Firstly, how are you and how’s your winter been?
It was good to get into the new year where suddenly the cricket season seems a lot closer. Hopefully the 2022 season will feel a lot more back to normal with a large amount of covid restrictions lifted.

2022 presents a new exciting challenge for you within the cricket club, what are you most looking forward to about your new role as 3XI captain?
The 3rd XI presents a few interesting challenges in terms of helping and managing the up and coming young talents at the club. I already have good relationships with a lot of the lads through my U13 role, and it will be great to be on the field with them now they are that bit older. I have no doubt the senior members will support them and hopefully that brings success in terms of results.

Many have played under you as captain, but for those who haven’t, what should they expect?
Honesty. It’s important that individuals and the team understand what we are trying to achieve and everyone will need to buy into it. I hope my experiences as captain previously will help us in difficult moments.

What’s the aim for this season? Both personally and that of the team?
The past two or three seasons have seen the 3rd team finish mid table. It would be great to better that, but for now, the first aim is to start the season well, with a couple of wins in May. Personally, I hope the new role will help inspire me to contribute each week in any way I can.

You had a very successful and lengthy spell as both a player and captain in the 2XI – in your experience what would a young player in the 3XI need to demonstrate in order to make the step up?
A good attitude and consistent performances. Understanding that one good performance doesn’t necessarily merit a promotion. Doing it over 4-5 weeks does.

If you had to tip a manager to win this years SWCC Fantasy League, who would it be?
Lisa Hammerton. Solid previous form!

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Jody Everett – 4XI Captain

Firstly, how are you and how’s your winter been?
It’s been a good winter period, but with no indoor season, there’s been a distinct lack of any cricket apart from watching on the television.

Another year of captaincy lays ahead, over the years what’s been the most enjoyable element of being a captain at South Wilts?
For me it’s seeing players that have come through my sides being successful in the higher South Wilts teams or even other SPL 1st XIs. Several have even played for Hampshire and Wiltshire sides, which is amazing and shows how they have continued to develop both on the field as well as as people! It’s also about the guys who enjoy the level we play at… we’ll also be highly competitive, but also know when to have a bit of fun and when to knuckle down and play!

Courtesy of ACL surgery the early months of the season will see you play a Ryder Cup style captaincy role; what kind of watcher do you think you’ll be?
Hands on!… Sean Burke will be my mouthpiece.
In reality, it will give me the chance to recuperate and see where we are for when I get back. I don’t see my style changing as it’s done us well so far!

What’s the aim for this season? Both personally and that of the team?
Personally it’s to get on a ground again and actually be able to trust my knee and allow myself to be more competitive as a player as I have had to manage it for a long time and now I shouldn’t have to… As for the side, I want us to compete. Be strong in our mentality and always looking forward. Proactive whether bowling, batting or fielding… these players are the next generation that will hopefully be playing higher up in the near future.

The 4XI plays many roles for the club, one of them being a gateway from Junior to Senior cricket, if you could give a single piece of advice to any youngster that might play in the 4XI this year, what would it be?
Back yourself! What you do well will convert when playing senior cricket. However, if it doesn’t work, to not be too hard on yourself either… there is always another game to play! That is the same for the 4th team as it is for the 3rd team, so it’s a thread through the HCL sides in my opinion.

Your home games will typically align with the 2XI playing at home as well; who’s the player you’re eager to see do well through the gap in the trees this year?
All of them to be honest! The 2nd team under Robbie’s stewardship deserve a good run this year!

If you had to tip a manager to win this years SWCC Fantasy League, who would it be?
Probably a Pittman… take a name out of a hat for which one!