Albert van der Merwe, the South African born all-rounder joined The Hills in 2008.
After playing a pivotal role in The Hills victorious Leinster Senior League campaign in that year, in 2009 he won the Samuels Cup for all-rounders in Leinster.
In 16 matches, Van der Merwe scored 570 runs at an average of 40.71 including a highest score of 123* off just 125 balls.
He also took 26 wickets with his off-spin at an average of 20.45 including best figures of 5-7.
Profile and Interview:
Name: Albert van der Merwe
Date of Birth: 1 June 1979
Place of Birth: Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
Height: 196cm
Weight: 82kg
Occupation: Youth Development Officer
Bats: Right hand batsman
Bowls: Off spin bowler
Club: The Hills CC
Previous Clubs: Wellington CC, Potchefstroom University CC and Derriaghy CC in Belfast
Playing with The Hills since: 2008
CP: Congratulations on winning the Samuels Cup. What does it mean to you winning the Cup?
AVDM: It's always nice to win an individual award and looking at the past winners it is very satisfactory to be included on such a list.
CP: You pipped Naseer Shoukat on the last day of the season. You certainly finished the season very strongly?
AVDW: A few wickets and runs on the last day was a good way of finishing the season. Credit must go to the lads who hung on to a few stunning catches.
CP: You had some spectacular performances including an unbeaten 123 against Leinster off just 125 balls. You must have been 'seeing it as big as a football' that day?
AVDM: Not really, scratched my way to 45 off 98 balls and then the rain came down. We were off for tea and waited for a good hour or so and then the first ball back went into the woods. We only had eight overs to bat so luckily there wasn't much time to think about the rest of the innings.
CP: What was your own highlight of the season?
AVDM: Scoring my first ton for the Hills.
CP: The five-for against Merrion was your most satisfying bowling performance?
AVDM: 5-7 on the opening day of the season against Merrion was a good way to get the season going.
CP:You must be happy with your own game?
AVDM: Yes, but plenty to work on over the winter. Have remodelled my bowling action with coach John Wills halfway through the season, so it took some time for me to get used to it. Just need to convert the 20's and 30's from the first half of my season into bigger scores. But I can't complain after a season like this.
CP: How would you sum up the season for The Hills?
AVDM: We have set very high standards for ourselves at the club so the guys were disappointed at the end result.
One win away from two pieces of silverware. Clontarf beat us twice at The Vineyard (a big league decider and in the semi final of the Senior Cup), and they deserve the season they had. In the Twenty20 final the first 6 overs where Jonesy and Braithwaite smashed about 80, took it away from us.
We were just not consistent enough when it mattered. Twelve fifties and six tons were the most by any senior club, so it was frustrating.
CP: There were a lot of positives though in the second half of the season with the performances of Tomas Murphy, Emmett Brannigan and Mark Dwyer?
AVDM: All 3 of the lads are very talented and put in some top performances with ball and bat. The talent is there, but I think all three will agree that they have to up their consistency. Mark is playing over in Australia this winter and I think it will be of huge benefit to him to grow as a player. I expect big things from him next season.
CP: How does the side need to improve in 2010?
AVDM: We lost wickets in clusters in big games this season, so that would be a main theme for us. Fielding can always improve, doesn't matter at what level you play.
CP: When did you come to Ireland first?
AVDM: 2004
CP: What is the best thing about living in Ireland?
AVDM: People are very easy going.
CP:And the worst?
AVDM: It has to be the weather.
CP: What has been the highlight of your cricket career to date?
AVDM: Captaining Potchefstroom University to their first SA University title.
CP: What are your remaining ambitions in the game?
AVDM: To play for Ireland
CP: Favourite cricketer and why?
AVDM: Steve Waugh because of his never say die attitude.
CP: What will you be doing during the close season?
AVDM: Continuing my role as Development Officer and coaching work for Leinster Cricket Union as well as school visits for Fingal Sports Council.
CP: How is the role of Development Officer going?
AVDM: It is going well. It's a great challenge and developing kids from non cricketing backgrounds is particularly rewarding.
CP: What else are you passionate about besides cricket?
AVDM: I'm a huge Manchester United supporter and love the odd round of golf when I get a chance.
CP:Will you spend the whole winter in Ireland?
AVDM: Apart from spending Christmas back home with the family in South Africa, I will be in Ireland for most of the winter.
CP:What are your thoughts on the standard of cricket in Leinster?
AVDM: The standard of players is pretty good, but not enough good wickets and a lack of fast bowlers are issues...
Albert van der Merwe in conversation with Liam Rooney.
Copyright: Cover Point
