Name: Martin Derek William Stevens

Nickname: Soft Lad, Stevo

How would you describe yourself as a player? Boring to watch, but you would want me next to you on the front line!

Best Cricket Memory?
Batting with Jamie Lippett at Mitcham. They put us on a pitch close to the road as we were kids but we started peppering the rush hour traffic with 4s and 6s. I recall hitting the Burn Bullock pub numerous times.

We then went onto win the U16 Surrey Cup (John Charcoal) with Addiscombe, made many a good friend from that team, the majority then going onto play senior cricket at Addiscombe.

The “Just One More Tour” to the North was fun. I won't forget Matt Crocombe particularly struggling after sampling too much 'Old Peculiar' following a visit to the Black Sheep Brewery*...

(*Editor: one of our Northern readers has pointed out that 'Old Peculiar' is brewed by Theakstons rather than Black Sheep, so we may need DRS on this anecdote...)

Most embarrassing cricketing moment?
Ducking a half volley bowled by Roger Telemachus whilst playing in the Premiership. He was playing in South Africa’s ODI team at the time. I didn’t even see the ball and it hit me straight in the elbow!

I was stretchered off but came back out when 9 wickets down and managed a winning draw batting with one hand.

Favourite player/cricket hero?
Professionally, it would have to be David Gower and Graham Thorpe.

From an amateur perspective probably Addy (Adnan Saleem), Brian Messom, Butch (Martin Butcher), Smash (Mike Rogers). All very supportive and very decent cricketers.

Favourite format to watch?
The Evening Standard competition played on Sundays as Addiscombe always did well in this competition. Narrowly followed by a Test Match

The best thing about Addiscombe Cricket Club?
Apparently, I attended my first match in 1978 at two weeks old. Mum scoring and Dad playing. Some of those players who played that day I am still friends with today!

It's not just about the cricket, you meet friends and gain an education of sorts without realising it. For example, Colin Sattar's advice on women always made us smile!

Addiscombe has always had an attitude of 'we're all in this together'. It doesn’t matter if your background is state school or private school, if you are a lawyer or postman. Everybody is accepted and in the majority of cases, everyone gets on. It's great to be in such a diverse club.

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