Earlier this week, we interviewed former 1XI skipper Sachin Patel, here's the interview in full.

1) How long have you been at Kenton CC and what years did you play in?
I joined Kenton in 1991 when I was 8 years old and played until 2018, barring a few seasons where I played at Barnet and Stanmore CC. I started men’s cricket in the 4XI when I was 10 and had my first full season in the 1XI when I was 13 under the captaincy of Rahul Kotecha.

2. How did you first get into cricket?
Cricket was always on the TV growing up so from an early age I had exposure to the game, but if I’m completely honest I did enjoy football more. We lived in a cul-de-sac, and my neighbours were Jamie Herd and Omar Mian, who both played at Kenton. Me and Omar’s brother were probably getting up to no good so we were taken to Kenton by his mum. From playing in the front garden with the older lads, it turns out we were actually not bad and enjoyed ourselves.

3. What are your best on-field cricket memories at Kenton?
I have 3 top on-field memories with Kenton. The first one being when the 1’s secured promotion from the Championship to the County League many years ago, I remember that being a great feeling. The second, was my first game in the 1’s against Harrow St Mary’s as a 13 year old and finishing the game 56*. Thirdly, my first hundred as a colt was the best feeling, even though a little lucky! To give you a bit of a narrative, I tried hitting a 6 on 94 (as you do) and it hit the fielder in the head and went over the boundary for 6.

4. What’s your best off-field memory at Kenton?
There would have been a few over the years, going on tour would be up there, always great fun... The club’s 100th was another great day organised by the committee combining both previous and current members celebrating Kenton.

5. Who’s your favourite drinking partner in the bar?
I have always enjoyed a beer or two with the boys over the years. In the early days it was great fun in the old bar and then we slowly moved into the new one. In terms of drinking partners, it's easier just to say everyone!

6. Which players would you recommend avoiding in the nets?
As a batsman the thought of avoiding anybody in the nets didn't cross my mind, especially after playing a season with Dammika Prasad and having to face him week in week out - he had some heat! On the other hand, Sachin (the infamous leg-spinner) would probably avoid the likes of Schops, Ash and Owen as when they hit the ball it stays hit!!

7. Who’s the toughest opposition you’ve played against?
Over the years I played against some tough opponents across all divisions of the county league. For me as a complete player, it would have to be Dave Walker (Harrow CC). He played hard and made the game look very easy. Kamlesh Desai was another player who I have respected over the years and he always made batting hard - especially with the sun glaring into your eyes at the pavilion end of Harrow Town!

8. Who would make your all time Kenton XI?

1. Schopun Jooma
2. Steven Mehra (wk)
3. Stuart Thomas
4. Ashish Karia
5. Jamie Herd
6. Kumar Sadagopan
7. Omar Mian
8. Nandu Kerai
9. Paul McIvor
10. Alex Singleton (capt.)
11. Sami Haider

Players in bold are currently representing our XI's on a Saturday.

*If I had to pick a wicketkeeper for their wicketkeeping (and mouth!) it would be none other than Viraj Patel. He is still young and will only improve. He's pretty capable with the bat and last season he showed what can be done - If he puts in half the time he spends on social media into his batting he will have no issue scoring runs...

9. What’s the best thing about Kenton CC?
For me it would have to be the small boundaries, it makes scoring easier! Jokes aside, people always make a club and it’s no different at Kenton. The club has some great people who have taken responsibility by being on the committee and driving positive changes, an example being the rise in the colts section - Great work from Ravi, Dippy and the team!

10. Where would you like to see Kenton in 3 years’ time?
In 3 years, I’d like to see Kenton with a larger member base, from the colts to adults (both male and female) which in turn will create stronger elevens. Promotion is always at the top of any team/club but at the same time the foundations need constant building as when you move up, you want to compete and not just be there.