Gordon Montgomery Fact file Q&A

• Name: Gordon Montgomery
• Club: Glendermott
• Age: 38
• Some Statistics: Won North West Senior Cup in 2005 Right hand bat, right arm medium pace, wicketkeeper, on many occasions combining all three in the same match. Two Inter Pro games for North West
• Interesting facts: Father Robert was a founding member of Glendermott. Played senior cricket for 22 years. Glendermott captain for 8 of last 10 years

Q. How did you get started in the game: It was through my father and playing at the club in the boys teams. I also went to Foyle College which had a strong cricketing tradition then. I only played for the school up until 4th form preferring to play senior club cricket from the age of 16.

Q. Early idols globally and locally: I always followed Robin Smith with interest. I remember when I was at school going down to North of Ireland for a coaching session with him Allan Lamb and Courtney Walsh.

Locally it has to be “Decker” Curry; any side with him in it is going to be tough to beat. He played us first game of the season, got 71 and I see he had another 70 odd at the weekend; he is looking as good as ever.

Q. Who had most influence on early career: At Foyle College we had Gerald McCarter and then here at the club it was John Watson; he coached the boys’ teams and no doubt was a big influence

Q.  What are your highlights? Without a doubt it has to be winning the Senior Cup in 2005 against Ballyspallen. We also lost two finals against Limavady. Maybe an even better achievement though was when we almost beat Donemana as a Section Two side only losing by 1 wicket in the semi-final.

Q. Most difficult opponents? North Down; always enjoy the games against them; they are a tough and competitive outfit. I also remember taking a terrible tanking against a North County side that contained Botha and the two Mooney's.

Q. Any regrets? Probably that I did not put more time into the game. I suppose I had a lot of natural talent, it came relatively easy to me and I enjoyed the social side of the game. Perhaps if I had put more work in who knows what might have been

Q, Future ambitions? This year for the club it has to be about survival as a Section One side. We have 4 or 5 good young players coming through, the likes of Alan Johnston, I would like to stick around and hopefully nurture them. In a couple of years I want to be just enjoying my cricket on the seconds.