Nigel Gray Commended in ECB Awards

Often it is the people behind the scenes who rarely get noticed. Whilst Jimmy Adams and Michael Lumb get the plaudits for their top one day batting this year, the pitch was rarely mentioned. However, this week the ECB announced the 2009 Groundsman of the Year Award, and Hampshire’s very own Nigel Gray was commended in the one day category.

Matt Merchant from Old Trafford was the winner of the four day category and Neil Godrich from Derby received the award in the one day category, but it’s a testament to Gray’s ability to be even mentioned for the award. Gray was responsible for preparing the pitches for the amazing one day games that left the fans full of excitement and he has rightly been commended for the second year running.

Hampshire Hawks, with the aid of Gray’s brilliant skills, were able to record scores of 300 against Leicestershire, 316 against Ireland and 310 against Middlesex on their way to Friends Provident Trophy success. Creating the right environment for a score of 281 against Nottinghamshire and the excitement of a last ball win against Yorkshire in the Pro40 were down to Gray’s work as well.

Thousands of fans at The Rose Bowl saw Hampshire destroy most of their own Twenty20 records in an active summer. The 191 in the win over Surrey, a record breaking 219 against Essex, with the help of Lumb’s 124, and the 183 against Middlesex would not have been possible without Gray.

Chairman and Chief Executive Rod Bransgrove could not be more complimentary about the work Gray does: "It's tremendous recognition for Nigel Gray getting a commendation for his one day pitches. He's a brilliant groundsman who does a wonderful job for us - together with his entire team - and it's a huge achievement to be commended two year's running."

Alan Fordham, the ECB’s Head of Operations (First Class Cricket), commented: “The work of all head groundsmen is highly valued and we are delighted to make these annual awards which recognise the head groundsmen who have prepared the best pitches this season”.

Every pitch gets an assessment from each of the umpires after every match, and the winners of each category are the groundsmen whose pitches have achieved the highest average rating across the course of the season.

Written for Hampshire CCC website

Countdown to 2010 Begins

There's plenty for Hampshire fans to be excited about now that next season’s fixtures have been released. The LV County Championship campaign begins on April 9th with three fascinating away trips. The team go to Chelmsford to face recently promoted Essex before venturing north to the current LVCC Champions Durham, and then heading to Edgbaston to take on Warwickshire. Last season’s runners up Nottinghamshire are the first visitors at home in the LVCC on May 4th, with Somerset coming to The Rose Bowl a week later.

Nic Pothas is as upbeat as ever about the news. “In a way it is better to be travelling around the country at the start of the season when you are fresh and raring to go. Later on in the season, it is more of an issue when you are tired and carrying a few niggles. Not playing at home for the first few games means we will have more fixtures at home in the summer when the wickets are dryer and hopefully that will help Ajantha Mendis.

“The County Championship is really tough whoever you play. Obviously, Essex are newly promoted and won’t be used to the intensity of the First Division so we need to use that to our advantage. We will be looking to hit them hard like we did with Worcestershire at the start of last season [Hampshire won inside three days]. Having said that I believe Essex will be a better side than Worcester were last year. Playing Essex away in four day cricket is very different from playing Essex away in one day cricket where they are a much more confident side.

“Durham away is always a very difficult fixture but it’s nice to catch them at the start before they hit their straps. As a squad we will have to be at our best to beat them so we just want to have a really good pre season, get our planning right, go there and perform well.”

There is a certain symmetry to the campaign as at the end of the season Hampshire also have three consecutive away LVCC games, this time against Yorkshire, Lancashire and Division Two champions Kent, before the curtain closer on September 13th against Warwickshire at home.

The Hawks kick off their ECB 40 League season away at Durham before entertaining Nottinghamshire for the first game at The Rose Bowl. Kent, Leicestershire, Scotland and Warwickshire make up the other sides in Group C in the new competition before the end of season semi-finals and final in September.

Hampshire Hawks’ Friends Provident T20 season begins on June 3rd with a floodlit fixture against 2008 losing finalists Kent at The Rose Bowl. New signing Simon Jones will be heading back to his Glamorgan roots in the Hawks’ first away Twenty20 fixture at the SWALEC Stadium. June and July are dominated by T20 action as more emphasis has been put on the competition this season. Finals’ Day will make a splendid return to The Rose Bowl on August 14th so keep your eye out for that one.

England and Australia renew their rivalry on June 22nd with a floodlit NatWest Series One Day International at The Rose Bowl before England Women take on India Women in a NatWest Women's International Twenty20 on July 1st. Pakistan come to Hampshire on September 22nd to play England in another NatWest Series One Day International, which will be last game of the season at The Rose Bowl.

Written for Hampshire CCC website

Hampshire v Nottinghamshire Pro40

The three runs scored off the first two overs of Hampshire’s innings gave The Rose Bowl crowd basking in the autumn sunshine little indication of what was to come. But in Darren Pattinson’s second over Michael Lumb broke loose with a six so huge it completely unnerved the bowler, who promptly no balled and the subsequent free hit was knocked back over his head for four.

This set the tone for what was to follow and by the end of the tenth over Hampshire had put on 78 runs with Lumb leading the way on 47. Lumb’s fifty came up shortly afterwards, with a well timed two off Jason Brown in an over that went for 12 runs in total, leaving the Outlaws little option but to go for the spin of Samit Patel. Although this slowed the run rate it was Kevin O’Brien, bowling from the pavilion end, who ended Lumb’s dominance when he was out stumped. His innings of 61 had taken only 47 balls, with 10 fours and a six, his partnership with Jimmy Adams achieving a run rate of 7.5 an over.

It was now Adams’ turn to accelerate and he showed his intent with two fine fours off the first balls of the next over. His next boundary left new batting partner James Vince flat on the floor as he made a spectacular dive to avoid the speeding ball. Adams continued to show his liking for Patel’s bowling when he brought up his fifty with a hard run two. In the context of the game it was positively sedate, taking 56 balls, with 8 fours.

Hampshire were making batting look all too easy, with Vince the third player to reach fifty, in 39 balls and with 5 fours, pulled and driven to all corners of the ground, mainly off Luke Fletcher. But the party was almost over, when, in the 28th over Outlaws’ captain Chris Read turned to his seventh bowler, rookie Akhil Patel, Samit’s younger brother, who promptly took a wicket with his first List A ball. Vince was caught by Carter running in from back of square leg for 55.
Patel was to prove that is wasn’t simply beginner’s luck when in his next over he had Adams caught by Hales close to the boundary for 73. In the course of the innings he had made his 1,000th List A run. By this time Notts had a Patel at each end, and not to be outdone Samit snared Chris Benham lbw for 8, leaving Hampshire 227 for 4 in the 33rd over.

The Hawks were keeping the rate above 7 an over and Sean Ervine carried on in the same vein, making a busy 31 off 35 balls; unusually for him without a single boundary. He was out in the 38th over, looking to slog Fletcher across the line. Dawson made 6, losing his wicket to Fletcher in the last over of the game, with Chris Tremlett finishing on 2 and Nic Pothas on 23.
Hampshire set Nottingham a total of 282 to win.

Hampshire made a bold decision to open the bowling with youngsters Hamza Riazuddin and spinner Danny Briggs and as early as the 7th over it looked like a masterstroke. Mark Wagh did manage to spectacularly hoist a Briggs delivery over the mid off rope towards the pavilion for a six but the very next ball he was walking that way himself having scored only 13. Briggs had cleaned bowled him to take his first ever List A wicket.

Riazuddin then sent Matthew Wood (18) packing when a short delivery deflected up off the bat for Jimmy Adams to make a stunning diving catch at point that left Nottinghamshire 36 for 2. Samit Patel and Alex Hales began shoring up the visitor’s innings with a couple of well-struck fours but Chris Tremlett and Sean Ervine came into the attack and the latter was an instant success by clean bowling Hales for 19 for his 150th List A wicket. This prompted Akhil Patel to join his elder brother at the crease.

In the 18th over the two Patels got into a strange mix up and Akhil was eventually run out by Adams’ quick thinking for just 6 runs. The visitors finally reached the 100 mark in the 21st over with a single from the remaining Patel. The next ball saw another wicket tumble when Ervine cleaned bowled Chris Read for 10 – his second wicket of the match.

Imran Tahir then got in with the act when Patel (28), attempting to slog, hit straight to Riazuddin at deep mid-wicket to leave Nottinghamshire 104 for 6. Ervine continued his devastating spell when he took out Luke Fletcher’s middle stump for just 3. Briggs then caught Darren Pattinson (5) off his own bowling after the batsman tamely knocked it back.

Andy Carter (7) skied Tahir for Tremlett to catch out on the boundary. Kevin O’Brien smacked a six over Tahir’s head before airing the next delivery to Nic Pothas to catch for a deserved Hampshire win, bowling Nottinghamshire out for 139. The Hawks won by 142 runs.

LVCC Hampshire v Durham Day 4

Hampshire came into the last day of this County Championship game against Durham looking to reach the 400 mark and with the fall of Chris Benham and nightwatchman David Griffiths last night, they only had 4 wickets in hand to achieve that goal.

Starting the day on 267 for 6, new man Sean Ervine laid down his intentions of picking up the pace with a huge six in the first complete over of the day off Scott Borthwick.

Ervine’s swashbuckling attitude demonstrates Hampshire’s perseverance to push on and brilliantly timed sweeps off Borthwick and then Liam Plunkett raised the home side’s run rate under a very cloudy Rose Bowl. Nic Pothas, resuming on 55, beautifully crafted a sweep shot down to the square leg rope for his first boundary of the day as the pair looked to build a big scoring partnership.

Hampshire won their third batting point when Ervine nipped Plunkett to third man in the day’s 9th over. However with Hampshire making good progress the umpires decided to stop play for bad light prompting an early lunch; Hampshire were 319 for 6.
Hampshire resumed their innings after Lunch when the umpires decided light was good enough to restart.

Pothas and Ervine managed to score runs freely, all be it fortuitously. The first over after lunch Ervine flashed hard outside his off stump and found the boundary through the gap between slips and gully from the bowling of Steve Harmison. Two overs later Pothas saw an inside edge race to the boundary again from Harmison.

In the 110th over Ervine ran a scampered two to reach his half century from just 56 deliveries, which included 7 fours and 1 maximum.

