Michael Lumb delivered his finest performance of the England Lions tour by far as he fired a thrilling hundred to see his side through to a three wicket win over Pakistan A in Dubai.
Chasing 232 to win the match and level the series, the Lions stuttered on 56-3 but Lumb held firm and found a willing partner in Leicestershire batsman James Taylor. The pair put on a match-defining 109 run stand, swinging the game back in the Lions’ favour. Taylor departed for 61 but Lumb continued on to a superb 110, hitting 6 fours and a six.
The Lions nearly undid their good work in a chaotic final over. Needing just two to win, Lumb was dismissed before Steve Davies was clean bowled and Chris Woakes was run out. But David Wainwright and Adil Rashid held their nerve to scamper home via a leg bye and bring victory to the delight of the whole team.
Lumb said after the match: "It was a good win for the boys today. I thought it was a fair score on this wicket, maybe we could have put a bit more pressure on them at the death but thought we bowled pretty well. We knew we needed a couple of big partnerships if we were going to chase down that sort of total and it was pretty special getting a hundred.
"We're 1-1 going into the last game so we did the job today and Friday is a really big game for us. They're a good side and we'll need to play good cricket to beat them but we know that we're capable of it and it would be great to leave here with another series win."
The Lions had earlier put in a disciplined performance with the ball to restrict Pakistan A to 231-8. After Steven Finn had dismissed former Test opener Mohammed Hafeez, Pakistan A adopted a safety-first approach and the bowlers had to work hard for their wickets. Finn and Sajid Mahmood picked up two each and there was a wicket apiece for Wainwright, Rashid and Peter Trego. Despite a late assault, the Lions had given themselves an excellent chance - a chance that Lumb ensured was not wasted.
England Lions face Pakistan A in the final 50-over match of the series on Friday.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)
25 February 2010
23 February 2010
Hot Chip create hot new album
In the world of British electro pop, Hot Chip stand out as one of the industry’s front runners. And their fourth album One Life Stand only confirms this ideal. Overflowing with infectious floor filling beats, the album represents some of the London five-piece’s best work.
Their aptitude for producing insanely catchy pop hooks is what keeps people streaming back for more and fans will not be disappointed with this latest offering. With every song brimming with energy, One Life Stand tells it’s story in the most synth-pop way possible. The story is that of the unique power of love and the album’s title track sees front man Alexis Taylor’s delicate and sometimes faint vocals tell that story in a perfectly suitable manner.
The middle part of the album has the band try their hand at a number of slower and more subtle attempts. Brothers, Slush and Alley Cats offer an insight into Hot Chip’s vast musical capabilities, still contagiously enjoyable but with less emphasis on disco beats and more on raw emotion.
But when it comes to what they do best, Hot Chip hit the proverbial nail on the head, as what they do best is provide music to dance to. We Have Love is an urgent yet somehow laid back number that forcefully picks you up and urges you onto the dance floor. For sheer impact, I Feel Better is one of the standout tracks. With the earnestly constructed vocals in the chorus and dramatic, sculpted beats that follow, the song is guaranteed to strike a chord with many a listener.
As one of the early releases of 2010, a lot of responsibility sits on the shoulders of these talented synth-poppers. With this mellow, mature effort, they’ve certainly released an album that’s force will continue to be felt all year long.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
Their aptitude for producing insanely catchy pop hooks is what keeps people streaming back for more and fans will not be disappointed with this latest offering. With every song brimming with energy, One Life Stand tells it’s story in the most synth-pop way possible. The story is that of the unique power of love and the album’s title track sees front man Alexis Taylor’s delicate and sometimes faint vocals tell that story in a perfectly suitable manner.
The middle part of the album has the band try their hand at a number of slower and more subtle attempts. Brothers, Slush and Alley Cats offer an insight into Hot Chip’s vast musical capabilities, still contagiously enjoyable but with less emphasis on disco beats and more on raw emotion.
But when it comes to what they do best, Hot Chip hit the proverbial nail on the head, as what they do best is provide music to dance to. We Have Love is an urgent yet somehow laid back number that forcefully picks you up and urges you onto the dance floor. For sheer impact, I Feel Better is one of the standout tracks. With the earnestly constructed vocals in the chorus and dramatic, sculpted beats that follow, the song is guaranteed to strike a chord with many a listener.
