This week we sat down with 1st team skipper Lewis Barnes to get his views on the upcoming season and the wider club, as well as quick fire round to get to know him a bit better! Enjoy!
First cricketing memory?
I first started playing cricket at primary school, but my first real memory I would have to say was watching the 2005 ashes series and been totally hooked on it. Playing wise, been in the back garden with my cousin (Billy) and my then next door neighbour (Brad) hitting tennis balls in every near by garden.
Best live game you have been to?
The ashes last year was pretty special, watching Archer take his first 5 wicket haul. We’ve also had great days out with members of the club but finals day is pretty hard to beat!
Highest score with the bat?
For Barton, I think I scored 80 odd as a youngster for the 3rd team. Unfortunately I’ve not really had the big scoring innings, I suffer with the English captains curse of only making starts!
Best bowling figures?
All my bowling figures are my best, been just a part timer I love any opportunity I get to bowl. I’d say my favourite memory of bowling was last season, when my opening bowlers was very wild and not seemingly able to bowl to a field, bowling wides and boundary balls. Up steps the captain to bowl a maiden and I immediately begin to signal that the ball actually isn’t unable to hit a decent length outside off stump.
Favourite cricketer?
Back to 2005, I grew up loving Andrew Flintoff and his ability to just rock up and deliver. Moving forward to 2020 and my dog is named after him!
How much are you looking forward to the 2021 season?
Everyone who knows me knows I’m a very competitive person so the 2020 season wasn’t really for me although it was good been out there and playing with the lads. I can’t wait to get going.
What are the aims for next season? Promotion must be the No 1 priority isn’t it?
Well, first things first is to just get out there with a group of mates and enjoying our cricket. Over the last few seasons we’ve started to put together a very good Young first team with a sprinkle of experienced heads, we’ve also all become very good friends which makes playing even more special. Everyone in my team knows there responsibilities and what we are aiming to achieve, this isn’t just my target this really is what we are trying to do as a team.
Do you feel you need to add to the 1st XI squad over the winter?
We picked up a couple of very good additions last year, I can’t wait to see Aidan play a full season for us and have a settled batting position so he can show everyone what he can do. Brock came onboard with us as well and he showed what he is able to do when called upon. The return of Billy Wright its a massive plus for us, when he gets himself back fit competition for places will be great. But back to your question we are always looking to improve and get better so we aren’t counting anything out yet.
Why should people come down and watch your 1st XI?
Not only is Marsh Lane a lovely place to be but we are now starting to create a great atmosphere down there with the first team and the cricket we are trying to play. Even if cricket isn’t your thing the bar is always open and there’s few places better to be with a pint in the sun. Pat the first teams favourite member always has coffee cake on hand too, so it’s a no brainier.
A cup run would be nice wouldn’t it?
Absolutely, every competition we play in we are there to be competitive. I think we have a great chance next season to get ourselves into good positions in the different competitions. The strength in depth of the squad we are looking to build will also make us much stronger for the more games we hopefully have.
When we speak again this time next year, where do you hope the team will be?
Division 1.
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?
The facilities are brilliant and that is common knowledge but also the exposure to the coaches we have as well as the different training programs the club runs.
The atmosphere we create throughout the club and in the different teams as well, one of been competitive but also remembering to have a laugh. I think this is no better highlighted then after a game win, lose or draw we all are down there till kick out enjoying each other’s company and a beer. The vision we have in what we want to become and achieve also means it’s exciting times for the club.
What is your aim for this team? What are you aiming for?
To keep developing as individuals but also as a team. The last couple of years has given us great experience as a very young side so that will only continue but it’s now time to see more consistent performances so we can keep building. When I took over the captaincy at the beginning of last year my aim was to get the club back where it belongs and I will be judged on doing that over the coming years, but the group we have now is more than capable of achieving the aims set.
Quick Fire Questions;
Stokes or Smith?
Flintoff
Bat or Bowl?
Bat
Yorkshire or Notts?
Nottinghamshire
ODI or Test Match?
Test match
Teas or no Teas?
Teas
Promotion or a cup win?
Why not both?
A massive thanks to Lewis for taking the time do this! Make sure you get down and support the lads in the 2021 season!