|
A PRE-SEASON INTERVIEW WITH GLENMORE TAVERNERS SKIPPER, IAIN CHAPMAN
Alex Storey: First of all, congratulations on being elected as skipper of the Taverners again this year. How are you looking forward to leading the team this Summer?
Iain Chapman: Thanks Alex. This should be an exciting season for the Tavs. I had fun leading the team last year and this year we have a much more balanced squad. We have quite a few returning faces and some new faces so I expect the team to be very competitive while retaining an excellent camaraderie and team spirit.
AS: How would you describe your squad and what are your expectations for how the team will do? Play-offs a real possibility?
IC: As I said, we have a few new team members to complement some of the returning team members. We look a great deal in the bowling department this year and that bolsters an already strong batting line up. I would hope to win a lot more games this year than last year and I would be very disappointed if we didn’t make the play-offs. Overall though I want the guys to enjoy their cricket.
|
 |
|
AS: What will the biggest challenges be do you think, both for you as captain and the team as a whole?
IC: Well as much fun as they are I hope the team avoid too many duck walks (we’ll get onto that later) and keeping the team sober during the Stampede is always a challenge. Seriously though, I expect our biggest challenges to be the umpiring standards and team availability. I’m hoping the changes being brought in this year such as the pink ball (which should help visibility as the evenings get darker) and piloting electronic scoring (which hopefully will eliminate some of the dodgy addition that happened last year) will help overall. You also can’t discount the Calgary weather but if the summer continues like the start of spring then we should be in for a good season.
|
AS: Any new members of the Tavs squad you're particularly excited about and you think will have a big impact?
IC: Honestly, everyone brings a great deal to the table. Ammar, Tim, Bijju and Calgary’s favourite realtor Andrew Wakefield (http://www.andrewwakefield.ca/ and on the back of a bus near you – AW do I get some kickbacks for the mention?) can do a job with both bat and ball. Rich Harvey and Dave Hope-Johnstone also have been proven wicket takers at 1st XI level. Honestly I think I am now just going to have to be in the team on looks alone ;-)
AS: Are you looking forward to the games against Matt's Blues and Ken's Royals?
IC: Games against any of the Glenmore teams are always a family affair. Although there can be some (good natured?) needle, you know the opposition are always up for a beer after the game. And I think this year we have a really good approach to the weeknight teams. Matt’s Blues have a good balance between young up and coming players getting experience in senior cricket and some older heads to provide that guidance, and Ken’s Royals have a number of very good players that are keen to show what they can do given a decent opportunity with bat, ball or both.
AS: Any other teams in the Weeknight league you think will be tough opponents?
IC: We’ve seen it over the last few seasons that any team on their day can win. It is nice to have Ammar on our side rather than against us this year though!
AS: Who's in charge of the Fines Committee this year? And maybe for new members to your squad, could you explain a little of what the Fines Committee is all about? What should the new guys be watching out for?
IC: The first rule of the fines committee is nobody talks about the fines committee J I always wanted to say that… Anyway, this year the fines committee consists of Terry, Wayne and BJ so this year I expect some very original fines as well as the classic “dropped catch”, “duck”, “worst piece of fielding” and “showing pictures of your ex-wife to show how amazing your (current) wife is” – yes that last one was me. All the money goes to a night out at the end of the season and as captain I fully expect to contribute a significant amount. The other key aspect of this fines process is the duck walk. Whenever a team member gets a duck they are expected to walk around whichever watering hole we are frequenting after the match and basically do the best (or worst) impression of a duck possible. It’s already becoming legendary!
AS: Will there be a strong social aspect to the Tavs this year? Where can we expect to find you post-match?
IC: The social side is as important as the on pitch performance. None of us are professional cricketers and although we are competitive, we all want to enjoy our cricket. We’ll be in Ceili’s for the Inland games, Toad and Turtle for Westwinds and Martindale, and the Landing for Riley. Come find us if you want to join in the post match fun.
AS: Do you have a message for the Glenmore WAGS who show such loyal support throughout the Summer?
IC: Considering the Tavs are some of the ugliest cricketers since Surrey cricketer David Ward retired we rely on the WAGS to provide the aesthetic side of the team. Their drinking ability is also second to none. My wife, Des, is not pregnant for what seems like 5 years so I am looking forward to her being in attendance more. We hope to see more wives and girlfriends as the season progresses. I can only thank them for their continuing support!
AS: It's a must win game, the opposition need one run to win and you need one wicket. The ball gets hit high into the sky...which Taverner do you want under it? And which one do want nowhere near it?
IC: As long as I am not under it we are good although I talk so much and so loudly that I’m sure I’d have a greater chance if I just tried to catch it in my mouth rather than with my hands ! I’d back anyone in the team to take the catch though
AS: Anything else to add?
IC: It’s great to be part of the best cricket organization in Calgary. I’m proud to play for Glenmore. I wish all the teams a very successful season.