Hampshire’s captain Pothas (78) was dismissed by Ian Blackwell in the 112th over, when he attempted a big sweep only to see his off stump unhinged; leaving the home team on 345 for 7.
With overs ticking away, Hampshire gained their fourth batting point of the innings after Ervine ran a single off Blackwell to take the score past 350.

The 118th over saw Dominic Cork take the attack to Blackwell, hitting him through mid-on for two consecutive boundaries as the Home team chased after the final batting point.
Cork (24) then tried one elusive shot too many, when he attempted to guide a Harmison delivery over the slips only to be caught by wicketkeeper Phil Mustard.

Two balls later Ervine (67) was heading back to the pavilion after trying to hit Blackwell for a big shot on the leg-side, which resulted in a top edge and was caught behind, giving Durham maximum bowling points.

Hampshire were bowled out for 384 when Youngster Danny Briggs was dismissed by Blackwell for a second ball duck. The Durham all-rounder finished the innings with figures of 5 for 110.
Durham started the second innings with a lead of 55 and made their way without scare to 8 for 0 before the umpires took the players off for bad light.

The match ended in a draw after the players failed to return to the field resulting in Hampshire scoring 10 points and Durham 11. The result leaves Hampshire closer to safety with one game remaining away against fellow relegation strugglers Yorkshire.

LVCC Hampshire v Durham Day 3

Champions Durham had one wicket in hand going into this third day of the County Championship match against Hampshire. Resuming on 435 for 9, Steve Harmison and Scott Borthwick looked to add as many runs as possible but fortunately for the home side they lasted only 10 balls. David Griffiths trapped Harmison leg before for Durham to end their first innings on 439 all out.

Jimmy Adams and Liam Dawson began Hampshire’s innings positively. Harmison opened the attack for the visitors and it was a lively over. Adams nudged the first ball to cover for an easy single before Dawson guided a perfectly timed cover drive for the first boundary. The next ball saw Dawson edge a Harmison short delivery that fell tantalisingly short of third slip.In the 8th over spinner Ian Blackwell replaced the ineffective Mark Davies to attempt to decrease Hampshire’s run rate.

Adams and Dawson had found the rope on many occasions but with Durham’s aggressive field placements, they found their first wicket. Dawson, surrounded by five fielders, mistimed a Blackwell delivery that looped up for wicketkeeper Phil Mustard to make a diving catch. Dawson was looking in good form but he had to depart having scored 29.Blackwell picked up his second wicket quickly. Michael Lumb, trying to hit through cover, was trapped leg before for 6 reducing Hampshire to 72 for 2.

James Vince entered the fray looking to stabilise and build a partnership with Adams and his first boundary came after 9 overs with an excellent drive through extra cover.Durham started to implement spin from both ends with Borthwick joining Blackwell in attack as they looked for a further breakthrough before lunch and they found it. Borthwick seduced Vince (8) into playing a straight drive but the ball found an inside edge and then pad before being caught by Will Smith.

It left Hampshire 87 for 3 at lunch.

Durham continued with their spin attack after lunch and in the third over Adams made his 7th fifty of this Championship season, off 78 balls and with 6 fours. He wasn’t to last much longer, however, when on 57 he hit a Borthwick delivery straight to Harmison on the square leg boundary, bringing stand-in captain Nic Pothas to the crease on 114 for 4.

Initially runs were hard to come by for Pothas and number 5 batsman Chris Benham, the exception being Pothas hitting two spectacular fours in one over, the second straight back over bowler Blackwell’s head.But it was Benham’s afternoon and he too reached fifty off 78 balls and with 6 fours – his first in the 2009 Championship. His strokeplay was impressive and included a beautifully swept boundary off Borthwick as well as elegant cover drives. Pothas was happy to take the supporting role and at tea he had made 32 off 93 balls while Benham had charged ahead with 71 off 114.

Hampshire went in for tea on 207 for 4, their first batting point from this game securely in the bag.Straight after the interval Davies came into the attack for the third time to try to break the stubborn partnership between Pothas and Benham that had moved past 100 in the 69th over. Durham became more defensive in their fielding and runs became harder to find for the batsmen.

The visitors opted for the new ball as soon as possible to unleash the lethal ‘Grievous Bodily’ Harmison to try to end this immovable partnership. Apart from it being maiden, his first over accomplished little and it didn’t threaten with much authority.The next over saw Pothas taking advantage of a loose Blackwell delivery that he punished through cover for a boundary. With a single in the 83rd over Benham moved past to his own personal best First Class score of 95.

Pothas, in his 200th First Class game, made his 50 off 192 balls with 7 fours when he drove a Blackwell delivery down the ground to the ropes for a boundary.Benham then moved on to his maiden First Class century in the following over, off 185 balls with 10 fours, by running a quick three after playing to the mid off fence. Whilst on 100 Benham perished; he edged to Michael Di Venuto in the slips for Borthwick to claim his third wicket of the match on his County Championship debut.

Nightwatchman David Griffiths came to the crease to see out the day’s remaining overs. He did just that as he got out to Plunkett for a single, bringing the end of the day’s play; Pothas will resume tomorrow on 55 not out.

Hampshire finished the day on 267 for 6.

Match reporting for Hampshire CCC Website

FA Website

My university appeared on the FA website and funnily enough whilst watching the gripping television I notice me and two of my classmates appear.

Have a look yourself.

http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2009/bristolrovers_southampton_041109.aspx

Jimmy Adams talks to Steven Woodgate

Following Hampshire Hawks’ one run victory over Yorkshire Carnegie, opener Jimmy Adams admitted it was a win that the team needed: “We needed that win having lost against Sussex. We were very disappointed after last week’s game at Northants where we didn’t do ourselves any justice at all and were well below par. To win a close game is always a great feeling so we’re very happy.”

Adams praised the batsmen for their part in the win. “The guys in the middle did a great job. We got a little stuck after the first 15, the spinners and Hoggard bowled well and pegged us back a little but we kept wickets in hand and it served us well.”

As the floodlights came on, Yorkshire’s fielders seemed to struggle as a series of chances went begging: “It seemed that a few guys had trouble picking the ball up but in a tight game the losers will always think about their errors – that’s the nature of the game.”

Adams believes it was a job well done as a real team effort gave Hampshire victory: “I felt we started really well with the ball, but once they got going we struggled to hold them back. A few of the bowlers may feel they’ve had better days but us batters have had better days as well, they’ve done the job a lot for us this year and this time we were able to do it for them.”

The opener believes the heavy schedule of matches (Hampshire play Lancashire in the LVCC starting today) is tough but accepts it as part of professional cricket: “The fixture list is the fixture list; we can only do what we can do. We’ll try and get a good night’s sleep and we’ve got half an hour lie in! It’s a little bit bonkers but that’s the way it is, we were lucky to have a week off before the FP Trophy semi. Sometimes the fixture list works in your favour and sometimes it doesn’t but most of the lads are night owls anyway.”

Adams was bemused by the Twenty20 defeat against Northants last week and believes it will spur the team on to better things. “Northants was hugely frustrating. We were nowhere near where we wanted to be, unfortunately we had a low but it gave us a kick up the backside. Winning every game isn’t possible. It was a massive game for us and annoying we had it so soon after such a great day at Lord’s.”

Post match reporting by Steve Woodgate.

Pro40: Hampshire v Yorkshire

The first Pro40 match of the season at The Rose Bowl saw Hampshire, on their return from winning the Friends Provident Trophy, lose the toss and Yorkshire Carnegie’s stand-in captain Jacques Rudolph used his initiative and decided to bat first in the brilliant sunshine.

The hero from that final, Dominic Cork, took the new ball and had some success in conceding only two runs in the first over. South African Rudolph showed all of his international class when he hit Dimitri Mascarenhas for a well guided four in the second over. Fellow opener Andrew Gale was in equally impressive form with a perfectly timed off drive off Mascarenhas.

Gale hit a delightful chip over Billy Taylor at mid-wicket for another boundary before pulling for four more in one expensive Mascarenhas over. He hit another pair of boundaries off Sean Ervine as Yorkshire passed the 50 mark. Gale, in spectacular form, soon reached his 10th half century as Yorkshire looked in aggressive mood.

A direct hit by Michael Carberry, for a possible run out, made Gale sweat but the third umpire made the correct decision in declaring him not out. Two balls later though, Gale (54 off 52 deliveries) was out; he mistimed a short Taylor delivery that fell kindly to Liam Dawson at short square leg for Hampshire’s first breakthrough. New man Adam Lyth and Rudolph continued to pile on the runs however and raced past the 100 mark in no time.

A piece of brilliant fielding by Mascarenhas saw the end of Lyth for 25. The batter tried to run a quick single to fine leg but the quick thinking captain managed to throw the ball to Dawson for a simple run out. Chris Benham was not to be outdone; a throw, whilst diving, to Tom Burrows saw the end of Jonathan Bairstow (1) for another run out in the next over.

Rudolph eventually hit his 37th half century as Hampshire’s spin combination of Imran Tahir, Dawson and Carberry slowed down Yorkshire’s run rate. Gerard Brophy hit the first six of the game as he moved down the pitch and hit Dawson over deep mid-wicket. Dawson got his revenge by bowling him for 34.

Rudolph hit a fine six before getting out the next ball. He tried to hit Tahir for consecutive maximums but mistimed it and was caught by Cork at mid-wicket for a well-played 79. Tahir picked up another wicket when Dawson brilliantly caught Richard Pyrah’s reverse sweep at deep square leg for 17.

Yorkshire Carnegie finished on 232 for 6.


(Full Match Report here - www.rosebowlplc.com)

LVCC: Hampshire v Warwickshire Day 4

Hampshire and Warwickshire head into the final day of this County Championship match with a draw as the probable outcome. Michael Carberry, who passed 6,000 First Class runs yesterday, showed no signs of slowing down as two consecutive fours from the second and third ball of the day added to his overnight 183.

Carberry soon broke a personal milestone by passing his previous First Class best of 192 by running two off Naqaash Tahir to keep Hampshire in a strong position. His previous best also came against Warwickshire.

Warwickshire managed to get themselves an early wicket when Michael Lumb, who just received a call up the England provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, edged Boyd Rankin to Jonathan Trott at first slip for 20. Just two balls later Carberry surpassed yet another milestone; he scored his maiden double ton in First Class cricket off 260 balls by running a quick two off Tahir.

