George Best, late nights and getting married
Ed Henderson interviews ... Alan Cope
Alan Cope is a 25- year- old batsman who plays for Malden Wanderers, OCCC, MCC, Arabs and August Flies. He owns a pair of snooker table green chinos. He is one of a long line of OC cricketers who has worked for Headstart Advisers yet one of the few who has not been made redundant. He took part in this interview in work hours.
Copey thanks for agreeing to be the next person to be interviewed. You seem to have been around OCCC a long time. When did you make your debut?
I believe I made my debut as a 15 year old (so if my maths doesn't let me down, 10 years ago...) in a successful Brewers Cup Final v Hurstpierpoint Old Boys. Again if I remember correctly, this also was my first night out in London... memories of drinking out of the cup (that went missing and never to be found) will remain with me forever..
Roll forward three years from that and you were on tour in India with us as an 18 year old. I think it was there that someone coined the nickname 'George Best' for you. Remind me why that was and was it fair?
I was indeed. I joined the tour party from Perth where I was playing cricket on my gap year. The nickname was coined by Hobbs, Copleston and Rosenfeldt, for an apparent improvement in performance directly correlating to the increased amount of boozing on the prior evening... something George Best was well versed in.
Is the nickname still apt for the seasoned, mid-twenties Alan Cope?
I believe so. I went through probably my most unsuccessful season for the OC's last year, having prepared 'properly' in the modern day professional sense of the word, for every game. I can assure you that I will score a lot more runs this year in the Cricketer Cup, and it won't come via quiet, early nights.
Since your year we have pulled in a lot of the leavers from School each year and hopefully they enjoy it and stick around. What appealed to you about OC cricket when you first got involved?
I think having a much older brother I've always enjoyed socializing with people a lot older than me. Throw in some great people, some great experiences and a good standard of cricket played in the correct manner you have a stunning package!
Good to hear! Going back to India you scored a fine hundred in Goa which the discerning Tristan Rosenfeldt cited as one of the best innings he has seen. Is that your finest OC innings and do any others stand out?
I think it probably was to be honest, although I think a 70 odd in a run chase setting up the win against Harrow in our first year in the Cricketer Cup was a close 2nd there.. I think they are probably the only two innings' I've played for the OC's of any worth to be honest... I promise more in the years to come!
Who do you most like batting with?
Anyone but Tom Crump, his strike rate applies pressure and lack of aesthetically pleasing strokes pains the eyes. That said, he has been one of the more successful OC batters in recent history, and we wouldn't have got to the finals we have done without him.
Well that brings us incredibly neatly to the most important question of the day. Tom Crump – you're old Loughborough uni flatmate... goodness knows what that means he will have seen – and Matthew Crump your old mucker. You now live with both of them. Seriously, which one do you like best?
They are both a nightmare to live with. I guess Matt just pips it as I see him marginally less often.
Hmm, diplomatic. You have stopped short of coming out and saying 'Matt Crump is the better bloke.' It's ok it starts to get a bit awkward, we're dealing with human emotions, people get hurt I understand that. So, which one of the three of you will get married first?
Would have to say me, as God help me if I haven't tied the knot with someone before those two!! However, Rog (Tom) has been seeing rather a lot of one particular OC ball attendee lately, so we'll see how that develops. One thing is for sure, I very much doubt I'll be in the running for best man after this interview.
Not for poor Tom no, you've crucified him. You may as well name the girl now? No I really can't. So back to cricket. You need to score 16 from the last over, which OC bowler do you choose to face?
I'll stick with the housemate theme and say Matt Crump, as you'll get at least 6 of those runs in wides alone.
Good of you not to choose Gates like everyone else does!
Well, seeing as he is sat opposite me I feel I can't, and with his record in Sarasota it would actually be a lie saying i'd like to face him.
Who would you say are the best fielders in the club (excluding you of course)?
Paddy Harman is without doubt the best fielder. He is as good as any I've seen within the club and the Surrey Leagues.
[Email to J.Gates] Gatesy sorry to interrupt you this Friday 2pm but are you satisfied that Alan Cope is working hard today?
