Craig Hitchenor. 1st XI Captain (Hitch)
A fine seam-up bowler with vast experience in Bradford League Cricket. This will be crucial this season as Hitch leads a team containing a lot of young talent that will benefit from his leadership. Hides his ability with the bat usually at number 11 although rumours abound he will take the pivotal number 4 slot under his own captaincy. Umpires will be hoping for a quieter time at Jenny Lane this season.
Jamie Abbott. 2ndXI Captain (Jabbott, J, Lollipop)
Baildon stallwart Jamie has completed a fantastic achievment in taking over 1000 league wickets and counting. Very accurate leg-spinner who hates giving runs away and surprises people with the odd one that turns. Can also hold an end up with the bat and is renowned throughout the league for his abiity to scuttle in the field.
Ashley Free. 3rd XI Captain (Ash)
New recruit from fierce local rivals Shipley Providence where Ash proved to be a fine captain on and off the field. A resolute batsman who prides himself on a high elbow and few runs, Ash has been known to throw down a few non-spinning grenades in nets. When he has a full strength team Ash will be looking to surprise the bigger names in the division.
Kash Malik. 4th XI Captain (Kashif, The Tandori Express)
Reminiscent of Elvis in his white jumpsuit days Kash has made himself into a very handy performer for the 3rd XI after earning his place for a couple of seasons by being captain. Made some handy contributions with the bat down the order, can bowl some decent slingy medium pace and occasionally catches one when you least expect him to. Entrepreneur, owner of 2 phones, poor dresser, loves a tall tail.
Simon Heginbotham. 5th XI Captain (Heggers)
His 'country bumpkin' appearance hides an articulate gent. A fine club man, Heggers has been behind the Real Ale Night in previous seasons raising valuable funds for the club. Bats and catches like he's never seen anyone play the game before but can be surprisingly effective. Voice can be heard in Shipley when the 5ths are at home. Beard.
Robin Abbott (Rob, Rambo)
A Baildon man through and through, Robin has played for every team in the club although appearances are limited these days due to other commitments. Middle order nudger and nurdler Rob has been known to find the boundary once or twice - six hitting rumours remain unproven. Despite the grey hair he is still one of the quickest things on to legs, between the wickets or in the field where he excells.
Dawood Ahmed (what about Dawood)
New recuit in 2010 (location unknown) Dawood soon found himself having almost cult status in the lower teams. His slingy action was too good for many batsman and bludgeoning batting style means he will be pushing for a place in the higher teams in 2011. Needs to be told that curtains went out of fashion years ago.
Mushtaq Ahmed (Mushy)
Left arm spin bowler with a 'blink and you miss it' quicker bowl. Mushy topped the Bradford League A division averages last season and was a big contributer to the title win. Consistently fine performer with the ball for many seasons he has also been known to hit a very long ball - even when batting out for a draw.
Ayaz Ali
Ayaz was signed from New Wortley for the 2011 season and scored 5 half centuries in an excellent debut season in the 3s. Good team man despite questionable fielding technique. Often arrives looking like he's having a day on the Thames rather than playing cricket.
Daniel Atkinson (Atko, Red Dan)
A whole-hearted cricketer Atko throws himself into whatever is asked of him. A good swing bowler with the ability to get the ball through, a lively fielder good on the ground and in the air, looks like Graham Thorpe with the bat - until he gets to the middle. Had a standout season for the 2nd XI last year, outstanding with the ball and in the field Dan also made good contributions with the bat and kept everyone informed as to how well he was playing. Has the potential to blow-up and lose his head at any moment - Red Dan.
Daniel Bates (Horse, Longhead, Batesy, Lurch)
A 6 dimensional cricketer, Danny has proved a handy performer with both bat and ball as well as in the field when he doesn't have too long to think about a catch. A police career may limit his appearances again this season but hopefully he will don the whites soon.
Matthew Bailey (Matty)
A handy performer in the 5th XI last year capable of scoring some important quick runs and developing his bowling, picking up useful wickets last season. Hoping to carry on that improvement this year as well as enhancing his reputation as an outstanding fielder. Less annoying than his older brother, likes to tuck his tracksuit bottoms into his socks.
Gary Baines (Mr.Cricket)
Knows all there is to know about the game and is quite happy to tell you it, usually whilst you're batting or bowling. Although playing days may be numbered due to work and new found rivalry for Lance Armstrong he is still an active member of the club.
John Bott (Botty)
Another Baildon Meths man, John has been scoring runs for the club for many seasons and is still capable of doing so. A qualified coach, Botty is happy to point out any flaws in your game despite his own slightly dodgy batting technique and iron-gloved approach to wicket keeping. Often seen wandering around the changing rooms in just his jock-strap - unpleasant.