However he didn’t last much longer. Carberry’s wild swing outside off stump found a thick edge that fell to Ricky Clarke at point for Tahir’s first wicket of the match. Carberry finished on a career best 204 as Hampshire neared the 400 mark. John Crawley (14) soon departed as well; he was caught at second slip whilst poking outside off stump for Rankin’s second wicket.

Rankin almost had Sean Ervine caught and bowled but he couldn’t get a full hand to the ball. Rankin did get his third wicket of the morning soon after though when Liam Dawson (18) hooked to Jim Troughton for a simple catch. Rankin was giving Hampshire all kinds of problems, Dimitri Mascarenhas ducked into a bouncer that hit him through the grill and he retired hurt without scoring a run, however it has already been confirmed that he will be fit for the Friends Provident Trophy Final tomorrow.

Tom Burrows entered the fray to help to steady the ship but he was trapped lbw Chris Woakes without scoring a run. At lunch Hampshire were 390 for 6.


(Afternoon Session written by Michael Gales)


With only one session remaining the chance of this game ending in anything other than a draw would have been near impossible. However with the Friends Provident Trophy Final at Lord’s tomorrow it was an opportunity for Imran Tahir and Liam Dawson to get in some valuable overs. To their credit they took the new ball and bowled very tightly and accurately to limit the Warwickshire openers to quick singles.

Tahir had Tony Frost caught by Chris Tremlett for just 3 and then straight bowled England hopeful Ian Bell for a duck after he faced just six balls. An end to play was agreed with both sides gaining 11 points.

Warwickshire 484 for 7 and 23 for 2 drew with Hampshire 505 all out.

(Full Match Report here - www.rosebowlplc.com)

LVCC: Hampshire v Warwickshire

Hampshire went in search for early wickets on day 3 of this LV County Championship game against Warwickshire, as Jonathan Trott (140) and Chris Woakes (77), who dominated proceedings yesterday, looked to add more runs to their flourishing partnership.

The excellent Trott moved on to his 150 from 251 balls with a well timed four through the offside and with that Warwickshire claimed their fifth batting point passing 400.

When a breakthrough looked certain for Hampshire Imran Tahir somehow dropped Woakes after he skied James Tomlinson when the batter was just two short of his century. The subsequent Tomlinson over saw Woakes pass the hundred mark, for the first time in his First Class career, off an impressive 159 balls.

After a flurry of boundaries Warwickshire decided to declare on 484 for 7 to put Hampshire in to bat to face a few difficult overs before lunch. Trott finished 184 not out and Woakes 131 not out as the pair’s unbroken 222 run partnership put Warwickshire in a very dominant position.

Hampshire began their reply positively as openers Michael Carberry and Jimmy Adams found runs relatively easy to come by in the bright sunshine. Carberry found the boundary many times in the early overs as the bowling attack of Naqaash Tahir and Boyd Rankin rarely threatened with the new ball.

The first change saw Chris Woakes enter the fray to see if he could break the developing partnership. Although Woakes did look more threatening, Carberry managed to turn on a sixpence to hit him for a big six to bring up Hampshire’s 50.

At lunch, Hampshire were 64 without loss with Carberry on 43 and Adams on 18.

The Hampshire openers resumed their innings after lunch with the imperative task of building on the 64 partnership they had crafted at the end of the morning session. Michael Carberry showed his intentions with the first delivery, when he nonchalantly drove the ball from Chris Woakes to the cover boundary for four.

Two overs later and the fluent stroke maker Carberry reached his half century with a well timed pull shot to the leg side boundary. His half century came from 57 balls including nine fours and one six. The 26th over saw the opening pair share a century partnership for the fourth time this season, the attacking style of Carberry (72) and the craftsman like innings of Jimmy Adams (26) frustrated the Warwickshire attack.

The Hampshire batsman continued their forceful batting manner; Carberry worked the ball around the ground, using a medley of batting strokes highlighted by a reverse sweep for four off spinner Ant Botha. As the sun continued to glare down on The Rose Bowl, the heat was evidently taking its toll on the Bears’ bowlers as they struggled to make a breakthrough.

In the 42nd over Michael Carberry continued with his impressive form, scoring his third first class century in four innings. His milestone was crafted in 116 deliveries and consisted of 16 fours and one six. By the time Adams reached his half century, running a delivery down to third man for a scampered two, Hampshire were 164 for 0 from 44 overs.

At the close of the afternoon session Hampshire had accumulated 191runs in a record opening partnership at The Rose Bowl. Maybe more significantly Carberry (113*) and Adams (65*) had gained valuable batting practice in time for Saturday’s Friends Provident Trophy Final.

More of the same followed after tea. Carberry, a brutal scavenger for wayward bowling, was having a field day hitting boundaries all over the place as the Warwickshire attack was out of sorts and entirely ineffective.

He and Adams were soon breaking records as well as the visitors’ patience as they passed the previous best partnership of 254 for any wicket at The Rose Bowl. Not long after though this partnership was unexpectedly broken from the unlikely source of Ian Westwood. The part-time off break bowler seduced Adams into hitting a loose delivery and the ball found Trott at cover who made a good catch for the first wicket of the day.

Michael Lumb entered the fray and could have been heading straight back. He mistimed a slow Westwood delivery that had wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose leading the appeals for lbw. Fortunately for Hampshire those appeals fell on deaf ears and Lumb scarpered a single a few balls later to get off the mark.

Hampshire brought up 300 in the 81st and the subsequent over saw Warwickshire take the new ball to look for a further breakthrough. The home side finished on 309 for 1 with Carberry unbeaten on 183, 10 short of making his highest First Class score, and Lumb on 15.

Match report by Steve Woodgate and Michael Gales

(Written for www.rosebowlplc.com)

Twenty20: Hampshire v Kent

Hampshire’s continued progress in the Twenty20 Cup is hanging by a thread as they were soundly beaten by 7 wickets by Kent at The Rose Bowl. After Hampshire posted a mediocre total of 131 for 7, Kent strolled home with 12 balls remaining to qualify for the quarter final stage, with Hampshire’s fate still yet to be decided.

Kent’s captain Rob Key lost the toss allowing Dimi Mascarenhas the choice to bat first and 9 runs from the first over seemed to vindicate that decision. However the second over saw the first wicket tumble and Jimmy Adams was out for 5 as he was caught by Key off Ryan McLaren.

It wasn’t long until the second wicket fell; Michael Carberry succumbed to McLaren’s medium pace and aired his delivery for Justin Kemp to take a simple catch. It then went from bad to worse. Azhar Mahmood got the prize wicket of Michael Lumb as he skied his delivery for McLaren to catch at mid wicket for 10.

Unfortunately for the packed crowd there was worse to come. Sean Ervine hit a Simon Cook delivery up into the air for Amjad Khan to catch for just 2. The end of the power play saw Hampshire lose four left handers, all in similar circumstances, and more worryingly it left them 30 for 4 with a real fight on their hands.

The fight got more difficult when Liam Dawson (4) tried to knock Khan over short leg, but he didn’t get enough on it so it allowed Martin van Jaarsveld to take a decent catch. Wickets continued to tumble; Geraint Jones stumped Chris Benham for just 3 after he tried to come down the pitch to a Darren Stevens delivery.

The Hampshire fans finally had something to cheer when Nic Pothas found the boundary, the first since the third over, and Mascarenhas followed suit hitting another four to somewhat rebuild the Hampshire innings. But with 82 on the board Pothas played on for 21 from the bowling of James Tredwell.

New man Dominic Cork smashed Tredwell for a 6 then Mascarenhas also hit a maximum as the pair brought up Hampshire’s 100 in the 19th over. Mascarenhas finished on 45 not out and Cork 18 as the pair used all of their experience to put on a 49 run partnership that gave Hampshire a fighting chance.

With the momentum firmly in the Hawks’ favour it was the turn of their bowlers to help turn the result around. Joe Denly and Key started conservatively at the beginning of the innings, obviously keen not to give away their wickets in careless fashion.

Key delivered the first blow, flicking Cork for four, but he was soon back in the pavilion as Mascarenhas sent his off stump tumbling with a brutal delivery for just 8. His fellow opener Denly (9) was following him in the next over as Cork had him lbw with a cracking delivery from the veteran.

Kent’s start gave plenty of encouragement for the Hampshire bowlers, and even more success was to come with the introduction of Chris Tremlett. The England bowler, fresh from his 2 for 28 against Middlesex, clean bowled Martin van Jaarsveld for 7 in a hostile opening over.

Kent were 4 runs ahead of Hampshire at the end of the powerplay after stumbling to 34 for 3.

With The Rose Bowl crowd now in jubilant mood it was important Hampshire continued the momentum but a dropped catch by Cork from Geraint Jones didn’t help their cause as it seemed to swing the momentum back in the visitors’ favour. Kent surpassed 50 in the 9th over with Jones and Stevens continuing to chase down the target with minimal risk taken.

Even the introduction of Ervine could do nothing to change the Hawks’ fortunes, as the all rounder was dispatched for two successive sixes by Stevens. Stevens recorded his fifth Twenty20 fifty with a boundary off Tremlett, and in doing so pushed Kent beyond 100; now needing less than a run a ball for the remainder of the innings.

A series of dropped catches in the final overs compounded this disappointing result which was confirmed by Jones who flicked a single through mid wicket to finish on 35 not out, with man of the match Stevens finishing with a brilliant 62.

Hampshire now face Essex at Chelmsford on Sunday in a winner takes all South Division match for the right to take a place in the quarter finals of the Twenty20 Cup.

Match report by Steve Woodgate and Nick Howson.

(Written for www.rosebowlplc.com)

Twenty20: Hampshire v Middlesex

Twenty 20 v Middlesex Panthers 23rd June 2009

A brilliant batting display by Michael Lumb and the stunning bowling of Chris Tremlett were the major factors in Hampshire Hawks’ 28 run victory over Middlesex Panthers at The Rose Bowl.

Both teams endured contrasting defeats in the previous evening's Twenty20 Cup action with Hampshire losing out by just eight runs against Kent, while Middlesex suffered their sixth successive defeat in the competition with an eight wicket mauling at the hands of Essex.

Hampshire’s decision to bat after winning the toss initially seemed like a misjudgement as Jimmy Adams found deep square leg and Gareth Berg off the bowling of Steven Finn for 4.

Michael Lumb picked up from where he finished in the Hawks’ last home Twenty20 Cup match against Sussex, with some stunning over the top hitting in the power play overs particularly off Panthers’ pace-man Berg, leaving his side 42 for 1 when the fielding restrictions were lifted.

