Who is Socialskip?

My Duncan Fletcher look

Google, being an Amercian company, is short on recognising that when filling out a blogger's profile, one may wish to be a bit individual. So when in answer to the Google profile question 'Lives in ?' I replied 'hope', the irony was lost in translation.

So my Google profile now has me down as living in Hope which apparently is in Arkansas - an amusing misunderstanding but not very informative. So I have done my own profile for you.

 

So often a promising sporting career is dashed on the rocks of avarice and love. Mine was no different. Hours of practicing the forward defence were for nothing when the hormones kicked in. Perfecting the correct wrist action had a new meaning for me when seam position was about stockings not cricket balls. An invitation to join Surrey CCC for a pittance was spurned in favour of seeking my fortune in the golden pavilions of business. Oh how youth is wasted on the young.

When I swapped cricket for a new passion - my longest partnership

Forty years, a wife and two children later, I am back practicing keeping my elbow high to prevent my scores being low. The lost years now mean the mind's cover drive is the body's ugly heave. But I was lucky to find myself playing at Valley End CC where the boundaries are as flattering as the members are generous and understanding, and there was a team where my dubious talents would not be overly exposed - the Sunday Socials. Our matches are played in a competitive spirit but where participation is more important than winning and sharing a beer with opposition more important than sledging.

I live in Sunningdale, as a golfing widower, and have a daughter who provides both a son-in-law and wonderful teas for the Socials. I also have a son who is a constant source of bewilderment and expense but whose saving grace is that he also plays Socials cricket.

 

Spot the ball - clue: the keeper is not in the frame.

I am a long term member of Surrey CCC and play occasionally for Surrey over 50's although the over 60's will soon be beckoning. I also sometimes play for the RAC Autocrats (who aren't). I used to be a batsman who bowled. Now I know enough to keep people guessing.

 

My work has taken me to Mallorca over the last ten years which is really useful when organising tours against the MCC (Mallorca Cricket Club) - as this is the only time we see any sun.

We must be Barmy - at the MCG with daughter & son

I will watch England play whenever I am able. I took the family to Australia in 2006/7 which was a wonderful experience in every way except when watching England's utterly dismal performances in a 5-0 thrasing by Australia. I nearly lost my faith, and my wife, during that tour.

I hope you enjoy this blog - if you don't, tell me, but if you do tell everyone else. Happy cricketing memories.
 

 

Three generations of Lea cricketers - talent skips a generation apparently