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Weatherley Determined For Future Hampshire Success
Weatherley Determined For Future Hampshire Success
Hampshire batter looks back at his impressive 2021 Vitality Blast performance
Joe Weatherley, a product of Hampshire’s successful player pathway system, has developed into an important member of the first team squad ever since he made the step-up in 2016. This growth was clear for all to see during his performances in last year’s Vitality Blast.
Weatherley, who turned 25 on Wednesday, was Hampshire’s leading run scorer in the T20 competition, accumulating 410 runs, whilst also having the highest average, 37.27. An impressive season for Weatherley, which was vital in putting the side within touching distance of a third T20 title. He credits the individual and collective success to the impact that the overseas arrivals, Colin de Grandhomme and D’Arcy Short, had.
“I think Colin and D'Arcy really showed the way for us,” he said. “They gave younger guys, like myself, the confidence to really express ourselves.”
“They’re class players who have done it in different franchise leagues and internationally. To play T20 cricket you need to be brave and you need to be fearless, and we learned that from them.”
Hampshire earned an unlikely quarter-final spot winning their final five group stage matches, which set up a tense contest with Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge, who had been crowned Vitality Blast champions a year prior.
“We didn’t start the competition brilliantly,” said Weatherley. “We really sort of gathered momentum in the back half and used that, particularly to qualify for the quarter-final.”
The game at Trent Bridge didn’t seem to be going to plan as Hampshire Hawks only made 125/9 after they opened the batting. Weatherley admitted that the group had their doubts about progressing at that point.
“I think we were ready to get on the bus at that point,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said I didn't think it was over, but we managed to keep chipping away.”
“Trent Bridge always has such a good atmosphere and the Hampshire Hawks fans that were there made enough noise when things started turning our way.”
“It was an incredible win and incredible evening.”
A semi-final with Somerset awaited for the Hawks. It was the batter’s first T20 Finals Day at Edgbaston, but that didn’t seem to phase him as he registered a career best 71.
“You always want to perform on the big stage,” Weatherley said. “I was really excited about going into it so I just tried to enjoy the occasion as much as I could and luckily, I played well.”
However, the Hawks ultimately fell short, as Somerset won the match with just two balls remaining. That has not deterred Weatherley though, who is already looking for future success in a Hampshire shirt.
“We did a lot right on the day,” he said. “I think on another day we would have been in the final and maybe lifting some silverware.”
“But now it’s about doing it more consistently in big games, and hopefully I can put in more match winning performances for Hampshire.”
With the 2022 fixtures now announced, you can watch Joe Weatherley and the rest of the Hampshire squad with a Hampshire Cricket Membership.
2022 Vitality Blast individual match tickets are on exclusive priority sale to 2022 Hampshire Cricket Members.
2022 Members also receive access to an exclusive allocation of tickets for next summer’s otherwise sold-out Vitality IT20s at The Ageas Bowl with England facing both India and South Africa at the venue next summer, alongside a whole host of other exciting benefits.
Super Early Bird Vitality Blast Passports are now on sale and give you the chance to catch all seven Hampshire Hawks games at The Ageas Bowl for just £99! There are a limited number of passports available and they can be purchased at https://www.eticketing.co.uk/ageasbowl/EDP/Event/Index/1522
