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Season's Greetings from West Africa. (Dec. 2006)
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Hello everyone.
Firstly all the best for the new year, should hopefully be a good one for all of us,
the Barbados trip is something I'm looking forward to in particular.
So what of Sierra Leone? Well life moves on a pace as ever. Its still like an Club 18-30 holiday with work to keep me occupied during the day. Started learning Krio, the local language. It has roots in English but is remarkably different when you start studying it.
Unfortunately there is no cricket going on here yet, despite my best efforts. Therefore, I will have to bore you with my amateur football career instead. I have been playing for Expats FC, which has had over our 8 month existence, players from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium, Lebanon, Holland, Bolivia, Italy, Australia, USA, Canada and of course the odd Sierra Leonean. In that sense, it's a bit like playing for Bolton. One of the Spanish lads is a relative of Pepe Reina and managed to get me an authentic pair of Reina's gloves which I sent to my brother for a Christmas present.
Since we formed in April, Expats FC has played 9 friendlies, Winning 4, Drawing 2 and losing 3. We have a core of a good side. One lad was a schoolboy at Liverpool and made up the numbers in an England Under 21 training match a few years ago which featured the likes of Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole and Jonathan Woodgate amongst others. There is a broad mix of ability and lack of ability however. I am well aware that when the best XI is available at Expats FC I am not in it, although Freetown being the place it is, this is rarely the case.
I have found myself in the classic utility player role. so far the only positions I haven't played are Centre Back and in goal! Still yet to score here (in every possible sense) but to those of you who know me well this will come as no surprise!
A few weeks ago, Expats FC (plus a few extras) split into 2 squads and we played England v Rest of World. I made sure we played in Red (the colour we won the World Cup in) and we kicked off at 1600 in the National Stadium playing for the now annual Freetown International Trophy (which in truth is a bit of old tat I found in my parents' spare room in September, but trophy looking none the less.) I was honoured to be made Captain of England. Whilst I would like to believe this was as a result of my motivational and leadership skills, I am realistic enough to know that it's because I organised the game. We had official Sierra Leone FA refs and linesman (who were completely hopeless) and even managed to attract a bit of a crowd, if 50 people counts as a crowd in a 80,000 capacity stadium.
Anyway the brave lads of England emerged triumphant after a 4-1 victory and I was delighted to lift the trophy. My one regret was when a goalbound effort of mine was stopped on the line by a defender's hand and I gave up the resulting penalty to our 44 year old goalkeeper who was playing his last ever match before retirement. Well done to Old Jimmy who slotted it home. I was happy to claim assists for 2 goals though.
I'm not sure when I'll be back in the UK, probably not before October. I'll send another update before then though, and I'll be keeping an eye on results.
Unfortunately, we get live ashes coverage here, a bit of a pathetic showing I have to say. I think we should all be thankful that Jezza is no longer around!
Any visitors welcome, just drop me a line.
Take it easy,
Kev
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ps. I've attached a couple of action shots - needless to say, these are not from the National Stadium.
Also, good luck for the game v The Ramblers. One word of advice, do not let Shaun Petafi anywhere near the pitch at all costs.
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Footie Match at Ramblers. (Dec. 2006)
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Our multi-talented cricketing athletes are set to pit their footballing skills against Ramblers,
in a match arranged for Saturday 6th January, kick off 11:00am at Ramblers.
Support welcome.
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Warne Tribute. (Dec. 2006)
Beach Bum ?
Lord Lucan
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The announcement of Shane Warne’s impending retirement has prompted a flood of glowing tributes from all around the world.
None more so, as we woke to the breaking news on Thursday morning, than that of our own local Radio Merseyside who switched live to their cricket correspondent for his reaction.
Recounting his own past when he ‘went missing’ for a few years in Swindon,
our correspondent recalled the Aussie legend in his early days in West Country league cricket.
‘A young fat blond beach bum, who could turn the ball a long way’.
In a world exclusive for this website, Shane commented that he could not remember the pommie slug balancer.
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Dreaming of Lords in 2007. (Dec. 2006)
The draw for the Cockspur Cup 2007 national knock-out has been made, with Northern in group 6 receiving a bye in the first round.
Northern are drawn away to Darcy Lever or Alderley Edge in round 2, with the winners at home to Davenham, St Helens, Oswestry or Alsager in round 3.
