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Super Kev's Dual Role a Bonus For Hythe.
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| Kev McCarthy |
Whilst in local football its very common for players to move from Fawley to Hythe or visa versa - in cricket it's only happened with a few players over the years - BUT to committ yourself to both clubs over a weekend - it's unheard of . Yet Kev McCarthy will be doing just that this season, playing his league cricket for the newly formed Hythe 3rd XI then on Sundays swapping his green cap for blue to captain Fawley Sunday 1st XI.
After playing midweek games for Hythe over the past few years, Kev decided last August that he fancied a change on Saturdays - this despite taking 17 wickets @ 17.24 for Fawley 3rd XI which helped them gain promotion.(best of 4-33). Kev informed new Fawley Chairman John Church who reluctantly accepted Kev's decision only after asking Kev to stay loyal to the Oilers on a Sunday after doing such a good job last year.
Kev - a self claimed cricket nut - has had this burning desire over the past few years to play a 100 games of cricket in a season despite now being in his fifties. 2008 he reached 98 whilst last season he made it to 72 with the help of Fawley, Hythe and Moores Cricket Club whom he also turns out for midweek and topped their bowling averages last season.
Kev says ' I'm looking forward to playing for Hythe this year - they seem a great bunch of lads. July 11th will be strange for me though when I bring the Fawley side down to Jones Lane to play Quinney's side - I hope I don't get heckled too much'.
Little bit of history on Kev - he took 100 wickets last season in total from the 72 matches played. He says 'When I was a lot younger (in my late teens), I did take 7 for 12 playing for Lewisham against Lambeth and had a career best score of 63 against Dover - but it was a long time ago. I did once play at the Kennington Oval in a Junior Cup Final. I scored 50 not out for OPCS at Sarisbury Green 2 seasons back - not bad in the same year I was 50. I now start this season at the tender age of 53.
One of Kev's strangest moments he recalls - 'Another unconfirmed cricketing highlight (many many years ago), whilst spending some time in Dublin. I receivd a telephone call from someone claiming to be from the Irish Cricket Board, asking about my Irish status (I do have Irish Grandparents) and availability for matches. I can't exactly remember the outcome, but needless to say I did not play for the Irish against the West Indies (touring at the time).
Chiv says 'Kev's going to be a great asset for Hythe 3rds as we saw Indoors this year. I'm waiting to see what odds Woody will give me - but I have no doubt Super Kev's on for 20+ wickets this year'.