Washy CC: Your first season as captain last season, how do you think it went?
TS: First of all it was a massive learning curve for myself actually captaining the senior side for the first time following on from Andy Bewick. We unfortunately couldn't match the 2011 season and finish as league champions this year. A few disappointing results in games which could have went either way, combined with bad weather cost us massively as we looked to retain the championship. The main highlight of the season was winning the League Cup at Hylton which was one of the best games I've ever played in. Over 400 runs were scored and 13 wickets were taken all inside 70 overs, thankfully we left the field as cup champions.

Washy CC: Washington have signed Ash Thorpe and Dan Woolston from Sunderland aswell as welcoming new all-rounder Paul Hindmarch to the side, What does this do for squad competition?
TS : Its key to the growth and success of our club, Ash and Paul come with great experience who offer the side not only just there quality but also there vast experience and knowledge of the game. Dan is a very good batsman who can bowl too, He's got an old head on young shoulders and i expect him to thrive at the club. Dan is also renowned for his ability to coach youngsters and offer advice which will only help the juniors improve. New signings aside, the club is full of youth and each year the progress the younger lads seem to make year on year is unbelievable. We have a squad of around 50 players who i think are ready to compete at Premier League level and this number will only increase as the club grows.

Washy CC: What players do you think could be key to the success of your side this season?
TS : As for individuals I will say as a batsman Nick Thompson, As i was growing up at Washington CC, Nick was without doubt the best batsman i've seen and this year i expect him to return back to his best scoring big runs when it matters. Looking at Bowlers, Andy Wilkie has always been 'Mr Consistent' and you can rely on him season after season to take wickets and keep things tight so he will be key for us, I also think this year is a massive season for Gerold Badenhorst who had a frustrating time last year after joining us from Wickham. Gerold was disappointed with his own performances last year and promises after a full pre-season for the first time with Washington he'll be back on form and I'm backing him to be leading wicket taker.

Washy CC: Who has impressed you most in the pre-season training program?
TS : Matthew Potts who has joined us from Philadelphia, Matthew is 14 years old and has one of the best techniques at Washington. I haven't yet seen him in a competitive game but if he bats the way he's been netting, we have a little star on our hands.

Washy CC: What do you think is genuinely achievable for your side this season?
TS : I think with the quality in our side, We can achieve anything we want. The new points system in the Premier League will be a benefit to us as we have batsmen who can change a game within a few overs, We also have bowlers who can bowl stump to stump and bowl sides out. In recent seasons the negative attitude from some sides within the coast league has restricted some of our players and i fully expect them to express themselves more this year. I'm also looking forward to the Twenty20 format which lets a few of the lads who fancy themselves as big hitters have a go!

Washy CC: What are you most looking forward to about playing in the Premier League?
TS : Better teas! .. All jokes aside, Just generally taking this side into a new chapter of Washington history, I'm looking forwarding to competing against new teams and visiting new grounds that i haven't yet played at.

Washy CC: How have you planned for the new season?
TS : This year so far is the most planned and thought-out pre season we've ever had, Net sessions are more disciplined and the intensity of training has been increased. I think for the first time for a while, the committee and everyone involved are now demanding more of the senior sides and rightly so. Daz Hickey has changed the mentality of the group of lads we have now into winners and he's helped lay the foundations for the club to build on, Its time we gave him something back on the field for the work he's done off it. The likes of Adrian, Kingy, Tony Smith, Fred Guy, Nick Rayner, Paul Pickering, Steve and Julie College along with many others are imperative to Washington CC and without them we wouldn't be in the position we are now.

Washy CC: What is your personal ambition for the season?
TS : First and foremost I want to captain the side to league and cup success and to make sure we kick on from last year. Personally i want to score a century, I've set myself up on a few occasions to get one being in the mid 70s' but never quite got there.

Washy CC: What are your biggest disappointments in your time at Washington?
TS : To be honest I haven't had many, I'm lucky enough to have played with so many good players from junior level up to senior cricket and we've always done well. I've played in 3 junior cup finals and won all 3 aswell as winning the league 3 times. As for senior sides i've won the league twice and won the cup once, I've only lost one cup final, It's been pretty successful!

Washy CC: Whats the atmosphere like in the dressing room after a win compared to a loss?
TS : The difference is massive, Weekend games have tended to finish around 7:30pm. After you've won the banter in the dressing room is class, The majority remain inside and talk about the game with a few drinks and head into the lounge to catch up with the other lads to see how they've got on. If we lose the whole place is flat and people just want to go home.

Washy CC: Okay Tom, lets have a whistle-stop tour round the 2nd Team dressing room, take us behind-the-scenes if you will....

Squad Number?
Talbots already got my preferred choice of 33 so im sticking with 3 again

Best Trainer?
Andy Ebdale

Worst Trainer?
Joe Thompson, has a bat and that's it

Most Talented?
Cuppa, The Washy Sachin! (Stephen Cuthbertson)

Quickest Bowler?
Jords has been bowling some rapid stuff

Biggest Hitter?
Daz Hickey and Daz Smith (Washy CC: Daz Smith...really!?!?!)

Most Intelligent?
Stevie King

Least Intelligent?
Mark Watson comes out with some shockers

Worst Dress Sense?
Tony Smith and his Hawaiian shirts but they only come out on special occasions so i'll say Matty Garrod and his three-quarter trousers, one of my goals this season is to burn them!

Best Dressed?
Kingy! New Balance, Paul Smith, Adidas Originals, the works!

Worst Taste in Music?
Has to be any of the oldies, I'll say Adrian for his classical rubbish

Future Skipper?
Jordan Matthews or Dan Woolston

The Joker?
Alex Rayner, The day he starts being serious about anything will be a sad day

Biggest Lighweight?
Joe Carroll after the pre season tour to Kendal or Andy Richardson who tries to keep up with Daz Hickey but calls it a day after the second round of stripes

Cricket Badger?
100% Darren Smith, He knows answers to the most ridiculous of questions

.......and who's the longest in the shower?
Hickey, ages and ages.. and ages.

Well, thanks for the insight Sproatsey, we look forward to seeing you in those extra-small shirts this summer to entertain the ladies! Hope the season go's well for you and the lads for Washington CC!