Long-serving HCC player Joe Riddell took his 200th league wicket during his spell on Saturday 31st May. Joe has represented multiple teams across his career at Harlow CC and has been a key part of the attack for many years.

Whilst we're celebrating Joe's bowling achievements, he has also been known to provide some outstanding match winning knocks with the bat. Coming in late down the order and hitting a long ball, clearing the boundary with ease. Joe has contributed 1266 runs across all teams with a high score of 66.

Joe is also a key member of the fielding unit in the 1st XI and has also brought up the landmark of 50 fielding involvements across all teams, taking 47 catches and 3 run outs. Joe can be seen putting 100% effort into every moment in the field and will always be there giving encouragement and support to other players.

A truly fantastic achievement – Congratulations to Joe!

We asked Joe to give us an insight about his cricketing career:

When did you first play cricket?
It’s hard to know exactly when I first played cricket, but I remember going to training at Harlow around the age of 5.

What got you into cricket? Any inspiring cricketers you base yourself on?
It was my dad who got me into cricket, many of you will know him as Pip who first introduced me to the game. He loved the sport and where we use to live in Harlow, the cricket club was local so he thought he would take me and my brother to try it out. Here we are over two decades later. I’ve always loved playing cricket but when I was younger, my earliest memories of watching the game, I really wanted to be and play like Freddie Flintoff.

What is your most memorable cricketing moment?
I think my most memorable and favourite cricket moment was at my mum and dad’s house on a hot sunny day during the ashes. All that needs to be said is THAT Ben Stokes innings at Headingly.

What is your most memorable cricketing moment for Harlow CC?
I’ve been so lucky across my time at Harlow to have so many amazing memories and moments. From taking 6 wickets for 8 runs in an age group game the same day Aguero scored the last-minute winner against QPR. To my league winning year with the fourth team when I was 11 and being nicknamed golden arm. That amazing 2nd XI team we had with the likes of Mitch, Andre, Lewis, monger, Nathan K, Ramsay, George messenger etc.
But I think my most memorable moment was my 1st XI league debut against Harold wood. As a 15-year-old it couldn’t have been more difficult bowling against the South African star Colin Sher, however, I came away with extremely respectable figures of 6 overs for 10 runs. Also to note, the same game I may have also dropped Colin Sher on the boundary, the ball went through my hands, onto my head and bounced on the clubhouse for a six.

Any other major events/achievements/proud moments whilst at Harlow CC?
There are so many achievements I’m proud of from taking the wicket of Darren Robinson when I was 15 (he has scored over 10,000 first class runs for Leicestershire), winning west Essex best all-rounder at U13s, winning multiple Harlow age group awards, captaining age groups, taking 6 wickets for the 1st XI against Goresbrook and contributing in many match winning knocks or overs. But one thing that makes all these personal achievements better is after a long day of cricket, heading to the bar, ordering a pint of beer, and enjoying the memories with my teammates who are also my friends.

Lastly, I’ve also been lucky enough to share the cricket pitch in league games with both my sister and brother, I think it’s fair to say the Riddell’s have been part of the furniture for so many years now and we are proud to call this amazing cricket club our home.

Joe Riddell – Career Stats
Overs: 1186.5
Maidens: 163
Runs: 4888
Wickets: 202
Best Bowling: 6 for 37
5 wicket hauls: 3
Average 24.20

1st XI Stats
Overs: 498.5
Maidens: 70
Runs: 2157
Wickets: 85
Best Bowling: 6 for 37
5 wicket hauls: 1
Average 25.38

2nd XI Stats
Overs: 476.2
Maidens: 62
Runs: 2013
Wickets: 73
Best Bowling: 5 for 51
5 wicket hauls: 1
Average 27.58

3rd XI Stats
Overs: 123.1
Maidens: 17
Runs: 476
Wickets: 18
Best Bowling: 5 for 27
5 wicket hauls: 1
Average: 26.44

4th XI Stats
Overs: 88.3
Maidens: 14
Runs: 242
Wickets: 26
Best Bowling: 4 for 7
5 wicket hauls: 0
Average: 9.31