As one of the early releases of 2010, a lot of responsibility sits on the shoulders of these talented synth-poppers. With this mellow, mature effort, they’ve certainly released an album that’s force will continue to be felt all year long.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
20 February 2010
Cameraderie the key to success for Solent Hockey
Solent hockey captain Matt Ireland has claimed the strong bond within the team is the reason for the side’s excellent form this season. The men’s team are yet to drop a single point from their seven league games so far and are in with a superb chance of winning the division.
Ireland said: “I think the main reason for the team achieving what we have this season is due to the vibe going around. Everyone gets on with each other really well and this makes us bond and communicate well on the pitch. We take care to play as a team, not as individuals, which is very important.”
Club captain Ireland has been an ever present for Solent over the last three years and feels the influx of fresh talent has been crucial to the team’s success. “We’ve had a number of really talented new players come into the squad this year which has definitely helped. In my three years in being here, I would have to say this is the best squad we’ve assembled so far. The team has progressed throughout the season in the best possible way, with seven wins out of seven and not dropping a point - you can’t really get much better than that.”
Despite disappointment in the cup, losing to Bournemouth in the quarter finals, the season has still been an overwhelming triumph for Solent. And Ireland says the season and the entire hockey experience has been extremely fulfilling. “It’s a good way to get to know people. We take our hockey very seriously but off the pitch, there’s always a big social scene with everyone mixing together. We’re hoping to go on tour to Bournemouth this year over Easter. It’s good to tour as a whole club as all the teams go together and the entire squad mixes together. I would say joining a sports team is definitely worth it to be able to play the sport that you enjoy and meet people who also enjoy it.”
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
Ireland said: “I think the main reason for the team achieving what we have this season is due to the vibe going around. Everyone gets on with each other really well and this makes us bond and communicate well on the pitch. We take care to play as a team, not as individuals, which is very important.”
Club captain Ireland has been an ever present for Solent over the last three years and feels the influx of fresh talent has been crucial to the team’s success. “We’ve had a number of really talented new players come into the squad this year which has definitely helped. In my three years in being here, I would have to say this is the best squad we’ve assembled so far. The team has progressed throughout the season in the best possible way, with seven wins out of seven and not dropping a point - you can’t really get much better than that.”
Despite disappointment in the cup, losing to Bournemouth in the quarter finals, the season has still been an overwhelming triumph for Solent. And Ireland says the season and the entire hockey experience has been extremely fulfilling. “It’s a good way to get to know people. We take our hockey very seriously but off the pitch, there’s always a big social scene with everyone mixing together. We’re hoping to go on tour to Bournemouth this year over Easter. It’s good to tour as a whole club as all the teams go together and the entire squad mixes together. I would say joining a sports team is definitely worth it to be able to play the sport that you enjoy and meet people who also enjoy it.”
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
17 February 2010
Michael Lumb fires Lions to victory over England
Michael Lumb continued his good progress with the England Lions, hitting two boundaries from the last two balls of his side’s run chase to seal an impressive victory against the full England side in Abu Dhabi.
Lumb, who had to depart injured midway through his innings, sealed the win in supreme style making a classy 58 not out off 35 balls. And it will fuel growing calls for his promotion to the full national side for the ICC World Twenty20 in April.
Adil Rashid’s three wicket burst had choked the England scoring rate and they required Luke Wright’s blistering late assault to carry them to a competitive but achievable 157 for 6. Lumb and opening partner Craig Kieswetter immediately set about hunting down the total with a flurry of early boundaries. But when Lumb was struck on the face by a Stuart Broad bouncer whilst on 40, he was forced to retire hurt and the Lions chase subsequently stuttered.
Kieswetter continued scoring despite the loss of captain Andrew Gale and Ian Bell. And when Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry also fell, Lumb rejoined his opening partner at the crease. Together they took the score to within 13 of the target when Kieswetter fell to Ryan Sidebottom. Lumb needed 14 off the final over from Wright and despite losing partner Peter Trego to the first ball, he struck an important boundary off the second and brought up his fifty the next ball.
