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Mark Bamford captain of Chichester Priory Park has taken the time to answer a few questions to show what is important to him about club cricket captaincy.

1/ When did you become captain and why?

With my intrinsic capabilities as a superb administrator, I was destined to become captain back in 2009! We have had a number of captains in the last few years and without any of them wanting to stay in the role for a prolonged period of time since Nick Dyer it almost became my 'turn' to take it on as one of the senior members of the team. The role of captaincy was not a new one to me as I had done the job at Exeter University when Richard Dawson was unavailable through injury/ Yorkshire commitments. Back in the mid to late 90s (my favourite era!) I had spent many years being captain of junior Shropshire and Staffordshire sides too. The reasons for continuing as captain are now no longer due to necessity as it was when first appointed, but now due to a desire to do the job.

2/ Is the role what you expected it to be?

Yes, but only once you start the job do you realise just what else the job entails. Captaincy on the field is essentially about decision making and leadership and in many ways is the easiest aspect of the job as you are able to call upon previous experiences having played so much cricket. Having an ex-professional cricketer and a really supportive vice-captain helps immeasurably too. The area where I have experienced more difficulty is with the organisation of the actual team and having to cope with the late withdrawals of players through injury in the days preceding a Saturday fixture. This in itself is not that difficult as you can take someone from the second X1, but i am all too aware what impact this has on them and then consequently on the 3rd X1 as the 2nd X1 will pinch someone from them! 

3/ What is the most enjoyable part of captaining your club?

I like being in charge! Although there have been occasions when the job is not enjoyable. I recall a cup fixture a couple of years ago where we couldn’t locate our premier bowler 30 minutes before the game was due to commence. It transpires that he had spent the night in Bognor with a 2 out of 10 and we had to pick him up at the roadside. It has to be the largest walk of shame in history (7 miles). It would be fair to say that there a number of ‘loose cannons’ at our fine club!

4/ What was your most memorable win at the club either as captain or before you took over?

Without the risk of ‘blowing my own trumpet’, there have been a number of games where my own performances have influenced the result and consequently these are the ones that remain most vivid in my memory! In 2005 against Eastbourne in my second game back after a season missed due to glandular fever I scored 135 not out against a good bowling attack (4 of the bowlers played for Sussex) out of a team total of 225 and we went on to win the game by a narrow margin.

From a team point of view my most memorable win has to be the home win against Steyning in 2005 that sealed the Sussex Premier League title. I think I scored 12 from 4 balls, but the evening entertainments that ensued were for more memorable. Who can forget Jes Goode roaming around Oving at 5 in the morning and Craig Primmer being ejected from Thursdays (a real must for any budding nightclub enthusiast) for doing chin ups and maiming the faces of about five women with his flailing size 12s in the process?

Since being made captain, we have recorded a number of fine wins, but the one I would go for would be the game that sealed promotion back to the Premier League in my first year as captain. After setting a reasonable score Richard Logan and Garry Austerberry took 5 wickets each in bowling the opposition (St. James) out for 45. We even had a fly past from a Vulcan bomber on its way back for the Shoreham air show!

5/ What is your main goal as captain?

To ensure that everyone enjoys their cricket and that we have a good team spirit. However, the success of the team is paramount. I would love to win the Sussex Premier League again under my leadership!

6/ How do you find the format of cricket that you play in your league?

This is something that I do find frustrating. My understanding is that as a Premier League we need to have a minimum of 110 over match to attract funding from the ECB. I might be wrong in the regard, but this is what I have heard. Consequently, the 58/52 split with points for this and points for that and draws etc. is a format that I find less than satisfying. I would much prefer a limited overs format with win/lose and perhaps a bonus point for achieving ¾ of the first innings score for the team batting second. Limited overs games would mean that you would have to find five bowlers, rather than having an overseas player or spinner holding up one end. One could argue that this would result in a dilution of the quality of the cricket, but this would mean that teams would have to improve and could provide more opportunities for emerging talent. I also believe that fielding would improve too. I could go on with a more comprehensive analysis, but I doubt things will ever change!

7/ Who is the team badger and why?

Peter Lamb. The man loves cricket and anything associated with it. He will quite happily talk to you at great length about protein shakes and sports nutrition, but unfortunately for him the rest of the team are more interested in their nocturnal pursuits. I think it would be fair to say that Richard Browning is also a bit of a cricket badger.

8/ What plans are in place as a club to ensure that the success of your side is sustainable?

Sustainability can only be achieved through an enjoyable club atmosphere, which results in the retention of what members you have, but also in attracting prospective players to the club. The junior teams also have a huge role to play and we are fortunate at Chichester to have a thriving junior section. These juniors, as do the senior members, benefit from high quality coaching (both from club coaches and through the LCA) and the culture of maximising the potential of what you have got rather than seeking for that ‘finished article’ from other clubs is the key for future success. However, if there are any ex-pros looking for a game get in touch!