Player Profiles
Paul Smith - Club captain, all rounder
The 2008 season will see Paul take over as 1st XI captain. A member of Stuart Brogdale and Malcolm Flitt's colts team from the late 80's and early 90's, the highlight of an interesting cricketing career to date was a Sussex Young Cricketers tour to Sri Lanka in the mid 90's where Paul shared the seam bowling duties with James Kirtley - of whom Paul speaks very highly. Nolonger has the pace of his youth but still a very useful contributor with bat and ball.
Gavin Clarke - 1st XI Vice-captain, all rounder
Took a step down from County League cricket in 2007 when Matt Talbot persuaded Gav to take the short journey from Pulborough to Storrington. Immediately proved himself with a match winning century and six wicket haul on debut. Will be a key man with bat and ball in 2008 and his competitive nature and constant chirping in the field keeps his team mates on their toes. Selfishly left the team without a tea lady when he split up with his wife.
Matt Talbot - Batsmen.
Former Storrington colts skipper, Matt also captained the 1st XI for three seasons from 2005 to 2007. He had previously faded into the shadow of younger brother Luke for several seasons before eventually re-emerging from the Bristol hard house scene. Now a teacher and living in back in the village. Deserves credit for being brave enough to overhaul the 1st XI and chop out some dead wood during his tenure as captain, giving the side a fresher, younger feel that is still evident under Paul Smiths regime.
Dan Le Roux - All rounder
The 1st XIs main strike bowler in the 2003 Division 4 winning season and still holds the club record for league wickets in a season. Now recognised more as a batsman and has been prolific with the bat over the last two or three years. Along with Gav Clarke, should be one of the main sources of runs during the 2008 campaign.
Malcolm Carter - Batsman
Seemingly retired in 2007 a player profile remains on the site in the hope that there could be a comeback. Former all rounder who nearly made the grade as a pro. As a firey young fast bowler, 'Maggot' turned out for Sussex 2nd XI and England under 19's. Concentrated on his batting in later years and his loyalty to the club down the years is admirable. The last of the three Carter brothers to still be playing for the Swans.
Graham Humphreys - Batsman
Powerful hitting middle order batsman. Forced
to hang up the bowling boots due to back trouble. After a number of seasons as part of the furniture in the 1st XI middle order, Graham is now bringing some experience to the 2nd XI.
Liam Le Roux - all rounder
Younger and better looking brother of Dan. Nippy swing bowler and underrated as a batsman. Remained committed to the Swans despite working in London and living in Wimbledon with girlfriend Tammy but will miss the whole of the 2008 season due to an ongoing work assignment in Hong Kong.
Simon Furlonger - Wicketkeeper/ batsmen
More of an out and out keeper these days having returned as the 1st XI glove man in 2007 and largely not been required to contribute with the willow. Invariably talks a better game than he plays and would get more satisfaction from a boundary filled 25 than a grafting 50. Famed at the club for his Richie Benaud impression. A true Storrington lad, has always lived in the village and has set his heart on one day succeeding Colin Harrison as Mr Storrington. Fiance Melissa and young son Alfie are regular Swans supporters.
Simon Haggart - all rounder
Former 1st XI skipper and opening batsman. Right handed bat, off break bowler and specialist slip catcher. Long serving member of the Swans and from a real SCC family. Father Jim, brother Mark, cousin Dick and nephews Iain and Robert have all played for the club as well. Also a talented golfer and undoubtedly the clubs funny man. Can clear the changing room in seconds when hes been at the egg sandwiches. Ask him to tell you the "Some **** from Preston" joke.
Ian Massbury - Bowler
Having belatedly promototed to the 1st XI in the twilight of his career, the feisty swing bowler is now back in the 2nds. One of the clubs highest wicket takers over the last 20 years and shows no signs of packing up just yet having picked up the clubs bowling award for the 2007 season. Also enjoys the social side of the game and is regularly one of the last out of the pavilion on a Saturday night.
Steve Watkins - Batsman/wicketkeeper
Swashbuckling shot a ball opening batsmen with an all out attack attitude. Many peoples Champagne moment of the 2007 season was when Steve stepped up to the 1st XI for the opening match of the season at Southwater and took four boundaries from the final over of the innings. Also a capable wicket keeper and work committments permitting will remain a key man in the 2nd XI in 2008.
Jamie Webber - Batsmen, slow right arm bowler
A key member of the Brogdale Babes golden generation of Colts who came through in the late 80s and early 90s. 'Herman' is so small that he's often mistaken for a junior, even at 32 years old. Temporarily defected to Southwater a few years ago but now back where he belongs with the Swans. Domestic situation limites him to appearing just every other week but has a handy habit of going through opposition batting orders when he deceives them with his juicy looking hand grenades.
Colin Harrison - All rounder
Longest serving of the current playing members, H has seen a lot of people come and go from the club and is Storrington through and through. Nagging left arm bowler and also a stubborn batsman. Also the clubs long suffering groundsman who has invested weeks of his life to maintaining the clubs pitches.
Nick Vinnicombe - All rounder
Once a young prospect of whom big things were expected, the V Man finally started to deliver the goods only for appearances to be limited by work. Career as a cabin steward has seen him live an International Man of Mystery lifestyle in recent years but now settled with girlfriend Siobhan and still shows good committment to make himself available whenever he can. Shares a birthday with fellow SCC members Rob Norris and Adam Smith and well known cricket follower Mick Jagger.
Alex Barritt - Bowler
Unfortunately not available on a consistent basis due to his commitments as a pilot but possesses the knack of turning up once or twice a month and still putting the ball in the right places. Possibly the fittest man in the club, rarely produces even the smallest bead of sweat despite often being asked to bowl marathon spells.
James Peake - All rounder
Man mountain of a fast left arm bowler who joined the Swans for the 2008/09 season after a number of seasons at neighbours Amberley having been a teenage prospect at County League Pulborough. Has added some pace to the attack and also a powerful right handed batsmen. Rarely turns up to a match without a hangover but doesn't seem to effect his bowling radar.
Chris Hurst
The only member of the John Davenport generation of Storrington colts who is currently turning out regularly for the club. Aggressive middle order batsmen who is also capable of supporting the bowling attack. Shows good commitment by returning to play despite living and working in London during the week. Girlfriend Vicki is the most frequently seen WAG at the club.
Will Whitehead
Will’s addition to the 1st XI for the 2008/09 season provided the first person since Chris Rose to share the ginger abuse burden with Rob Norris. A tidy wicket keeper but has been utilised mainly as a specialist middle order batsman this season.
Martin McKilligan
Swans career had seemingly peaked when he was vice captain way back in the 1989 season but has been a key part of the promotion push in 2008. Not always used in the bowling attack but has picked up key wickets with his accuracy and experience.
Dan Pickard - All rounder
Part of the Pickard dynasty that mirrors the Haggert family influence on the club 20 years previous with brother Matt captaining the 2nd XI and father Phil the club chairman. Aggressive top order batsman and right arm medium pacer. Currently going through a moody teenage phase (despite being well into his twenties).
Chris Winter - RH batsman
Rarely seen on the field these days as injuries have restricted appearances over the last couple of years. The former treasurer and chairman raised eyebrows when he turned out on a Sunday for local rivals West Chiltington in 2008 but remains a loyal SCC club man. When he does pick up the bat, he still shows hints of the elegant batsmen of yester-year. Pink trousers have gained him something of a cult status at the club.
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