Edgware captain eyes promotion ahead of season

With just over a month to go until the 2018 season kicks off, optimism is high in the Edgware camp ahead of what could prove to be another successful season. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Edgware CC skipper Ciaran Hosty at a local KFC to discuss his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Stephen Poopenshaft: 2017. Was it a successful season or did you feel the side slightly underachieved?

Ciaran Hosty: I don't think you could say we underachieved, especially as we finished the season with more wins than losses and managed to retain the North London Sunday Cricket League. That being said, there were definitely a few games we let slip and we'd be disappointed that we couldn't be more clinical in some areas of our game. All in all, with every passing season, the guys are gaining invaluable experience and that can only benefit the lads.

Stephen Poopenshaft: Looking ahead to 2018. 18 matches are scheduled for the season, as well as entry into the Chess Valley League. What are you main objectives?

Ciaran Hosty: For me the aims are always pretty consistent year on year. I'm a great believer in playing the game in the right spirit, and I'll make sure the guys continue to approach their cricket in that way. Winning isn't the end all and the way we treat and respect the opposition on the field is sometimes more valuable than the sport itself. However, I'd love us to continue or winning form at Mill Hill Village, or as we like to call it the ECG (Edgware Cricket Ground), that place has become a bit of a fortress for us recently and we'd love to remain unbeaten there.

Stephen Poppenshaft: And how about the league itself? Do you think you can get promoted?

Ciaran Hosty: Certainly. I'd be pretty disappointed if we didn't manage to get promoted. I think we have 8 sides in our division and the top 3 go up, I fancy our chances with those odds. The main thing will be making sure we don't take anything for granted and we'll do our homework on the sides to watch out for.

Stephen Poopenshaft: Who would you say are the sides to watch out for in the league?

Ciaran Hosty: It's hard to say as Sunday cricket is so changeable and the strength of teams vary heavily depending on who is available. From experience though, I know Finchley CC are pretty strong and they'll be a handful, likewise, Belmont and Edgware, with whom we had a tough game last summer and we have local bragging rights up for grabs. The other sides, we haven't had the privilege of playing yet, so we'll have to wait and see!

Stephen Poopenshaft: Last year was a standout season for a few players, namely Sajith, Naresh, Shuraj, Aakash and Dharmish, all guys that really improved their game in the off season. Has anyone really impressed you in the nets this winter?

Ciaran Hosty: I think Rahul will be one to watch out for. He's really worked on his accuracy and his pace and I think if he can keep improving his consistency on length, he'll take a lot of wickets in the season. I think all the usual suspects, Sajith, Ihty, Nakul, Naresh, Jude, Shuraj etc. will have good seasons, but I have a special eye out for Dharmish, who I think could really make a name for himself this summer, he's looking very good in the nets.

Stephen Poopenshaft: And how about yourself? How do you feel in your game and do you have personal aims?

Ciaran Hosty: I'm feeling pretty good at the minute. The aim this winter has just been to keep things pretty simple. That means, continue to work on my strength areas, address a couple issues I had and trying to keep my head as still as possible. I think the more runs I can get, the more it'll help the team and I want to try and lead us to more victories this year.

Stephen Poopenshaft: And finally, the tour of Kent. The fans and the players seem pretty pumped for it, are you?

Ciaran Hosty: Very much so. I think the whole weekend will be a great social event for all the players and the cricket in Kent is famed for it's atmosphere and picturesque grounds. It'll be a great experience.