy player.

His bowling paired with some explosive batting can be great to watch. However he's got to build more innings and get rid of any thoughts of those big hits which so often get him out.

A youngster showing much potential with the bat. In 2005 he played two games for the 2nd XI and will be hoping for more in the future. Can also turn to bowling.

A player who has had a distinguished past playing for Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club. He has represented the club at every level and will hopefully continue to play for the club well into the future.

An up and coming youth player, he is yet another Sodbury player from the famous Febry dynasty. In 2005 he played two 2nd XI games and will be looking to increase that number in years to come.

A new cricketer at The Ridings, he settled in well in his first season in 2005. His main weapon is his seam bowler and in 2005 he found himself opening for the 2nd XI on numerous occasions. His temper has been slightly firey at times, hopefully he will soon learn to love the umpires!

A veteran left arm spinner, TG has been there, seen it, done it and his vast experience makes him an invaluable asset in nurturing the younger players around him.

A talented left hand batsman who can also turn his arm over. Mark has the ability to score runs quickly or stick around depending on the situation. Also has the unusual ability to throw the ball with either arm. Mark is now an ECB Level 2 Coach and proves his worth by coaching the youngsters in Sodbury's flourishing youth set-up.

Ross came into the fore towards the end of the 2003 season with some accurate bowling displays for the 3rd XI and has continued with this form. His swing bowling is a potent force. If only he could tell all the other bowlers how to do it.

This little fella from CSCC youth should do well with his enthusiasm, keeness and wristy spin. As keen as a butcher's blade.

Young wicket keeper/batsman with bags of potential. A very attacking player who perhaps needs to curb his natural instincts to try and occupy the crease for longer.

In 2005 Kriss got his maiden senior 50 and hopefully there'll be many more to come. He possesses a nice array of correct stroke play and shows much potential.

Hicks' first season for CSCC in 2007 will be an interesting one for the guy. The left-arm around finger spinner will be looking to make an impression and push for consistant 1st XI cricket. Everyone wishes him luck in his first year with CSCC.

Big-hitting batsman who, after years in the wilderness, came back to Sodbury to prove agricultural batting was the way forward. Capable of anything with the bat and would be a tidy bowler if he didn't throw it.

Tenacious cricketer with a never say die attitude. Has developed massively over the last couple of years and now plays regular league cricket. A good 4th XI bowler, fielder and in due course it looks as though his batting could come on a lot.

The youngest of the Long brothers who can bat and bowl. Several seasons without cricket left him rusty but another player looking to regular league cricket to improve his game.

Sodbury legend who has flourished in recent years. A new found love of cover drives and cuts have turned Jeff into a graceful batsman to watch. Still able to play his dogged innings when required and deadly late on in the day with the ball with his loopy leg spin. Also a dedicated presence in the club's pitch preparation. In 2004 he won the South Gloucestershire Council Sports Volunteer of the Year Award. He is also an ECB Level 1 coach.

The eldest Long brother can bat, bowl and keep wicket with equal aplomb. Given regular cricket he has the potential to become a very good club cricketer. Dabbled in 2nd XI cricket in 2004 after some huge 3rd XI scores. He returned to the 2nd XI in 2005, but this time for his bowling - picking up 4 wickets against Portishead in 14 overs.

Elder brother of Jon Marler. Can get a nifty bit of swing with the ball.

Jon has made good recent progress and he will be hoping to move on even more in 2006.

Our latest signing, Ron has joined us from Premier 2 club Bristol West Indians. A prolific top order batsman, Rons inclusion has added steel and strength to our first XI.

Ron adds a dimension to us in the field also with his sharp athletic ball control.

Unknown by many, he is probably the most talented player in the club and has the ability to fill in anyone's boots when it comes to selection, whether they be in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th XI. Quite a talent.

His batting is as miserly as his book-keeping. Has the ability to hit any ball through the on-side but capable of big runs. His wibbly-wobblers also cause chaos in opposition batsmen. In 2006 he continues captaining the mighty 2nd XI and also carries on as treasurer, a role not to be under estimated - Mickey has put a large amount of work into the financial side of the club over the years and continues to do so.

Quick bowler who has overcome many, many, many injuries to continue playing at the highest level. Devastatingly accurate on his day, has the ability to move the ball off the pitch and in the air. Pens is also useful late on in an innings with his big hitting.

The Pope is what's known in the trade as different beans, and it is great to attract players of such calibre. Having represented Gloucestershire, Surrey and Somerset in first class cricket, it's quietly obvious we love to have him on board, both as a 'keeper and top order batsman. One flaw would be the stench that drifts from

his inners - it aint nice (What do you keep in there!?!)

Talented batsman whose promising career tailed off with a lack of cricket/availability. Possesses a fine array of strokes and will hopefully become an excellent club cricketer with some consistent cricket.

Jamie returned to the club in 2006 after an absence of nearly 10 years. He is an extremely talented right-arm off-break bowler and right-hand bat. His return sees him reunited on the pitch with his brothers John and Martyn and he becomes captain of Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club's 1st XI.

