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!