[From J Gates] I’VE HEARD HE’S DOING AN INTERVIEW FOR YOU! He’s currently talking to me about Hansen discussing the test series in New Zealand………………..
Bog standard working day at Headstart Advisers – invest your money with Headstart people! [Back to A.Cope]
How do you view our Cricketer Cup progress and chances in the next few years?
There seems to be a general feeling of disappointment coming from above regarding the fact that we keep 'underperforming' (not winning finals isn't exactly underperforming). This is still a very inexperienced team that is building towards great things. I don't think we are there yet, but if we keep getting to semis and finals we will start winning and regularly. The other aspect was the manner in which we played, whilst I agree that we don't want to be called 'yobs' or be known as 'the loud mouthed chavs' Cranleigh, the Cricketer Cup is becoming increasingly competitive and there is less room for being the most polite gentlemen at all times. It's play hard cricket these days, without the Saturday fierce sledging.
I don't think anyone is criticising the performance last year which was excellent and we were close to winning the final too. There were a couple of instances of excessive appealing which were complained about by one or two spectators but it was no more serious than that and it has been dealt with. The feeling about the Cricketer Cup side is very positive now.
Which county or international cricketer would you most liken yourself to?
When I was younger and could bowl, I always aspired to be a poor man's Jaques Kallis.
I've said it before and will say it again. You bowled extraordinary legspin as a seven-year-old in the Blackheath nets. You could have been the next Ian Salisbury.
I really wish I had continued, both because I was a lot better at that than I ever was a seamer, and my back may well have lasted a little longer too.
Ok, let's return to OC touring because for a man of your years you have really notched them up – India, SA & Zambia, St Lucia and some Sarasota's. Give me your view on touring, picking one randomly... Zambia?
With touring and touring with the OC's its not necessarily the destination that is important. Obviously that is the initial lure that brings people to the table. But it is the diversity of people, age groups and cricketing ability that makes these tours so special! You end up becoming very good mates with people twice your age (and sometimes more) or that you would never otherwise meet let alone become close to (some of the precarious coach journeys in Zambia, India, and St Lucia will eternally bond you together as the fear of death takes over). Whilst we didn't play any cricket in Zambia, it was an incredible cultural experience for all. With Victoria Falls a stone's throw from our hotel rooms, monkeys stealing food at the breakfast table and Zebra often walking through the pool area. Throw in the White Water Rafting down the Zambezi and the best New Year's party of all time. What more can one ask for?!
You kindly saved my life in the Zambezi. Thanks, decent of you. Now on the subject of that epic NY Eve party would you fill in the following gaps please...
"At around 8pm and before anyone was drunk, I, Alan Cope unzipped my _____ and unleashed my _________. I looked around for some unsuspecting ______ and approached them with my ________ on display wondering if they would notice. One of the girls happened to be English and immediately recognised not my face but my __________. It was an extraordinary coincidence"
Very good Hendo, very good! I can confirm that this was one of the most extraordinary coincidences of all time! Probably best that the gaps are left unfilled/that paragraph is left out all together!
Yes of course, I'll leave that paragraph out don't worry. Did you kiss Louise Chetwode that night?
Hmmm, that I cannot confirm.
Ok the OCCC dinner party question – 1 over 40, 1 under 25, one WAG and a wild card. There is vintage Bordeaux on the sideboard, some of the finest food known to man on the menu, velvet smoking jackets... who do you invite?
Mike Chetwode would be my over 40! My favourite OC. Bradley Scriven would be my under 25 - as he'll bring along some suitable girls for the after dinner activities. Melissa Johnson or Holly Henderson for WAG. Nathan Ross (AKA Random) for Wild Card.
Good selection. Let's look at the OCCC youngsters for a minute. There is a tremendous crop of under 23's. Who do you have high hopes for coming through not necessarily on the pure cricket front but who in 30 years time might be OC legends.
I think Huggy (James Harrison) is definitely going to be an OC legend (not sure if he is still under 23!) And Chitty definitely looks like he has potential too! Both the Scrivens, Burgess and Rollings will be the core of the Cricketer Cup team for many a year to come!
Ok a bit of quickfire... :
The best dressed? Chetters
The Charmer? Paddy Harman
The Oddest? Curly Craven or Damien Hill. Have you not met Paul Vickers?
