Matt Crump: 'We're in a completely new era'

Club captain Ed Henderson interviews Cricketer Cup captain Matt Crump ahead of the 2013 final on  August 18.

Crumpy, many congratulations on getting the side to the final of the Cricketer Cup. Old Tonbridgians are our opponents on 18th August. You know their captain. What kind of challenge will they present?

Tonbridge have a great tradition in the competition and with that comes a responsibility and an experience of winning which in cup cricket is a great culture to have. They have slightly more experience in the competition than we do with an impressive batting line up which we will respect but as we've proved in the competition thus far big reputations have meant nothing to this current OC team and in a final anything can happen!

Would it be fair to say that we haven't come up against any real quality spin so far and if so how will our batting line up deal with it?

I think that's slightly unfair, but we have a talented batting line up that has negated any attack we've played. I have 100% belief that our batting unit can cope against any attack in the competition and relish the challenge of the Tonbridge spinners!

By my calculations we have nobody in the side older than 27 which makes this an incredibly young side. How have they responded to the challenge laid before them at the beginning of the season of having a real crack at this competition?

We're in a completely new era of OCCC cup cricket with a side that can potentially dominate in the next five to six years because of the age. Many of the guys have grown up through school cricket beating the likes of Eton, Tonbridge and Charterhouses of this world so there is certainly no fear or aura about these sides which I think has helped the mentality of the side and believing that we can go the whole way.

This side getting to the final at its first attempt is impressive. How much better can this team get in the next few years?

I still think the side is still three years away from its peak but winning the first trophy is the hardest task and quicker this happens the better the team will get in the future.

Your batting has hardly been required so far although that could change in the final. Your bowling performances have been one of the key factors behind the successes. Where did this ability to bowl accurately suddenly come from?

I think you need to understand and appreciate your role in the side and the dynamics of the team you're in. With Will Rollings playing I knew there was no point me running in thinking I was quick, and being captain of the side I needed to step up with more consistent performances and lead from the front. Thankfully this has happened but needs happen one more time in the final!

There was a club game at the start of the season where you bowled how many wides? Was it 40?

My first bowl outside Hendo, it was 24 - but the bowl was swinging around everywhere......

I recall seeing you in February when said you shouldn't really be eating pizza and cake (but did anyway) and admitted that you were north of 17 stone. How is the fitness?

Ha got down to 16 stone for the summer, can't pull in the Ship when you're 17 stone #summerrig

Who has been the surprise package for you this year?

I'd say Paddy Harman actually, he has realised he lacks the pace to open the bowling and found a new role in the side pressuring in the middle overs that has really worked and excelled especially in the first two rounds. I'd like to mention the team chav Brad Scriven, despite bringing some ropey birds to the Merrys BBQ he to has surprised with the maturity and a consistency of his batting.

Which guys are you looking to to really turn it on in the final and make the difference?

I've got a feeling this could be Jack Scriven's final where he really announces himself as an OC legend, after announcing himself at the Merry BBQ in true OC style by beating the Crump's in a boat race I think he can convert his starts into big hundred off not many balls! Copey is due a big performance as well.

You all bunked up in a hotel before the Shrewsbury match. Which team member would you least like to share a room with and why?

Will Howard - no description needed

Turning to your role in the OCCC generally. You have been vice-captain for a year, you are now Cup captain, presumably you must have your sights on the top job?

Never, I'm not a man for admin Hendo

What's your best OC innings?

I'd have to say the innings at Hampshire Hogs which was quite a remarkable game with nine men and putting on a record partnership (150) with the skipper.

Which OC bowler would you most like to face with 15 required from the last over?

Jonny Gates - His bowling is just filth

Best OC fielder in the club?

Grates me to say but Copey - his catch off me in the first round was pretty special. Paddy in a close second.

Which county cricketer would you liken yourself too?

Tim Bresnan

Cricketer Cup win or Cranleigh CC promotion?

Ridiculous question - like asking which of your children is your favourite.

Thanks mate. Irrespective of the result, congratulations on reaching the final. The side has been committed, well led and enjoying the campaign so much credit has to go to you for that. Good luck.

CRICKETER CUP FINAL

The final against Old Tonbridgians will take place at Wimbledon Cricket Club on Sunday, August 18 starting at 11.00am. Wimbledon CC is right next to the All England Club and can be found at Church Road, SW19 5AG. We are hoping to make the day quite an event with as many Old Cranleighans in attendance as possible so everyone is invited. Aside from the cricket the organisers say there will be a champagne and Pimm’s tent, a barbeque, a bouncy castle, and an ice-cream van as well as full bar and restaurant facilities. As in previous years, spectators are encouraged to bring picnics to eat around the boundary.