With 8 needed off 2 balls, Lumb took control and sealed victory for the Lions in sublime fashion with two boundaries. The plaudits may well go to Kiewswetter for his brilliant 81 but Lumb certainly deserves equal credit. With 8 fours and 2 sixes Lumb played an integral role in the Lions victory and kept his cool when others may have panicked. His courage at having returned after injury will also have alerted the selectors to his temperament.
With every excellent innings it seems only a matter of time before Lumb is given his due rewards and is selected by England.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)
Lumb, who had to depart injured midway through his innings, sealed the win in supreme style making a classy 58 not out off 35 balls. And it will fuel growing calls for his promotion to the full national side for the ICC World Twenty20 in April.
Adil Rashid’s three wicket burst had choked the England scoring rate and they required Luke Wright’s blistering late assault to carry them to a competitive but achievable 157 for 6. Lumb and opening partner Craig Kieswetter immediately set about hunting down the total with a flurry of early boundaries. But when Lumb was struck on the face by a Stuart Broad bouncer whilst on 40, he was forced to retire hurt and the Lions chase subsequently stuttered.
Kieswetter continued scoring despite the loss of captain Andrew Gale and Ian Bell. And when Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry also fell, Lumb rejoined his opening partner at the crease. Together they took the score to within 13 of the target when Kieswetter fell to Ryan Sidebottom. Lumb needed 14 off the final over from Wright and despite losing partner Peter Trego to the first ball, he struck an important boundary off the second and brought up his fifty the next ball.
With 8 needed off 2 balls, Lumb took control and sealed victory for the Lions in sublime fashion with two boundaries. The plaudits may well go to Kiewswetter for his brilliant 81 but Lumb certainly deserves equal credit. With 8 fours and 2 sixes Lumb played an integral role in the Lions victory and kept his cool when others may have panicked. His courage at having returned after injury will also have alerted the selectors to his temperament.
With every excellent innings it seems only a matter of time before Lumb is given his due rewards and is selected by England.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)
12 February 2010
Drivers flagged up over window signs
Southampton taxi drivers have been told they face being suspended if they do not remove St George flags that state they are ‘English-speaking’ drivers.
Drivers claimed that the signs were put up as some passengers complained that other drivers around the city were unable to speak English properly. But, despite drivers claiming the signs were not intended to be deliberately racist, ethnic minority drivers and members of the public have registered their complaints. City council officials have requested that the signs be taken down or the drivers face suspension.
Councillor Brian Parnell, Chairman of Southampton City Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “The drivers displaying the signs will be asked to take them down. If they do not do this, they will be given five days to do so. It will be looked at in a very serious manner.” Parnell also mentioned how the taxi drivers themselves had raised the issue in the first place. “It was the taxi drivers that brought it up at the trade consultation meeting rather than members of the public.”
Opinion amongst the city’s cab drivers is mixed, with some angry over the potentially racist nature of the signs. Ahmed, a driver for Radio Taxis, said: “I am really very angry, I can’t believe it. I can’t see what the idea behind this is. It’s very racist and it’s absolutely promoting an anti multi-cultural society. People should not encourage drivers who carry the signs.”
However, Tom, who also drives for Radio Taxis, disagreed: “The stickers in the windows aren’t racist. It’s a way for drivers to back at the council for letting standards drop with new employees.”
Council officers have spoken with several drivers and some have agreed to remove the signs. All prospective taxi drivers in Southampton have to pass a communications test to gain a licence and undergo a ‘knowledge’ test of the city.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
Drivers claimed that the signs were put up as some passengers complained that other drivers around the city were unable to speak English properly. But, despite drivers claiming the signs were not intended to be deliberately racist, ethnic minority drivers and members of the public have registered their complaints. City council officials have requested that the signs be taken down or the drivers face suspension.
Councillor Brian Parnell, Chairman of Southampton City Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “The drivers displaying the signs will be asked to take them down. If they do not do this, they will be given five days to do so. It will be looked at in a very serious manner.” Parnell also mentioned how the taxi drivers themselves had raised the issue in the first place. “It was the taxi drivers that brought it up at the trade consultation meeting rather than members of the public.”
Opinion amongst the city’s cab drivers is mixed, with some angry over the potentially racist nature of the signs. Ahmed, a driver for Radio Taxis, said: “I am really very angry, I can’t believe it. I can’t see what the idea behind this is. It’s very racist and it’s absolutely promoting an anti multi-cultural society. People should not encourage drivers who carry the signs.”