New man Michael Carberry was then caught and bowled by Middlesex skipper Shaun Udal for 19 after completely misjudging a turning delivery by the off-spinner. Lumb however was clearly in the mood, and a huge six off Udal in his next over took the opener to his 50 off 31 balls.

Sean Ervine’s start was slightly reserved and he’d scored just 6 when a wayward switch hit sailed into the air and safely into the hands of Udal in Dawid Malan’s first over.

Dimitri Mascarenhas took the home side past 100 in the 13th over with a square cut for two as Hampshire looked towards 180 plus off their 20 overs. This was a total that looked more realistic after Mascarenhas launched Murali Kartik for two successive sixes in the 15th over, but before the England man holed out to Owais Shah the following ball for a quick-fire 23.

Tyron Henderson had laboured all day for a precious Hampshire wicket, and when Lumb cut straight to Finn he looked to have grabbed that vital breakthrough only for his fellow seamer to miss the catch and watch the ball sail on for four.

But just seven runs short of his second Twenty20 century Lumb was finally dismissed after being stumped by Ben Scott off the bowling of Berg, despite the delivery being called a wide.

Henderson then took a deserved wicket bowling Liam Dawson for 3. The final two overs produced 19 runs and pushed the Hampshire total to 183 for 6, leaving last year’s Twenty20 Champions a chance of recording their first win in the competition.

Chasing 184 to win in the fading sunlight is not a task for the faint hearted; Middlesex certainly had a challenge on their hands. Hawks’ captain Dimitri Mascarenhas opened the bowling in an aggressive manner with Billy Godleman playing the only scoring shot of the first over. However Dominic Cork was not as fortunate, conceding two 4s to Neil Dexter in the next.

Those two 4s were just a flash in the pan however, as Dexter (10) skied a Mascarenhas slower ball bouncer for Michael Carberry to pick up a relatively simple catch at point. This did not slow Middlesex down; Godleman looked a man possessed scoring 29 out of the 52 runs in exuberant fashion at the end of the power play.

Owais Shah, on the back of England’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign, hit Sean Ervine for a huge 6 as he and Godleman illustrated some exceptionally offensive batting as the floodlights prominently shone. And the pair soon brought up the 100 runs in the 11th over with Shah hitting Ervine for another huge 6.

The next ball saw Godleman pass his 50 with a well-played 6 as the batters continued to dominate. Hawks’ did finally get their man though; Tahir’s brilliant leg spin trapped Godleman leg before for 57 as he ended a stunning partnership of 97. Doing this brought Eion Morgan to the crease and he soon hit his England Twenty20 teammate Mascarenhas for a 4 and then a 6 as he and Shah tried to chase down Hampshire’s total.

However Middlesex hit a stumbling block and that stumbling block was none other than Chris Tremlett. He showed Hampshire what they have been missing as his deliveries, nearing 90mph, caused problems for the visitors and he forced Morgan (18) to play a needless shot that fell kindly into the hands of Liam Dawson.

Shah (45) was soon following as he attempted one big shot too many; he skied a Cork delivery for Michael Lumb to make a good catch. Tremlett, bowling his final over, got his second wicket of the day as Lumb caught Tyron Henderson at point for 4 runs. Middlesex finished on 155 for 5, leaving them 29 runs short of victory.

Match report by Nick Howson and Steve Woodgate.

(Written for www.rosebowlplc.com)

LVCC: Hampshire v Nottinghamshire Day 2

After Luke Fletcher’s heroics on Day 1, Nottinghamshire resumed Day 2 of this LVCC match on 305 for 8 with Mark Ealham and Darren Pattinson at the crease on 65 and 1 respectively. Pattinson showed his team’s intentions as early as the first ball; he took advantage of Hampshire’s lack of a third man and paddled the ball for 4 off Imran Tahir.

Pattinson’s early intentions where just a splash in the water, as he was soon walking back to the pavilion for 12. He edged a David Griffiths delivery to second slip where Dominic Cork was waiting with open arms to claim the easiest of catches. Charlie Shreck entered the fray as last man but was heading back for just 5 runs as he swung and missed a Griffiths ball that went on to hit the stumps and claim his fourth wicket of the match. Ealham’s brave efforts left him on 70 not out as Nottinghamshire finished on 326.

Now it was down to Jimmy Adams and Michael Carberry to set Hampshire on the road to a competitive total. Carberry punished the bowling of Shreck with two fine hits that both flew for 4 in just the 4th over. Hampshire continued batting effectively as a collective effort from the openers brought up Hampshire’s 50 in the 14th over.

Nottinghamshire soon captured the prize wicket of Carberry (27); his attempted block shot flew to Will Jefferson in the slips off Luke Fletcher’s bowling. Michael Lumb joined Adams at the crease as the visitors put Samit Patel into the attack. Adams, in punishing mood, struck the spinner’s first ball through cover for 4 and struck one down the ground again for 4 in the same over.

Hampshire were 85 for 1 at lunch.

Adams


Hampshire began the afternoon session looking to build on their strong start. They initially found runs hard to come by against the veteran all-rounder Mark Ealham, fresh from his own batting heroics, though Jimmy Adams did reach his 22nd First Class fifty with a flick down to fine leg for his eleventh 4. Adams and Lumb took Hampshire past the 100 mark, with Adams continuing to impress, stroking a 4 through the covers off Fletcher. Lumb offered a tough chance off Ealham but Jefferson was unable to hold a one handed catch at second slip. In the next over Lumb finally got his innings going with a firmly struck cover drive for 4.

With Nottinghamshire striving for a breakthrough, Pattinson was brought on to bowl. However the boundaries only became more frequent with Lumb picking up two in one over from sweetly struck cover drives. Adams continued to move towards his century, square cutting Patel for 4, and the pair rotated the strike intelligently, frustrating the visiting bowlers.

Shortly before the tea break Lumb dented Patel’s tidy figures, drilling him for 4 before launching him over square leg for 6. However Patel got his revenge in his next over – Lumb charged down the pitch only to miss the ball and was smartly stumped by opposition captain Chris Read, having made 43. The dismissal ended a 109 run partnership and brought in James Vince for his first LVCC game.

After taking a good look at the bowlers Vince came impressively off the mark with a late cut through point for 4 before pulling Shreck through midwicket for two more boundaries. Patel continued to trouble at the Northern End, with an enthusiastic lbw appeal against Adams turned down.

Hampshire were 184 for 2 at tea.

The first ball after tea saw the instant dismissal of James Vince for 13. Mark Ealham found an edge and Vince’s attempted forward drive fell kindly to the hands of Will Jefferson at second slip. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop Jimmy Adams moving on to his fifth First Class century. Samit Patel was the man that conceded the runs as Adams played him beautifully, hitting two 4s to bring up his prolific ton off 171 balls.

Hampshire swiftly moved past the 200 mark with Adams continuing his fantastic innings with a well-driven 4 through cover. Then disaster hit when Nottinghamshire finally got their man; Adams’ dominance was ended when Bilal Shafayat caught him at short leg for Patel’s second wicket of the day. Adams left to great applause from the crowd having scored 112 runs, his highest total at The Rose Bowl.

Chris Benham (13) then perished, fencing at a rising delivery from Luke Fletcher and being caught by Jefferson at slip. Sean Ervine arrived at the crease with Vince as a runner, following his hamstring pull yesterday. Pothas drove Hampshire past the 250 with a boundary through the covers but Ervine (1) departed quickly after that, edging to Chris Read behind the stumps. New batsman Dominic Cork survived a strong lbw appeal early in his innings before getting off the mark with a well-timed drive for 4.

Hampshire’s hopes of passing Nottinghamshire’s total began to diminish when Patel had Pothas (36) caught at short leg by Shafayat then Imran Tahir (0) tried to hit the spinner over the top but succeeded only in finding the safe hands of Mark Ealham at mid on. Patel secured his maiden First Class five wicket haul, inducing an edge from David Griffiths which was well taken by Ali Brown at first slip.

Cork and James Tomlinson saw Hampshire through to the close of play, ending the day on 287 for 9, 39 behind Nottinghamshire’s total.

Match report by Steve Woodgate and Mark Tilley.

(Written for www.rosebowlplc.com)

LVCC: Hampshire v

After Luke Fletcher’s heroics on Day 1, Nottinghamshire resumed Day 2 of this LVCC match on 305 for 8 with Mark Ealham and Darren Pattinson at the crease on 65 and 1 respectively. Pattinson showed his team’s intentions as early as the first ball; he took advantage of Hampshire’s lack of a third man and paddled the ball for 4 off Imran Tahir.

Pattinson’s early intentions where just a splash in the water, as he was soon walking back to the pavilion for 12. He edged a David Griffiths delivery to second slip where Dominic Cork was waiting with open arms to claim the easiest of catches. Charlie Shreck entered the fray as last man but was heading back for just 5 runs as he swung and missed a Griffiths ball that went on to hit the stumps and claim his fourth wicket of the match. Ealham’s brave efforts left him on 70 not out as Nottinghamshire finished on 326.

Now it was down to Jimmy Adams and Michael Carberry to set Hampshire on the road to a competitive total. Carberry punished the bowling of Shreck with two fine hits that both flew for 4 in just the 4th over. Hampshire continued batting effectively as a collective effort from the openers brought up Hampshire’s 50 in the 14th over.

Nottinghamshire soon captured the prize wicket of Carberry (27); his attempted block shot flew to Will Jefferson in the slips off Luke Fletcher’s bowling. Michael Lumb joined Adams at the crease as the visitors put Samit Patel into the attack. Adams, in punishing mood, struck the spinner’s first ball through cover for 4 and struck one down the ground again for 4 in the same over.

Hampshire were 85 for 1 at lunch.

Adams


Hampshire began the afternoon session looking to build on their strong start. They initially found runs hard to come by against the veteran all-rounder Mark Ealham, fresh from his own batting heroics, though Jimmy Adams did reach his 22nd First Class fifty with a flick down to fine leg for his eleventh 4. Adams and Lumb took Hampshire past the 100 mark, with Adams continuing to impress, stroking a 4 through the covers off Fletcher. Lumb offered a tough chance off Ealham but Jefferson was unable to hold a one handed catch at second slip. In the next over Lumb finally got his innings going with a firmly struck cover drive for 4.

