An Interview with…………Darren Laughton

Darren Laughton took over the unenviable and difficult task of captaining the Second Eleven after four years of triumph – finishing Champions each time. Two promotions pushed the team to within one division of our First Eleven and with the exception of Old Northamptonians (who were subsequently promoted), we were the only second string side in Division Two - the highest level that Wollaston Seconds has ever played.

2004 was a different story! With only two wins all season we finished bottom and were relegated back to Division 3. It was hard going for the new captain and perhaps not what he had in mind when he took over. Has it put him off? Does he regret doing the job? After several moths reflecting, what does he think now? Will he do it again?

Was this your first experience as captain?

The first time at senior level although I captained several youth sides at Irchester and Wellingborough Town.

Did you think we would struggle? I knew it would be hard but never thought we would come bottom.

Did you enjoy the season? The majority of it. Obviously there were high and low points over the season.

Was there any time when you wanted to pack it in? No, obviously a lot of thoughts went through my mind from time to time but I never once considered it. As we really didn’t play to our potential I was always hopeful that the next win was only a week away.

What were the “highs” and “lows”? The highs included the two wins (O.Gs and Saints) and the team spirit and support within the team. The lowest point was at teatime at Towcester following the pathetic and lack lustre performance in the field. Everyone seemed to have lost interest and then we were facing 234 to win! It was our body language that sent out the wrong message. 

Which element of the captaincy is the most enjoyable? The all-round responsibility all day on Saturdays’.

And the least enjoyable? Ringing players up to tell them they are dropped.

Why do you think we struggled and subsequently relegated?: I think is was a combination of things. Our pre-season games were cancelled, nets were poorly attended and we got walloped in our first game. We didn’t recover from the bad start. We also came very close to several wins in the latter part of the season but things didn’t just go our way.

What do we need to do then? Pre-season practice is very important but we need to take early wickets and get at their middle order. When batting first we need to post bigger totals so we can put the game virtually beyond reach of the opposition, which puts more pressure on their batters. We need to control the game more.

Can the Club do anything different off the pitch to make your job easier? I think we need to agree our selection policy and make it clear at the AGM, also we could possibly increase the number of selectors from three, to bring in an extra voice or two.  Other than that I think the Club runs very well.

Where do you think we will finish next season? Given the run of the ball, in the top five.

Would you do it again? Yes!