Kent pass close eye on talented Calmore-boy Hibberd

Talented Calmore Sports all-rounder James Hibberd, 21, is preparing to take the first tentative step on the road towards becoming a professional cricketer with Kent.

Hibberd, who won the Southern Electric Premier League's prestigious Young Cricketer award last summer, has been invited to Canterbury for pre-season training, starting later this month.

"Simon Willis, Kent's new Director of Cricket, wants me at the squad training sessions starting on March 24, after which there's the opportunity of playing some more Second XI games.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Hibberd said.

The Sholing-based right-hand all-rounder, who made his Southern League debut as a raw 16-year old, initially caught Kent's eye when he was playing for the Hampshire Board side in the ECB 38-County Cup.

"I played in Kent's triumphant Second XI Trophy final team last season, ironically against Hampshire 2nds at the Rose Bowl last September, finishing with 2-17 off six overs."

Hibberd, whose father Dave was on the MCC Groundstaff at Lord's and played regularly for Hampshire 2nd XI in his prime, was on a hat-trick after removing Alex Morris and Laurie Prittipaul in successive deliveries.

He enjoyed an oustanding 2002 season for Calmore, scoring 466 runs and taking 31 wickets, while also playing regular Minor Counties Championship cricket for Wiltshire.

"I've done a lot of work in the gym preparing myself for what is certain to be pretty strenuous pre-season training - something I've not previously experienced.

"And I knocked local football on the head this winter, simply to ensure I didn't pick up any injuries," he added.