Robert Holdsworth - Me and my mate Craig

By Samantha Shilton

Robert Holdsworth, 23, was given the honour of being named Man of the Match for the home game against Denby Dale in April 2009. Holdsworth managed to hit 64 runs, outlasting several of his other teammates and batting for a large portion of the game. “It had to be Rob who got Man of the Match for Sunday’s game. His batting was the key to our success,” said first team captain Craig Gardner.

Name: Robert Holdsworth

Age: 23

Nickname: Rob, I guess.

Position at club: I’m the vice-captain of the first team, and I’m usually the opening batter.

How long have you been connected with the club: It’s about 7 or 8 years now.

How did this come about: Well I went to the same school as Craig [Gardner], Castle Hall in Mirfield, and I actually used to play for another local team but was sort of persuaded to come to Hopton. I wasn’t poached from another team or anything like that; I just thought it’d be better to play with Craig because he was one of my mates, so here I am.

Favourite cricketer: I follow the Yorkshire and England teams, and my favourite cricketer has got to be Andrew Flintoff, it’s always entertaining to watch him play.

Favourite sportsman/woman: Tiger Woods, because I really enjoy watching him play.

Favourite TV programme: It’s probably Deal or No Deal actually; it’s a very entertaining programme, although they do get a bit carried away sometimes. But it can get quite tense towards the end which is good to watch.

Favourite pastime: Football, I think, watching and playing. Although I support Huddersfield Town and they’re playing OK, nothing special though.

What music do you like: Indie and Rock, I’d say, Kings of Leon are probably my favourite band at the minute. I went to see them just before Christmas in Sheffield, very good.

Favourite film: Snatch. I’ve watched it loads of times but it’s still a great film.

If you could invite any 3 people in the world over for dinner, who would you choose and why: I’d have Andrew Flintoff round for tea, he seems like an interesting bloke who I’d be able to have some good conversations with. Jennifer Lopez can come too because she’s beautiful, and David Lloyd the cricket commentator because he’s very funny.

What type of food would you serve: Indian, a nice curry. Nothing too hot, but definitely more than a korma.

What drinks would you serve: Champagne.

Best attribute in people, or particularly cricketers: Team spirit.

Worst attribute: Players who are selfish.

What is your biggest pet peeve: Ignorance, and people who are dismissive. Arrogance as well, I can’t stand arrogant people.

Highlight of your working life: Well I’m out of work at the minute, but probably when I qualified as an electrician, that’s been the biggest highlight.

What is your favourite thing about summer: Being able to wear less clothes, the sun coming out, and the fact that summer seems to put everybody in a better mood.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would you have with you: My iPod.