5 questions with Steve Basterfield

 (Originally published April 2013)

How and when did you join Acton?

I used to come to the cricket club with my mum and dad, both of who where members. Mum used to run the bar amongst other things and dad was a tennis member. Both my brothers played cricket for Acton so I had no choice but to play. My first senior game was in 1982!

 Who were your biggest influences at the club?

Off the field John Lodge was a massive influence on me right from the beginning. He said I would be an opening bat and he was a good coach who always had time for everyone. When I became club captain, he backed me to the hilt even when I tested his patience at times.

 On the field I learnt from the incomparable Pooran Singh who gave me the chance to open for the first team and stuck with me through good and bad. He was a master at playing spin especially using the sweep to great effect. I tried to copy his positive approach when playing spin and it worked well for me. He was also brilliant at playing the short ball and I considered it a privilege to play alongside him.

 What have been the biggest highlights of your Acton career?

I was fortunate to play in an era where we always challenged for honours. We won six cup finals and won six or seven league titles so to choose one would be impossible.

 So I will say my proudest moment came at Brentham after a Sunday friendly. Brentham’s captain mentioned in the bar that he wished his team enjoyed themselves and got on like we did. He was right: there was genuine friendship and camaraderie in the club and for someone else to comment on it was a proud moment for me.

 Who was your toughest opponent?

We used to play against Mark Ramprakash quite often when he turned out for Bessboro so probably him.

 What’s your all time Acton XI?

 1.       Steve Basterfield 

2.       Aaron Taggart

3.       Vernon Angel

4.       Pooran Singh Capt

5.       Mike Jadunath

6.       John Reeve

7.       James Hunt

8.       Robin Singh

9.       Olly Harvey

10.    Gary King

11.    Matt Turnell

 I think this team covers all bases. There were better bats then Tags and myself but not a better pairing in my opinion: we used to communicate with our eyes when batting together and knew each others’ games inside out. The middle order could then destroy teams once we had laid the foundation. In addition, Vern, Poo and Mike could all bowl as well. If they failed then JR who on his day could be every bit as good as our West Indian trio could come in and repair the damage and you can add his bowling in as well. At seven you could rely on Jimmy to be up for a battle and his left arm over gives the bowling attack variety. Robin coming in at 8 could smash the ball to all parts and bowl seriously quick when in the mood. Plug should have got a lot more runs such was his ability but it was always amusing to watch him get bowled having a huge swish then walk off practicing the perfect forward defensive! At his peak, Plug was a fine bowler. I saw Kingy score a hundred once so he could bat and was the quickest and best keeper we ever had. And at 11 the legendary Matt Turnell. If he never bowled a ball he could have been a first team bat. The best bowler the club have ever or will ever have. Fielding in this team would be brilliant as well.