However, Tom, who also drives for Radio Taxis, disagreed: “The stickers in the windows aren’t racist. It’s a way for drivers to back at the council for letting standards drop with new employees.”
Council officers have spoken with several drivers and some have agreed to remove the signs. All prospective taxi drivers in Southampton have to pass a communications test to gain a licence and undergo a ‘knowledge’ test of the city.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
11 February 2010
Lumb top scores for Lions
He spent last summer blazing the ball all over the park in the domestic Twenty20 competition in England. Now Michael Lumb has continued where he left off in the shortest format of the game, top scoring for the England Lions in their first tour match against United Arab Emirates A in Sharjah.Coming in at number three after a reasonable platform had been set by openers Steve Davies and Craig Kieswetter, Lumb took the attack to the opposition in the manner that Hampshire fans have been accustomed to last season. He hit 3 fours and a six as he racked up 42 off 32 balls before being run out. His contribution allowed the rest of the England batsman to pile up an imposing total of 184 for 6, a score that UAE A were unable to even approach.
Lumb opened for Hampshire in domestic Twenty20 last season but adapted his game excellently to suit his new role at first drop for the Lions. And his assured performance will add to the growing calls for his inclusion in the full England side. A free flowing and naturally attacking batsman, Lumb could offer England a mode of attack similar to that provided by Eoin Morgan, another left hander, who has been wowing English fans over the winter.
Lumb’s talent is starting to be recognised on the world stage. His former Hampshire captain Shane Warne was quick to snap him up for the Rajasthan Royals for this season’s Indian Premier League, where he‘ll play alongside his current skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas. Lumb is one of only a handful of English players who will appear at the tournament, confirming his reputation as one of England’s top Twenty20 specialists.
More performances like the first one in Sharjah and Lumb’s international stock will continue to rise.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)
9 February 2010
The Speaker Comments... New signings make Hampshire a genuine force
With the 2010 County Cricket Championship fast approaching, attention will soon be turning away from England’s travels and on to the domestic game. And fans of Hampshire can be quietly optimistic with their chances this season.
With a plethora of new signings on board, the south coast county boasts a stellar line-up. Having secured the services of ex-England fast bowler Simon Jones, Hampshire coach Giles White quickly added Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis as the clubs overseas player for the season. Mendis is one of world cricket’s most promising young players and his capture can be seen as a huge plus for the county.
But they weren’t done there. The Hawks were also able to add explosive Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi as their overseas player for the Twenty20 Cup. Afridi is known to be one of the most dangerous players in the shorter form of the game and rival counties will already be dreading coming up against him in full flow. They also snapped up fast bowler Kabir Ali from Worcestershire and ex-South African opening batsman Neil McKenzie to complete what is shaping up to be a fearsome team.
Having won the Friends Provident Trophy and reached the quarter finals of the Twenty20 Cup last season, Hampshire already have a strong pedigree in limited overs cricket. But it’s the four day game that the Hawks want to master. Having briefly flirted with relegation last season, they fought their way to a sixth place finish. And with the shrewd additions to the squad, there’s every chance of success.
Along with the new signings, they have a fine group of current players, mixing seasoned experience with youthful promise. The likes of James Vince, Danny Briggs and David Griffiths represent a fine future for the club alongside the more veteran names like Nic Pothas and captain Dimitri Mascarenhas. If Hampshire can build on the steady progress of last season then it could be a interesting summer down at The Rose Bowl.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
With a plethora of new signings on board, the south coast county boasts a stellar line-up. Having secured the services of ex-England fast bowler Simon Jones, Hampshire coach Giles White quickly added Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis as the clubs overseas player for the season. Mendis is one of world cricket’s most promising young players and his capture can be seen as a huge plus for the county.
But they weren’t done there. The Hawks were also able to add explosive Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi as their overseas player for the Twenty20 Cup. Afridi is known to be one of the most dangerous players in the shorter form of the game and rival counties will already be dreading coming up against him in full flow. They also snapped up fast bowler Kabir Ali from Worcestershire and ex-South African opening batsman Neil McKenzie to complete what is shaping up to be a fearsome team.