The one most likely to end up in prison? Copleston. No initial needed.
The future OC captain? Huggy Harrison
Which qualities do you hope people see in Alan Cope the man?
Wow, that's deep Hendo. I guess, hopefully, a team player both on and off the field, not a complete waste of talent, still with some big knocks left for the OC's, fun loving and up for most things (that are legal).
Copey, thank you. Good luck for the season, I am sure there are more OC hundreds in the pipeline. Thanks for your contribution on and off the pitch to OCCC in the last 7 years.
 |
| Alan Cope on his way to a hundred in India |
I believe I made my debut as a 15 year old (so if my maths doesn't let me down, 10 years ago...) in a successful Brewers Cup Final v Hurstpierpoint Old Boys. Again if I remember correctly, this also was my first night out in London... memories of drinking out of the cup (that went missing and never to be found) will remain with me forever..
Roll forward three years from that and you were on tour in India with us as an 18 year old. I think it was there that someone coined the nickname 'George Best' for you. Remind me why that was and was it fair?
I was indeed. I joined the tour party from Perth where I was playing cricket on my gap year. The nickname was coined by Hobbs, Copleston and Rosenfeldt, for an apparent improvement in performance directly correlating to the increased amount of boozing on the prior evening... something George Best was well versed in.
Is the nickname still apt for the seasoned, mid-twenties Alan Cope?
I believe so. I went through probably my most unsuccessful season for the OC's last year, having prepared 'properly' in the modern day professional sense of the word, for every game. I can assure you that I will score a lot more runs this year in the Cricketer Cup, and it won't come via quiet, early nights.
Since your year we have pulled in a lot of the leavers from School each year and hopefully they enjoy it and stick around. What appealed to you about OC cricket when you first got involved?
I think having a much older brother I've always enjoyed socializing with people a lot older than me. Throw in some great people, some great experiences and a good standard of cricket played in the correct manner you have a stunning package!
Good to hear! Going back to India you scored a fine hundred in Goa which the discerning Tristan Rosenfeldt cited as one of the best innings he has seen. Is that your finest OC innings and do any others stand out?
I think it probably was to be honest, although I think a 70 odd in a run chase setting up the win against Harrow in our first year in the Cricketer Cup was a close 2nd there.. I think they are probably the only two innings' I've played for the OC's of any worth to be honest... I promise more in the years to come!
 |
| Celebrating a catch at the Cricketer Cup final |
Anyone but Tom Crump, his strike rate applies pressure and lack of aesthetically pleasing strokes pains the eyes. That said, he has been one of the more successful OC batters in recent history, and we wouldn't have got to the finals we have done without him.
Well that brings us incredibly neatly to the most important question of the day. Tom Crump – you're old Loughborough uni flatmate... goodness knows what that means he will have seen – and Matthew Crump your old mucker. You now live with both of them. Seriously, which one do you like best?
They are both a nightmare to live with. I guess Matt just pips it as I see him marginally less often.
Hmm, diplomatic. You have stopped short of coming out and saying 'Matt Crump is the better bloke.' It's ok it starts to get a bit awkward, we're dealing with human emotions, people get hurt I understand that. So, which one of the three of you will get married first?
Would have to say me, as God help me if I haven't tied the knot with someone before those two!! However, Rog (Tom) has been seeing rather a lot of one particular OC ball attendee lately, so we'll see how that develops. One thing is for sure, I very much doubt I'll be in the running for best man after this interview.
Not for poor Tom no, you've crucified him. You may as well name the girl now? No I really can't. So back to cricket. You need to score 16 from the last over, which OC bowler do you choose to face?
I'll stick with the housemate theme and say Matt Crump, as you'll get at least 6 of those runs in wides alone.
Good of you not to choose Gates like everyone else does!
Well, seeing as he is sat opposite me I feel I can't, and with his record in Sarasota it would actually be a lie saying i'd like to face him.
Who would you say are the best fielders in the club (excluding you of course)?
Paddy Harman is without doubt the best fielder. He is as good as any I've seen within the club and the Surrey Leagues.
