YOUNG crickets in Hook and the surrounding area have been put in a spin with the launch of a new facility.

The KP9 (Kevin Poulter 9) Spin Academy had its inaugural session on Saturday, 23 February, with around 25 keen cricketers joining in to improve their skills.

The academy was named after and set up in memory of former Hook and Newnham Basics, Hampshire over-50s and England over-50s player, Kevin Poulter.

Kevin died on April 18, 2018, and some of his friends, including club chairman Keith Lovelock, decided to set up and name a training programme after him.

Keith said: “Shortly after Kevin died, several of his friends and family got together and decided to set up the academy in his memory to provide free cricket training for those interested.”

While Kevin was known for his work as a spin bowler, he was also a talented batsman, golfer and football player.

The academy is known as KP9 because of his initials and the number he used to play as in both football and cricket.

Keith added: “It’s early days, but they all enjoyed it.

“A lot of people in the club have known him since they were teenagers, in both football and cricket and I think he’d be very proud. It was great to see the young people taking part.

“We will be teaching them to bat against spinners like how Kevin used to do it.

“He played until he died, and not many of us can say that. We are hoping to keep his memory going in this academy.”

The academy is free and is for those aged eight to 18.

The Hook and Newnham Basics club nets have now been put up at Dummer Cricket Club and are available for people to play cricket.

They are open from 8pm to 10pm on Thursdays and new members are welcome.

For more information, contact Keith Lovelock on 07785 594429 or mandkautos@btinternet.com.