Andy Bower (AB, Bowser)
An enthusiastic cricketer with a crab like batting defense who occasionally throws in a hockey style slap down the ground. Hard to dislodge once he's got in and more than capable of useful runs. A good source of cricket equipment - usually has tape, mallet, bat cone and stud key in a bag crammed with gear. Also enjoys a floppy sun-hat and a pair of Oakleys..... doesn't always help his catching.
Simon Bullock (SB)
A talented all-rounder who looks to have time and style with the bat, good hands and quick over the ground in the field and bowls more than handy medium pace wobblers. Unfortunately Simon has numerous commitments including a young family and various hippy, world saving causes to fight for which makes his availability limited. Bought a new bat recently so we hope to see more of him this season - he'll probably hollow it out and make it into a boat for his kids though.
Dave Busfield (Buzza, Handlebar)
A Baildon Meths legend, Dave is a good attacking batsmen who has scored runs galore over the years. Although he now only appears when it's warm and the sun's out (if he's not on holiday) Dave is still capable of scoring runs. A fine slip field Buzza now claims he can't see the ball when fielding in front of the wicket - rumours of laziness have been denied. A quality moustache wearer.
Don Butterfield (Butts, Trousers)
Don has been playing cricket for more than a century now, starting off as a tearaway fast bowler and number 11 he developed into a free scoring batsman. Has lost 1 shot a year over recent seasons but the block, leg-side flick and heave over mid-on remain - more than enough to still provide regular runs. Can still bowl handy off-spin or medium pace. Permanent sun-tan, exact age unknown.
James Butterfield (Butts, Shorts)
Born into cricketing royalty (see above) James was always going to love the game.....whether he liked it or not. Capable swing bowler when his cramping legs will allow and loves the opportunity to get in close in the field. Likes the game to be played in traditional spirit. Insists on using the sweep shot - 1/5 he hits the ball, 2/5 times he gets out. Not looking to play in 2011 but may find opportunities aplenty in the 5ths when only having 7 men on a Saturday morning.
Andrew Clough (Cloughy)
Robbie Duke (Iron)
One of the first batch of juniors to play in the senior teams. Robbie was a bit part player in the 3s in 2011 but showed promise with the bat. A full season playing senior cricket will do him more harm than good. Noisy in the field.
Steven Dunn (Undecided yet)
A new recruit from Saltaire in the winter, Steve is a promising young batsman who looks to posses all the shots as well as bowl some useful looking off-spin and add some athleticism in the field. We hope for good things from Steve as he looks to develop his skills whilst cementing a place in the 2nd XI.
Chris Edmonds (Edders)
A stylish looking left-handed batsmen, decent mover in the field and capable of bowling some seamers all over the place. Another university man Chris will certainly strengthen the squad in the 2nd half of the season - hopefully his stylish looking batting will also produce runs.
Tim Forster (Timmy, Fossi)
A seam and swing bowler with good control and a clean striker of the ball in the lower middle order, more than capable of turning a decent total into a good one and good in the field. Enjoying university life (judging by all the photos that appear daily on Facebook) we look forward to getting him back from his 'studies'. Very questionable dress sense, never has subs money.
Tom Forster (Fossi, TF)
The older of the brothers Forster, Tom is a solid top order batsman usually occupying a place in the top three. Unconcerned by the ball whistling past his outside edge for two overs Tom will then chastise himself for inside edging one to square leg when he was aiming at mid-on. Handy in the field unless it is a high ball when he has too much time to think about it, greased lightening between the wickets. Shops at the same place as his brother, possibly not of sound mind.
Barry Foster
The Jimmy Saville of Baildon Cricket Club Barry is the all time leading wicket taker in the history of the Dales Council and continues to prosper in the lower leagues despite being in his seventies nagging away with with his Paul Reiffel-esque (slow) medium wobblers.
Chris Hall
James Hall
Syed Hashmi
Destructive batsman and bowler with a yard of pace resigned midway through 2011 following a brief stint at Manningham Mills. Syed proved an excellent acquisition for the 3s. Likes to clear the ropes, probably time he should trim the beard.
David Herdson (Councillor Dave)
Another good clubman Dave has proved a handy and enthusiastic performer in the lower teams with some useful knocks with the bat as well as picking up countless fielding points. Lulls the opposition into a false sense of security by appearing to have no coordination between brain, arms and legs. Enjoys a good canvassing session, rumours of a defection to the Monster Raving Looney Party are unsubstantiated.
Stuart Herdson (Stu, Sir)
Everyone's favourite teacher (well a couple) from Salt's Grammar and father of David, Stuart has been a late developer at the game but has improved considerably over the previous couple of seasons. Has made himself into a very useful medium pace bowlerand enjoys his batting, likes to give it a whack if he can keep his eye on it long enough. Handy to have around the younger cricketers with his teacher's voice, fortunately the cricket bat is no substitute for the cane.
