Winnington Park Cricket Club

                                                                              

 

The Big Interview with Phil Amatiello

 

The second big interview of 2008 is with Italy’s second finest cricket export (didn’t Marple have a registered overseas for their 3rds a couple of years ago who was ok?) Phil Amatiello.  After another season of qualifying for the handbook as a second team batsman (337 @ 28.08) he is being pushed forward for a first team place.  After his heroics on the final day of the season to keep the club up, few can doubt he is capable.

 

Mr Amatiello, how has winter nets gone for you?

Good Question! Nets have been good, much better than at Broomfields.  As a result I feel more confident in my batting

 

Which team do you see yourself playing in this year and have you set any targets?

…another good question! I can see myself playing 1s and 2s and my personal target is to be a settled middle order bat in the 1s.

 

How do you think the 1^st team will do this season after narrowly escaping relegation on the last to the season (partly down to you of course)?

Mid-table… Comfortable!

 

Confident, what I like to hear. Many people were pleasantly surprised to see one of our most successful second team captains in Ian Johns taking back over the reins, what are your views on the move?

I think it is fantastic for both Ian and the club to have him back in the 2s as skipper.  He will bring experience, calm, and fun to an important part of the club.

 

Speaking of captains: as the most successful captain in Huxley’s history, do you see yourself as a future 1^st XI captain?

You’re right I am Huxley’s most successful captain…and you can print that.  I would love the chance of being the captain of the 1^st team but for now I’m fully behind Wavell.

 

Despite your run of ducks in Sunday cricket, you were an important member of the 4^th XI squad last season, do you see any of those players making the step-up?

I loved my time in the 4s.   Gave me a chance to meet the future of the club.  I look forward to playing again this year and if I can give help and advice if needed.  With what I saw last season I feel confident that the 1^st and 2^nd team will be strong in the coming years.

 

A lot of people have their theories on where we went wrong last season, personally I think it was down to the absence of your infamous pink cap…when will it be making a return?

I can put everyone’s mind at ease: the pink cap WILL b making a return this season!  It was very strange not wearing it last year.  Although it did help me become I little less noticed by other teams!

 

What was your best moment of last season? Would I be right in saying it would be Neil’s cut shot at Macc with Greg’s cover drive at Macc in second place?!

Yes and yes.  Beating them so convincingly was very pleasing as well. Jason and Tom Norman’s 11 run last wicket partnership at Bredbury first game of the season was the most nervous.  And I suppose staying up with the firsts would have to be up there. 

 

You always have a good cricket story to tell of the days when you were young, what is your best ever moment on a cricket field?

Good question.  Beating cheating grappenhall in the twenty20 was good.  Setiing a cow cordon in a Huxley game and then catching the guy 1^st ball was funny.  But my favourite was taking a catch at deep square in front of the 1^st and 2^nd team in a 3^rd team cup match…it was a great feeling.  Actually no change that to winning 8 in a row with the 3s and beating Nantwich away: really hot day, 1 of the best catches ever by Pete Evans, and a great team performance to beat the league leaders.

 

Finally, do you have any La Senza dates lined up?

Another classic. I actually do.  But cant give the guy’s details out though.

 

I’m sure you will all join me in wishing Phil good luck with that.  Thanks for your time Phil, a pleasure as always.