Under the Spotlight: Ben Naylor
We haven't seen you donning the Walkovers colours this season Ben, what's happened?
Unfortunately, the advancing years shown in my face has now caught up with my knees. I had to undergo a minor operation in Southampton and am about to undergo physio. It is hoped that I may get involved towards the later end of the season. Have you been missing me?
Not really, just noticed how quiet it has become without you on the field! You still like to take part in the socials though, any that particularly stand out??
Yes, I’m always up for a good time especially when drink is involved! A particular highlight of mine was the Walkovers Poker Championship, knocking out the supposed poker legend Jake Patel on the way to winning the event. I was everybody’s favourite person that night for knocking Jake out!
Very true, Jake is one of those players people 'love to hate'!! Do you think this is a charge that has ever been levelled at you??
Most definitely. At times I’m a wind up merchant! I may wind people up, but, an interesting fact is that I have never been punched in the face! I’m sure a lot of people couldn’t say that!
That is a revelation! How about slapped by any of the ladies??
I have yes, but it was a number of years ago now. I can’t think of any other occasions that I have been slapped but it may have happened when I’ve been drunk and can’t remember it!
So you have obviously grown up now!? Does this mean any friendly 'banter' with Cowling is over?
I wouldn’t say that I have grown up totally and I’m a 100% positive that any friendly ‘banter’ between Cowling and myself will continue. After all, we were the only two Walkovers members still standing at the end of the Christmas do, it was more disappointing on this occasion that Andrew Bouchard couldn’t handle his Carling vodka’s and had to go home early, but, I suppose it is a step up from his Bitter shandy!
We heard that Andrew was 'strutting his stuff' on the dance floor that night!?
I think you were misinformed, last I saw of him was in Traders when he was falling asleep. I think Rochey had to take him home shortly after.
Ah Rochey, many people have compared you two to each other - what would you say your similarities are??
I think the similarities are that we are the same age, natural sportsmen, and both like a drink. I definitely don’t have Rochey’s infamous anger issues on a Sunday night at the wreck after twelve beers in the St John’s pub!
Haha fair enough, each to their own! Just to finish, where do you see Walkovers in ten years time and will you be a part of it?
I hope so, I think I need to give Walkovers a full season without an injury or taking time off to study. In my opinion, Walkovers in ten years time will be dominating Jersey cricket, It’s just a question of how far they want to go. Hopefully, the junior set up will come good and we will have some gems coming through the system and into the teams, leaving the likes of Jake Patel to create an over 50’s team!