With Nottinghamshire striving for a breakthrough, Pattinson was brought on to bowl. However the boundaries only became more frequent with Lumb picking up two in one over from sweetly struck cover drives. Adams continued to move towards his century, square cutting Patel for 4, and the pair rotated the strike intelligently, frustrating the visiting bowlers.

Shortly before the tea break Lumb dented Patel’s tidy figures, drilling him for 4 before launching him over square leg for 6. However Patel got his revenge in his next over – Lumb charged down the pitch only to miss the ball and was smartly stumped by opposition captain Chris Read, having made 43. The dismissal ended a 109 run partnership and brought in James Vince for his first LVCC game.

After taking a good look at the bowlers Vince came impressively off the mark with a late cut through point for 4 before pulling Shreck through midwicket for two more boundaries. Patel continued to trouble at the Northern End, with an enthusiastic lbw appeal against Adams turned down.

Hampshire were 184 for 2 at tea.

The first ball after tea saw the instant dismissal of James Vince for 13. Mark Ealham found an edge and Vince’s attempted forward drive fell kindly to the hands of Will Jefferson at second slip. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop Jimmy Adams moving on to his fifth First Class century. Samit Patel was the man that conceded the runs as Adams played him beautifully, hitting two 4s to bring up his prolific ton off 171 balls.

Hampshire swiftly moved past the 200 mark with Adams continuing his fantastic innings with a well-driven 4 through cover. Then disaster hit when Nottinghamshire finally got their man; Adams’ dominance was ended when Bilal Shafayat caught him at short leg for Patel’s second wicket of the day. Adams left to great applause from the crowd having scored 112 runs, his highest total at The Rose Bowl.

Chris Benham (13) then perished, fencing at a rising delivery from Luke Fletcher and being caught by Jefferson at slip. Sean Ervine arrived at the crease with Vince as a runner, following his hamstring pull yesterday. Pothas drove Hampshire past the 250 with a boundary through the covers but Ervine (1) departed quickly after that, edging to Chris Read behind the stumps. New batsman Dominic Cork survived a strong lbw appeal early in his innings before getting off the mark with a well-timed drive for 4.

Hampshire’s hopes of passing Nottinghamshire’s total began to diminish when Patel had Pothas (36) caught at short leg by Shafayat then Imran Tahir (0) tried to hit the spinner over the top but succeeded only in finding the safe hands of Mark Ealham at mid on. Patel secured his maiden First Class five wicket haul, inducing an edge from David Griffiths which was well taken by Ali Brown at first slip.

Cork and James Tomlinson saw Hampshire through to the close of play, ending the day on 287 for 9, 39 behind Nottinghamshire’s total.

Match report by Steve Woodgate and Mark Tilley.

Friends Provident Trophy Quarter Final: Hampshire v Middlesex

Michael Lumb’s second one-day century guided Hampshire through to the Friends Provident Trophy semi-final after beating Middlesex by 44 runs at The Rose Bowl. Lumb put on an opening stand of 156 with Jimmy Adams to give Hampshire the perfect start before Billy Taylor took 3 for 44 to help dismiss the visitors for 266.

Hampshire had previously won in this competition in both 1991 and 2005 whilst Middlesex’s last success was in 1988, and the host’s chances severely improved when they won the toss and decided to bat in glorious conditions on the South Coast.

Ex-Hampshire player, now Middlesex captain, Shaun Udal opened the bowling for the visitors which Lumb hit down the ground for an early boundary. Fellow opener Adams seemed to be in good touch as well and after opening his innings with a lucky edge for four he started to settle with his partner as the duo raced to 50 for no wicket inside eight overs.

Both men then completed their respective half centuries, Lumb’s coming off just 34 balls and Adams’ being completed with a superb switch hit off Dawid Malan with Middlesex powerless to stop Hampshire’s continued progress. In just the 15th over the partnership moved to 100, with little distress brought to either player’s wicket.

Middlesex finally got their breakthrough as Adams’ expansive drive caused him to play on off Steve Finn’s bowling for an impressive 76 - but not before Hampshire had surpassed the 150 mark.

Lumb soon moved on to his second one-day century in the 35th over but was soon out when stumped by Ben Scott off Malan with the very next delivery, and the crowd rose to their feet to applaud the opener off the field.

Lumb

Udal, who had toiled from the Northern End all afternoon, finally got a double breakthrough in two successive overs firstly seducing Ervine, who had played a solid support role to Lumb, to sky a delivery to Malan for 34. The spinner completed the wicket frenzy when in his next over he had Chris Benham in all sorts of problems, with the batsman’s only answer to find David Nash for just 3.

Middlesex had developed a foothold in the game, and with 13 overs remaining and the score at 216 for 3 both sides had much to play for, especially with two new men at the crease. Michael Carberry and Dawson gave the home side some solidity; with Middlesex using seven different bowlers in as many overs as Udal strived for a breakthrough, but failed to find one.

Both men took full advantage of the batting powerplay with Dawson beautifully sweeping Gareth Berg for 4 as he and Carberry put on a 50 partnership of their own. Dawson scored his first ever one-day half century off 36 balls as he finished on 51 not out and Carberry finished on 42 not out as they steered Hampshire to the fourth highest one day score at The Rose Bowl – 310 for 4.

The total seemed a competitive one and with cloud overhead Dominic Cork saw a perfect opportunity to knock over the Middlesex opening batsman and with just four overs passed, and despite some impressive hitting, Billy Godleman succumbed to Cork with a slower ball that slipped into the hands of Ervine for 17.

The wicket did nothing to contain the Middlesex batsman however with Nick Compton playing some sublime strokes before holing out to Cork himself off Hamza Riazuddin for 23.

Neil Dexter hadn’t taken long to find his range however, with Imran Tahir guilty of bowling short to the South African and being blasted through extra cover for four and later for six as he and Sam Robson reached their 50 partnership in the 9th over.

Liam Dawson came into the attack and bowled Robson two short of his half century, just after Dexter had completed his fourth List A fifty.

In an eventful batting powerplay, Malan was the first man to go for 18 after pulling Taylor from just the second ball of the over straight to Lumb. Key man Dexter was next to go, and along with it Middlesex’ chances of winning the match as he found Riazuddin off Tahir for a superb 79.

Taylor’s second spell was proving devastating and he bowled Udal for just 1, and Tahir was providing more success with his second wicket in as many overs as he had Berg trapped lbw for 2. Ervine came into the attack and in his first over of the day had Nash caught out in the deep by Carberry for a quick-fire 20.

Cork had Chris Silverwood caught by Benham for a duck, and Taylor completed his brilliant second spell by dismissing Finn (13) with four balls remaining. Scott was left unbeaten on 18 as Middlesex fell 44 runs short of Hampshire’s total.

Hampshire have drawn Lancashire in the semi-finals in a game that will be played at Old Trafford on 5th July.

Match report by Steve Woodgate and Nick Howson.

(Written for www.rosebowlplc.com)

LVCC: Hampshire v Sussex Day 4

Hampshire Vs Sussex Day 4

A draw was the result of this rain-affected match between Hampshire and Sussex in the LV County Championship at The Rose Bowl.

On a rather sunny morning of the last day, Sussex resumed on 230 for 6, 120 runs behind Hampshire's score, as they look to obtain full batting points in the final day of this LV County Championship game.

Sussex's pursuit did hit a stumbling block however as Robin Martin-Jenkins was caught behind of the bowling of Billy Taylor for 16. And Sussex soon lost the cornerstone to their innings soon after, Hampshire used the new ball to good effect as they finally removed Matt Prior. He looked in great knick before a brilliant delivery by James Tomlinson took his wicket and he was heading back to the pavilion having scored 140 runs from 195 balls.

Overseas player Damien Wright passed a personal milestone of 3000 First Class runs, as he and Ragheb Aga brought 300 up for Sussex to Hampshire's frustration.

Wright and Aga continued to frustrate Hampshire and they soon brought up their 50-run partnership. Fortunately for Hampshire, Liam Dawson found a breakthrough as he had Wright (42) caught behind by Nic Pothas. And later in the over Dawson got another as Aga (24)was given lbw as Sussex finished 336 all out, 14 runs adrift of Hampshire's 350.

After lunch, Carberry and James Adams came together at the crease for the beginning of Hampshire's second innings with the match set to finish as a draw. Chances were still aplenty for the Sussex bowlers however, with Martin-Jenkins finding two edges in consecutive balls off Adams, only for the opener to guide them safely through a vacant third slip.

The first ten overs did see a succession of boundaries, with Carberry in particular punishing some rather wayward bowling from West Indian Corey Collymore.

The Englishman seemed to be one of the few who were taking this opportunity with some gusto, as Andy Hodd took to the wicket-keeping position relinquished by Matt Prior, a sign of the relaxed nature that the men from Hove were taking on this final day.

Carberry did complete a solid half century however, after surviving being dropped on 38, he completed the knock off 103 balls. Sussex seemed to have no answers for the resolute opening stand between Carberry and Adams, which at tea stood at 88 without loss, with the hosts having a lead of 102.

Hampshire carried on where they left off after tea. Adams and Carberry brought up their 100 partnership in no time as the visitors struggled to find a breakthrough.

Local lad Adams edged further towards his half century with a flurry of singles before hitting a well-driven four through cover for his 20th First Class fifty.

Fellow opener Carberry was out not long after for 72. Spinner Chris Nash was rewarded for his persistence as the batter was out lbw to give Sussex a wicket in a drawn out session. Michael Lumb was out for a duck and he was bowled by Rory Hamilton-Brown.

Hampshire finished on 127 for 2.

Match report by Nick Howson and Steven Woodgate

(Written for www.rosebowlplc.com)

LVCC: Hampshire v Sussex

LVCC Hampshire v Sussex - Day 1

A 150 run partnership between Sean Ervine and Nic Pothas dragged Hampshire back into contention in their LVCC match against Sussex at The Rose Bowl, after the home side found themselves on 145 for 4. Ervine went on to complete a dazzling century, eventually falling for 109 while Pothas passed 10,000 First Class career runs on his way to a sensational 74. Corey Collymore, Damien Wright and Robin Martin-Jenkins all took two wickets for Sussex with Hampshire ending the day on 341 for 8.

Yet another sunny Rose Bowl morning saw Sussex put Hampshire into bat after winning the toss, and as soon as the tenth over their decision seemed vindicated. With only 26 on the board, Michael Carberry looked to play the ball over the covers only to be brilliantly caught by Andrew Hodd off Martin-Jenkins for 17.