Alex Hewitt
Philip Hiley (Head, Hooter, Lugs, Ears)
A good batsman capable of finishing an innings or getting big scores once he's in - which can be the problem. Phil returned to the game last season after missing just over a year with a bad knee. Can be electric in the field, particularly at point where his goalkeeping skills are evident and after a slow 'concrete boots' start last year he began to find his confidence in the field again. Hair is thinning rapidly - probably needs to tie a girl down quickly as age may not be kind. Never afraid to get his kit off.
Tom Hopwood (Hoppy)
Hoppy's batting has improved greatly in the last couple of seasons and was pushing for a place in the 2nd XI at times last year. A good technical batsman, Tom opened for the 3rd XI last year and made good runs with a few excellent knocks with shots all round the ground. Availability is sometimes limited due to University and the 8 holidays he goes on a year. Can be useful seamers if his radar is on and athletic in the field, dives more than Ronaldo.
Danny Hunt
Mohammed Ibrar (Ibby, Diesel)
A talented batsman with all the shots, Ibby is often guilty of getting himself out when looking set usually by playing a ridiculous shot. A very useful off-spin bowler with a good quicker ball and hands like shovels if he gets to the ball in time. Uncontactable during the winter when it is presumed he hibernates Ibby could be described as a sandwich sort of a picnic.
Scott Johnson
Damien Jolly (Damo)
Damo had a fine season opening the bowling for the 5th team last season with his more than handy seamers. Looking to improve on last year's consistency in 2011 as well as provide some more runs than last year with his underused batting skills. Would look at home at prop-forward forward for the Bulls.
Stuart Jolly (Stu)
The Ian Blackwell of Baildon CC, Stu is a very useful cricketer and good club man. Can be a fine timer of a cricket ball when batting and provides a useful change of pace with his well looped slow left arm spin. Will again look to improve on a fine season for the 4th XI last year, hoping for even more runs and wickets. Not afraid of a tattoo.
Tim Joy (Jonty, T.J.)
A Baildon Meths original, Tim has been baffling batsmen with his gentle medium pace for over a decade now. It's all smoke and mirrors......batsmen expect it to turn - it doesn't. Fine clubman, always back for a pint after the game, looks a better batman than he is - Tim is still a very hander performer in the 5th XI.
Dominic Kelly (Windows)
Afzal Khan
Afzal had a fine season for the 2nd XI contributing greatly towards the Championship win as well as a cup final appearance in his first season back with Baildon. A classy looking wristy batsman who scores quickly once set and is capable of clearing the rope - particularly against spinners who he appears to dislike. A handy seam bowler when called upon, Afzal is a talented cricketer who will be looking to turn a few more of last seasons 40s into bigger scores this year.
Mubasher Khan (Bash, Bowling Boi)
Another fine cricketer plucked from the dispair of Cambing CC. Bash bowls good outswingers at a decent pace, is a good batsman who looks to build an innings before upping his tempo, decent mover in the field and even proved a handy wicket keeper whilst suffering from a groin injury. Had a fine first season in the 3rd XI last year and will be looking to improve again this year, pushing hard for 2nd XI recognition. 'Break his neck' shouts probably not welcome in the Bradford League however.
Sonny Kullar
A talented all-round cricketer, Sonny is a capable batsman, handy seam bowler and has good hands in the field - has taken some memorable catches in his time. Sonny's appearances are limited due to uni and work but will always contribute when he does play even if it's just with some dodgy banter - try not to pick him and smudge in the same team.
Joe Lonsdale (Lonny)
Boney string-bean Joe is a fine Bruce Reid-esque seam bowler. Capable of running through any batting order on his day the only question is whether he can be bothered to make it his day. Likes to think of himself as a batsman, he isn't. Joe's appearances may again be limited due to Uni commitments as well as lethargy. Opposition batsmen will just be hoping not to catch him on a day when he does turn up. Thinks he's a DJ and a lothario - he's a DJ.
Intisar Mahmood (Inzy)
Returned to Baildon last season and had a big impact for the 3rd XI. A destructive batsman with a great eye for the ball, bowls a heavy ball and has hands like buckets. The broadest shoulders in the league give Inzy the power to clear the ropes with mis-timed shots, and with a hard wicket and if he can be bothered to run in is capable of catapulting a quick ball. So laid back he is often horizontal, it's not wise to anger the sleeping giant.
Kasir Maroof
Daniel Metcalfe (Mini)
A good left-arm swing bowler Mini gave his best for whichever team he was picked for last season. After an intensive training regime in the winter a fitter Mini is set to return this year where due to improved resources he should find himself regularly in the 4th XI where he is sure to take a boat load of wickets. Looks like a correct and handy batsman in the nets but this rarely transpires out in the middle. Short.