Wicket-keeper/batsman with undoubted ability. His love of the cut and pull on the notoriously bouncy Sodbury track often gets him into trouble! Has the potential to score a lot of runs and is an outstanding keeper with safe hands. Uses his amazing vocal presence to make up for everyone else's inability to speak. Unfortunately he was absent for most of the 2005 season after a training incident left him with a broken thumb.

Upper order batsman and left arm spinner. Has played at a very high standard as a bowler. Performs consistantly with the bat for CSCC's 1st XI.

Deej is currently overseeing the development of the new facilities at CSCC. He is also an ECB Level 1 Coach.

Has the ability to score runs extremely slowly and holds the record for the longest Sodbury 2 (52 balls). Can be a classy batsman once he gets going and is technically excellent.

In 2004 he won the ECB's National Young Volunteer of the Year Award and appeared on the judging panel the following year. He continues as Youth Secretary, coach and web master.

Very keen player but didn't play after 2003. Again showed interest in 2006.

Wicket keeper/batsman who has been the leading 1st XI run scorer in recent years. An attacking player who regularly scores big runs. An excellent keeper and fielder with quality hands, even turns his hand to leg spin when the moment calls.

Bobs regarded throughout the camp as a God. As management of the 1st eleven, he's got quite possibly the hardest job in World Cricket.

His tough stance and superior authority makes the troops neck hair stand on end though, and seems to pass on super 'enthusiasm' rays...

Also mastered the art of a good cup of Dah Jeiling before games, as well as a collection of bisquits the queen would be happy with.

After an unfortunate injury blighted his bowling career, he is now looking to use his batting, which has always held him in good stead, as he looks to make a impressive impression with his good eye. He made a great ton for the 3rd XI in 2005.

His work off the field is immense. He runs the bar, stocks up the social calender for the year and makes sure every event is a success. He is also in charge of fund raising. Another valuable asset in the club.

Wicket keeping batsman and bowler, Hugh is a talented cricketer. Another student whose services will not be available until late on in the summer but always consistent when he does play. In 2004 he impressed with some steady bowling in the 2nd XI, but his availability suffered in 2005.

Probably the first women to play for a Sodbury senior side (probably). In 2005 she became a strong part of the first ever Womens XI.

Swatts came back to his home club in 2003 to much hype but injuries and inconsistent form led to a disappointing season. A devastating batsman on his day he can score runs at an incredible rate and hits the ball as hard as anyone in local cricket. An excellent fielder as well, he saves vital runs in the outfield. Can also keep wicket.

He is an ECB Level 2 coach and in 2005 has put some excellent work in with the Under 9s in his first year managing youth cricket.

Joined Sodbury in 2003 and had an excellent debut season. Medium pace, out swing bowler who is very economical and gets vital wickets. Will be looking to flourish further in forthcoming seasons. He is an ECB Level 1 coach.

Quick and aggressive bowler who is the 1st XI main strike bowler and a leading wicket taker in 2003 and 2004. Also an accomplished batsman with good technique and style. Will be looking to score more runs in the future. Too much of a risk not to have him in your Fantasy Cricket XI!

He started playing for Sodbury in the second half of the 2005 cricket season. He impressed with the bat and soon played for the third XI.

A very promising youngster who in 2005 represented the Bristol Youth Cricket League and pulled off some very important performances.

Brought through the CSCC youth setup, David is starting to play more regularly in the club's senior sides. His 7 foot 2 inch height is a very scarey sight.

This talented youngster will be looking to progress and develop into a tidy cricketer in the next few years. The bat seems to be his choice of weapon.

One of the most promising players to come through youth cricket in recent years, Jamie is a quick bowler and left hand batsman. Son of Rob and grandson of the late Reg Quinlan - a great Sodbury cricketer - he has already represented Gloucestershire's youth teams. Jamie will be looking to continue to prove himself at the highest level in coming years.

Sodbury great who is one of a few select players to score a league hundred for the 1st XI. Concentrates more on his off spin bowling nowadays as the years have caught up with him. Rob still has much to offer as a player. He is Chair of Cricket at CSCC.

A gifted stroke playing batsman with sublime timing. Lee has only just started to develop the mental side of his game that could make him an excellent cricketer. Work could also be done on his fielding.

Harrisons early form in 2008 was music to the eye for our solid looking 2nd eleven. With a maiden century against Bedminster, the boy looked good and we all look forward to watching him progress through his late teens.

Strikes the ball as clean as a whistle, gallops round the outfield like a fox in a bushy haven and collects catches comfortably.

Quick left arm bowler and attacking batsman. Woody has suffered with run up problems in recent years, but looked to have sorted things out in 2004. He is quick, hostile and accurate on his day. Can also score runs very quickly and is an excellent fielder with a huge throw that is a massive asset. Unfortunately he did not have much opportunity in 2005, but he like many others will be hoping for more opportunity in 2006.

Attacking batsman who likes to play his shots. Has learnt to try and occupy the crease to score runs more consistently and has developed well in recent years. Another player looking to gain valuable experience in senior league cricket.