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

As the first half of the Devon Cricket League drew to a close with the 2nd XI winning at Topsham to go top of the D Division East, we sat down with captain Jack Stirling to digest the season so far.

You must be pleased with the first half of the season particularly after last year’s promotion?

Absolutely. I think I’d mentally braced myself for a transitional season of consolidation but to be top of the table at halfway is fantastic, especially considering some patchy availability at the start of the year.

Availability is a lot stronger now, are there plans to make sure people are getting as much cricket as possible? Is a 3rd team on the cards?

It’s something we definitely need to look at. My job has become significantly harder & the worst part of it is telling someone they haven’t got a game of cricket on a Saturday. It’s obviously part of the 5 year development plan & from our last committee meeting I can say we have some irons in the fire in that regard.

What are the stand out performances that have got us top of the league?

Obviously the 100s from Andy Daldorph & Sam Jefferson were worthy of winning any matches. 5fas from Bobby Heard & Luke Vukusic did wonders for us too. Jay Porter’s 77* when we were under the cosh against Heathcoat is definitely worthy of a mention, but there have been some great team performances too.

You mention team performances, which has been the highlight?

I think coming back from Budleigh with a tie despite having 8 players left at the ground has to be the standout, especially as we fielded with ten for over half of the overs.

What are the goals for the 2’s half of the season?

I don’t want to get carried away; it’s a really tight league at this point with 5 points separating top and 5th. I think a top half finish would be a great achievement all things considered. There are some good sides in this league & availability will be lacking on some occasions, so I’d be content finishing in the top 5.

Is it a case of more of the same to achieve that?

I think so. The competition for places should spur people on in the second half. I do believe we can beat anyone in this league on our day, we’ve just got to make sure that it’s our day consistently.

And any areas for improvement?

I think in a couple of the defeats we’ve let our heads drop after a reasonable opposition partnership & it’s cost us. I think we just need to remain positive regardless of the situation we find ourselves in.

Finally, if a tree falls in a forest and there is nobody to hear it, is there a sound?

It wood make a sound, woodn’t it?

2nd XI Stats at the halfway mark

Batting (min 100 runs)

A.Daldorph – 341 runs @ 48.71

D.Baldock – 202 runs @ 40.40

S.Jefferson – 127 runs @ 127.00

J.Farley – 127 runs @ 31.75

L.Vukusic – 102 runs @ 51.00

J.Porter – 101 runs @ 25.25

Bowling (min 7 wkts)

B.Heard – 9 wickets @ 17.56