News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Chris McArthur - getting to know you...

Chris McArthur - getting to know you...

UCC Admin29 Mar 2017 - 05:42
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.uptoncricketclub.c

Q&A ahead of his arrival on Sunday

Ahead of his arrival on Sunday (2nd April), we caught up with our overseas player for the 2017 season, Chris McArthur to find out a little bit more about him...

So Chris, what attracted you to come to the UK and join Upton for the 2017 season?
Firstly i'd say the love of cricket, I’ve been playing since I was little kid back in Sydney, I've probably spent more time on the field training and playing than I did with the books at school… don’t tell my mother she’ll kill me….

Honestly, I just couldn’t get enough of sport whether it was cricket, tennis, golf, football or rubgy - I just couldn’t get enough it.

I'd also contribute my recent love of travelling courtesy of my trip to visit my brother in Canada last year as another reason for me wanting to go travelling again. The minute I got home from Canada I began saving and planning for my next trip.

And when Chadd asked me if I wanted to play cricket in England he has the perfect club for me, I decided then and there that the UK would be my next trip. I couldn’t have said yes quick enough!

Looking from afar, what’s been your first impressions of the club and what do you know about Upton Cricket Club?
I don’t know too much just yet, only from what Andy, Jez and Tom have told me from our Skype Meeting, and also from what Chadd and some other boys who’ve been to Liverpool have told me and have heard nothing but positive words from everyone, I’ve spent a little bit of time on the website and the Facebook page looking at as much as I can, from all I’ve seen and heard I honestly can’t wait to meet everyone and get stuck into it all whether its off the field or on the field.

Is this your first experience of playing overseas, and if so, what are you looking to gain from it?
I've played a little bit of cricket and football a long time ago when I was living in South Africa for around 6 Months which was an awesome experience. However this will be my first full season playing outside of Australia.

As for what I’m looking to get out of it at this stage:

  • Off the field I would have to say from things like meeting new people and making as many new mates as I can and enjoying spending time with my new team mates.
  • On field: Training as much as I can and giving everything I can, to trying my best to help my team be successful in the upcoming season, and also giving something back to the club by helping the younger players as much as I can to ensure the future of Upton CC.

Tell us a bit about your playing style and what the Upton faithful can expect...
Well I don’t know how many of my team mates would agree with me when describing myself, but I’ve been Georges Rivers opening bat for the past 4 seasons who can also do a bit of everything (at least I seem to think so… haha) whether that be running around all day in the field, or nagging the captain all game to bring me on with the ball. Or asking to keep at every opportunity…

Honestly I just love the game and love contributing as much as I can every game. And just want to do everything…

How’s your season gone in Australia?
I’m sure all the boys would agree with me on this, Collectively it was a decent season with a lot of quality individual performances at many different stages throughout the season but was unfortunately halted due to unfortunate circumstances in bad weather making an unwanted appearance and were denied the opportunity to fight for our spot in the Big One.

What’s been your proudest moment in cricket?
I’d have to say Winning Back to Back Premierships For U/24’s Georges River last year and the year before is definitely up there, but just being able to play with so many guys that have since become some of my closest friends and shared many great memories on and off the field who’s friendships with live with me forever.

What’s your ‘wind down’ strategy after a game?
Really enjoy going for a swim after a hot day playing cricket, it doesn’t happen often but thoroughly enjoy winding down with a trip to the beach or my best mates backyard pool, I suspect that wont be an option due to the lovely weather you guys have here in Liverpool.

I usually just hang back at the ground with the lads having a few drinks and relaxing while doing fines and doing my best to not get the award for the worst performance of the round or ‘Muppet of the week”

Outside of training and playing, what are you looking at gaining from this experience?
Am hoping to do a bit of local travelling during the season if possible to places like Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and more locally like London and Manchester, so i can see as much of the local sites as possible, and any other places some of the boys may suggest, Basically just want to experience the best of the UK see as much of it as i can while the opportunity is there.

Outside of cricket, what other interests do you have?
Really enjoy watching sport any chance i get, love catching up with mates, getting out and about with them whenever i can but due to my old job that can be hard sometimes with the hours you work so then i'd usual spend some free time either playing video games in my free time or watching movies or a TV series on Netflix.

Chris will be arriving late Sunday afternoon and the club will be open from 4pm to welcome him to UCC

Further reading