The Mid-Season Report – 2nd XI – Jack Stirling Interview

As Saturday marked the halfway point of the Devon Cricket League season, we sat down with 2nd XI captain Jack Stirling to discuss the 2’s campaign so far.

You must be pleased with how the first half has gone?

Extremely so, it’s gone as well as we could’ve hoped for to this point, especially as availability has been varied at points throughout the season so far. It says a lot about the depth of squad we have and the ability of the juniors coming through to get us over the line in games against decent sides. We can’t allow ourselves to take the foot off the gas and ensure we see through what we know we can achieve.

Highlight so far?

The win at Bradninch showed the most character so far in my view, we just never gave up and trusted ourselves to do the job. In terms of personal milestones, a couple of cracking tons from Andy Daldorph and one Balders have gone a long way to winning matches. It’s great to have seen so many senior players involved in the 2nd XI this season and performing their roles well.

Stand out players?

As mention Andy & Balders have won matches on their own, but so many have performed consistently. Last year’s player of the year Erin Vukusic has again and again showed her ability. Imogen has been metronomic with the ball too all season when she’s had chances. The girls involvement with the 2nd XI is one of the things I’m proudest on and they can achieve great things. Jonny Baker has been such a coup to be playing regularly for us and is a great guy to have in the dressing room. Bobby Heard was great before he popped off travelling, so we’ll be really pleased to have him back from next weekend.

The beauty of the 2nd XI must be watching the young players come through – any stars if the future to look out for?

Absolutely. We’ve had a nice balance this year. The girls have impressed yet again, as has Henry Squire and I’m really looking forward to having him in the side more regularly in the second half; he has bags of potential. Olly Coe has really impressed with the ball when he’s had opportunities and he’s certainly one to keep an eye on.

As well as young players, you’ve mentioned some senior players being involved. What are the advantages of this mix?

It’s such a massive advantage to us as a side, not only for their performances, but also nurturing the youngsters. Having Benny Coe working with me as vice-captain has been such a massive boost on and off the field. The same goes for Balders & Paul who are a massive help to me on the field. I’m really looking forward to having Broomy at my disposal from Saturday.

Aims for the second half?

More of the same and in particular not getting complacent. Anyone in this league is capable of beating anyone. We need to take that momentum forward to make sure we get promoted, that’s the main aim. A lot of clubs benefit from improved availability in the second half, so we could face very different challenges to overcome. So many have identified that the gap between our 1st XI & 2nd XI is too vast and having played both I’m far too aware of that. Getting promoted is imperative if we are to sustain A Division cricket.

What’s needed to achieve that?

More of the same. We need availability to stay good and for everyone to perform their roles as they have done. If we have those two, we should get to where we need to be.

Without wanting to tempt fate, how would you be celebrating?

Let’s get the job done first. If history is going to repeat itself, I think we should expect the same thing again.

2nd XI DCL Stats so far

Batting (min 100 runs)

Andy Daldorph- 313 runs at 39.13

Dave Baldock – 155 runs at 51.67

John Farley – 137 runs at 22.83

Ben Coe – 131 runs at 26.20

Grant Squire – 112 runs at 22.40

Bowling (min 7 wickets)

Jack Stirling – 12 wickets at 8.50

Jonny Baker – 12 wickets at 8.92