MISSING THE LOPERWOOD GUINNESS!

In the 13th in the series of profiles revealing what and who makes us enjoy playing or watching cricket, it is time for one of the club legends and elder statesmen … Donny.

If you would like to get involved, all players, past or present can give us their take on the sport, at Calmore Sports or otherwise – so please answer the 18 questions and email richard@calmoresports.co.uk.

Name: Martin Donovan.

Nickname(s): Donny.

What sparked your interest in cricket: Started playing at school.

Do you prefer the T20, 50-over, county or Test format of the game: Tests.

Cricketing hero:

Favourite current (professional) player: Joe Root – same steadfast approach and concentration levels as me.

Most admired/best player you have played with: Tony O’Connor – played with him for 30 years and he was the best I played with.

Most formidable opponent: Tony O’Connor – played against him for one game, when he was at Exbury, and he was the best I played against.

Who would you most like to be isolated with from Calmore Sports – and who wouldn’t you: Like to – Woody, won’t stop laughing and buying beer.  Not like to – The Dog, won’t start laughing and buying beer.

Favourite away ground: Bartley – just a great little New Forest ground.  The biggest tragedy is the loss of some wonderful New Forest grounds and teams.

Favourite/most memorable match you’ve played in: Beating Paultons.  Used to have a tournament at Loperwood and Paultons over one day with the final on alternative grounds.  We beat Paultons, we were pissed and they weren’t.  And the South Wilts 6 a side – we spent most of the day being lead around Salisbury pubs by Brandy but always got to the final.

Personal highlight/champagne moment: Scored 28 off one over and hit the red swing three times in a row!

Funniest moment/s in cricket: Grangy passed out drunk fielding in the final of the South Wilts six-a-side.  And winning New Forest Division 4 on the ground behind the Happy Cheese (Ashurst CC) and our captain Denny Lock running onto the square like David Pleat at Wembley.

Best way to relax after the game: Guinness at Loperwood.

Do/did you have any cricketing superstitions: None.

What will you miss most in cricket during this enforced break: Guinness at Loperwood.

Is there anything you’d change about the game: I would change no paying players at the grassroots level.

If you could invite 3 cricketing celebrities (players, presenters, commentators) round for dinner, who would they be and why: Never been into celebrity so would prefer Stu Bailey, Grangy Lyon and Andy Cooper!