The club are delighted to announce the signing of batting all rounder Chris Whitworth from Wickford CC. Chris has a proven track record of success that includes playing a significant role in helping his former side win promotion last season. He has also played First Grade cricket in Australia as an overseas pro. Chris took time out earlier this week to discuss his move and aspirations for 2022 with Harlow.

Q "Chris, firstly a huge welcome to Harlow Cricket Club, tell us a bit about your cricket career to date".

CHRIS "Thanks, I'm looking forward to a successful season. I started playing cricket as a kid in South Africa with my 2 older brothers before moving back to England. As a junior I represented Hertfordshire and played for my home club Stevenage for 18 years and became their 1st team captain at 22 in the Herts Championship".

" I then jumped at an offer to play as an overseas player in a 1st grade team on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, and we managed to reach their first semi-final in 20 years. This was definitely the highlight of my cricketing career due to the high standard and experience it gave me on and off the field".

"Upon return to England, I joined newly promoted Old Owens CC and we proceeded to win the league, then joined Wickford in 2021 where we also managed to win the league. I've massively enjoyed the success of the last 3 years with 2 league titles and 1 runner up, hopefully we can continue this with Harlow!"

Q "How would you describe your playing attributes and style?"

CHRIS "I'm a positive opening batsman, I like to get on top early with a quick start, although I tend to adapt to the teams needs and game situation so will dig in when it's required. I bowl off-spin and focus on bowling tight spells to build pressure, which usually helps my bowling partner at the other end clean up on the wickets!".

Q "What are your goals for the season?"

CHRIS "Team success is the most enjoyable part of the game for me, I want to win the league. Personally I want to contribute heavily and have a positive impact on my teammates and the club".

Q "The club have some excellent young talent. How do you think you might be able to help those players progress?"

CHRIS "I like to think I'm approachable for anyone if they wanted an opinion or advice, with decent experience in different conditions - I'm always happy to share knowledge I've gained. With young players it's absolutely key they're enjoying the game and training sessions, playing with confidence and I'll be able to offer some technical/tactical advice whenever necessary. I faced a very good young spinner James Mitchell in our first training session and had a chat with him about his options when a batsman is sweeping him - he took it on board, adapted and stopped me from playing that shot to him which was impressive."

Q "I know you’ve been at preseason nets. How are you settling in and thoughts on what you’ve seen so far?"

CHRIS "I've been very impressed with the general attitude and commitment to training so far, which I can only say about Harlow and one other team I've played for (the Aussies). Luke Heskett runs an exceptional training session. The club has a bright future if it continues to combine quality young talent with excellent coaching and will soon reap the rewards. I've been at clubs who have had a poor approach to training/coaching and over time results on the pitch suffered because of it. There's some quality cricketers within the group, Ben Yeats looks a very good young batsman, so hopefully we'll have a few big partnerships. I'm looking forward to getting to know the lads better and meeting the rest of the team, I'm settling in well - everyone has been very welcoming."

Q "I know you’ve played against some top international players such as Azhar Mahmood what was it like facing an experienced pro of his quality?"

CHRIS "It was fun until he cartwheeled my middle stump! I'm lucky enough to have played alongside/against a handful of pro's over the years - Monty Panesar, Usama Mir and various other first-class professionals".

Q "A couple of light hearted questions to get to know you a bit better. You’ve just notched your first ton at Marigolds. What’s your drink of choice?"

CHRIS "A few rum and cokes for sure!"

Q "Sadly, the club is riddled with Arsenal and Spurs fans. What’s your favourite football or sports team?"

CHRIS "Is it too late to cancel my contract? I'm a Man Utd fan!"

Q "Finally, I reckon you might cost quite a bit but shall I stick you in my Club Fantasy Cricket team?"

CHRIS "Looks like there's plenty of options with good players in the club, depends how much I cost! If you pick me and end up winning the competition, I'll claim a few beers off you though!"

We look forward to watching Chris make his Marigolds debut on Saturday 16th April when Harlow are in pre-season action hosting Herts Senior League side St Albans CC.