Getting to know...Tom Hampton and Robbie Montgomery
11 December 2014
After impressing on trial with Gloucestershire last season fast bowler Tom Hampton and allrounder Robbie Montgomery signed professional contracts with the club.
We caught up with them six weeks into their first pre-season with the club...
What was your pathway into professional cricket and how did you come to sign for Gloucestershire?
RM: "My pathway into professional cricket started when I was a lot younger. I had a lot of family trying to get behind me because of their background. My granddad used to do a lot of cricket with the West Indies set-up and through the army and my dad played for Hampshire youth so I didn’t really have a choice but to come into cricket.
“I played a lot of Grade cricket in Western Australia and State youth stuff and then I came England because I wanted to fulfil myself as a cricketer. I had a lot of family in the Westcountry and trialled with Somerset for two years. I performed extremely well in the limited overs but didn’t get anything written up (a contract). I performed well against Gloucestershire and jumped at the opportunity to come across.I am really looking forward to trying to establish myself as a First Class cricketer whether with white ball or red ball."
TH: "I started on the Middlesex Academy, came through that and had a year’s scholarship but didn’t quite do enough to get a contract. They helped and put me on to MCC Young Cricketers, I enjoyed that, did well and came out with a few contacts at different counties.
“I had a year trialling at Kent and did a bit with Hampshire but it didn’t quite go according to plan and it seemed like it was back to square one.
“I player Minor County cricket last year with Buckinghamshire and had a good year. I spoke to Dawks (Owen Dawkins, Gloucestershire Batting Coach and Academy Director), and he got me down to play a couple of games. I did quite well and luckily enough they offered me a contract at the end of that.
“There were moments when you have a poor day and wonder if it is going to happen but to be fair it was something I wanted to do and there wasn’t anything else I would rather do."
What can the Gloucestershire supporters look forward to seeing from you in 2015?
RM: “I have been working really hard over the last couple of years trying to perfect yorkers and variation towards the back end of the innings. I don’t like defending the ball when batting, so hopefully I can hit a few across the rope as well.”
TH: “I would describe myself as a fast bowler with a strong action that will run in and hit the pitch and take some wickets.”
How are you settling in?
RM: “I am pretty enthusiastic and take life as it comes and it’s all been good so far. I am pretty easily amused too so the boys don’t have to try too hard.”
TH: “It was weird, I remember during a trial match we were playing a game of football and I was on the “oldies” team. When you are trialling you are always one of the youngest so it was quite strange. Everyone here is around the same sort of age which is nice and it’s a good squad.”
Do you have a nickname?
RM: “I have plenty of nicknames! I have always had horrendous haircuts do “Lid” was always on the cards. Also “Cowboy” because of my nature - I don’t necessarily think – not much common sense - and “Monty” because of my last name.”
TH: Nothing yet really, just “Hampo”.
What are the best and worst parts of pre-season training so far?
RM: “The worst is definitely the cold weather. I need a woolly hat and gloves on just to get from the car to the door.
“I really like being pushed daily and really enjoy the high intensity of the exercises.”
TH: “Its great being with a professional squad and seeing it evolving and changing – things like power hitting coming in. It’s been nice to get back into a full-time structure.
“The only real negative is you just want to get out there and play.”
What is your best moment in cricket so far?
RM: “The first game I played for Glos 2nd XI I hit 108 off 66 balls against Northants. That was a big highlight and meant a lot because it really mattered – I was trying to make a good first impression.
“I also took five wickets vs Glamorgan in the T20. That was probably one of my best achievements and I enjoyed it most because it’s the sort of stuff that makes headlines and I want to make headlines.”
TH: “During my time at the YC’s (MCC Young Cricketers) I was lucky enough to get to do 12th man for England during test matches over those couple of years which was a great achievement and experience.
"Then finally getting that first proper contract which has been a long time coming."
You were photographed covered in white paint during one particular England warm-up (see pic) – can you tell us what happened there?
TH: “We were doing high catches over the shoulder during the warm up. The ball was hit over my shoulder, I’ve run after it - watching the ball – and someone had left a bucket of whitewash out there and I’ve gone straight through it. Not the best moment of my career but at least I caught the ball!”
What are your hobbies/interests away from cricket?
RM: “I am the oldest of eight and I recently had all my little brothers and sisters over to visit. I really enjoy spending time with the family and that gives me a chance to zone out and relax.
“And nightclubbing.”
Not before a game I hope?!
RM: “Definitely not – only on days off!”
TH: “I’m a massive rugby fan so whenever that’s on I will be watching. I’ve also got a dog who I probably love a bit too much – a nice boxer dog called Jonah. I enjoy walking him and I also need to make sure there’s a bit of time for the girlfriend.”
Who gets more time, her or the dog?
“Jonah probably wins but its ok – she knows the pecking order!”
