This week we sat down with Director of Cricket Jeremy Evans to get to know him a bit better and get his views on the upcoming season!
First cricketing memory?
Walking out onto a pitch and crouching down next to my dad, who was keeping wicket. They just stopped the bowler delivering - I was 5 years old! Best live game you have been to?
The first ashes test in Cardiff - day 1 - in 2009. I took the Barton lads with me. Highest score with the bat?
103* not out Best bowling figures?
8 for in 1990. Favourite cricketer?
Professional - Atherton. Barton - Matty Small and John Napton. How much are you looking forward to the 2021 season?
Last year was difficult but we got cricket back at the club if only for a limited time. Next year will be exciting - competitive sides from juniors to seniors. We welcome back Sunday cricket with George Short captaining the side. The junior coaching will also continue to develops with our cadre of coaches. What are the aims for next season?
To compete. The first team need to get back to the level they should be playing. Introduce some exciting junior prospects to senior cricket. What are the main challenges as Director of Cricket?
It is a privileged position made possible by the faith the members place in you. The club continues to develop as a unit, with a number of different roles playing their part. The challenge is to remover you can’t possibly keep everyone happy all of the time and so you have to remain true to your aims and objectives. You had a BTCC Sabbatical, what made you come back?
Anyone who knew me back then were aware I didn’t want to leave but I found a second home at Haxey and will be forever grateful to them for the 3 years I spent there ( with some success I may add). Barton is a super club and getting even better by reverting back to basics. A number of players I left behind in 2010 have now become the main stalwarts of the club and, I’m pleased to say, asked me every year to come back after I retired in 2013. Without Deano though I don’t think I would ever have returned - he doesn’t give up, ever! When we speak again this time next year, where do you hope the club will be?
Collectively having enjoyed cricket. First team promoted and a good account from all our other sides. All with a club spirit that is a pleasure to be around. We are well known for having some of the best facilities, but why else would local players want to come down and play for Barton Town CC?
I retired in 2013 because I had children. I regret staying away from the game for 5 years, life is too short. This is a family club and I want everyone to have a super experience at the ground - whether playing, spectating or socialising. If you want to improve your cricket then it is a great club to help you on that journey. What is your aim for the club? Where are we going?
We have recruited some good players in Jackson and Brock. We’ve brought back some great ones in Leaning and Birchy! We need to continue to strive to improve and in doing so, open up the opportunity to offer this great game to the local community. This has been the first year into a 5 year plan - I would like to see premiership cricket at the club and a junior set up that sets new standards for years to come.
Quick Fire Questions;
Stokes or Smith?
Smith
Bat or Bowl?
Bat
Yorkshire or Notts?
Glamorgan
ODI or Test Match?
Really,.....test!
Teas or no Teas?
Teas (after the match though and courtesy of the lovely Mandy!)
A massive thanks to Jez for sitting down with us and doing this! If you have any questions around playing for this club, both senior and junior then get in touch with us today!