Today we have a sit down with head of cricket, Dave Shanks. He has been a big part of all the improvements made over the last few seasons and oversees most everything at the club.

Now Shanks, another man who’s hard to pin down. How have you been getting on?

All good thanks mate, busy with work and having fun DJing in lockdown (check me out on YO1 radio every Saturday from 10pm)

Before we start, can we put to bed rumours that you were set to step away from cricket to play golf this summer?

Oofft straight in and on the spot...
I have been advised by my management team to only confirm I am committed to RCC then, now and forever

As well as being an amateur golfer, we also know you as a part time DJ, full time banker and having a seat on nearly every committee going. Is there any other activity that you aspire to turn your hand to?

The one thing I’ve always fancied is to get a pilots licence, might be later in life though

On to cricket now, you’ve been involved with Rufforth for a while now. What has drawn you in to the club?

The family feel, it’s an awesome group of lads that play and those who support off the field too. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else

When you started the role as head of cricket you’ve been critical in improving the club, what do you think has been the best improvement you’ve been involved with?

Would have to be the graft put into the square at year end. The chat and excitement from everyone that we were making improvements was brilliant and we can’t wait for the season now.

And now, what’s your biggest aspiration for the club going forward?

My dream would be to have us fully setup with static net facilities, electronic scoreboard and finally to work with the playing fields association to have a full bar facility upstairs. Big dream but I really believe it’s achievable to make us the club of choice in the area. This would lead to junior cricket at the club again, which is really my end goal.

If being head of cricket isn’t enough you’re also the second team captain, what are your hopes for the team this coming season?

I believe we will be very competitive this season and am setting the goal of promotion for us

Any personal goals as well for the season?

I’ve said this the last 2 seasons....more runs! But I’ve ended up bowling more than expected. You know what they say about rubbish bowling!

We’ve drilled you for a few questions so to end on a lighter note, and as a couple of wrestling fans. What would your wrestling character be called and what’s your finisher?

My finisher would be the figure four leg lock, such an underrated move
Couldn’t think of a name so I did a generator and got....
Kaito “red rain of pain” steel

Huge thanks to the "red rain of pain" for his time. Some lofty ambitions lined up for the club which will be echoed and supported by all those involved at RCC.

With little over a month until the start of the cricket season (COVID permitting), stay tuned to the RCC website for more interviews with key badgers ahead of an exciting season of cricket.

Stay Safe,