Having won the Friends Provident Trophy and reached the quarter finals of the Twenty20 Cup last season, Hampshire already have a strong pedigree in limited overs cricket. But it’s the four day game that the Hawks want to master. Having briefly flirted with relegation last season, they fought their way to a sixth place finish. And with the shrewd additions to the squad, there’s every chance of success.
Along with the new signings, they have a fine group of current players, mixing seasoned experience with youthful promise. The likes of James Vince, Danny Briggs and David Griffiths represent a fine future for the club alongside the more veteran names like Nic Pothas and captain Dimitri Mascarenhas. If Hampshire can build on the steady progress of last season then it could be a interesting summer down at The Rose Bowl.
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
8 February 2010
Ervine Rocks Zimbabwe
With the off season winding towards a close, some of Hampshire’s players have been busy plying their trade overseas during the winter. A number have been involved with England’s various national sides. Others have been honing their skills in domestic competitions around the world. And someone has simply returned to their country of birth to rack up some big runs.
Sean Ervine, returning to his native Zimbabwe to play for the Southern Rocks franchise, made his mark immediately and in some style, crashing a glorious 208 in the first innings and a near match winning 160 in the second, on debut against the Mid West Rhinos.
In the first innings, Ervine made his way to the wicket with his side in dire straits having lost three wickets with the score on just 13. But despite that, Rose Bowl favourite Slug, put on a mammoth 178 run partnership with his brother Craig, who made 81, and took his side from the abyss to a healthy first innings lead.
It was his highest First Class score and rescued the Southern Rocks in an innings where they looked like crumbling into submission. Ervine had a successful 2009 season with Hampshire, scoring three hundreds and building on his reputation as a rock himself in the middle order. An average of 40 helped him become the Hawks’ fourth highest run scorer of the year. He was part of the ‘rebel’ group of cricketers that openly clashed with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union in 2004 and he left to start a new cricketing life in Australia and England.
Ervine’s debut innings for his new side will have re-established his status as one of his country’s finest cricketers. Joining his younger brother at Southern Rocks will give him a perfect opportunity to play himself into form and to get himself match fit for the upcoming English domestic season. With the plethora of new signings Hampshire have made Ervine will be aware that competition for places will be tough so his stint in Zimbabwe could be the perfect preparation for another high quality season.
Ervine also had a say with the ball on his first match back home. He took 1 for 37 in the Rhinos’ first innings, dismissing opposition captain Vusi Sibanda for just 10. After his considerable batting heroics, which earned his side an important 107 run lead, he claimed 2 for 63 as the Rhinos set about making up the difference. Ervine managed to remove the dangerous Brendan Taylor but only after Taylor had blasted his way to a thrilling 217.
Chasing 337 to win, Southern Rocks once again found themselves in trouble. However, Ervine once again responded in earnest. An audacious display saw Sean hit 17 fours and a six to register his second century of the match. A late collapse denied Southern Rocks victory with Ervine eventually dismissed for 160 in the dying stages and the game ended in a draw. But despite the match not going entirely his team’s way, he has put in a whole-hearted individual performance and this can be no bad thing for Hampshire fans.
The Rose Bowl will be hoping for much more of the same from Slug in the coming season.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)
Sean Ervine, returning to his native Zimbabwe to play for the Southern Rocks franchise, made his mark immediately and in some style, crashing a glorious 208 in the first innings and a near match winning 160 in the second, on debut against the Mid West Rhinos.
In the first innings, Ervine made his way to the wicket with his side in dire straits having lost three wickets with the score on just 13. But despite that, Rose Bowl favourite Slug, put on a mammoth 178 run partnership with his brother Craig, who made 81, and took his side from the abyss to a healthy first innings lead.
It was his highest First Class score and rescued the Southern Rocks in an innings where they looked like crumbling into submission. Ervine had a successful 2009 season with Hampshire, scoring three hundreds and building on his reputation as a rock himself in the middle order. An average of 40 helped him become the Hawks’ fourth highest run scorer of the year. He was part of the ‘rebel’ group of cricketers that openly clashed with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union in 2004 and he left to start a new cricketing life in Australia and England.
Ervine’s debut innings for his new side will have re-established his status as one of his country’s finest cricketers. Joining his younger brother at Southern Rocks will give him a perfect opportunity to play himself into form and to get himself match fit for the upcoming English domestic season. With the plethora of new signings Hampshire have made Ervine will be aware that competition for places will be tough so his stint in Zimbabwe could be the perfect preparation for another high quality season.