James Midgley (Midge)
A talented young wicket-keeper batsman, Midge has had his oportunities limited for Baildon in past seasons due to his school cricket and rugby commitments. Now in his 1st year at university Midge is being given an opportunity in the 1st XI to show his skills this season. A capable batsman and a fine glovesman we are all hoping he will rise to the challenge. Doesn't mind having a word in the batsman's ear.
Andrew Morley
Looking like the archetypal village cricketer, Morley can lull the opposition into a false sense of security before unleashing a barrage of attacking shots. Suffered a relatively lean time in terms of runs last season after a very successful 2009 campaign. Will be looking to rediscover that form and put some D Division bowling attacks to the sword for the 5th XI this year. Like a mop of hair, often covered by a very average hat.
Gary Orrell
One of Baildon's oldest swingers in town (that's outswing and inswing), Gary had a fantastic season with the ball for the 4th XI last season taking 41 wickets at a little over 6. Still capable of making the ball talk as well as mow a few runs through the leg-side. Might find wickets harder to come by this year as he can't bring himself on to wrap up the tail every week as Mr. Malik takes over the captain's armband.
Mamoon Rashid (Mooney)
A good, thinking cricketer Mooney has played for the club for a number of years. An accurate medium pace bowler capable of putting the ball and a spot and getting it to do a bit, Mooney is also a very capable batsman who the 3rd XI will look to build innings around this year. Handy fielder and a quiet but studious character.
Sohail Raz
Chris Reynolds (Reyno)
The older of the brothers Reynolds, Chris is a stylish looking batsman who can look fluent with a good range of shots once he's set. Likes to drive the ball on the up particularly through the cover region, capable of some decent left arm swing bowling and handy in the field (sometimes). Will be looking for consistent runs this season. Talks less nonsense than his younger brother, in fact just talks less.
Jonny Reynolds (Reyno)
Jonny has played for Baildon at every level yet still looks like a teenage boy and now finds himself playing a pivotal role in the first team opening the batting as well as being a well drilled fielder. Jonny is the original founder of bad banter particularly after a few shandies. Elegant batting style (just ask New Farnley 7ths), shame the same can't be said for his looks.
Leon Risdon
Leon is developing into a very handy cricketer, an abbrasive batsman with a good range of shots and an attacking intent. He is also becoming a useful wicketkeeper. A fine clubman Leon isn't happy unless he's set off 3 hours before the game and caught at least 3 buses to get there. If he can get a hold on his temperament, particularly when he's batting, Leon is capable of becoming a good cricketer.
Rifat Shabbir
Tom Smallwood
The younger Smallwood, Tom was thrust into a young 1st XI last season and is rising to the challenge. Scorer of useful runs in the middle order Tom is athletic in the field and capable of turning his arm over when required. After a winter in Australia Tom will be looking to build on his first season with more consistent middle order runs this term. More chance with the ladies than his older brother.
Jeremy Softley (Jez, Jezza)
A 2nd XI regular for many seasons, Jez is a good middle order batsman capable of scoring quickly when required. A fine fielder who can often be found in the covers, point or gully Jez lifts the side with his fielding. Capable of some dodgy looking off-spin/medium pace, Jez's availability may be hampered by University and music festivals this year. Never been seen clean shaven.
Simon Webb (Webby, Webbo)
A 1st XI regular, Webby is a fine middle-order batsman who will be looking to stabilise the innings in the pivotal number four slot. A talented all-round cricketer Simon bowls handy swing in the nets and also took the gloves for the 2009 season. His ability and experience will be called on even more this season as one of the senior men in a youthful side.
Kane Whittal
Phil Whitrick
A very hander cricketer in the lower teams, Phil is a handy right-arm swing bowler who has often taken the new ball in the 5th XI. Likes to give the ball a biff when batting Phil is a wholehearted cricketer who always gives it his all. Availability can be sometimes limited by his desire to drive about on his motorbike, Phil loves to sculpt a bit of dodgy facial hair.
Martin Wildsmith (Merv)
Another Baildon stallwart, Merv has been at the club since under 13 days as a junior. Formerly a handy left-arm seam bowler he is currently undergoing a transformation into a left arm spinner who likes to give it a tweak. Rumours this transformation is down to laziness have proved unfounded. A handy lower middle order batsman who likes to find the fence and a decent pair of hands if he gets them near the ball.
Donny Wooller
Baildon's own mighty mouse, Donny has been a very hander performer with the ball over the years. A bustling run up and a skiddy action combined with a low trajectory have accounted for many a batsman in the Dales Council League. A useful batsman who probably doesn't score as many runs as he should the 4th XI will again look to Donny to spearhead their attack this year.