Cork maintains desire for success
Former England all-rounder Dominic Cork is determined to add another chapter to his prolific career at Lord's on Saturday
Dominic Cork admits his enthusiasm for cricket burns as brightly as ever at the age of 37 as he looks to help Hampshire achieve Friends Provident Trophy glory in tomorrow’s final with Sussex at Lord’s.
The former England all-rounder was released by Lancashire at the end of last season but was offered a two-year deal by the Hawks and has played a major part in them reaching their third Trophy final in five years.
Cork has taken 17 wickets in nine matches in the competition and would have gained immense satisfaction in helping Hampshire win the semi-final against his former county at Old Trafford.
Now he is looking to use his experience to help Hampshire's crop of promising players such as Jimmy Adams, Michael Lumb, Michael Carberry and Sean Ervine to go on and achieve even greater success.
Cork said: “I came to Lancashire and went to Lord’s. I was at Derby and went to Lord’s. Now in my first year at Hampshire, we’ve got a Lord’s final.
“I came out on the wrong end against Sussex with Lancashire in the 2006 final and I am looking forward to going back with Hampshire and winning it.
“There is a lot of rivalry, probably similar to Yorkshire and Lancashire rivalry, between two south coast clubs. We play hard cricket and we’ve played each other a few times this season and it’s been basically honours even.”
Cork admits he came in for some good-natured banter when he turned up at the Rose Bowl for this season.
He said: “I went down there and got called 'Clive Allen' after the former footballer because apparently I’ve had more clubs than Clive Allen!
“I’ve had three clubs and I never expected myself to have more than one club. But I don’t think I needed refreshing by making the move. I love cricket. It doesn’t matter where I play.
Cork took particular pleasure from Hampshire's semi-final triumph against former county Lancashire
“You stay as fit as possible and you run in every day and you bowl as quick as you can.
“At the moment touchwood things are going very well. They’ve looked after me in certain games, rested me in Twenty20 games, and we’ve worked hard on getting myself as fit as possible.
“I’m never going to be a 90 miles an hour bowler. I never was in my career but just as long as I can run in and make a difference is what counts.
“That is what I said when I joined Lancashire and that is what I said when I joined Hampshire.”
Cork, a passionate Stoke City supporter, is modest about the contribution he has brought to the Hampshire dressing room.
He said: “I am not sure it is just down to myself. I am quite a bubbly type character. I enjoy my cricket and I enjoy playing in a side that want to be successful.
“Lancashire was the same and, if I can rub off a bit of enthusiasm and try and help the guys in mental and skill sides of the game, that is what my job is.
“It is not just about running up and bowling the ball. It is helping youngsters to progress and getting through big days like the semi-final at Old Trafford.
“I think those days are bigger than finals days. Once you’ve reached the final, it is still a massive occasion but I think semi-finals are bigger than finals.”
Coming to Lord’s for the Friends Provident Trophy Final? Due to planned engineering works, the Victoria Line and Jubilee lines are suspended and St John’s Wood station will be closed. Lord’s is well served by other London Underground stations within a short walk. From Victoria, take the Circle Line via High Street Kensington to Baker Street. From Waterloo take the Bakerloo line to Baker Street. Upon exiting at the ‘Lost Property Office’ exit, follow the blue pedestrian signs to Lord’s which will take 15- 20 minutes. For those less able to walk, proceed down Melcombe Street to Dorset Square where bus services 139, 189, 274, 13, 113 and 82 all have stops close to Lord’s. To plan your route in advance visit: http://www.lords.org/findus.html
