Rugby star in winter, wicket-keeper in summer - meet Michael Klichowicz

Michael Klichowicz is a true ‘multi-sport athlete’.

The South African moved to the area aged just 21-years-old, and has since established himself as a key member of the Newbury Blues rugby squad, as well as first choice wicket-keeper for Thatcham Town Cricket Club.

Klichowicz discussed his sporting journey and the fortunes of both his local teams.

“I went to school in Port Elizabeth in South Africa”, he explained.

“It was a very sporty school, almost focussing more on sport than education, which is quite popular in South Africa.

“That’s where I started my cricket and rugby.”

Having completed his education, Klichowicz made his way to Newbury thanks to a family connection.

“I left South Africa when I was 21”, he said.

“My godmother lives in Newbury and she had a spare room at her house.

“She offered it to me and without even thinking about it I said yes!

“I thought I’d come over and give it a go, see what it was like.”

It didn’t take long before Klichowicz put his sporting skills to good use.

“I messaged Newbury Rugby Club to see if I could just join a training session, see how I liked it.

“I fitted in quite nicely. Then I got chatting to some guys who were involved in the cricket club, joined that and fit in there too.”

Moving between hemispheres comes with plenty of challenges, particularly on the rugby pitch, with Klichowicz having to adapt to a different environment and style of play.

“It’s very, very different!”, he explained.

“I’ve had to play in wet conditions, very cold conditions… it’s very different to playing in the low 20s and on firmer pitches.

“It's a lot of running rugby too, but it's been a good challenge.

Head coach James McAvoy has played a key role in helping the South African to adjust.

“He’s great to work under, he takes his job very seriously, he’s very dedicated.

“He’s quite strict with us boys, he doesn’t want us wasting our time and messing about.

“We also play sevens rugby with him, so we get to see him as a teammate too.

“We connect with him really well and I’m sure all of us players are very grateful.

Turning to cricket, Klichowicz was happy to reflect on a good season for him behind the stumps for Thatcham.

The wicket-keeper took nine catches, good enough to place him within the top ten in the Thames Valley Cricket League Division 3A.

Thatcham enjoyed mixed fortunes, finishing seventh in the ten team league despite a strong start.

“I enjoy my cricket so much, I can’t wait to get my whites on every Saturday”, he said.

“It was a really good season, I think we started very well.

“I don’t know what happened towards the middle, we just slipped up a bit and lost our feet, so we didn’t end the year too well.

“But I’m really looking forward to next season, we’ll have some strong new players join us, so I can’t wait to get back into it.”