Ally Bressington

Ally's interview with Scribbler - September 2006

Educated: UWIC Cardiff (Sports Science)

Occupation: Teacher, The Kings School, Gloucester

Ali set a new club record two weeks ago whilst scoring a hat-trick of tries and helping himself to a total of 31 points in a game to eclipse Ben Harvey's previous best. But the winger is equally adept at cricket where he has represented Gloucestershire and taken a catch for England. "I was playing for Gloucestershire and got called up to be twelfth man for England against the West Indies in August 2004. I thought it would just be a matter of taking out the drinks and generally looking after the team." He recalled. "Then Graham Thorpe broke his finger and I ended up fielding for 75 overs." Ali ended up taking a catch off Steve Harmisson to dismiss the Windies' keeper Carelton Baugh.

Years ago there were plenty of players Stour encountered who played both rugby and cricket to a serious level Micky Green (Stafford RFC, M&B CC), Brian Pinner (Kidderminster RFC & CC), and the best known Nick Archer (Walsall RFC & CC) were but a few. But the demands of modern sport make this increasingly difficult. Despite First Class averages for Gloucestershire of 44 with the bat, and 31 with the ball, two years after the Old Trafford experience Ali dropped out of the Gloucestershire scene and just plays (pro) club cricket for Frocester in the summer. Mind you, younger brother 17 year old Edward is following hard in his footsteps and is also an all rounder moving through the Gloucestershire ranks.

Of course Ali wasn't the first Bressington to play for Stour. Brother Nathan set a club record number of tries in a league season two seasons ago before moving to Moseley. "I went up to Moseley to join Nathan soon after that but found myself in a difficult position - I was playing the same position as club captain Andy Binns. He continually got the nod over me because of his experience; my argument was how can I get the experience if you won't pick me!!" Ali suggested that Moseley could put him out on loan, and it came at the perfect time for Ali and Stour. "Mitch was looking for cover at full back and a goal kicker, so I ended up at Stourton. We soon made the move permanent."

Ali has played both at full back, but increasingly frequently on the wingwhere he has found the influence of Nick Baxter a great help. "It's a new position for me and I will often ask him for advice. He's very open and supportive." Ali confirmed that morale in the camp is strong despite last week's home reversal to Halifax. "This season's new players - both the experienced old hands and the newcomers - have gelled together well and have a common purpose. Maybe on another day we would have won last week. It's the experienced players who have set the tone for this season - they certainly come here to show boat. They are key influences on the attitude of the entire squad.

Having graduated from that centre of sporting excellence, UWIC, Cardiff, Ali is now a teacher at The Kings School, Gloucester where he is responsible for organising - not surprisingly - rugby, cricket and hockey (it wouldn't surprise me to hear he's a great hockey player as well.)