Hamish Bidwell
IT WASN'T quite Trafalgar Square but Vic Flowers was still the centre of attention when the Barmy Army met a Hawke's Bay XI in a Twenty20 cricket match at Nelson Park yesterday.
A veteran of 10 years in army ranks, Flowers aka Jimmy Savile, has become such a cult figure
that when England won the Ashes off Australia in 2005, for the first time in almost 20 years he was invited on stage with the team during the public celebration in Trafalgar Square.
On his second tour of New Zealand following the England team, Flowers said he wouldn't be anywhere else.
"I don't go to watch in England, except for when the Ashes are on, because I'm not welcome," Flowers said, following the army's win with two balls to spare yesterday.
"Neither is our trumpet player, Billy, who's not allowed to play in the grounds. That's why I think New Zealand is such a great place and I would say this is my best tour ever.
"There isn't a place that comes close to it, worldwide. Not even England and you can quote me on that.
"England is full of snobs and establishment people and they refuse to acknowledge that we actually contribute to the game."
Almost as famous as the players themselves, the Barmy Army has become an institution, following the team on tours all over the world.
"People have tried to manufacture equivalents to the Barmy Army and they fall far short," Flowers said.
"I think it's because we're spontaneous and have that English passion or humour or whatever it is. The Australians try hard and the Kiwis don't even attempt to go there.
"What do they say? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? Well, every test-playing nation has tried to emulate the Barmy Army and they can't.
"We're not football hooligans, we just like fun and promoting test cricket around the world. We're passionate about supporting England, but also test cricket, and the players love us."
None more so than Matthew Hoggard, who appeared as a late ring-in for the Barmy Army XI. Sadly for him, he was caught yours truly, bowled Hawke's Bay men's coach Dale Smidt, on the first ball of the Barmy Army's chase for 134 yesterday.
