But former East Woodhay youngster is a man in demand

FORMER Park House School pupil Toby Albert is coming to terms with losing two national finals in successive weeks with Hampshire.

The Hawks lost out in a thrilling T20 Blast final against Somerset at Edgbaston on Septmber 13, despite Albert opening the innings and smashing 85 from just 48 balls.

Then on Saturday Hampshire were beaten by three wickets in a rain-affected Metrobank One-Day Cup final at the hands of Worcestershire at Trent Bridge.

Albert, who started his cricketing career at East Woodhay CC, said: “It is very disappointing, but we would much rather get to the finals than be knocked out in the early rounds.

“It was nice to get some runs [in the Blast], but in the end it didn’t matter because we didn’t win.

“But it was a fun day and to have three games in one day is a great idea.

“The One-Day final was ruined by the rain.

“When the weather is uncertain you want to bowl first because batting second is a big advantage.

“We were well placed at 140-2 when the rains came and when we went back out we only had 15 overs left which halted our momentum.”

The 23-year-old, though, has enjoyed his 50-over season.

He said: “We had seven players called up for The Hundred, but we still got to the final which shows how good the next crop of players are.

“I’ve really enjoyed the 50-over cricket over the past few years as we’ve had a young squad with a few seniors thrown in.”

And although there’s less than a week of the domestic cricket season to, Hampshire – and Albert – still have plenty to play for.

Their final Rothesay County Championship Division 1 of the season against Surrey at Southampton’s Utilita Bowl started yesterday with Hampshire still in danger of the drop.

They need to win against the title-chasers if they are to ensure their survival in the top flight.

Although the English season comes to an end at the weekend, Albert is still facing a busy winter.

He will definitly be playing in the Atlanta Open T10 tournament at the end of October and the Hong Kong 6s in early November.

And he has put his name in the draft for franchise cricket as far afield as Dubai, Nepal, Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka and Australia.

He said: “It is an exciting time for white ball cricket with franchises all over the world.”

It’s all a far cry from the serene surroundings of East Woodhay, where it all began.

He followed his brother Miles to the club at the age of 12 and soon showed signs of his ability.

He joined the Berkshire coaching set-up aged 13 before switching to Hampshire when he was 16.

He said: “Park House were always very good with me allowing me to travel to Southampton for coaching.

“And I still pop in to see old faces at Woodhay occasionally.

“But it’s hard because we’re so busy – I’ve only had two nights at home over the last month because we are always travelling to games or playing.”