[Email to J.Gates] Gatesy sorry to interrupt you this Friday 2pm but are you satisfied that Alan Cope is working hard today?
 |
| Male bonding in St Lucia |
[From J Gates] I’VE HEARD HE’S DOING AN INTERVIEW FOR YOU! He’s currently talking to me about Hansen discussing the test series in New Zealand………………..
Bog standard working day at Headstart Advisers – invest your money with Headstart people! [Back to A.Cope]
How do you view our Cricketer Cup progress and chances in the next few years?
There seems to be a general feeling of disappointment coming from above regarding the fact that we keep 'underperforming' (not winning finals isn't exactly underperforming). This is still a very inexperienced team that is building towards great things. I don't think we are there yet, but if we keep getting to semis and finals we will start winning and regularly. The other aspect was the manner in which we played, whilst I agree that we don't want to be called 'yobs' or be known as 'the loud mouthed chavs' Cranleigh, the Cricketer Cup is becoming increasingly competitive and there is less room for being the most polite gentlemen at all times. It's play hard cricket these days, without the Saturday fierce sledging.
I don't think anyone is criticising the performance last year which was excellent and we were close to winning the final too. There were a couple of instances of excessive appealing which were complained about by one or two spectators but it was no more serious than that and it has been dealt with. The feeling about the Cricketer Cup side is very positive now.
Which county or international cricketer would you most liken yourself to?
When I was younger and could bowl, I always aspired to be a poor man's Jaques Kallis.
I've said it before and will say it again. You bowled extraordinary legspin as a seven-year-old in the Blackheath nets. You could have been the next Ian Salisbury.
I really wish I had continued, both because I was a lot better at that than I ever was a seamer, and my back may well have lasted a little longer too.
Ok, let's return to OC touring because for a man of your years you have really notched them up – India, SA & Zambia, St Lucia and some Sarasota's. Give me your view on touring, picking one randomly... Zambia?
 |
| George Best |
You kindly saved my life in the Zambezi. Thanks, decent of you. Now on the subject of that epic NY Eve party would you fill in the following gaps please...
"At around 8pm and before anyone was drunk, I, Alan Cope unzipped my _____ and unleashed my _________. I looked around for some unsuspecting ______ and approached them with my ________ on display wondering if they would notice. One of the girls happened to be English and immediately recognised not my face but my __________. It was an extraordinary coincidence"
Very good Hendo, very good! I can confirm that this was one of the most extraordinary coincidences of all time! Probably best that the gaps are left unfilled/that paragraph is left out all together!
Yes of course, I'll leave that paragraph out don't worry. Did you kiss Louise Chetwode that night?
Hmmm, that I cannot confirm.
Ok the OCCC dinner party question – 1 over 40, 1 under 25, one WAG and a wild card. There is vintage Bordeaux on the sideboard, some of the finest food known to man on the menu, velvet smoking jackets... who do you invite?
Mike Chetwode would be my over 40! My favourite OC. Bradley Scriven would be my under 25 - as he'll bring along some suitable girls for the after dinner activities. Melissa Johnson or Holly Henderson for WAG. Nathan Ross (AKA Random) for Wild Card.
Good selection. Let's look at the OCCC youngsters for a minute. There is a tremendous crop of under 23's. Who do you have high hopes for coming through not necessarily on the pure cricket front but who in 30 years time might be OC legends.
I think Huggy (James Harrison) is definitely going to be an OC legend (not sure if he is still under 23!) And Chitty definitely looks like he has potential too! Both the Scrivens, Burgess and Rollings will be the core of the Cricketer Cup team for many a year to come!
The best dressed? Chetters
The Charmer? Paddy Harman
The Oddest? Curly Craven or Damien Hill. Have you not met Paul Vickers?
The one most likely to end up in prison? Copleston. No initial needed.
The future OC captain? Huggy Harrison
Which qualities do you hope people see in Alan Cope the man?
Wow, that's deep Hendo. I guess, hopefully, a team player both on and off the field, not a complete waste of talent, still with some big knocks left for the OC's, fun loving and up for most things (that are legal).
Copey, thank you. Good luck for the season, I am sure there are more OC hundreds in the pipeline. Thanks for your contribution on and off the pitch to OCCC in the last 7 years.
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