5 Questions with Andy Guiton
The latest in our series of 5 Questions is with Acton legend Andy Guiton.
As well as being a fantastic cricketer - a destructive batsman on his day and one of the most underrated bowlers in Acton’s recent history – anyone who has played with Andy will describe him as an absolute team man to the core. He’s someone who will bowl a 20 over spell on one knee, and has represented all Acton XI’s, going from 1st XI all-rounder in the early to mid-2000s to a fantasy captain’s secret weapon in the 3rd and 4th XIs over recent seasons.
Above all, Andy (aka Violence, Village, Data, Frank, Andy G) is one of the most popular and likeable club-men you could ever wish to meet. Here are his 5 Questions…
1. How and when did you first join Acton?
I was introduced to Acton in 1994 by my wife Tracey, having played for Sudbury Court since I was 8. I loved playing at Sudbury Court, which is now tragically gone, but moving to Acton was if anything an upgrade – a family club first, with amazing people with the will to succeed no matter who you were playing against. I have loved every moment.
My first senior game was with Arthur Harvey in the 3rds at North Acton where I managed to live up to my accident-prone reputation by top edging a ball into my face, hence another visit to the hospital.
2. What have been the highlights of your Acton Career?
Over 25 years, my career’s defining moments were mainly in the 2nd team, where we won several promotions, including coming Runners up to Brondesbury in The Premier League in 2005 - a year where we were underdogs in almost every game. That was a team that defied the odds on many occasions, which I truly loved.
That said I was thrilled at being chosen for the first team and had some memorable years, playing under Steve Basterfield and Aaron Taggert who gave everyone a role, which we excelled in. I loved getting 72 against British Airways batting 4! And also enjoyed getting 5 wickets against Spencer in the cup. Hated getting cheated out of the cup, in a bowl out at Sutton.
More recently I have loved playing in the 4th team, winning promotions and playing with a truly great bunch of guys.
Finally, losing in three Acton CC Darts Championship finals. To be fair Jeremy Hunt was class!
3. What is your most memorable match?
Tough to choose, but I would have to pick the 2nd team win at Highgate, where we retrieved a win on a horrible pitch, where my good friend Jav Sohota, walked out to bat telling the opening quickie (who has taken 5 wickets), where he was going to despatch his bowling – which he promptly did. I had never seen John Reeve run/fall quite so quick down the stairs.
A close second has to be our win over Ealing on their patch, with the 2nd’s in the Premier League. Their Captain genuinely could not understand how we had beaten them…loved it!
4. Who has your toughest opponent been?
I have never really liked to pick out individuals, and always believed you could get anyone out on your day. I would say that Theodore Modeste’s bowling at Harrow in 2005 did demonstrate the gap between club cricket and the levels above.
In terms of teams, I would pick Ealing every time, as they were the team I have always liked to beat. An A team is always better than the E-men!
5. What is your all time Acton XI?
You pick a team on character, which this bunch have in spades. I have played with them all and been privileged to do so.
1. Steve Basterfield
A man who valued his wicket more than anyone I have ever met. If you wanted someone to see off an opening attack you would pick Steve always. Made difficult look simple.
2. Aaron Taggart
A born winner and determined batsmen. On many occasions destructive, and had an almost telepathic partnership with Steve.
3. Steve Jones
Class bat and John Reeve’s best hidden secret for a while. Top bloke who could have played levels above easily.
4. Michael Jadunath
A classy player, who you could put down to get runs every time.
5. James Hunt
Another born winner, great bloke. If he doesn’t get runs, he’ll get wickets or catches. Always involved and the glue to many an Acton team. I had to say that, I married his sister.
6. John Reeve
John is a winner through and through, accomplished as a batsmen and a bowler who has turned the tide of many a game. Reads batsmen and situations better than anyone I know.
7. Robin Singh
Loved a medal, but one of the best all-rounders I have ever seen. On his day he could win a game with bat or ball.
8. Ian Reeve
Great player, who’s bowling has turned many a game and who’s batting and catching are equally as good.
9. Dan Lynch
No other overseas has quite gelled with the club like Dan. A decent bowler, great bloke and outstanding 3rd man.
10. Duarte Marques (wk)
Whilst there have been more skilled keepers, I have chosen Doddy who hated losing and was the only person who could stop John bowling 25 overs a game. Had a way of aggressively motivating those around him.
11. Matthew Turnell
Outside of Faron Defreitas, the best player I have ever seen. Brilliant bowler who has won many games for the club. Could have easily played at higher levels. Underrated as batsmen as well.
In case of absence apologies to the following who did not make it: Mathew Reeve, Owen Brown, Alex Brennan, Jav Sohota