Ervine also had a say with the ball on his first match back home. He took 1 for 37 in the Rhinos’ first innings, dismissing opposition captain Vusi Sibanda for just 10. After his considerable batting heroics, which earned his side an important 107 run lead, he claimed 2 for 63 as the Rhinos set about making up the difference. Ervine managed to remove the dangerous Brendan Taylor but only after Taylor had blasted his way to a thrilling 217.
Chasing 337 to win, Southern Rocks once again found themselves in trouble. However, Ervine once again responded in earnest. An audacious display saw Sean hit 17 fours and a six to register his second century of the match. A late collapse denied Southern Rocks victory with Ervine eventually dismissed for 160 in the dying stages and the game ended in a draw. But despite the match not going entirely his team’s way, he has put in a whole-hearted individual performance and this can be no bad thing for Hampshire fans.
The Rose Bowl will be hoping for much more of the same from Slug in the coming season.
(rosebowlplc.com, 2010)
6 February 2010
Jamaica tour proves perfect preparation
Solent cricket captain Tom Morton claims that the January tour to Jamaica was he perfect preparation for the upcoming domestic season.
A 16-man squad travelled to the Caribbean island for a tournament organised by UTech University in the capital, Kingston. Solent played two Twenty20 matches, unfortunately slipping to defeat in both. But Morton feels the experience the squad gained the tour will be invaluable.
"We lost both games, the second game only by one ball. We all felt like we should have won the second game, it was a really close finish. It was difficult as we were in the middle of our off season and none of us had properly trained. In comparison, the sides we faced had alot of time to prepare and had played alot of competitive cricket in the process."
Morton insisted that the gulf in class between Solent and the opposition wasn't as great as the results suggest. "The league we played in last season would have been as good, if not better, than the standard of what we faced in Jamaica. But the sides out there were still very good. Each team had two fast bowlers which is different to what we face in the UK where there are more medium pace bowlers. These differences provided excellent practice for our batsmen and I feel the whole team handled the conditions and circumstances really well."
After the success of the event the previous year, the tournament was opened up to teams from around the world this year, although Solent were the only side from outside the Caribbean. Former West Indies Test bowler Courtney Walsh was an ambassador for the tournament and was present at the opening ceremony.
In their first game, Solent batted first and made 108-8 form their allotted 20 overs. Their opponents, GC Foster College, chased down the total winning with 6 overs to spare and a total of 8 wickets remaining. In the second match, Solent posted 111-9 and made opponents MICO University College work hard chasing the win but, despite taking the match to the last over, they were unable to stop the Jamaicans scoring the single they needed for victory.
Morton feels the trip provided a good opportunity for the team to play some competitive cricket before the season. "It was a fantastic experience. A lot of people hadn't played in conditions like that before because the surface was different. The wicket was literally rolled mud and it was good learning how to bat and bowl in different conditions, playing against different types of cricketers. Being in Jamaica and experiencing the culture out there was fantastic."
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
A 16-man squad travelled to the Caribbean island for a tournament organised by UTech University in the capital, Kingston. Solent played two Twenty20 matches, unfortunately slipping to defeat in both. But Morton feels the experience the squad gained the tour will be invaluable.
"We lost both games, the second game only by one ball. We all felt like we should have won the second game, it was a really close finish. It was difficult as we were in the middle of our off season and none of us had properly trained. In comparison, the sides we faced had alot of time to prepare and had played alot of competitive cricket in the process."
Morton insisted that the gulf in class between Solent and the opposition wasn't as great as the results suggest. "The league we played in last season would have been as good, if not better, than the standard of what we faced in Jamaica. But the sides out there were still very good. Each team had two fast bowlers which is different to what we face in the UK where there are more medium pace bowlers. These differences provided excellent practice for our batsmen and I feel the whole team handled the conditions and circumstances really well."
After the success of the event the previous year, the tournament was opened up to teams from around the world this year, although Solent were the only side from outside the Caribbean. Former West Indies Test bowler Courtney Walsh was an ambassador for the tournament and was present at the opening ceremony.
