Player Spotlight – An Interview with Haggers!

Philip had to have his say…

When did you first start supporting the club/playing and why?

I was around 9 when I first started watching a Lowerhouse team with Craig Light as pro. Playing wise I made my debut for the under 13’s as a ten year old. Although the joy was short lived after Gav Sheilds ran me out in the first over of the game.

What was your favourite Lowerhouse game you have witnessed?

Its got to be the 2004 Worsley Cup Final. Too see that many people at a local game of Amateur cricket was incredible. Although the day was slightly tarnished when I sustained third degree burns drinking flaming sambuca.

What has been your favourite thing to happen at the club? (non cricket!)

The refurbishment of the clubhouse has been a great thing for the club and also the all weather nets. Although we do have to train more now. The days of a passing shower calling nets off are long gone. Got to mention the famous second team end of season annual trip aswel. Taking the young pups to Preston and showing them how to drink is a particularly enjoyable day for me and Gav.

What are your hopes for Lowerhouse for the future?
To keep piling on the runs and hopefully get another crack at first team cricket. As a team, it would be great to see Rhys Woodworth pass 5 wickets and 50 runs. I’m hoping Josh Lavin has learned to run between the wickets whilst he’s been down under. Its always difficult to chase over 200 when somebody is running half of the side out !!! To actually field less than 60 overs in a game would be a nice change aswel. It takes a few years of your career when your bowlers can’t pitch it on the cut strip week in week out.

Do you have any pre game rituals?
How long have you got !?!? Left pad always first. Left boot always first. T-shirt always tucked into my undies. Wear the same t-shirt when in form, soon as you get a low score, get rid of it. Same with gloves. At all costs, avoid picking Rhys Woodworth. Always take the first ball of the game. Never wash my inners through course of a season. At all costs, avoid picking Rhys Woodworth. Always have a net before a home game. Always do the calling when running with Josh Lavin.
What do you do to keep yourself busy in the winter?
Enjoy keeping fit down the gym, going on the Turf, hammering Gav Sheilds at darts in a public house of his choice when Burnley are away from home and spending time with the wife.
How will we do this season?
I think the second team will have another productive season. Although we finished a place lower last year, you could definitely see the improvements that the young lads are making. The sacking of Gav Sheilds should have a positive impact on the group, so a cup run and a top 3 finish would be a good season.

The first team will come back with a bang. It was always going to be a massive ask to win 3 League titles in a row. Even though the new pro has big shoes to fill in following Franky, I think he’s more than capable. From what i’ve been told he’s a top player and nice lad so I’m sure he’ll fit right in down at the house. I definitely fancy us for the League and good runs in both cups would be more than welcome, especially the t20. You can’t beat a Friday night down at the house when the sun is shining and the cricket is on !!!

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