Dominic Cork is aiming to bowl Hampshire to FP Trophy glory against Sussex on Saturday.
Veteran seamer feels reborn at Hampshire
Dominic Cork says his enthusiasm for cricket remains undimmed by the passing years as he prepares for Hampshire's FP Trophy final against Sussex at Lord's on Saturday.
The former England seamer, 37, 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 FP 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.
"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," said Cork.
"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.
Rivalry
"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 revealed he came in for some good nature verbal abuse 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.
"You stay as fit as possible and you run in every day and you bowl as quick as you can.
"At the moment, touch wood, 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."
Bubbly
Cork is modest about the contribution he has brought to the Hampshire dressing room.
"I am not sure it is just down to myself," he added. "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."
