As BGCC’s website looks forward to the 2017 season, this week we meet up with 2nd XI skipper Ellie Holdaway, who led the side to promotion last year. She tells us of a cricketing life which was nurtured at Barrow Gurney, and how the club still has a big place in her life. She also tells us of how she played with two of the legends of the women’s game through her involvement in the Somerset Women’s set up:
What is your first cricketing memory?
My first memory of playing cricket ever was in the garden when we first moved to Tickenham, we were probably the only house around with an actual mowed wicket in our garden. My first memory of playing in a game was when I was about 6 or 7 and I stood in to field for the first under 11 team of the Barrow juniors down at Cleeve.
Who encouraged you to play cricket?
Hmm I wonder, it’s not my first cricketing memory because it’s too long ago to remember but I’ve been told that as a toddler dad (Barrow Club Chairman Pete) and I played with a ball of wool and a signature bat in the living room
Who was your first cricket hero and why?
Claire Taylor, when I got into Somerset I had to list my cricket hero and she was the only female player I’d heard of, I then researched her and it turns out she was pretty good!!
Can you name-drop any top-class players you have played with or against?
Claire Taylor (yes, the Claire Taylor mentioned above), Anya Shrubsole, and last season I bowled former Gloucestershire cricketer Ian Crawford – Who, in my opinion, is still just as good now as in his prime!
Where is your favourite place to play or watch cricket?
Exmouth cricket club will always be my favourite place, I scored my first fifty there (not out I might add) and walked in to an ovation by my parents on the balcony, and the back drop of the beach and the sea behind the ground is perfect.
Which England cricket match do you most remember and why?
When England regained the Ashes in 2005 and Freddie Flintoff was the greatest player ever.
Which county do you support?
Somerset, if any.
What other teams have you played for?
Somerset, Bath and New Ash Green when I was about 10
How did you come to join Barrow Gurney Cricket Club?
I literally can’t remember not being a part or Barrow Gurney Cricket Club.
What do you think is special about the club?
It’s so close-nit and village-esque. The ground is lovely and the people make it very homely and quaint.
What was the most memorable performance you have seen by a Barrow team or another Barrow player?
Either when Ed (my brother) hit a six and smashed the other teams coaches car window or when Jonny (Sykes) went ballistic last season and sent sixes to all parts of the ground… or Guardie’s (Paul Gard) unbelievable boundary catch last season.
What was your most memorable performance for Barrow?
Bricking it for my first cup 20/20 evening game, opening the bowling and taking 5 for 3 against Stoke Gifford.
What is the funniest moment you have witnessed on a cricket field?
Either Jonny going through the fence at Barrow or when Aidan Griffin ran in to bowl at Chew Magna and completely forgot what he was doing, resulting in him bowling under arm in the middle of a league game!
Who is your current favourite player and why?
Joe Root of course, now England captain and such a quality player. One of the best in the world for sure.
What is your Barrow Gurney prediction for 2017?
Call me optimistic but I’d love to see the seconds go for their third promotion in a row!! I also hope the firsts have a more successful and enjoyable season than last year.