Steve Stolk has made a massive impression both on and off the field so far in Waringstown.
We caught up with him at The Lawn to discuss how he has enjoyed life in the village so far, and captured his favourite moments on the field – Editor’s note – Steve picked his favourite innings before THAT century on Saturday at Shaw’s Bridge
You’ve been here in Waringstown for around three months now. How have you found the area to live in?
Waringstown is a great place to live in, I’ve settled in very well, it’s a beautiful small town with a great community.
How does living here in Northern Ireland compare to where you were in England last year?It’s not
too much different to be fair, both are small villages/towns with great people and both are very welcoming
Have you had much chance to visit many places outside Waringstown so far?
I have travelled quite a bit outside Waringstown, mostly north coast, Belfast and Newcastle.
I know you have attended several churches in your time here so far. How important is your faith in your life?
Faith is the most important thing in my life and being able to have a church community over here is so good to just grow more in my faith and being able to have a lot of conversations about Christianity has been brilliant
You have already brought up some significant milestones in your career so far, including that fastest 50 in the under-19 World Cup. What are your ultimate ambitions in the game?
I would love to play
international cricket and also play some of the global t20 leagues if that is God’s plan for my life
Do you see your future in white ball cricket or do you have red ball ambitions as well?
I have actually never played a first class game so wouldn’t know how it is but I have always said I would love to play all three formats of the game, all with various different challenges.
The Waringstown batting unit has been pretty consistent this year. How impressed have you been with their abilities and did it take you by surprise?
The team has just been brilliant in every aspect of the game, I have been rather impressed of how professional everything is run and managed and also impressed by the standard of each player in the team, everyone having a great cricket ability
Have you encountered many of the other overseas players here in the NCU before? Has any opposition player stood out?
I have played against or with a couple of the overseas players and they are all great lads, Neil Brand who has captained South Africa before has had another great season and just shows again the class player he is
What has been your favourite innings for Waringstown so far?
There’s been a couple of innings I’ve enjoyed a lot, probably the most important one was against Lisburn in a quarter final match which was rain affected and Humey took six wickets, myself and Denny had to get the total rather quick before the rain came back and would’ve washed the match out, so being able to get the runs quick enough was special.
You have made some important contributions with the ball. How important is developing your bowling going forward?
Definitely important, I would love to be considered a genuine all rounder and love bowling, and also just love contributing to the team in every aspect.
You have been a very popular presence around the Lawn. Would you be interested in returning next summer?
I absolutely love being around The Lawn, it’s a great place to be with great people, I would love to play with the boys again in the future