In their first game, Solent batted first and made 108-8 form their allotted 20 overs. Their opponents, GC Foster College, chased down the total winning with 6 overs to spare and a total of 8 wickets remaining. In the second match, Solent posted 111-9 and made opponents MICO University College work hard chasing the win but, despite taking the match to the last over, they were unable to stop the Jamaicans scoring the single they needed for victory.
Morton feels the trip provided a good opportunity for the team to play some competitive cricket before the season. "It was a fantastic experience. A lot of people hadn't played in conditions like that before because the surface was different. The wicket was literally rolled mud and it was good learning how to bat and bowl in different conditions, playing against different types of cricketers. Being in Jamaica and experiencing the culture out there was fantastic."
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
Solent students in Hampshire CCC link
Reporting on cricket matches can be a tough art to master but for Solent University students there is a fine opportunity to hone such skills. Hampshire County Cricket Club last year offered the chance for a selection of Solent students to work on a voluntary basis at the club and the success of the scheme has resulted in the initiative being offered again this year to another generation of budding Solent journalists and sports writers.
Students provided live match reports from The Rose Bowl, post game interviews, video and other content for the club website, whilst under the watchful eye of cricket journalist Jane Cable and Rose Bowl Marketing Executive Kevin Latouf. Cable was unmistakable in her praise for the work of the students: "It is purely down to the writing skills of the students involved that the reports read so well. It was really gratifying to see personal styles evolve alongside the by-lines that would become so familiar to our Hampshire website audience and members."
Sports Journalism course leader John May, who was involved in setting up the scheme, said: "The initiative is a tremendous opportunity for students to gain experience and to earn by-lines which they can show prospective employers. This summer the club is looking to expand the operation so as many as 20 students could be involved. There's also plans to develop the project so students will be required to provide content not just for the website, but also to provide video coverage too."
Working in a live environment was clearly beneficial for the students as they were placed side by side in the press box with seasoned journalists and the chance to work in a professional environment was greatly enjoyed. Steven Woodgate, 22, said: "It was a real revelation as to how good covering sport can be. I've managed to meet and speak with a host of cricket players such as Alistair Cook, Michael Carberry, Chris Tremlett and Dominic Cork. It's been a great experience and one I will always have with me wherever my journalistic career carries me. I've developed my skills which I can utilise when I leave university and progress in a career in the industry."
Nick Howson, 21, was also grateful for the opportunity: "There's an ambitious team down at Hampshire, on and off the pitch, and to be part of that one way or another is fantastic. The most fulfilling thing is that you're respected like an established journalist and to be treated like you belong was pretty gratifying. The club seem to trust us with the content that we've produced for the website and they've put plenty of faith in us to deliver on their expectations."
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
Students provided live match reports from The Rose Bowl, post game interviews, video and other content for the club website, whilst under the watchful eye of cricket journalist Jane Cable and Rose Bowl Marketing Executive Kevin Latouf. Cable was unmistakable in her praise for the work of the students: "It is purely down to the writing skills of the students involved that the reports read so well. It was really gratifying to see personal styles evolve alongside the by-lines that would become so familiar to our Hampshire website audience and members."
Sports Journalism course leader John May, who was involved in setting up the scheme, said: "The initiative is a tremendous opportunity for students to gain experience and to earn by-lines which they can show prospective employers. This summer the club is looking to expand the operation so as many as 20 students could be involved. There's also plans to develop the project so students will be required to provide content not just for the website, but also to provide video coverage too."
Working in a live environment was clearly beneficial for the students as they were placed side by side in the press box with seasoned journalists and the chance to work in a professional environment was greatly enjoyed. Steven Woodgate, 22, said: "It was a real revelation as to how good covering sport can be. I've managed to meet and speak with a host of cricket players such as Alistair Cook, Michael Carberry, Chris Tremlett and Dominic Cork. It's been a great experience and one I will always have with me wherever my journalistic career carries me. I've developed my skills which I can utilise when I leave university and progress in a career in the industry."
Nick Howson, 21, was also grateful for the opportunity: "There's an ambitious team down at Hampshire, on and off the pitch, and to be part of that one way or another is fantastic. The most fulfilling thing is that you're respected like an established journalist and to be treated like you belong was pretty gratifying. The club seem to trust us with the content that we've produced for the website and they've put plenty of faith in us to deliver on their expectations."
(Solent Speaker, 2010)
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