ANDY MOLES has described his elevation to the list of greatest Warwickshire players – as voted for by the club’s fans – as “the cherry on the top” of his long career with the Bears.
Moles took the accolade of Greatest Bear Never To Play Test Cricket in a series of weekly polls which has got Bears fans, players and former players talking across the world.
In these difficult times, the Greatest Bear series – backed up by live webchats with former stars – has sparked passionate debate and really brought the Bears family together.
It has also evoked the deepest pride from the winners. After receiving his Greatest Overseas Bears Player accolade, former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald said: “Just to be amongst the players on the shortlist was enough of an honour – to actually win the vote, I can hardly believe. I am extremely humbled and very proud.”
Moles came out on top in a very strong Greatest Bear Never To Play Test Cricket shortlist which included Percy Jeeves, Len Bates, Jim Stewart, Keith Piper and Dominic Ostler.
“It is very humbling,” said Moles from his home in South Africa. “When I think of the path I took, having to write to all the counties to ask for a chance and then being lucky enough to get that chance at Warwickshire and play with, and be coached by, such brilliant people – now this is just the cherry top. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.
“I’ve been following the Greatest Bear series closely, it’s been great and this means so much, just like it did to ‘AD’ when he was voted Greatest Overseas Bear. Warwickshire is tattooed on all our hearts.”
A formidable Greatest Bear XI is coming together, with Tom Cartwright (all-rounder) joining those to have won the polls so far.
They are Donald (overseas player), Dermot Reeve (captain), Eric Hollies (spinner and individual bowling performance), Brian Lara (individual innings), Keith Piper (wicketkeeper), Moles (non-Test player) and Trevor Penney (fielder).
“It is great to see the way the Greatest Bears series has taken off,” said Warwickshire chief executive Neil Snowball.
“At this difficult time for everybody, it has really brought the global Bears family together to talk about all the fantastic players who have played for this club and brought back so many memories.”
Words by Brian Halford.
