Firstly, congratulations on a good season as 3^rd Team Captain, still pushing for Promotion? 

Unfortunately only one team goes up in our league.  City of Manchester are flying away with it, and probably deservedly so.  It is the only fixture where I would be happy with a draw.  The rest I am not satisfied unless we get a win.  If we hadn’t have drawn those 3-4 games at the end of last year we would be 2^nd / 3^rd now.  Saying that we have just been promoted and I am really pleased with everyone who has played in the 3’s.

When did you first take up Hockey?

When I was 12 attending Birkenhead School.  I made my debut for Wirral under 14’s until they quickly realised I was pretty naff.  Back in those days my asthma did affect me quite badly.  My year at school was unbelievably strong, and as a result of this they did not have a requirement for a fat, rubbish, asthmatic kid.  They were also national indoor champions and had the likes of Lawrence (he was good back in those days), Al Smylie, Nick Hayes (played for England), Jay Dixon, Tom Leary and list goes on.  Enough said.

What positions have you played?

Usually right back, but also played left back when I was at Uni.  Nowadays I am using my speed, strength and sheer athleticism in the right midfield position. 

What are you reading at the moment?

Well, a couple of months ago I thought I should expand my mind, so I went and bought “A Briefer History of Time” by Stephen Hawkins.  What a mistake that was.  Reading that is the equivalent to overdosing on Nytol and Horlicks.  Read two pages and you are out like a light.

I have not really found a book recently that comes close to Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

What is your favourite film?

There are so many different categories here; Horror, Comedy, Adult Entertainment.

When I was younger, I actually learnt the entire script for Back to the Future.  Looking back I wish I had applied myself to something a bit more educational.  It is very rare that Back to Future comes up in the 11+ exam.

I am a big fan of the Matrix trilogy and movies of that ilk.  Please don’t think of me as someone in the Star Trek fan club, because I am not………………………….yet  

Philosophy of life?

I would love to say, “Work Hard, Play Hard” but I would be lying through my teeth.  One of my friend’s parents calls me Gin and Tonic Boy as I am so laid back.  My personal view is that you should never get yourself stressed up too much in life.  Saying that, I have just bought a house with my girlfriend so that should soon change.  Please, if you see me walking around the streets of Little Neston in my boxers talking to Lamp-posts, please come and help me. 

Best player you have played with or against?

Unless Greg B needs a driver to somewhere over 4 hours away in a cup comp, I do not usually play in the top team.  When I first started at Neston, we had Rob Smith, Trev Thomas, and Andy Rowntree who had excellent knowledge but unfortunately lacked the legs.  I do praise them though for staying at the club as long as they did through the tough times. 

Tom Hollingsbee was one of the best juniors we had.  He went straight up into the top teams and was impossible to play against.  I think we do have a few juniors who could follow in his footsteps.  I just hope they can keep progressing and delay discovering girls and booze until they go to Uni.  FAT CHANCE !!!

While you are playing hockey, what does your other 1/2 (Alex P) get up to?

Well, I am blessed with a girlfriend who understands that Saturday is SPORT DAY.  She also plays hockey for Neston 2’s at the moment.  Her talents also stretch to Golf which is my other sport.  It is quite demoralising though when she beats me after 3 years of playing the game, in comparison to my 15 years.       

Top tip for Hockey?

Two Things

1.Surprise surprise, Learn how to hit the ball hard.  Fast dribbling skills are good but when you find yourself up against a good defender you will look very average very quickly.

2.Get the ball in the D and test the keeper.  I love it well the ball is hit HARD into the D and the forward uses the speed to defect it into the goal.  Keeper has no chance.

What are you listening to, music wise at the moment?

As the guys in the 3’s will tell you, it is Meatloaf all the way at the moment. 

Best advice given to you?

When my Mum said, “Treat people the way that you yourself would like to be treated”

In-between the years of 13-18 you are influenced by alot by people around you.  Age is irrelevant when it comes to sport, and you have the full mix from Tom Smith to Eddie Burns.  The younger lot interact with the adults and from that learn how to conduct themselves properly around them. My view is this helps your confidences levels immensely when you get a bit older.

That was a bit deep that….

What next for NSWHC?

Well, I would love to get the Astro at the club.   I don’t know if it going to happen but at least we are more recognised as a section within the club.  Tony Bush, Rich Lowry, Kev Smith, etc, have all done an amazing job to encourage the juniors and I personally look forward to seeing these guys in my team soon.  Long may it continue.

Who would you have on your side who is a present member of NSWHC in a full kicking scrapping fight and why?

Well, if we were outnumbered and needed to peg it, it would need someone pretty slow, so they would get caught first!  That means Paul Fowler would certainly be up there!

If we were going to stand our ground, then it would have to be Trevor M-J.  Firstly he would stop to analyse and explain the reasoning behind the disagreement (using vocab most people have not even heard of). Voice his opinion on the pros and cons, including any repercussions resulting from actions causing bodily harm.  All these would probably result in him being hit first!

Your ideal weekend?

Well it would kick off on Saturday morning when I open my eyes and see Natalie Imbruglia lying next to me!  That is sufficient enough for me. 

Otherwise, I would have to say, seeing the 2’s go up.  I scarified a lot of sweat for them over the past few years, only to narrowly miss out every year on promotion.  I know I am the 3’s Captain now, but I would be bouncing from wall to wall with joy if they go up!

Thank you Andy and best of luck over the last few games and with the house move, I would stop if you were talking to the lampost, if only to get a picture and post it on the NSWHC website!.