A further ten overs passed with Michael Lumb and Jimmy Adams at the crease, the pair becoming increasingly frustrated by Sussex’s pace attack and the score remaining at 41 for 1 for a five over spell during the morning session. Hampshire’s cautious approach in the first session did include the occasional boundary, with Adams pulling Ragheb Aga for a huge six just before lunch. The partnership between the two reached fifty in the 29th over before Lumb (30) found himself caught behind by Matt Prior off Wright, who had earlier been driven deliciously by his victim.

The home side finished the morning session on 82 for 2, with Adams unbeaten on 31 and new man Chris Benham, in for the injured John Crawley, still yet to score.

Benham didn’t stick around for long after lunch however, with just 15 balls passing before Rory Hamilton-Brown caught him at second slip off Martin-Jenkins for a single. However Adams’ luck was a shade better as his edge off Collymore snuck agonisingly through wicketkeeper Prior and first slip Ed Joyce and sailed for four. After making his 19th half century, Adams’ knock was ended just 11 runs later, as the local lad offered only half a stroke and his attempt to pull away was cruelly capitalised on by Prior, comfortably taking him off Aga’s bowling. It left Hampshire 145 for 4, midway through day one.

Ervine then showed his intentions to get Hampshire back into the game, smashing three consecutive fours off Aga as he and Pothas led the charge. The skipper soon reached a huge personal milestone as he passed the 10,000 First Class run mark with a brilliantly crafted four. Ervine continued his innings by bringing up his half century after smashing spinner Chris Nash for a big six. Hampshire finished the afternoon session 224 for 4 with Ervine on 63 and Pothas on 34.

With the double act well set, the final session was sure to be the perfect opportunity to press the Hampshire advantage. It took six overs after tea for Pothas and Ervine to reach their 100 run partnership as conditions became impeccable for batting. Hampshire slipped into a period of dominance as Sussex’s decision to bat first looked like a misjudgement.

Pothas reached fifty in 77 balls, but it was Ervine who was taking centre stage, completing a brilliant hundred, his 6th in first class cricket. The milestones continued the tumble for the duo as they reached their 150 run partnership, but with the new ball pending Ervine (109, his highest score for Hampshire) found Hamilton-Brown at gully off the bowling of Joyce, who in turn secured his first ever wicket for his new club, Sussex.

Pothas, fresh from his landmark achievement went searching for the new ball, but soon yielded to Collymore as he was caught behind by Prior for 74. The tail was now in sight for the away side and Dominic Cork put on just two before Collymore found the edge, which went straight to Prior - his forth dismissal of the day. Chris Tremlett was next back to the pavilion for four as he edged to Hamilton-Brown at second slip off Wright to leave Hampshire on 341 for 8 at the close of play, with Dawson unbeaten on 22.

With rain expected tomorrow both sides can be satisfied with the day’s play, especially Sussex who will be keen to knock over the rest of Hampshire tail when play should resume at 11am tomorrow.

Speaking on his impressive landmark, Pothas was keen to play down its significance. “To me, as an individual, all that matters is the winning contributions I can make for the team. If I can win three one day games for us in a year, and maybe win two or three Championship games, then I’ve done a job. If everyone can do that then it covers the whole season and we play winning cricket. That’s the most important thing to me; how many times can I get us out of trouble, and how many times I can win games for my team.”

Match report by Nick Howson and Steve Woodgate

(written for www.rosebowlplc.com)

Friends Provident Trophy: Hampshire v Worcestershire

Friends Provident Trophy v Worcestershire 19th April

Despite a fine century from John Crawley, Hampshire Hawks lost to Worcestershire Royals in the first match of Friends Provident Trophy. The visitors won by 53 runs as Gareth Batty took 5 vital Hampshire wickets in a high scoring match.

With conditions ideal for batting, Worcestershire won the toss and chose to bat, keen to make up for their defeat in the recent LVCC Championship match. Openers Vikram Solanki and Steve Davies soon got to work both hitting boundaries in the opening overs, with captain Solanki picking up from where he left off in the 4 day game with a beautiful cover drive in front of square. Balcombe didn’t seem to be put off by the openers’ aggressive start however and with Solanki cruising on 35 he played all round a straight delivery to end his innings after six glorious fours.

New man Stephen Moore wasn’t around for long as he edged a delivery from Billy Taylor straight to Sean Ervine at second slip for nought. Consecutive wickets had disrupted the Worcestershire momentum slightly but Davies still found gaps available. After flicking Balcombe over third man for his sixth boundary of the day, as he moved swiftly towards his 9th one day half century. Liam Dawson was tasked with holding up the Pavilion End, and after frustrating Davies he finally secured his wicket after seducing the batsman into a long hop, a shot that was delivered straight to Sean Ervine, making it 107 for 3.



Moeen Ali and Ben Smith were brought together at the crease and although boundaries weren’t forthcoming they continued to frustrate the Hampshire attack, putting on a 50 partnership to help rebuild the Worcestershire innings. Ali himself was in fine touch and a rare boundary off Billy Taylor brought up his fifty off a steady 73 balls, but a huge six off Tremlett signalled his side’s intentions for the final 15 overs.

Hampshire were suffering from the third and final powerplay in which they conceded 64 runs with Smith and Ali reaching their 100 run partnership in the 37th over. Ali then completed a stunning 100 off 97 balls to move his side onto 227 for 3 with the final ten overs still remaining. He continued his innings with a breathtaking six down the ground, and a further Smith four increased the record 4th wicket partnership to the 150 mark. The huge partnership was eventually broken as Ali found Michael Carberry out in the deep off Balcombe for a stunning 125.

Daryl Mitchell stuck around for two scoreless deliveries as Taylor caught a thin edge, which was taken comfortably by Nic Pothas, while Smith picked up his 50 after playing a reserved role during his partnership with Ali. The final five overs didn’t produce the barrage of runs expected, with Tremlett picking up two late wickets, bowling Gareth Batty for 17, and having Dawson catch Kabir Ali for 11.

Worcestershire finished their innings on 320 for 8, with Smith being caught and bowled by Tremlett by the last ball for 70 and Gareth Andrews finishing on nought not out, leaving Hampshire an uphill task of chasing the second highest one day total at The Rose Bowl.

Hampshire’s reply began positively as opener Michael Lumb smashed two consecutive fours in the first over from the bowling of Kabir Ali, in an attempt to chase down Worcestershire’s mammoth total. Lumb continued optimistically, running a single for his 29th half century off 51 balls from the bowling of Ian Fisher. Fellow opener John Crawley contributed 35 as the pair brought up 100 runs soon after and they looked in solid form.

Gareth Batty eventually ended their dominance as Lumb was caught and bowled by the all rounder; he finished on 61 from 72 balls. Lumb and Crawley’s partnership of 116 is a record first wicket stand against Worcestershire as it passed BA Richards and CG Greenidge record of 112 set back in 1973.

Liam Dawson, batting at three, was cruelly run out for 10 after a mix up with Crawley, and all rounder Sean Ervine soon followed Dawson back to the pavilion when Fisher superbly bowled him for 3 leaving Hampshire on 136 for 3. In that same over Crawley moved on to his 56th half century after running three with new partner Michael Carberry.

Carberry was going well, 34 runs off 33 balls, before being caught easily by Chris Whelan from Fisher’s bowling. Cork (1) was heading back in no time, he was caught by Moeen Ali from Batty‘s bowling for his second wicket of the day. Chris Benham (5) did not last long either; he was bowled by Mitchell and it left Hampshire on a worrying 217 for 6.

Only 34 runs were scored in the batting powerplay, which slowed Hampshire’s progress and it was up to captain Nic Pothas to keep the Hawks on track for the win. He led the way by smashing a huge six into the hospitality suites as he and Crawley attempted to keep the run rate ticking over.

Opener Crawley got his deserved 8th one day century, just before Pothas (24), attempting a reverse sweep, was given lbw from Batty’s bowling. Batty then picked up the prized wicket of Crawley in the same over as he was stumped by Davies for 100. Batty's fifth wicket was Balcombe, for a duck, before Taylor (4) was caught on the boundary to end Hampshire’s hopes with a final score of 267 all out.

The match was watched by a crowd of more than 3,000, a fitting end to a well supported week for Hampshire Cricket with good attendances every day.

Match report by Nick Howson and Steve Woodgate.

(Written for www.rosebowlplc.com)

Hampshire v Middlesex Friendly at The Rose Bowl

Hampshire v Middlesex friendly 8th April 2009 - day one of two

With a total of 76 overs bowled, Middlesex finished the first day of a two day friendly game against Hampshire at The Rose Bowl on 215 for 3; however both Godleman and Dexter retired out on 56 and 60 respectively - Chris Tremlett taking the only wicket in the first over after lunch.

Hampshire’s bowlers laboured without reward in the first session. There were a few close calls, but no wickets fell and the visitors finished the morning on 72 for 0 (Compton – 22, Godleman – 34).

Chris Tremlett opened the bowling with an impressive spell, showing he was back to his dangerous best. His partnership with David Balcombe restricted Middlesex to 10 runs off the first five overs, and to 20 runs off the first ten. Tremlett finished the session with miserly figures of 5-1-8-0.

First change was James Tomlinson who went for 9 in his first over but only 18 runs in his entire spell. Both batsmen were fortunate to survive his spirited lbw appeals, particularly Compton in the 13th over. Balcombe, bowling from the Northern End, was doubly unlucky with two close calls denied, one of them in the over before lunch.

Tomlinson

There must have been something in Hampshire’s food as the first ball after the lunch interval supplied a break through. Captain Nic Pothas caught Compton (34) behind from Tremlett’s bowling as he continued his dangerous form. But there was little else to speak of in a slow second session.

New boy Dominic Cork and Sean Ervine slowed down the Middlesex batsmen’s run rate as they conceded only 24 runs from 13 overs in search for a wicket. Godleman hit his half century after running for a risky single whilst stuck on 49, and by tea he had moved on to 56 not out, whilst partner Dexter (46) was looking in good form hitting successive fours from Ervine’s bowling.

Middlesex finished the second session on 147 for 1.

Both sides used the opportunity to give their key players some match practice, with Hampshire using seven bowlers and Middlesex five batsmen, including wicketkeeper Ben Scott who was promoted up the order from number 8 and, given the typical run rates from the day, was impressive making 20 runs off 24 balls.

