Adwalton Cricket Club

It’s a difficult job being captain of a local cricket side; the politics, logistics and competition without the press, plaudits or recognition. So what was it that attracted new First Team skipper Chris Curtis to move from Bradford League Brighouse to Moorside Vale?

“It’s a new challenge with the opportunity to captain a successful side!” was his response as he sat with me in his new clubhouse. Chris is somebody who brings with him bags of experience at a fairly tender age of 25. He was part of an East Bierley CC U17 side that featured county wicketkeeper Lee Goddard and achieved an impressive season unbeaten against some of the brightest stars of the Bradford League including a young Adil Rashid now of Yorkshire and England. His progression to seniors began at Baildon, with whom he spent six seasons and helped the side get promoted from the second division. As a wicketkeeper/batsman he won three league awards for fielding and was the fifth highest run scorer in the division at the height of the sides success.

A modest individual, the new skipper is clearly passionate about the game. “There’s nothing interesting about me really, cricket is my life. It sounds like a cliché but it’s true. Even through the winter I’m spending my time watching cricket on TV.” And with that passion he is clearly a man striving for success. When asked about his expectations he gave a measured response for a player experiencing his first taste of the Central Yorkshire League. “It’s difficult to say at such an early stage, but I’m always looking for improvement.” What more could a side ask from their new leader?