5 Questions with Scotty Kojak...
Ever since wondering into the Park Club in 2013 and the Acton boys highjacked his planned move to Scotland, Scotty Kojak has been an integral and hugely popular member of the club.
As well as being a mighty fine player for Acton who has moved up through all teams to enjoy recent seasons in the 1st XI as a high-quality off spin bowler, Scotty has fully thrown himself into life at Acton CC. He’s become a Sussex tour legend and has been a near ever present for Acton on Saturdays, Sundays, at practice sessions, and at the Aeronaut. Such is the influence Scotty has had on the club, we struggle to think of an overseas import who has had as much of on an all-round impact on our club during their time in the UK. As Scotty threatens (again) to go home for good this coming winter, we ask him our usual 5 Questions…
How and when did you come to join Acton Cricket Club?
When I moved to the UK I had planned on living in Scotland and told Musselburgh C.C. (near Edinburgh) that I’d be heading up to play for them. However, once I got to London I decided that I liked it here too much. The girls who I was staying with in London at that time then moved to East Acton, so I Googled `East Acton Cricket Club` and it came up with Acton Cricket Club. The rest is history.
What are the biggest differences between the cricket you’ve played in London and at your home club, Aspendale C.C., back in Australia?
The biggest difference between playing cricket here and in Aus is the amount of cricket you play during a summer. With a lot of two-day cricket back home and the fact no one wants to play cricket on a Sunday you are lucky to play a maximum of 15 games a season. (NB: In 2017, Scotty played 40 games for Acton!)
What have been the most notable highlights of your time with Acton (so far…)?
Some highlights of my time here include the back-to-back promotions with the 3s, which culminated in them playing in the Prem for the first time, then making the 1st team the following year during 2016.
2017 was probably the best season I’ve ever had and that led to being names as joint 1st Team Player of the year, which was a great honour. But every year the biggest highlight is the annual Sussex Tour. For those who make an excuse of not coming down every year or for the new members who join each season I recommend you get down there; it’s a great way to get involved and get to know your club mates better.
Who is the best player you’ve played with during your time at Acton, and who has been the toughest opponent?
I`ve been lucky to play with some great players at Acton, from the legends Matty Turnell and John Reeve to quality batsman like Yogi (Yasir Mehmood), Sahil and Curto (Andrew Curtis). But the best player I`ve played with is Alex Brennan. Year in year out AB`s quality shows out and have learnt a lot from bowling long spells with him throughout my time at Acton.
The toughest opponent would have to be Aparjit Khurana at Brentham; the bloke is an unbelievable bowler and way too good for this level.
And finally, what is your all time Acton XI?
1. Matty Reeve
Great opening bat, quality keeper and sublime fielder. New found aggression with his batting seems to be working wonders…getting a good bat from his Dad helps too.
2. Andrew Curtis
Ridiculous talent, that 140 he hit in the T20 at Uxbridge was unbelievable; I will never see hitting like that again.
3. Sahil Kher
Best player of spin I`ve seen. Brilliant hands in the slips too, doesn’t drop many and claims the ones that bounce too.
4. Lucas Carlisle
Mr. Consistent. Gets the job done with minimal fuss.
5. Yasir Mehmood
Opposition are always worried when Yogi walks out to bat. Time after time Yogi plays a fantastic innings and, as a bowler, he is always great for advice on how to work out a batsman.
6. Raj Raikar
What can’t the man do. Best quickie in the league by some margin, destructive batsman that has won us games off his own bat and doesn’t drop catches. Love you, Raj.
7. James Hunt
Every team is better for having him in it, a real winner who even at 40 is getting it done in the 1st team.
8. Nasir Mehmood
From our days in the 3’s together to now in the 1’s, he’s one of my favourite players to play with. Underrated and underused; would be in my team week in week out.
9. Alex Manning (wk)
Brilliant keeper and brilliant team man. Always bringing energy and voice in the field and LOLs off the field.
10.Alex Brennan (c)
Picks up wickets for fun, doesn’t waste a ball. Skipper of this team as he understands this league and knows what it takes to win.
11.John Reeve
You can`t buy experience, wants the ball no matter the situation and always delivers. Learnt a lot by watching him bowl. Great chairman of the club does so much to keep this place running.