Hampshire Seconds 'raring to go' ahead of new season 

Hampshire’s Second XI Head Coach Charlie Freeston believes finding the right balance between youth and experience is the key to a successful 2016 campaign.

Freeston has his sights set on T20 finals day, and strong performances across all formats, having witnessed strong Hampshire batting performances in pre-season friendlies.

According to the Head of Player Development, academy graduates such as Winchester-born batsman Joe Weatherley can learn from Jimmy Adams - set to spend the week with the second team – as they prepare for Somerset’s visit on Monday.     

“We’ve had a couple of friendly matches and now we’re raring to go,” Freeston said.

“One of the ideas was to bring the academy closer to the first team, whilst making sure that we get the balance right to remain competitive.

“The academy boys have started well and I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on this season.”

Having reached T20 finals day in 2014, Freeston is keen for the side to repeat their feat this summer, but recognises that his players are still learning all formats of the game.  

He said: “Finals day was great for the lads a couple of years ago, so that’s definitely a target. Competing in all three formats is the main aim for us.

“The match against Surrey was hugely positive. Our spinners did a very good job, and there were plenty of positives with the bat. Ryan Stevenson was fantastic, making 97 – he was brilliant.”

Freeston has been impressed by the progress of Joe Weatherley, who has been a bright spark for Hampshire since emerging from the academy. 

“Joe is ready to play first team cricket - he could play next week if he was required to. He’s a great prospect,” Freeston said.

“Nurturing Hampshire talents, and bringing in top players like Reece Topley, is the highlight of the job. It’s all about finding a balance.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than producing our own players. Watching guys come through and succeed, like Felix Organ, who scored 79 against Surrey, is great to see.”

With a relatively small first team squad, there are opportunities for second team players to make their mark.

Experienced players like Jimmy Adams, who drop into the Second XI when recovering from injury, can offer youngsters an insight into how the top players prepare.  

“We all sit under one banner at Hampshire Cricket, and it’s important to create a team mentality with the right balance of youth and experience.”

“Jimmy offers so much from a performance point of view, and in terms of experience he’s a great mentor – Jimmy’s invaluable.”

Freeston is confident ahead of Hampshire’s opening fixture, as the The Ageas Bowl hosts visitors Somerset, despite recent injury problems. 

“Going into Monday, we’ve got a few bowlers out, but that provides opportunities for the academy guys.”

“We’re looking to build on what we’ve achieved in the two friendlies, and compete against what will be a strong Somerset side.” 

Hampshire’s Second XI kick off their season with a Championship match against Somerset, starting on Monday 25^th April at the The Ageas Bowl. 

Words: Sam Fletcher