Hampshire’s bowling figures were as follows:

C T Tremlett 13-3-31-1
D J Balcombe 13-3-35-0
J A Tomlinson 14-1-40-0
S M Ervine 12-4-28-0
D G Cork 11-4-26-0
B V Taylor 10-3-30-0
M A Carberry 3-0-10-0

Liam Dawson did not bowl as a precautionary measure to protect a split spinning finger.

Match report by Steve Woodgate.

(Seen at www.rosebowlplc.com)

Lewis is Back

Hooray! Lewis Hamilton is back.

Despite the numerous molecules that have dodged Hamilton’s dire season seems to be a distance thing of the past. He surpassed all expectations and realities to lead and win the Hungarian Grand Prix in such dominant and frantic fashion.

All through his led there was the sneaky suspicion that he was on a verge (it’s known to happen) of a fatal mistake that would epitomise his tough season once again. But gladly there was no choke, no mistake and signs of the rekindling Brit yesterday was a breath of fresh air.

Rightly fellow Brit Jenson Button has been taken all the plaudits this season and
Hamilton has been portrayed more of a villain than a nation hero for much of it but this win will bring an awe of optimism for driver, as well as McLaren, to propel himself to start challenging the leaders.

Although it’s not a result that they can get carried away with but the signs that Hamilton, who once was the icon of so many, can right his wrongs.

It does seem decades ago that Hamilton took his spot at the spearhead of the podium but now he might get that winning feeling back again. This is also Martin Whitmarsh’s first win as team boss, after replacing Ron Dennis, and he will earmark this victory as his finest he has ever witnessed after his team has been dragged through so much this year.

From Liegate to the controversy in Malaysia, McLaren has been through it all. Coming to Hungary was big, after the significant updates to his dwindling MP4-24 model at Germany, it was time to show why he’s still the current World Championship and he duly did.

This is arguably his finest victory, his 10th and best. It was Lewis’ first victory since China last season, and his emotional exploits have been missed, Button is animated but it’s not with the exuberance that Hamilton shows.

Button was hoping for much more in his Brawn but Lewis’ victory helped his fellow Brit out. Keeping the Red Bull’s at bay is what he did and as the season heads into its second half, Lewis could become Button’s biggest ally.

Lewis, on the other hand, can leave Budapest Hungary (Sorry) for more.

Johnson is Struggling. Gladly.

The Ashes is often celebrated as the biggest and best cricket contest; it has the potential to make or break any gifted individual. Mitchell Johnson baffling form so far this series is an implacable godsend for Andrew Strauss’ men and after his frightening form against South Africa last winter, the England team must be relieved that he is not just struggling he’s struggling badly.

Johnson pronounced himself as one of the leading young fast test bowlers in cricket after his one-man mission against a strong Springboks team, where he took eight for 61; he became Australia’s leading talisman as they touted him as a possible replacement for the almost irreplaceable Glenn McGrath.

Johnson’s pace and power in often seen as his strong point, ask Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith what’s it like to face Johnson, both retired hurt after a devastating bowling display, but what he supplies in speed and power he lacks in control and consistency. When on song he is one of the best. At Kingsmead, Johnson removed Hashim Amla and Neil McKenzie in his first over but the way he took on the vastly experienced Kallis and Smith was most remarkable. He broke Smith’s hand and split Kallis’ chin that highlighted his fearsome attitude and promising potential. Cricket commentator Peter Roebuck even described him as ‘the best fast bowler in the world’. Seems absolutely laughable now doesn’t it?

His bowling so far in this Ashes series, couldn't dent a tin of Victoria Bitter nevertheless dent England’s hopes of reclaiming the Ashes. He bowled wide, he lacked control, he’s not dependable and even the ‘mastermind’ that is Ricky Ponting often ignores his pledges to bowl to wrong his rights. The English batsmen have gone after him (when they can actually reach the ball) and Australia are seemingly paying the price.

They can’t rush Brett Lee back quick enough and if Johnson is omitted from the third test, it would not be the biggest surprise. Johnson’s confidence is shot to pieces and it might take a little while to get those pieces back together – God knows Ponting is not the man to help restore confidence he’s too busy being the very sorest of losers.

Johnson was heavily tipped to succeed and be successful this summer, and he was one of Australia’s most hyped Ashes debutants for years. Perhaps he was expected to do more and be the lynchpin of the visitors attack and that may have just heaped the pressure on to him a little too much. Every time Ponting hands Johnson the new ball he must feel like he’s handing his wife over to Shane Warne for a romantic evening – nothing good can ever come from it.

Johnson’s three for in England’s first innings of the second test does not speak volume of how bad his bowling has been. He conceded 132 run in just 22 overs and that’s a cardinal sin in test cricket. Ben Hilfenhaus bowled nines overs more, got four wickets and went for 30 runs less. England’s second innings didn’t go much better for Johnson either as he ended up wicketless and completely out of sorts.

For England’s sake, let’s hope his awful form continues.

Saints Takeover Complete

Alas, Southampton Football has been taken over and just in time too.

It’s been somewhat of a few difficult months for the South Coast side and only last week they had to sell two gems in Andres Surman and David McGoldrick on the cheap just to be able to pay the staffs wages.

Surman was sold to Wolves for a mere £1.4 million and McGoldrick moved for a seven figure sum to Nottingham Forest as the club tried hard to balance books.

Now the saviour is not in the form of fans idol Matt le Tissier but in the form of a 61 year old German.

But no doubt the fans and everyone to do with Southampton doesn’t care who takes over as long as they have the clubs good intentions at heart.

Markus Liebherr is the man that now has taken control of Southampton Leisure Holdings Plc and all the company’s assets and now will embark on rebuilding the club that starts in League One on minus 10.

Joint Administrator Mark Fry insists: “The sale of the Saints to Markus Liebherr is a fantastic opportunity to rebuild the club.”

And too right.

With the money that will now be invested into the club it will be back in the Championship in no time.

It was believed that Markus Liebherr was attracted by many great qualities Southampton could offer such as a solid fan base, a first class stadium and training facilities and the potential to regain a future Premier League place.

For the first time in months Southampton are on a high after they’ve been tumbling down hill for months. Although they start on minus ten don’t bet against an immediate return to the Championship.

West Brom gets Cox's Signature

Personally, I thought there would be a lot clubs after Simon Cox’s signature, nevertheless West Brom sweet talked the youngster to join them before the transfer window rush began.

Cox becomes Roberto Di Matteo’s first signing as Albion boss costing the club £1.5 million plus £400,000 with add-ons.

Cox’s revelation for Swindon Town last season was astounding and a move up the division was not only likely but inevitable.

It was West Brom that made the first move and he duly signed. West Brom are a huge club and has real credentials for an immediate return to the top flight after finishing rock bottom in the Premier League.

Swindon, last season, narrowly avoided the drop and if it wasn’t for Cox’s goals they would facing a prospect of a very difficult season in League Two.

He finished the season joint top goal scorer with Bristol Rovers’ Rickie Lambert – both scoring 29 goals. The Reading born hitman will be relishing playing in the Championship as he found games at his first club Reading hard to come by.

Loans at Northampton and Brentford soon followed but after performing superbly on loan at Swindon he moved permanently for a fraction of what West Brom are paying.
The Baggies were short of goals in the top flight and they look to avoid similar struggles this term.

Cox will get goals plenty of them too. West Brom must be looking for at least a play off place as this will be one of the most competitive Championship seasons to date.
He may show what Reading are missing and reject letting him go so cheaply.

Championship Team of the Year...

So here it is – the Championship Team of the Year voted by you.

Goalkeeper: Kelvin Davis (Southampton)

Right Back: Graeme Alexander (Burnley)

Left Back: Kyle Walker (Sheffield United)

Centre Back: Clarke Carlisle (Burnley)

Centre Back: Richard Stearman (Wolves)

Right Midfield: Jordi Gomez (Swansea City)

Left Midfield: Robbie Blake (Burnley)

Centre Midfield: Karl Henry (Wolves)

Centre Midfield: Chris Cohen (Nottingham Forest)

Striker: Jason Scotland (Swansea City)

Striker: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves)

Many surprising inclusions and a far cry from the PFA Team of the Year.

Please leave your thoughts and feelings.

(Champ Corner, Football FanCast, 2009)

Championship Strikers of the Year..

Champ Corner's Steven Woodgate concludes his investigation into the Championship team of the year, by focusing on the strikers.

You always need goals and these players certainly been in amongst them, some of them better than others but goals nevertheless.

Jason Scotland

This man can't stop performing. His goal scoring exploits for Swansea City have had many Premier League teams taking note. After scoring the goals to get the Welsh club promoted from League One, and the step to the Championship has not been a problem for the Trinidad and Tobago striker.

Scotland's goal ratio in the English League is over one goal in every two games and that can't be ignored.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

Finished top scorer of the Championship as his goals played a huge role in Wolves' return to the top flight. After making his name as Plymouth Argyle, he moved to Wolves and provided them with a flurry of goals.

Goals are not only his major asset; he links play brilliantly and brings many midfielders in to the action.

Kevin Doyle

The Irishman hitman was on excellent form in the first half of the season; his goals contributed so much to Reading's fortunes. Although the goals did dry up in the second half of the season, his all round team play was impressive.

Premier League suitors couldn't do much worse than Doyle, as he has shown that he is able to score goals in the top flight as well. His future will be much talked about this summer.

Marcus Tudgay

The Sheffield Wednesday hit man may not have been as prolific as some players may but his impact and play can't be undermined. The striker has played in almost every position this term but is happy to help the team.

He won the PFA Fans Championship Player of the Year award, as well as his clubs honour as well. His goal against fierce rivals Sheffield United must be the highpoint in his season.

Ross McCormack

Although many of goals came from the penalty spot, his goals helped Cardiff propel up the league. He joined on a free at the beginning of the season and joined because of the presence of his boyhood hero Robbie Fowler.

He finished the season scoring 23 goals in all competitions despite missing some of the season through injury. He's now in talks with Cardiff about a new contract although a move up a league maybe on the cards.

Kevin Phillips

This man just performs wherever he goes. Phillips joined Birmingham on two-year contract after rejecting a one-year stay at West Brom. Alex McLeish must be pleased that Phillips agreed to them, his goals have done wonders and his impact was sorely missed.

When Phillips was injured, Birmingham found it difficult to score and his return saw him score a goal at Reading to give his side Promotion.

Championship Centre Midfielder of the Year...

