BIG 'JACKS' BACK ON HOME SOIL

With both Paul Whitlock and Ben Kendrick leaving the club this winter its great to be able to announce that one player is returning to Jones Lane

Marc 'Jack' Daniels

Marc played for Hythe from a sprightly 13 year old as a colt in 1990 to 1996 where he reached the heady heights as Sunday 1st team captain. He was a powerful mid order batsmen and part time wicket keeper, and it was Ben Kendrick who got him to the club after they both started playing together in the school team. In his first ever colts game, played in early may at Paultons Cricket club, he came in at number 6 looking to steady the ship after somewhat of a top order collapse. Needless to say he was bowled first ball! Welcome to league cricket!!

Marc then left to play for BAT as he felt the running of Hythe didn't seem to be going anywhere, and as he worked for BAT it just seemed to be a good club to play for. His first ever game for BAT he went into the dressing rooms to find out there was one of 4 Marks that were playing for the team that day, so he affectionately got the nickname of 'Jack' which has really stuck. I'll let you work out why!!!

Marc came back briefly for a season in 1999 as he had dislocated his shoulder in 1998 and wanted to get a game on a week to week basis to try and get fit again. He really didn't do very well playing for Billy Ogles 2nd team that season, having started as a batsmen and ending up as a bowler. On the last game of the season, with Hythe in the field and the other side needing 2 runs to win the game Marc fielded a ball at short cover and with a simple under arm throw needed to aim at either end for an easy run out and a win to end the season, he decided to pelt it over the bowler (which was billy) and on for 4 overthrows! Marc says 'I'll never forget the unhappy captains face. it haunts me to this day!

After returning to BAT in 2000, he took over the 3rd team captaincy in 2001, where he guided the team to winning the old West combination in his first season. As captain Marc decided that the best place for him to bat would be at the top of the order, he worked very hard at becoming good at making sure he saw off the new ball and opening bowlers, and got a good start for the team. He's first to admit ' I'm not the most natural of cricketers but have really worked hard on my game over the years. Its a lesson I always tell people. Hard work and practice, will make the difference'.

Marc continued to captain the 3s right up until last season having achieved 3 promotions over the years and in one season (2004) the team went 100%, wining 15 out of 15. His highest ever score in this season was 163 no v Calmore.

Marc's best season though personally has to be the 2003 where he averaged 60.3 scoring 3 centuries 113no 144no and 151no this after staring the season with consequetive platinum ducks!! Despite the three tons the side ended the season getting relegated, so he says his successes were somewhat tainted.

In more recent years Marc's played pretty much all of the 2006 season in the 2s in the Southern Electric Premier league division 3 where he's the first to admit ' I did OK , got a couple of 50s, which was probably my career highlight so far. Its really good challenging yourself at a higher level and its these experiences that have made me want to make the move to try and better myself playing in County 2 with Hythe'.

Last season was a mixed bag. His side won the first 5 games of the season and we're riding high. But then a few injuries at the higher end of the club meant the team got pretty decimated and they played a lot of the season with at least 5 or 6 colts under the age of 15 in the side, so finished nearer the bottom of the league, culminating in a last game of the season being beaten by Hythe and Dibden 2s!!!. Marc says 'Personally, I did OK. A couple of 50's and a average of 39.5, but believe me, when you play your home games on the minefield that is Calmore Rec, that's pretty good! Just ask Sean Tongs what he thinks of it!!!

During his 8 seasons as skipper at Totton one of the things Marc has always enjoyed, and is very passionate about, is trying to help the youngsters continue as they reach 16 and leave colts cricket. He says' I can give countless names of really promising young cricketers who simply do not play the game anymore because they have found it very hard turning themselves from one of those promising youngsters to a decent adult at 20 or so. i think it something most clubs do very badly. In these years you cant expect young lads to be match winners on a weekly basis, and have to try and nurture them through by making it fun and exciting. I always tried to give everyone a game and make them feel part of the team, and feel I have done it well over the years. You must remember that this is where your future 1st teamers come from, you cant rely on oldies like myself coming to a club!!!'

So why has Marc decided to its time for a change -' For 2009 I was kind of hoping to be considered good enough to play for T&E 2's and try and make a name for myself up the leagues. Being 33 this year I feel that I have to try now, before I'm too old!! But a combination of not being considered good enough, and the lure of playing half a mile down the road back at my spiritual home, in a league i feel I can really do well in was just too tempting to turn down!'

Lets hope Totton's loss is Hythe's gain - one things for sure Dixie and Kev James have found us a great clubman and what he did for Totton over the last 8 years should not be forgotton.