Josh Digby in textbook pose, pictured by Terry Nash, his first ever coach !
Josh Digby was just seven years of age when one Friday evening, orange plastic bat in hand, he pitched up at Bashley (Rydal) ready to try his hand at Kwik cricket for the first time.
Fast forward the tape and 25 years on he’s poised to take on the Bashley captaincy in the ECB Southern Premier League.
Digby succeeds Michael Porter, who has worn the captain’s armband for the past six seasons, including 2019 when Bashley carried off the Premier Division title.
“Ports is going to be a tough act to follow, but I’ve taken on the Bashley captaincy because I want to challenge myself as a leader and it is something I haven’t had much exposure of,” he explained.
“I want to help others out as best as I can and get themselves to achieve things. The group of Bashley players we have should be hungry to do well and work hard at their games to get the best out of themselves.”
Digby, 32, will be disappointed if Bashley don’t challenge South Wilts for the honours this season, especially with at least four significant signings which the club plans to announce shortly.
Digby’s elevation to the Bashley captaincy has been down to sheer hard work and dedication, continually testing himself against better players and, away from game time, becoming a high level ECB coach.
“I joined as a seven-year old and played in Bashley’s U11s run by Terry Nash, whose son Kevin was a first team regular at the time.
“I made my fourth team debut at 13 and really struggled to start with, but a year on I began to do really well, learning a lot by playing alongside some really experienced players, something that continued aged 15 when I played for the second team.
Role models
“I was very lucky to play with Shaun Lilley, Neil Taylor, Chris Gates, John Whiting and few others, who had all made their mark in the Southern League.
“This pushed my hunger to do well for the club. Through the volume of hard work, practicing and playing against better players, I went on to make my first team debut at 17 in 2007 in a crucial match for the club, because if we lost to Andover, Bashley would have been relegated.
“I opened the batting with Andy Sexton. It was a privilege as he was a player I had always admired and learnt off.
“It was a bit up and down between first team and second team for a few years, but the standard in the Premier league was high and it took a little while to adjust, but by 2013/14 I became more of a regular player
“Having adjusted, I like to think I have done alright and have been more consistent with my batting and bowling as the years have gone by. I spent seven years playing Minor Counties for Dorset and was pretty consistent in all formats.
“I would say the role models I have come in to contact with over the years who have mentored me at different stages of my cricket journey have helped me become the player I am today.
“Don’t get me wrong, It takes hard work and dedication to get the best out of yourself and I have worked hard to get here.
“I am still learning and I love playing the game and coaching it. I am currently finishing off my Level 4 in coaching and looking to pass on my thoughts and knowledge to the younger generation.”
Digby will captain Bashley (Rydal) for the first time in Saturday’s opening warm-up match at Wokingham, while Sean Read continues in charge of Bash seconds in Premier Two.
Fast forward the tape and 25 years on he’s poised to take on the Bashley captaincy in the ECB Southern Premier League.
Digby succeeds Michael Porter, who has worn the captain’s armband for the past six seasons, including 2019 when Bashley carried off the Premier Division title.
“Ports is going to be a tough act to follow, but I’ve taken on the Bashley captaincy because I want to challenge myself as a leader and it is something I haven’t had much exposure of,” he explained.
“I want to help others out as best as I can and get themselves to achieve things. The group of Bashley players we have should be hungry to do well and work hard at their games to get the best out of themselves.”
Digby, 32, will be disappointed if Bashley don’t challenge South Wilts for the honours this season, especially with at least four significant signings which the club plans to announce shortly.
Digby’s elevation to the Bashley captaincy has been down to sheer hard work and dedication, continually testing himself against better players and, away from game time, becoming a high level ECB coach.
“I joined as a seven-year old and played in Bashley’s U11s run by Terry Nash, whose son Kevin was a first team regular at the time.
“I made my fourth team debut at 13 and really struggled to start with, but a year on I began to do really well, learning a lot by playing alongside some really experienced players, something that continued aged 15 when I played for the second team.
Role models
“I was very lucky to play with Shaun Lilley, Neil Taylor, Chris Gates, John Whiting and few others, who had all made their mark in the Southern League.
“This pushed my hunger to do well for the club. Through the volume of hard work, practicing and playing against better players, I went on to make my first team debut at 17 in 2007 in a crucial match for the club, because if we lost to Andover, Bashley would have been relegated.
“I opened the batting with Andy Sexton. It was a privilege as he was a player I had always admired and learnt off.
“It was a bit up and down between first team and second team for a few years, but the standard in the Premier league was high and it took a little while to adjust, but by 2013/14 I became more of a regular player
“Having adjusted, I like to think I have done alright and have been more consistent with my batting and bowling as the years have gone by. I spent seven years playing Minor Counties for Dorset and was pretty consistent in all formats.
“I would say the role models I have come in to contact with over the years who have mentored me at different stages of my cricket journey have helped me become the player I am today.
“Don’t get me wrong, It takes hard work and dedication to get the best out of yourself and I have worked hard to get here.
“I am still learning and I love playing the game and coaching it. I am currently finishing off my Level 4 in coaching and looking to pass on my thoughts and knowledge to the younger generation.”
Digby will captain Bashley (Rydal) for the first time in Saturday’s opening warm-up match at Wokingham, while Sean Read continues in charge of Bash seconds in Premier Two.
Josh Digby impresses superbly attired umpire Dave Bull against St Cross Symondians at Winchester's Green Jackets Ground.
