Stephen Croft (Captain) - What can be said about Stephen Roger Croft that hasn’t already been said, by him, when telling you about himself. Stephen is unequivocally a BNOC of English club cricket, although not necessarily for the reasons he will no doubt tell you within minutes of meeting you. Having had more clubs than Tiger Woods or a Canadian baby seal, Crofty has bowled his leg spin up and down the country in pursuit of a home, which he has certainly found in the flat above the bar at HCC. Now if only he could find a home on the honours board…
Douglas King (Doc) - The f7 key, a snooker spider, a stack of 5p pieces and crispy marmite flavoured snack. All of these things apply to the unelected leader of the gang, but not in the way that you’d think. Leading wicket taker for the first XI for the previous decade and it’s not even close, and since turning 30 his lower order power hitting has turned the tide of more than one match and there are few others I’d rather have at slip or cover. Ruling with an iron fist over a blend of youth a more youth, he’s done bloody good job leading the club through some tough times by our standards and is beginning to reap the rewards now we’re coming out of the other side. Has significantly influenced many a fines session with exemplary adherence to the rules.
Jack Fosberry - WATER. When around this man, you will always stay hydrated. The harefield water boy. Whether it’s a hot day and you are grinding it out for your team, or you’ve just woken up after night in Prysm, this man will be there with a pint of water. Hero. This wicket-keeper batsman is known for his diving catches, quick 50’s and unbelievable energy. When he’s not playing cricket, you can see him in goal for Wales Futsal or being the lead man in indie rock band Solar Strides (Go check them out). The man is multi-talented and will be playing the team song ‘Turn’ by The Wombats after every game this year.
Tom Marshall - The newbie. He has played once against Harefield. Got nicked off by an unnamed 1st team opening batsmen, who just got one to nibble away. Seed. Formally of Ealing and Ickenham, he’s the definition of an all-rounder. Middle order-bat, bowls good seams, gun fielder, great trainer and loves a post-match drink (if his missus allows him). Rumours are he refers to himself as ‘Ruislip’s own Shimron Hetmyer’, with his very own cricket bat chain. Known by others for wrapping a bat round a tree after getting 3 ducks in a row in his garden, he’s certainly going to be a great fit.
Jordan McLeod - The McLeod name is one known all over the club cricket landscape. However, until the last 4 years this name was known for hundreds and not the beautiful art of away swing bowling, that this man has mastered. After making a very impressive first team debut in 2016 against the might of Henley CC, it was only 1 year later that the man became the self-proclaimed ‘greatest bowler in the world’ after taking 6 for 42 and 8 for 40 in consecutive weeks. The man has dominated division 2, taking over 30 wickets in 3 consecutive seasons, with his last tally of 42 earning him his minor counties debut, as I’m sure you’ve all seen by his many, many Instagram posts. In the winter 2019/2020, he has been training with both the YC’s and Bucks CCC which, whilst it may have led to him merging into Stephen Croft mark 2, it certainly will have helped develop his game even further, an exciting prospect for us.
Thomas McLeod - The McLeod name is one known all over the club cricket landscape. However, until the last couple of years this name was known for hundreds not the art of blocking and leaving, that this man has mastered. If only he could have done the same on a few nights out last year. Whilst he struggled with the first team in the early season, he stuck at it and came back at the end of the season, with an especially memorable 80* in the final game of the season to seal promotion for the 2’s. He also made his Bucks Academy debut in 2019 and continues to be considered as a child prodigy by many inside and outside the club.
Daniel Ogden - The wunderkind and shining success story of the Mluleki Nkala coaching era, Dan was the first of his generation to do a number of things, including play first XI cricket, score a first XI hundred and get selected for Buckinghamshire in the Minor Counties competition. Setting his bar so high inevitably leads to disappointment at times, and a solitary Dan can often be spotted in a far-flung corner of the ground, glumly contemplating false shots or missed opportunities. Despite the occasional solo sulk, the junior Ogden is a powerhouse with bat, ball and beer in hand, and is certainly a cornerstone to the club’s success for many years to come.
Matthew Ogden - The older of the Ogden brothers, Matthew is simultaneously a captain’s dream and worst nightmare. He is just as likely to bowl a dream spell turning the ball square on a flat one and score a chanceless 80, as he is to turn up slightly late and be away with the fairies that inhabit the woods that provide the backdrop to our ground. When not disappearing for seasons at a time to different parts of the Earth, Matthew has become an essential part of the first XI and just about the first name on the team sheet.
Will Shepherd - Certainly, the best in football warm ups, this man has technique, calmness and bags of potential, if only he could stay awake. With a glorious lid, smart Ralph Lauren polos and good chat, he is envied by many older, ‘past it’ members of the club. His magic fingers allow him to bowl the most beautiful away shapers, that have nicked off many a batsman. Whilst often not registering on the speed gun, these seamers do have great potential, if he can stay awake during training. A very impress 37* to see the first XI home against table toppers Oxford in 2019 should give this man confidence going forward and is certainly another one of Harefield’s many young and exciting prospects.