My first memory of box in the early 80s started after an invite to a net session at the box rec. I remember walking down the steps from the Queen’s car park I was welcomed with a hive of activity people playing tennis, bowls and footballs been kicked around, a park full of parents and children and to the right of me the cricket net buzzing with talented cricketers. At this point it was obvious that this was the heart of the Village. Tentatively I made my way to the nets and found myself in the company for some very good cricket players. The standouts were Pete Robson, Kris Bolton, Neil Gooden, Neil Pettit and others. I did feel a little intimidated at this point, I had more enthusiasm than ability but this was all laid to rest when a lad I never met before introduced himself, his name was Tony Trotman and that is where the journey starts.
After the nets I couldn’t wait for the weekend to come around to see if you had made any of the Saturday or Sunday teams. The team sheets would be displayed outside the cricket pavilion and it was up to you to sign against your name to validate your availability and from memory i played for the seconds on a Saturday and made the side for Sunday. My first game for the seconds was welcome with kind words from Jim Dury and Andy Kerr both were real gents to me. I was then introduced to Dave “chopper Hill, Roger Rebbeck and others. I’m not sure how the game went or the results I was just happy I had played at Box. The Sunday side was captained by Ron Key and the side seemed to be full of younger players and I’m sure this was the first time I ever batted with Alan Joy. He brought a new meaning to a quick single it was more like tip and run and you had to be quick out of the blocks or you were back in the hutch before you knew it. I think it’s also fair to mention my introduction to the football side boundary. You quickly learnt to do whatever it takes to save the ball because if not you’re faced tackling heartbreak ridge to retrieve the ball from the football field you wouldn’t want to be doing that too often on a hot summer’s day. I eventually was picked for the firsts and the calibre of experience and ability was in abundance. I was lucky enough to share the field with Ron Low, Eric Martel, Nick Guy and Richard Gray, and others all good men.

What club positions have you held?
As regards to what position I held at the club there is nothing to note but was always happy to hoover up and make the tea.

What are your most memorable games for Box?
My most memorable game would be against Purton at home. they were a very good side. Purton has scored 196 all out with Dave Crawford taking 4-46, Kev Dolman taking 3-51 and Steve Hall taking 2-29. The Box innings didn’t start too well as we were 15-2 but Charlie Simpkins 25 and Jake Pettit 30 steadied the ship but it wasn’t long before wickets started to fall. I came to the crease with Box 99-7 needing 98 runs off 11 overs. Dave “daffy” Crawford met me half way to the wicket and with a real calmness told me “we can win this game”. I could tell in that moment I was about to witness something special. there was a focus, a belief and a determination in Daffy’s approach that had me convinced. The beauty of this moment is that I had the best seat in the house to watch a display of batting, not slogging, proper batting that sent the balls to every part of the ground. Throughout this innings Daffy coached me through and pulled me along with him. We ended up needing 14 from the last over to win. Daffy hit a 6 & a 4 early in the over and eventually we needed 2 off 2 balls. I think we won the game from an over throw and a ball to spare. This was a euphoric moment for the whole team. Daffy was 85 not out that day and never looked like getting out. And what put the icing on the cake was being congratulated by Ron Low a man to whom is widely respect while at mIdweek nets.
This was a stand out match for me and to be honest nothing else compared but I will add every game I played for box will always be special.

What are your 3 best grounds you have played at?
The question of best 3 ground I’ve played at Box for the obvious reasons, I always enjoyed playing at Corsham with a great atmosphere and was always well supported and Spye park with a lovely pavilion, lovely setting a real hidden gem.

Name your top 3 Box CC characters from down the years and why?
My top 3 characters, Matt Hope, Rich Bryant and Dave “the chopper”hill, they always made me laugh.

What future do you see for Box?
I really hope Box recruits new players and that the second eleven is reinstated. I hope the interests grows within the youth sector.

Name your all time Box eleven you have played with over the years and a brief reason why?

1 Ron Low, great bat and very tactical and nice bloke

2 Tony Trotman, good left handed bat and valued his wicket

3 Neil Pettit, class bat and bowler

4 Nick Guy, good batsman always had time when batting and made the game look easy.

5 Gerald Hayward, everything you want in a team member, class bat, great fielder and would fight to the end.

6 Rich Foley, great talent, most competitive person I’ve ever met.

7 Dave Crawford, destructive batsman and on his day bowling virtually unplayable.

8 Rich Bryant, wicket keeper, great behind the stumps and fantastic motivator, he kept the team going.

9 Rich Gray, good bowler and good bat.

10 Robert “Nobby ” Styles, awesome bowler, good pace he could move the ball both ways. Pure talent, he didn’t need sand paper to hoop the ball about.

11 Chris Taylor 100% man, class bowler always gave his all.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some people for some great memories. Dave Kelly, Tony Trotman, Gavin Richardson, Kev dolman, Paul Skinner, Sam Plowright and the Pettit boys. I’d also like to thank the lads that kept the wicket in such good shape, Dave Betts, Ron low, Andy Guy and Pete Burge who’s help in recent years to dress the end of seasons square. The last thanks goes to Dave Coward and his team and all involved in the transformation to the pavilion

1st name that springs to mind for the following?
Worst trainer - that would be me, I always managed to get injured.

Best trainer - Rich Foley and Jacob and Dan Pettit, they always seemed to get the most from the practise sessions.

Best moaner - Rich Gray used to like a moan

Best Arm - Malcom Bond

Worst arm - Ron Key but saved many boundaries with his right boot.

Person who got ribbed the most was Peter Dove-Meadows ,he took some stick.

Next Week We Speak to former player Andy Kerr