This was the former Warwickshire CC opener’s third Society meeting in successive days following those at Bristol and Bath, during a visit from his home in Capetown.
Globetrotting wasn’t on his horizon when he started his county career at 25, but an eleven year career – at a respectable average of 40 and a fistful of trophy wins – put him on the brink of an England call-up.
That, and the influence of Dermot Reeve and Bob Woolmer, was interesting enough … then the fun started. Discovering a love of coaching – and travelling – started a whistlestop second career of International proportions, often for emerging cricket nations with unique challenges and problems.
Player power, lack of resources and funding tested his resolve with the likes of Hong Kong, Kenya, Scotland and New Zealand. With the typical gritty attitude he displayed as a player, ‘Moler’ pursued his dream and burnished his reputation … before his biggest challenge offered itself..
In 2014 Afghanistan came knocking and, against advice, he answered the call. Living in Kabul put him face to face with all the difficulties the rest of us were seeing on television. Andy didn’t seek difficult jobs, they seemed to find him, as did the MRSA infection that resulted in his left leg being amputated below his knee.
He just counted his blessings and got on with life. No wonder his book contains tributes by players from the highest level.
Another excellent Society evening.