2016 Preview: 5 minutes with Joe Beneducio!

Players, supporters and Lowerhouse legends, this seasons preview has it all – this blokes even got a song written about him.

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Who is your favourite all time Lowerhouse Amateur and why?

I couldn’t possibly just choose one. The Hope Brothers were great for me, Nicky gave me my debut.  Matt taught me loads about captaincy, passion and will to win. Jez – what a bowler. Honoured to have captained him and to have taken a few beatings off him. Jonny Russell – responsible for me playing for Lowerhouse, and for many many laughs. 2004 was his best year! Charlie – team-mates for 20 years. I spent most of that time thinking he would never make a captain, got that one wrong!

Finally a young chap named Bleazard. Half decent player and bloke.

Who is your favourite all time Lowerhouse Pro and why?

Not going to sit on the fence this time. Close call but I’m going for Ryan. Macca and Frankie gave us trophies and that can never be forgotten, but Ryan made you feel invincible. No matter what the situation was, Ryan could sort it. Get their pro out, hit some usually-gobby opponent on the head, smash their bowling all over the place, field like a demon, drink like a fish!

What was your favourite game of the all time?

I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to old games. I regularly look at old scorecards and reminisce about good wins from years ago. Sad I know! For my favourite, I have to pick Rawtenstall away 2005. Lowerhouse Cricket Club – Lancashire League Champions. Decent game in its own right, our batters did their job and posted 200 plus, then Matt and Finch did the business with the ball, ably assisted by young Jack behind the stumps. A pitch invasion ensued, Phil Astin and David Wren leading the charge! I can remember coming off the field and just sitting quietly in the dressing room, in disbelief really. It was odd because by that time we were miles clear at the top of the league, so it wasn’t a surprise that we’d won it. But it still took a bit of time to sink in.

What are your predictions for 2016?

Despite losing some good players, I think we’ll be ok this year. I fully expect us to be in the shake up come September.

I’m tipping Ben Heap to have a big year after a season away

What do you miss most about cricket in the winter?

Sitting in my comfy chair in the corner of the ground watching the lads do the business, wishing I was still playing!

 

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