Stefan joined us in 2023 and quickly became a valuable member of the 1st XI. His impact was immediate, swooping to effect a run out for our first wicket of the league season in our win against Marlow. With the bat he scored 359 runs at an average of 51.3 including his maiden century for Chenies.

At the AGM, Stefan was elected as our new Chairman of Cricket. I sat down with Stefan for a beer and to ask him about his new role:

DB: Hi Stef, congratulations on being elected as the Chairman of Cricket. What do you see at the club that made you want to take this role on?

SS: Thanks Dave. I’ve only been a member here for one season so far, but I see a club with so much potential. We have great people, talented players, a fantastic committee running the club and we have a beautiful ground with excellent playing and training facilities.
We also have a brilliant colts section across both genders and this bodes well for the future of the club as those colts transition into adult cricket. From what I can see, the club has been great at giving colts their opportunity in senior cricket and I’m keen to see this continue.

DB: So, what will you be doing in your role?

SS: I primarily see my role as being the representative of the players on the committee, so I appeal to all players – if you have something to bring to the club’s attention then get in touch. Also, as a new member, hopefully I can bring some new ideas and a different perspective to the club. I was previously a member at Eastcote, a bigger club than Chenies, but Chenies are growing and need to take on some practices of bigger clubs, and I aim to help with that, drawing on my experiences in various captaincy, coaching and committee roles I did at Eastcote.

DB: OK, what about the cricket?

SS: There’s so much potential in our playing strength – all 3 Saturday sides and the Women can be successful in their respective leagues, remembering that the Sunday XI is an important part of that in terms of providing practice and an environment for colts to get used to senior cricket. I appeal to all players to give the captains (Tom, Ian, Gaurav, Amelia and Roshan) your full support and the club can go far, and moreover everyone can have fun on the field of play – that’s why we all play – to enjoy ourselves! My role is to help the captains achieve this success in whatever way I can.

DB: Sounds great – is there anything else?

SS: I also want to build a club where players can enjoy themselves off the field. To that end I’m really keen to get the social aspect of the club going – more post match socials involving all players. The acquisition of the pool table is a great start, and a facility we can use to promote social activity at the club, but we could do so much more. The other facility we could do much more with is the bar – I’m keen to see the bar modernised so that players and members make more use of it. This would generate a better club community, but also create extra revenue.

DB: Thanks Stef – we look forward to seeing your ideas come to fruition

SS: Thanks Dave, and I wish everyone a fun, happy and successful season.

Stef lives in Little Chalfont with his wife of 8 years, Selina who Stef says does well to put up with him! They have 2 girls, Anya (9) and Ella(5).
Here are a few facts and favourites etc to help you get to know Stef:

Occupation: Police officer
Place of Birth: Northwick Park
Favourite Season: 2003, I skippered half the season and scored a few runs. Also 2010 played in a cracking team where we came 3rd in the Premier league
When I was young, I wanted to be: Believe it or not, a police officer
Football team I support: Don't have one. Do like the Premier League though.
My hero was: Arnold Swarzenegger
My first car: Toyota Carolla
My first job: Barman at Wetherspoons
First Single bought: 500 miles
First Album bought: Proclaimers (I honestly don't know why.)
My all time favourite album/CD: Thriller by Michael Jackson
first Concert / Gig: Cold Play
I would most like to meet: Arnold Swarzenegger
Favourite food: Sea food
Favourite UK holiday spot: Weymouth
Favourite holiday abroad: Sri Lanka
Favourite restaurant: Crab Café
Favourite pub: Red Lion
Favourite TV programme: Last of Us
Favourite Movie: Predator
Sporting interests (other than cricket): Kung Fu
Favourite Cricketer: Brian Lara
Favourite cricketing memory: Scoring 163* in the league
Hobbies: Kung Fu, Gym
Most embarrassing moment: I've got many. Farted teaching a class last week. These things happen.
Most memorable moment: Wedding day, Kids being born.
I would not want to be stuck in a lift with: Someone smelly
My biggest fear: being circles by sharks and there is no way out
What is top of your bucket list: I've done a fair few of mine already. See my kids grow old and happy.