Across 30 innings in the Airedale and Wharfedale League, BWCUCC’s Tom Turner has amassed 832 runs, producing a string of performances that have made him one of the competition’s most destructive batters.
The standout came in a blistering 140 not out from just 65 balls, though it has been the consistency of his run-scoring that has made the season particularly impressive.
Then there are the sixes. Forty-three of them, to be precise – 20 more than anyone else in the league, with games left to play. It is a fairly good indication of the approach Turner has taken to his cricket this summer: see the ball, hit the ball, and preferably hit it a long way.
He has contributed with the ball, too, picking up 27 wickets with his part-time off-spin to round out a season in which he has seemingly found a way to influence games from almost every angle.
Now, with the English summer winding down, attention turns back towards Christchurch and Burnside Park, where his teammates will be hoping the form continues. We caught up with Turns before he wraps up his UK Summer to see what he has been up to.
You’re coming to a close on your overseas season now. Where have you been playing, what league are you in, and which club are you representing?
I’ve been playing for Adel Cricket Club in Leeds in the Airedale and Wharfedale League. It’s been a great experience getting stuck into proper English club cricket and being around a new group of people. The club has made me feel very welcome, and it’s been good to experience cricket in a completely different environment while still having that familiar team atmosphere you get anywhere in the world.
What’s one thing you have learned about your adopted hometown or village?
Leeds has been brilliant so far. It’s a great city with plenty going on, but probably the biggest thing I’ve learned is that everyone absolutely loves the pub. It seems to be a fairly important part of the social calendar over here, particularly after cricket. You can finish a game on a Saturday afternoon and somehow end up still talking about it several hours later with a pint in your hand. It’s been pretty easy to settle in because of that.
What’s one fun or unique fact about your club so far that outsiders wouldn’t know?
It’s Adel Cricket Club’s 150th anniversary this year, so it’s been a pretty special time to be involved with the club. There’s a real sense of history around the place, and you get the feeling that everyone takes a lot of pride in being part of something that’s been going for so long. I’m not sure they had someone travelling over from New Zealand in mind when they started the club 150 years ago, but here we are.
What’s the local pub you’ve ended up at most often, and what’s the usual order?
The Original Oak has been a pretty reliable location for me. It’s become one of those places where you end up without really planning to, particularly after cricket or when the boys are heading out. It’s a good spot to sit down, have a few drinks and relive whatever happened on the field that day — although the stories do tend to improve slightly with every pint.
What’s the best pint you’ve discovered since arriving?
Moretti has definitely been the beer of choice for me over here. It’s been pretty consistent and seems to go down particularly well after a day of cricket. I’ve tried a few different options, but once you find something you like, there’s not much point overcomplicating things. Moretti has done the job.
Who from BWCUCC do you think will have the best summer on the field, and why?
I think Oscar Jackson had a really good year with bat and ball. He’s one of those players who can influence a game in a number of different ways, and I think he more than put together a strong season. He’s got plenty of ability and he got some confidence early on, a really productive summer for the Osc.
What is your most useful travel tip since making the long haul across the globe?
Just sleep or drink as much as you can. Ideally both, although probably not at the same time. The long-haul flights are a pretty serious test of endurance, especially when you’re crossing the world, so you’ve got to find whatever works for you. Once you get here, you quickly realise the jet lag is only the beginning of the battle.
What European (or UK) trip are you looking forward to going on while abroad?
Budapest with the Burnside boys was definitely a highlight. We had a great time exploring the city, checking out the ruin bars, doing a river cruise and getting a feel for the history of the place. It was one of those trips where you don’t necessarily have a strict plan, you just wander around and see where you end up. There was plenty of good food, a few questionable decisions and some very good memories, which is probably all you can ask for from a trip with the boys.
Budapest with fellow BWCUCC player Callum Hill.
What’s been the biggest adjustment on and off the field since arriving?
Not having a car has probably been the biggest adjustment off the field. You become very good at figuring out public transport and working out how long it will actually take to get somewhere, rather than how long Google Maps tells you it should take. It’s been a good experience, though, and you learn your way around pretty quickly.
On the field, getting used to the weather has probably been the biggest challenge. You can have four seasons in the space of an afternoon, and the way cricket is played here is slightly different to what I’m used to back home. The conditions, pitches and general approach to the game have all taken a bit of getting used to, but that’s exactly why you come over and play somewhere different.
What’s been the biggest “this is proper UK club cricket” moment for you so far?
Probably playing red-ball cricket even when it’s a 50-over match. There’s something very English about turning up for a one-day game and seeing a pitch that looks like it belongs in a Test match. You quickly realise that batting time is still valued, regardless of how many overs you’re supposed to be playing.
There’s also something quite unique about the whole club-cricket culture here. You can be playing on a Saturday afternoon in front of a handful of people, but everyone is invested in the game and there’s a real sense of community around it.
What’s been your best post-match tradition or ritual so far this season?
The team song is always a good one. There’s something about everyone getting together after the game, regardless of whether you’ve won or lost, and having a bit of a laugh. The songs can get pretty competitive and the standard of singing isn’t necessarily the highlight, but that’s part of the fun.
It’s probably one of the things I’ll remember most about the season — those post-match sessions where the cricket is done and everyone is just enjoying being around each other.
Now a month in, what’s your goal for the rest of the summer?
The main goal is just to keep having fun and making memories. Obviously I want to contribute as much as I can on the field and perform well for Adel, but the whole reason for coming over was to experience something different, meet new people and make the most of the opportunity.
You only get so many chances to pack up, travel halfway around the world and play cricket in another country, so I’m trying not to take any of it for granted. If I can finish the summer having played some good cricket, made a few lifelong mates and collected plenty of stories along the way, I’ll be pretty happy.