Jonathan Hodge
by John Westerby
(written in 1997)

Jonny Hodge loves the blonde one in the Spice Girls. Jonny Hodge, as the chairman frequently observes, loves Castlemaine XXXX. Jonny Hodge also loves Mirfield Cricket Club. 

It is more than two years since a shortish lad with a fine South African suntan and slightly less hair than an 18 year old should have, returned to his home town having lived in Johannesburg for the previous five years. 

Jonny admits to being a bit worried about leaving what had become home. Not surprisingly for an 18 year old, it took him a short while to settle in. He even claims to have been a bit quiet for a while after getting here. 

There was perhaps further trepidation that his first team captain was a school teacher, but one of his first impression upon arriving was of the rapport Dave Jackson had with young and old alike. 

This attribute may equally be ascribed to Jonny. Whilst obviously popular among his peers, a respect and liking for his elders has endeared him to all. The ability to combine these attributes should not be underestimated as a contribution to club harmony. 

As his club in South Africa, the famous Wanderers of Johannesburg, does not enjoy such harmony, Jonny values it highly. When asked what has brought him back to Mirfield for 3 summers, he answers, "Everybody gets on, Everybody is interested in how others have got on". 

And then, like a politician on the campaign trail, he adds, "There's no room for prima donnas at Mirfield" – Hodgey hath spoken. 

However, Jonny feels very lucky to play at the Wanderers. As a 14 year old, he recognised tremendous role models such as Roy Pienaar and Daryl Cullinan, and was taken under the wing of the Wanderers chief coach, Peter Stringer. Jonny says he was no great shakes on arriving, but was influenced by Stringer (formerly of Yorkshire CCC), his work ethic and technical perfectionism. 

South Africans on the whole take net practice more seriously than us lot; this, Jonny believes, along with the widespread use of time cricket, contributes to South Africa's relatively healthy standing in world cricket.

Jonny's dedication paid off to the extent that in 1995 Stringer recommended him to the Yorkshire Academy. 

Now things didn't quite work out in that respect. His confidence fell as he struggled to adjust to English pitches, and his run tally in his first ten games for Mirfield 1^st X1 was about as impressive as his time over 100 metres. Still, Treacle boots batted on and scored heavily in the seconds, including 114 at Slazengers

Last season he averaged over 30 in the second team, and once again entertained everyone with his running between the wickets. Everyone, that is, except his partner. 

Jonny agrees that he has underachieved at Mirfield, and his lack of power on slower wickets led him to play shots he couldn't and shouldn't play. 

Nevertheless, the positives of his years back in Mirfield by far outweigh the negatives. He is a fully paid up member of the club social brigade, although his card playing leaves a lot to be desired, and his curry house order is onions chips and rice. 

But he really does give a XXXX (several actually) for the social life of the club. This has further benefits, Jonny believes: "If you've got a good atmosphere, you tend to do better on the field" 

Hodgey has played a big part in the resurgent atmosphere of the clubhouse these past two summers. We’ll have him back again any time.