Champ Corner's Steven Woodgate continues his investigation into the Championship team of the year, by focusing on the centre midfield area.

The midfield general, the anchor, arguably the most influential position on a football pitch. They can change a game, one single pass, one superb tackle, or one inspiring turn can make the biggest of impacts. These players have certainly done that for their sides.


Joe Ledley

A general naturally gifted player and he is already known as one of the most gifted players in the championship. The Cardiff City playmaker has performed well as his side missed a play off place, his performances have impressed Wales boss John Toshack, as he has become pinnacle in their step up.

The Welsh youngster has built up a huge reputation, and a £6 million pound offer was rejected at the beginning of the season and he rewarded Cardiff with his loyalty, and proudly captained the side.

Lee Carsley

Carsley brought a wealth of experience to a Birmingham City side that was looking to bounce straight back to the Premier League. He rejected an offer of a contract extension from Everton to join his home-town club and what an inspiration he has been.

Club captain Damien Johnson was expected to miss much of the season through injury, therefore Carsley was given the captaincy to lead the team to promotion. He won Player's player of the season and rightfully too.

Karl Henry

What a season for this man. Henry led Wolves to the Premier League, he took over the captain's armband in the absence of the experienced Joey Craddock. His gritty displays gave him credit for doing the dirty work in the centre of midfield; he has established a wonderful partnership with David Jones as the pair has dominated most midfields they have come up against.

Henry lifted the trophy with Craddock as the captain of Wolves after the 1-0 win against Doncaster Rovers.

Chris Cohen

The Nottingham Forest work horse has been subject to much praise from many admirers in the Championship and he has been rewarded with a new contract at the City Ground. His consistent displays for Forest won him player of the year from his fans.

Cohen was a product of the West Ham United Youth system and he will be an important player for the club next season.

Championship Right Midfielder of the Year

Champ Corner's Steven Woodgate continues his investigation into the Championship team of the year by focusing on the right wing spot.

These players have performed very well for their teams this season, and their influence has been essential for the team's outcome. Without these players, their clubs would be lost.

Tommy Smith

Smith probably had one of his best seasons this term as he finished the 2008.09 season with 17 league goals and made nine assists. Statistically he was named the Championship's top midfielder and was voted the clubs player of the season for the second year running.

Now 29 years old, he would be a perfect right midfielder for any club but this man has a deep lying love for Watford and it would be very difficult for him ever to leave.

Jordi Gomez

This Spaniard joined the revolution down at Swansea and been extremely impressive. Now departed manager Roberto Martinez was keen to extend the midfielder's stay at Swansea however, after the season he had he is destined on bigger things. A move to Scottish giants Celtic is on the cards.

He was a product of FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol's youth ranks and has bags of ability. Gomez's winning goal against fierce rivals Cardiff City will always be memorable for the fans.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce

This midfielder certainly has its followers, as there was a rumour that now departed Reading manager Steve Coppell was going to make a move on the speedy winger. He wrote his name into Barnsley folklore with a simply stunning goal at Hillsborough to sink Sheffield Wednesday; he also scored the winner in a 2-1 win over Plymouth that kept his side in the Championship.

The Jamaican international may be looking up the division and any team with promotion credentials should take a gamble on Jamal.

Wade Elliott

The man's goal ensured that Burnley would be playing Premier League football next term after a stunning curled shot goal in the playoff final was enough to beat Sheffield United.

He has been one of the constant performers for Burnley this term and hi has slotted brilliantly into a team that consists of Robbie Blake and Chris Eagles. Often Elliott's performance has kept Eagles on the bench; he will do well in the top flight.

Championship Left Midfielder of the Year..

The classic number 11 position is here, and many decent left footed players are hard to come by but these four certainly have had a huge impact on their teams.

Stephen Hunt

This man could have been playing his trade in the Premier League but opted to get Reading promoted at the first time of asking. It was evident that Reading's form dipped as soon as Hunt's did. Statistically, Hunt created the most chances of anyone in the league and no wonder why Kevin Doyle loves playing with his compatriot.

Now a move to the Premier League is a dead cert, there are many takers - Everton, Fulham and Wigan are all rumoured to fight for his signature.

Robbie Blake

What a year he has had for Burnley, he's been taken out of his ordinary strikers role and been placed in midfield to be effective in play. This tactic from Owen Coyle has done wonders as he's probably had his best ever season after guiding Burnley to promotion.

The playmaker has performed well; his experience to help the younger players of the squad can't be ignored.

Kris Commons

Hated in Nottingham but loved in Derby, the midfielder is not one to hide form controversy. His free transfer move created much hatred but Derby has benefit wholly from his talents. After his terrific exploits against Manchester United in the Carling Cup, he was linked with moves to Newcastle United and Wigan for £3 million.

Ross Wallace

Wallace initially turned down the chance to join Preston at the beginning of the season but after being told by then manager Roy Keane at Sunderland that e was further down the pecking than he thought, he jumped at the chance to join the Championship club.

Wallace last minute free kick winner against Birmingham gave Preston a glimmer of hope of reaching the playoffs, and that playoff place was secured at the expense of Cardiff. Wallace's excellent crossing made him a fans' favourite and soon he signed permanently.

(Champ Corner, Football FanCast, 2009)

Championship Centre Back of the Year..

The rock of any team, the centre back position is vital to any team and sometimes they can make or break a good team. A long list to choose from but here is six players that had very good seasons.

Richard Stearman

Stearman has certainly come on leaps and bounds recently and his potential has be showcased. The former Leicester City man performances this term has made him a certain first choice and looks that the step up to the Premier League won't be that big.

On May 3rd, he scored an injury time winner against Doncaster Rovers, which was his first for the club as he finished the season on a high note. He will be lofting his Championship winners medal proudly.

Roger Johnson

His constant decent performances this term impressed the Cardiff City faithful so much they made him the club's player of the year. After missing out on promotion this term, Cardiff may find it hard to keep the defender as he won many admirers from many top division clubs.

His defensive partnership with Glenn Loovens has proved the real force as Cardiff missed out on the playoffs.

Matthew Kilgallon

Kilgallon joined Sheffield United on a huge fee from Leeds back in 2007 and at present he looks worth every penny. He has played 42 games this term and built a very good understanding with partner Chris Morgan as they are the Blades' rock at the back.

After Sheffield's failure to get out of the Championship, a move to the Premier League beckons and on this seasons' form it would be hard to argue otherwise.

Clarke Carlisle

Reached the playoff final fighting tooth and nail for the club, and duly took the man of the match award for Burnley in the final. The game finished 1-0 and that clean sheet was down to the tough tackling of Carlisle.

His fight back from numerous injuries and an alcohol problem makes Carlisle raise to the top even more inspiring. He will be playing more Premier League football next term.

Matthew Mills

Arguably, Doncaster City has been the surprise package of the championship and Mills' involvement must be credited. A tall, athletic and composed centre back was Doncaster's record signing and proved good value.

Previously at Manchester City, he's adapted to the Championship quickly and effectively as he looks a good prospect for the future.

Championship Left Back of the Year...

Left backs are often a good outlet for attacks and defending, getting up and down the pitch is not easy but these four candidates have been the pick of a good bunch and all have had excellent seasons, for one reason or another.

Chris Armstrong

Somehow Armstrong's first team opportunities were rather limited at Sheffield United, so Steve Coppell spent £500,000 for the left back's signature. Originally, he had a tough task in replacing Nicky Shorey but he easily rose to the challenge and was named fans' player of the season.

He was consistently Reading's best player and has been very dependable, even chipping in with a stunning goal against Watford.

Daniel Fox

The Coventry City youngster has been banging on the door of the England Under 21 squad after a very impressive season. Impressive enough that Newcastle United, when in the Premier League, made firm interest in Fox to sort out their defensive woes.

Mature head on young shoulders, Fox has committed himself to the Sky Blues as he wants first team football.

Frank Queudrue

The Birmingham City defender used all of his know how and experience to guide his side back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. He was voted the fans' player and Birmingham Mail's player of the season after a string of good performances.

He was one manager Alex McLeish turned too in inspiring his team. Queudrue attitude was always known and a certain blonde streak in his hair helped fans identify his differences of attitude compared to the other players.

Kyle Walker

The Sheffield United youngster still may be a bit of a novice when it comes to playing in the Championship, but his performances are anything like the ones in the playoffs this season he will certainly by one to catch the eye next term.

He was on loan at Northampton Town earlier in the season but impressive games from January onwards shows how good this youngster is.

Championship Right Back of the Year...

The right back position can be vital for any team; it could start an attack or break up an opposition threat. It’s often a position that is underrated but for some Championship sides this term, their right back have been vital in their success.
The nominations for the Championship Right Back of the Year are:

Graham Alexander

The Scot found himself playing anchor in midfield towards the end of the season, but the right back berth is often his natural position. The Burnley captain led his troops to an unprecedented amount of games and he hasn’t disappointed.

He played in every single game for the Clarets and was influential with everything they did. His penalty taking exploits also helped with the nine goals he contributed he certainly helped Owen Coyle’s side reach the Premier League. Alexander’s penalty against Reading in the Playoff Semi finals practically sealed their place in the final.

Kyle Naughton

After a loan spell at Scottish side Gretna, Kyle came back to Sheffield United determined to make that right back position his own, duly he did. He cemented his place in the side with a string of impressive performances that made Stuart Pearce to take note and a call up to the England U21 soon followed.

The Blades’ revival towards the end of the season helped Naughton, his pace, discipline, positioning helped him become recognised, and it allows him to offer more than the ordinary right back.

Kevin McNaughton

The Cardiff City ace has always been consistent this year and passed his 100th appearance for the Bluebirds against Watford in October. He’s always been reliable under the Dave Jones’ reign, he’s tied up the right side tightly and never puts a foot wrong.

Many words fling to mind when speaking of McNaughton – consistent, high work-rate, determination and impressive all feature heavily and he once again proves that he provides Cardiff with adequate service. The Scot will be pinnacle for Cardiff’s promotion challenge next term.

Angel Rangel

The Spanish star helped Swansea City almost close in on a playoff place. This season especially he’s become popular with the Swansea faithful with a string of many brilliant performances, particularly in going forward.

Rumours circulate that he will be on the move to Wigan Athletic or Manchester City for a substantial sum this summer. No doubt, one of the better right backs in the Championship.

(Champ Corner, Football FanCast, 2009)