WALSHY'S WEEKLY WORDS

It's Monday tomorrow so to cheer everyone up I’m back with another edition of Walshy’s Weekly Words. My next guest is known for his classic banter over the years and for playing a key part in the 2013/14 2nd Grade New Norfolk Redcap Premiership side. According to My Cricket, he’s played 92 matches and scored 467 runs (at an average of 13.34) and has taken 133 wickets (mainly as the opening bowler). As mentioned before, he played in the 2013/14 premiership side and he’s quite a funny bloke. After being nominated by Josh Rowlands, my guest tonight is Josh Dykes! royal and nave blue color collections for cocktail

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My first set of questions are just the basics and finding out a few things about you.

WALSH: Favourite Food?

DYKES: Japanese Food / M&M’s

WALSH: Favourite Drink?

DYKES: Orange Juice

WALSH: Favourite TV Show?

DYKES: Seinfeld or the Sopranos

WALSH: Best place you've travelled to?

DYKES: Iceland, blew my mind

WALSH: What's one piece of advice you would give to juniors who are just starting out with cricket?

DYKES: Train hard and listen to everyone who is older than you. # respectyourelders

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Now that I've asked a couple of warmup questions, the following set of questions are about current teammates.

WALSH: Josh Rowlands claimed in my last Walshy's Weekly Words that he's the number one Josh at the club and that in order to become the number one, you'll have to lay off the KFC. I personally thought his words were harsh but what do you think? Are you already number one?

DYKES: I have been the #1 Josh for a while now, all while maintaining a healthy balance of the Colonel’s menu, so I don’t think laying off KFC will make any difference. Mr Rowlands just needs to spend some time getting his body right so he can contribute on the field this year and not just off it.

WALSH: You're the only tailender I know that cares more about his batting average than his bowling average. Who is your favourite person to bat with and why?

DYKES: I enjoy batting with my fellow tailenders, as there is always some friendly competition as to who can stick around longer. I enjoy having a bat with the Pres (Jamie Hill) or Milky (Josh Rowlands) as I know I am more than likely going to be carrying my bat.

WALSH: You seem to have a soft spot for Trent "The Guns" Mayne, selling your scooter to him a few years ago and thus giving him his first vehicle. You always tag Trent in things and quite frankly seem to enjoy him. How did this unlikely friendship start and what is your opinion on Trent?

DYKES: Guns or trentmaynefitness93 as he likes to be called is a good bloke and I am proud to be the one to introduce him to the joys of scooter riding. As for there being a “friendship”, I think that is a bit of a stretch and would prefer to limit my guns interactions to just teammates. They say to keep your friends close but your enemies closer!

WALSH: You are a competitive person and that's a trait I admire about you, but it has caused some arguments for you between teammates. With your witty banter, has anyone ever won an argument against you at this club on or off the field?

DYKES: No.

WALSH: You've come up with some classic nicknames during your time as a Redcap, including giving yours truly the nickname of "sponge" due to my Afro. What's been the best nickname/s that you have come up with in your opinion?

DYKES: There is a few to choose from and I think some of my favourites would be the ones that evolve from a single comment. For example, Eggplant (Rohan Heron) just came about due to his unique shape and running style. And giving Kingy a bit of a wind-up about his average dive attempts in the field evolved into “bridge”. Anything that has a bit of truth behind it is always a favourite.

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Now that we know a bit about what you think about your teammates, here's some random questions.

WALSH: After being dubbed "Fossil" due to your advanced age, what's your secret to continuing to play cricket and football?

DYKES: A competitive nature and having a year off to refresh every now and then have kept both the body and mind sharp. Wanting to win a 1st grade premiership also keeps me motivated.

WALSH: With ISO Bar and Syrup just a couple of clubs that have closed down in Salamanca, what do you do with yourself these days? Is there any truth to the rumour that they closed down due to the amount of sweat you lost during a typical night out?

DYKES: I can confirm that there have been a couple of flood warnings when I have hit the dancefloors with the ladies back in my ISO days. I don’t recall it being that hot though?! They probably closed down after I decided to start saving my cash instead of burning it on $20 vodka redbulls every weekend.

WALSH: You and Rohan "Paddles" Heron lived together for a while. Who had the better "results" and do you feel like that period of your life had a positive effect on your cricketing performances?

DYKES: It was a great year at Ragged, although it felt like Kingy was also living there with us as he was there every weekend. As for results, I was easily the better FIFA player scoring at will against Rohan’s very average play.

WALSH: What's the funniest thing you've seen on a cricket field/off the field while playing for the Redcaps?

DYKES: Probably have to be the game at Pontville where Blockhead was keeping and he literally dropped 10 catches in a row. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

WALSH: How is your finger going? And do you feel guilty after you cost the 1st grade team a spot in the Grand Final?

DYKES: The finger is coming along nicely thanks and as for costing us a spot in the final, I think our batting was probably more at fault than my hospital visit.

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To finish off, I'll just ask a few "Would you rather" questions.

WALSH: Would you rather get punched by club legend Adrian "Block" Eiszele or have an argument with club legend Dave "Dabba" Maddox?

DYKES: I have had both in the last couple of months and enjoyed them both equally.

WALSH: Would you rather spend 50 overs on the field without sledging anyone (opposition or teammates) or bowl a delivery that is a beauty but still gets hit for 6?

DYKES: Both would be hard to live with, but what is cricket without sledging? They can hit my standard delivery for six and I’d be okay with that.

WALSH: Would you rather be known as being the best on at a players trip or be known as the bloke who was batting with Stewy Rice when he made 300?

DYKES: Ha ha, it’s sad that in my 15 years with the club that is the only 2 things I will be known for. Pretty sure I scored 20 not out that day, so will take the record breaking partnership thanks.

WALSH: Would you rather play cricket but you're never allowed to look at your stats or climb a ladder and hurt your arm again?

DYKES: I will take the stats. That ladder fall hurt way too much to repeat

WALSH: Would you rather bat while you bowl or bowl while you bat?

DYKES: I like to think I am a pretty good bat so would definitely back myself at the pace I bowl these days

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WALSH: Thanks Josh. Is there anyone you'd like to nominate next?

DYKES: Not a problem sponge, loved contributing to your great work. No one usually listens to me on a Saturday so hopefully they read this. As for nominee, I would love to hear from Dave Maddox as he never calls me during the footy season and I miss hearing from him.

Thanks Foss. It was a pleasure interviewing you!

That's it from me again this week. If anyone has a question they'd like me to ask Dave in my next interview, send me an inbox. Until next time, cheers and GO REDCAPS!