(I’m a born salesman)
I have written a new booklet (“Simply the Best”) about Kyle Abbott’s record 17-86 v Somerset last September, and I’m publishing it formally today (in four years time then, it will celebrate its first anniversary).
It is an A5, 16-page publication, with photographs, describing Abbott’s performance and comparing it with other notable achievements involving Hampshire back to the 19th century – I hope it might be the first of a series under that same generic title “Simply the Best”.
There are 200 copies and I shall sell it face-to-face for £5 at the March AGM, and at Championship matches. In the shop it will be £7.50.
I am writing today to all the Hampshire Cricket Heritage supporters, as well as you guys here on the Blog, offering it by post immediately for £7.50 (overseas £8.50). That includes P&P and in addition, the first 50 to purchase will receive the completed scorecard.
If you would like one now, please email me: dave.allen@port.ac.uk. You can pay me by cheque through the post to my home, or by bank transfer. The payments are to me, because I’ve funded it, but all profits will fund the next one and/or other Heritage projects. When you email me, I will pass you all relevant details.
Front covers and centre pages:
Back to the present/future:
The new Cricketer has a list of all the Kolpaks and with the Results in, Hampshire are TOP (or maybe bottom?) with three – Kyle, Fidel & Rilee (who’s a bit semi-detached now).
Derbys, Surrey & Sussex have two; the others one each. The article suggests that they “face (an) uncertain future from 2020”. On the BBC website today, the following:
Hampshire seamer Kyle Abbott expects the England & Wales Cricket Board to resolve the future of Kolpak players in the county game as it is “very hard to believe they can kick all of us out”. Following Brexit, the ECB has advised counties that Kolpak registrations will be terminated at the end of the 2020 season – in line with the deal the UK secured with the European Union.
“I’m pretty confident they have to accommodate us, at least until the end of those contracts,” (said) former South Africa international Abbott … “Possibly [it will be] on different terms or maybe under a different umbrella, being an overseas (player).”
Two photos from the old players pavilion at Northlands Road. One (early 1960s) shows the team taking the field but it’s the members I like (is that Jeremy in the cap?). The other shows an old Hampshire XI (late 1960s?). There is one man I don’t recognise, but have a go – all will be revealed in the first Comment …
Here are another couple of photos from Leo’s collection; Denis Compton batting at Lord’s and Colin Cowdrey at Southampton (Whitsun of course v Kent). I think perhaps I saw Cowdrey in this shot – I recall him scoring a century and at one point I was watching, standing in front of the office. At the Stadium end, he pulled a ball fairly straight and it hit an old man standing next to me in the head. I think he recovered (slip is of course Mike Barnard).
(Both please – more from Leo’s collection).
BA Richards is the finest batsman I ever saw and Sobers the finest cricketer. In 1969 they opposed each other at Southampton in a fine game – perhaps some of you saw it?
The first two photos show Barry batting, and then ct. Findlay (‘keeper) b Foster 86
Hampshire scored 287, and dismissed West Indians for 106 (Cottam 4-52). Hampshire then declared on 215-4 (Richards 120*) and had West Indies 34-2 overnight, but in a total of 92.5 overs, the visitors got them: 397-7 (Fredericks 129, Lloyd 84, Sobers 81) and won by three wickets.
Here’s a follow-up to the post below, and Stephen’s Comment (thanks). This photo was taken at the end of play in a 2nd XI match v Warwickshire 2nd XI in August 1967 as our reserves won their title. It shows Bella Knights & Kathy Shackleton behind the bar.
From bottom left, the players are Horton, Wassell, Holder, Keith & Lewis – Jesty is in the centre and on the right is Wheatley and a very young-looking 16-year-old batsman called Cuthbert, making his 2nd XI debut. From the XI, Leo and Mike Barnard are not there but I wonder whether Castell is the one enhancing Jesty’s appearance?!!
Hampshire Cricket Heritage has recently purchased a collection of materials from the estate of our old ‘keeper Leo Harrison. There are many fascinating items, photos, correspondence, contracts etc, but this is clearly the outstanding item – the price list from the members’ bar at Northlands Road. Just imagine … and Jo, if you’re reading this, don’t tell Woodsy about the cider, it’ll break his heart.
At the ground again yesterday ( I have a major project sorting out the Archive – now is the time to tell us which copies of the Handbook/Wisden you might be lacking!)
The outside of the Atrium is being cleaned but the wind is not helping, while the Nursery Ground gives a new meaning to the cricketing term ‘Duck’. I gather there is more ‘wet & windy’ to follow
(BBC):
Hampshire batsman Felix Organ has signed a contract extension. The 20-year-old, who has come through the club’s academy, made his debut in September 2017 but established himself at the top of the order last summer and scored his maiden century against Kent in July. He also took eight wickets as a right-handed off-spinner, including a five-wicket haul against Surrey.
Hampshire have not disclosed the length of Organ’s new contract.
(One of the great blues – T-Bone Walker)
The Ageas Bowl earlier today
Hampshire Cricket History 