CRICKET: Chris Swallow always wanted to be a first class cricketer and the Ipswich-based 20-year-old is hoping he gets his chance to play against a first class county tomorrow.
By Elvin King
CRICKET
CHRIS Swallow always wanted to be a first class cricketer and the Ipswich-based 20-year-old is hoping he gets his chance to play against a first class county tomorrow.
The spin bowler, who is no slouch with the bat, is keeping his fingers crossed that he gets the nod from the selectors after a training session at Bury tonight.
"I have been in the Suffolk side for a couple of a years but have not yet been selected in this competition against a first class side," said ex-Ipswich School pupil Swallow.
"I have been working hard over the winter, particularly on my bowling and have been aiming towards this.
"It is Suffolk cricket's big day of the year and I want to be part of it.
"Since I was 13 I have had my heart set on playing cricket full time. I don't think it will happen now, but there is always a chance and there is no better stage for someone like me than the C&G Trophy."
Swallow finishes his first year studying product design at Nottingham Trent University today. He had a presentation this morning, and was then rushing to Bury to meet with the 13 other members of the Suffolk squad.
Northamptonshire, Suffolk's opponents, are also having a practice session at Bury at 4.30 pm – before the teams meet head-to-head starting at 10.45 am tomorrow.
"I feel we have a chance," added Swallow, who is vice captain of Clacton in the East Anglian Premier League.
"There is enough talent in our side and we have a god chance of causing an upset against a very good Northants side, but one with the greatest respect that is not setting the world alight.
"If selected it will be my toughest game so far, but I feel I am ready. In Suffolk terms I am considered mainly a bowler, but at club level my batting comes more to the fore."
Swallow is one of a few players in the squad who has come through the 'Suffolk' system.
He was set on his way by three masters at Ipswich School, who all played for Suffolk, Ray East, Andrew Golding and Adrian Brown.
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