Round 4 would be a visit from Northop Hall, Hindley St Peters, Widnes, Pontblyddyn, Whitchurch or Bramhall,
with the group final a home tie against one of Chester Boughton Hall, Wallasey, Little Lever, Neston,
Golborne, Birkenhead Park, Bootle, Romiley, Alder, New Brighton, Kearsley, Skelmersdale, Farnworth Social Circle or Leigh.
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Some Dates for 2007. (Dec. 2006)
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Indoor Nets for senior players are due to begin on Sunday 4th February from 12 noon to 2pm, at St.Mary's sports hall in Crosby.
8 Sunday sessions in total.
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Junior nets to start on Sunday 21st January at 12 noon, and switch to 10am start from 4th February.
10 Sunday sessions in total, also at St.Mary's sports hall in Crosby.
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The Development Squad begin their evening sessions on Wednesday 17th January,
and will be notified individually by Carl.
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Cricket (or club) Force is to be held again on the weekend of 31st March and 1st April.
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After his recent meeting with some of the lads at the comp dinner,
Blanny's mate Alec had provisionally agreed to do a cricket section celebrity dinner in April.
That's now postponed to later in the year due to TV commitments, and looking for someone else for April.
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An Under 9's Festival will again be held at the Northern on Sunday 24th June.
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We have been awarded the Lancashire 2nd.XI fixture versus Northants in 2007,
Tuesday to Thursday 14/15/16th August, 11am start.
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Pre-Christmas Aperitifs. (Dec. 2006)
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The cricket section, and anyone else who likes us, is cordially invited to a social gathering on Saturday 23rd December.
We shall assemble at the club, any time from 5pm onwards, for the purposes of festive cheer and good company.
Thereafter is anyone's guess.
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Mark Edwards - Postcard from Hong Kong. (Dec. 2006)
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Hello to all from Hong Kong.
The season is under way here now and despite being the reigning champions, my team - "Hong Kong Scorpions" - have had a slow start to the season.
Despite getting into some really good positions, we haven't managed to put two sides of a performance together.
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One bright spot was our game against Shanghai CC recently, which is an annual fixture commemorating the death of players from both sides in a maritime incident in 1878.
It was a real personal honour to captain the combined club XI.
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We have however enjoyed the International Cricket 6s recently and, between Mike Bishop, Anna, myself and the lads from the cricket club,
we undoubtedly had a role in England's very poor performance!!! (I have the pictures - requests on email please!). The sixes is a fabulous event - just ask Bish!!
We have also had Jack Woosey out here recently thanks to the new Oasis airlines - very cheap indeed - don't be shy!!
Want to wish all our friends back home a Happy Christmas and a great New Year and see you next summer.
Best Regards
Mark Edwards
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Thirds collect their Plaudits. (Nov. 2006)
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The annual Competition Dinner was held at the Devonshire Hotel,
where the season's trophies were re-presented by guest of honour Alec Stewart.
Ed Sturmey, captain of our double-winning Thirds, is pictured left, receiving the league and cup trophies
from Blanny's mate, Alec.
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Above, some more people anxious to be photographed with celebrity Ed and a bit of silverware.
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One Weekend - Two Sports Do's. (nov.2006)
On Saturday 18th November,
the Cricket and Hockey sections go head to head in running a Darts and Poker Night.
The evening will feature Knockout Darts, the 'One Minute Challenge' and Texas Hold em.
All welcome, so why not come along and join in?
The previous evening,
on Friday 17th November, the Squash section are staging a Football Quiz.
To enter your team of five, see the list on the noticeboard or contact the organiser Mark Harrop.
There will be cash prizes for the winners, with entry of £25 per team of five.
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Kev and Mike Step Up. (Oct. 2006)
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Two positions that were left outstanding at the AGM have now been filled.
Kevin Stevenson has been persuaded at last to put his 1st.XI aspirations on hold,
and to take a sabbatical as 4th.XI skipper for 2007.
Mike Jones has stepped into the Fixture Secretary role.
T'committeee is reviewing the Sunday set-up, and a Sunday captain or organiser has yet to be appointed.
Anyone else interested in a full or partial role, please contact The Chairman or a member of committee.
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