It has been pretty good for the 2nd XI over the past few seasons. 2 promotions and more than held their own in the South Yorkshire league last season. We talk to new Skipper Matty Sewell and newly appointed Vice Jonathan Woodhead about what to expect this season from the 2s and their goals.

Hi Matty, have you had a good Christmas and New Year break and ready for nets the start next week?
‘Yeah it’s been a pretty good one, bit cold now like but looking forward to starting next week, going to be a bit stiff next week after netting

What will it be like to take over from Craig skippering the 2nd XI?
‘I’m under no illusion that it’s going to be difficult to keep the upward curve going for the 2nd XI but It is a challenge I’m looking forward to. I’ve always fancied being captain, I feel like I have the respect of the players so hopefully I can continue the growth of the 2nd XI’

Jonathan, many found it a surprise for you to be named as vice, did you?
‘Yeah it came as a bit of a surprise, he asked me on a night out in Sheffield and I thought he was taking the piss, but when he sat me down and explained he reasons and he plan for the season. I slept on the idea and I jumped at the chance’

Rumour has it that you’ve got a few people lined up for the jacket first game of the season?
‘Well Facebook and Snapchat is a wonderful thing to catch people snaking and doing things they really shouldn’t. I’ve got a few nominees in lined up but I won’t spoil the surprised. Watch out Woodhead’s about!’

You also recently attended a committee meeting, how did this go?
‘If I’m honest I was scared I didn’t know what to wear to start with. I settled on the jumper and jeans combo. I didn’t even know if I was allowed to speak at first unless the chair spoke to me direct. Once I got in the flow of things my nerves went away and I even made a couple of points on the agenda, I was buzzing’

Matty, what are your expectations this year?
‘Win the league. I I’m 100% confident that the players we have we’ll be challenging for promotion. If we aren’t in the mix at the end of the season I’d be disappointed. We start with -7pts for reasons that have been well documented but I’m not going to go into the right now. We’ve also put forward an application for a substantial grant, if this is accepted things will start to change rapidly at the club so it is exciting times. Watch this space’

We’ve heard on the grapevine that you’re going to ditch your fielding position mid-wicket and mid-on to field at slip?
‘I’m not going to lie one of the few perks of being skipper is being able to field where you want. I’m not getting any younger so I’m going to stand my fat lazy arse at slip for most if not all of the games at bark abuse at the opposition. I’m just hoping that Ant has changed from his £9 Large Boys shiny whites as they are absolutely disgusting’

Any games you’re both looking forward to?
Matty – ‘Yeah, Howarth Colliery away, I’ve got a bad memory from playing them at their place several years ago when playing for Grimethorpe. I’m hoping to settle some old scores and if I don’t get banned in the process that will be a bonus’
Jonathan – ‘No game in particular just looking forward to being in my element and getting in the faces of the opposition’

Jonathan, is it true that you had a scrap in Greggs a few years ago?
‘It wasn’t really a scrap, Turk and I went in for a stake bake after a night out. I was minding my own business counting the number of gingerbread men were left and thinking of buying one. A teenager came over and wanted my steak bake I told him no you’re not having it. I shouted for Turk but he was outside snaking and the next thing I knew the lad dropped nut on me. I ran out of the shop not managing to finish counting the gingerbread men. I managed to wipe away the tears and called our lass who picked me up. She brought my hot water bottle and dressing gown and took me home. I cuddled the gown and hot water bottle all the way home. It still upsets me when I think about it now, I just want to forget it even happened’

As usual we have a few twitter questions from our followers

@skippernomore asks – Where will I be fielding this year, I’ve got a good pair of hands.
‘That’s a lie he broke more fingers than catches last year. He’ll be at short leg for all the abuse he has given me over the last couple of years’

@theteacher asks – I got my first shag last year in Chesterfield, can I not umpire at square leg this season?
‘For that comment you’re always doing square leg’

@mrchocice asks – You’re a fat ginger wanker.
‘Couldn’t agree more’

Good to see you lads, hope you have a good season.

That’s is for this edition, check out the website throughout the year for further player interviews and comments.