Olly Richards (CAPTAIN) - Don’t let the hairline or the protruding abdominals fool you! Once a Buckinghamshire academy stalwart and Harefield’s brightest young talent at the age of 15, Oliver has since discovered the finer things in life and agreed to bludgeon 2nd XI attacks around the Thames Valley and led the 2nd XI run-scoring charts in 2019 with a flurry of match-winning innings’ The popular 2nd team skipper leads by example both on the pitch and in the bar. Famously known for his stretching routine, no body can say this man doesn’t take his body seriously.With a swashbuckling Caribbean flair this Robbie Williams impersonator dies by the mantra “cricket is an entertainment sport” .
Samuel Beacham - An OG product of the Mluleki Nkala Academy, Sam was an up and coming seamer in the colts until his body exploded, at an even earlier age than Daisy. He immediately turned to left arm spin and has never looked back. When Sam left for a multi-year sabbatical in Chester, it was as a stalwart in the lower teams. When he returned right at the end of 2018 it was as one of the premier spin bowlers in the club and he deservedly made his Home Counties debut in 2019. If only more people believed him when he says that his batting has come on as much as well. Liability in goal for warm ups as he will often not be paying attention while eating some sea bass and vegetables. Part of the youngest 2 man real ale society in the country along with the 3rd XI skipper.
Tom Day - “Yeah, but he looks really good in the nets.” A phrase we became accustomed to when observing TomBoy’s lack of match runs in his junior years. However, now, undoubtedly the most improved cricketer in the modern era of HCC, and with glovework as soft as David Cokeley’s talc’d region, TomBoy has risen through the ranks to comfortably lead the way in total club catches of current players. Now, not only one of the best glovemen in Thames Valley cricket, Tommy has taken his game to a new level with a new-found confidence with the bat. Be ready to party in Newcastle when he notches that first ton! You’ve never met a 30 year old with a shoddier back, but that’s probably the strain of carrying the entire clubs administrative burden on his shoulders.. A proper clubman, very decent player and a top bloke, TomBoy bleeds HCC blue and it’s a matter of time before we see his name inked onto the life members board. Now we just need to cut his ridiculous hair.
Daniel Evans - Lord of the brushes, Danny boy is as unorthodox as they come! Left hand bat, right arm bowler, left handed thrower, bowls off the wrong foot… But 34 wickets @ an average of 14 in Home Counties Div 1 speaks for itself! These days you’ll find him cleaning up 2nd XI top orders and when you see him shaping up for the slog sweep, you better get some spare balls ready. When he hits it, it stays hit! Continues to break his wrist at regular intervals to try and perfect his wrist position for his devilish in-ducker. Don’t expect to be at the front of the queue for teas when this guy is about. This rugby lad sacrifices personal space etiquette and takes no prisoners in his pursuit of ketchup .
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.
Nakul Hirani - One half of an unlikely bromance with Lord Crick, Nakul is undoubtedly the nicest member of the club, and would give you the shirt off his back if he hadn’t already given it to Crick. Nakul encapsulates every sense of the word all-rounder, excelling with middle order batting, miserly seam bowling and jet fielding, as well as being an all-round good bloke, a rare commodity for any cricket club, particularly at HCC.
Jamie Knife - For someone with “better than 20/20 vision” the blonde bombshell has broken more fingers than I’ve taken catches. James is as “homegrown” as they come, representing HCC at every age-group level and has a longstanding family history within the club. With his dad as chairman he’s expected to set an example, something he’s failed miserably at for over a decade. Equally comfortable donning the gloves or slotting into the cordon, James consistently ranks in the clubs top 3 fielders, despite the ever-growing midriff. A middle order batsman, with the best cover-drive in the Thames Valley, James notched his maiden league hundred in 2019 to all but clinch promotion for the 2nd XI. Should never be allowed to bowl. When fit, one of the first names on the 2’s team-sheet.
Scott Morris - The youngest and last remaining of the triumvirate of Morris’ acquired from local rivals Hillingdon, Scotty is an integral member of the 2nd XI. With his right arm round the wicket off spin wreaking havoc throughout the Thames Valley, he consistently ranks among the leading wicket takers in the league. His quicker ball still terrifies ‘keepers and slippers alike. He’s also handy with the bat, batting in every position in the order during his Harefield career, and self-proclaims to “never drop catches.” A proper all-rounder! Partial to a Mankad, andvoicing his opinion, Scotty plays the game on the edge of the laws, and at 5’ 9” you might not see him on the field, but you will certainly hear him. He has matured into one of the club’s most consistent players and is someone you definitely want on your team! on the rare occasion you see him on a night out and you won’t be disappointed! Go on Blue!
Russ Petley - Currently the youngest member of the Petley dynasty to represent the club, making Russboy a 4th generation first teamer. Don’t worry the inheritance is in tact. Presumably the leading twos run scorer of the last decade, this is a milestone he’s reached with a late cut so delicate you could shave any part of your anatomy with one. Russ may have a slightly suspect throwing arm, but he’s cleverly masked this for many years, with his low centre of gravity and quick foot movement. Underrated offie and an even more underrated leggie, with some significant scalps still struggling to get out of his pocket. Off the field he’s the soul of the changing room as the team’s full time songwriter and part time rhinoceros impersonator.
Adam Seymour - If you saw Adam with the rest of the boys you'd think he'd grown up at Harefield, rather than coming on a lucrative transfer from Hillingdon Manor in his late 20's. A powerful top order batsmen and a very underutilised (by himself) swing bowler, however don't expect a clean pick up at mid off, especially when the batsmen are running. Captain of the 3rds for a few years, Adam took over the 2nd XI in 2017 and led them to Harefields's first league title for several years in 2019. A truly good bloke, it's testament to his sensibilities and good nature that he's the only one of his generation that's been allowed to breed so far.
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.