The winter ahead

It's just 10 days since the last ball was bowled at Derby and Hampshire celebrated their promotion in the National League. I had the opportunity to talk to the Hampshire players about their winter plans:-

Derek Kenway Is taking a rest from cricket, although keeping fit with regular visits to the gym, he will be helping friends out at a Delivery Company and setting up "Posh Parties" as a side line.

Will Kendall has set off with wife Emily on a 10 week tour to Chile, New Zealand, Australia and South Asia. From December he will be involved in some coaching at The Rose Bowl, and keeping himself in trim.

Alan Mullally will be having an ankle operation in Perth in October. He hopes the injury that has kept him from playing many of the Championship matches in 2003, will be sorted. After Christmas he is hoping to play some grade cricket in Australia.

James Hamblin currently on holiday in Florida, will keep fit up to the end of the year, and then will be working on his rehab in Sydney.

Nic Pothas On holiday to Greece next week, he is off to South Africa on 28th October, where apart from keeping fit will be looking after some family business interests. He has a flourishing Carpet and Upholstery cleaning business in Southampton and Coulston in Surrey.

Lawrence Prittipaul is off to play Grade Cricket in Perth, Australia, and will be working on his technique and fitness with Hampshire manager Paul Terry.

Chris Tremlett is now off his crutches following his hip operation, and is making steady progress. He will be off to New South Wales working with the staff there including Hampshire physio Patrick Farhart.

James Bruce is like Prittipaul off to Perth to work with Paul Terry, and play for South Perth Cricket Club at weekends.

Jimmy Adams is back to Loughborough for his last year at University.

James Tomlinson is back to Cardiff University. He has an excellent coach in Rob Ahman at Cardiff, so will be keeping fit and ready for the new 2004 season.

Dimitri Mascarenhas although playing for Melville Cricket Club in Perth, after an arduous season in UK, will be looking to a much more relaxing winter, soaking up some sum.

John Crawley His winter plans are yet to be finalised after the disappointment of being excluded from the England's touring squads. He is currently taking an Open University course and working a few days a week with the Rose Bowl marketing team and also for BSports Management Company.

Shaun Udal The operation he had on his shoulder last week has been very successful, in fact the specialist told him that it was not as serious a problem as had been muted. A family holiday in Barbados at Christmas, followed by extensive training.

News as it happens; throughout the winter months will appear here on the Hampshire Web site, so please keep visiting...