Ervine Excited Ahead of Benefit Year Launch

Sean Ervine has expressed his excitement ahead of what will be a big year both on and off the field for the Hampshire all-rounder.

It was announced in October 2015 that the 33-year old will be Hampshire’s beneficiary for 2016 after more than 400 appearances for the club since arriving at the The Ageas Bowl in 2005.

Ervine has chosen Naomi House, Winchester and Piam Brown Children’s Oncology Ward at Southampton General Hospital as his chosen charities ahead of the Benefit Year Launch Night, taking place at the Hilton Southampton – The Ageas Bowl:

“It’s come around quick - we’ve got some good numbers in and some great entertainment so I’m very excited.”

Three lucky members and their guests will be at the Launch after winning a competition for fans who renewed their Membership, with around 300 people expected to attend the event. Whilst Ervine is hugely appreciative of being awarded with a Benefit Year, he’s aware he’ll need to find a good balance of activities on and off the field when the season starts:

“I’m going to have to work out the best way of juggling the two together. There’s a lot of understanding from the coaching staff, Giles White has been very understanding of the situation and trying to find a balance is going to be a tough challenge. But I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully it will be a good year all-round.”

“It’s kind of like an early pension, it’s what gives you a head start for life after cricket. Fingers crossed it will set the family up so it is really important. But at the same time so is playing cricket out on the field.”

Ervine also admits working on his Benefit Year has left him looking back on his time with the club and he’s pinpointed a season early on in his Hants career as the turning point for him:

“Contributing to Hampshire winning their first trophy in 13 years in 2005 was a big moment for me and I was able to show the club I was somebody they could rely on in big games which I have hopefully shown over a number of years.

“Sometimes I do have to go back to my early years and think about all the players I have played with. There are still one or two that have been here as long as me and there are some great memories that I’ve made and some performance to look back on.”

For some, a benefit year may suggest the end of a playing career. But that is certainly not the case for Ervine, who feels he has a number of years left before he hangs up his boots:

 “I came to Hampshire not knowing much about county cricket at all, but it’s been a great journey and I still believe I’ve got many years left to play for this club. Apart from the short time I was out with a broken finger last season, I’ve stayed injury free for the past few years and I still feel I have a lot to offer Hampshire.

“I think I’m getting close to a few milestones this year, so there are a few goals for me to aim for this year. I’m really happy with how I’ve done for Hampshire over the years – I can look back on it and be proud of what I’ve achieved."