UNDER normal circumstances, the cricket season would be well under way by now, as would golf and many other summer sports — but coronavirus put paid to that.
Just like the frustrated professional footballers from the Isle of Wight, or a top manager, like Millwall's Gary Rowett, featured in last week’s County Press, many other pro sportsmen and women have been affected in much the same way, with livelihoods in some cases taking a hit.
This week, three top pros from the Island reveal how they have been coping with lockdown, while trying to remain engaged in their sports.
Warwickshire’s former Ventnor and Somerset player, Island-born Adam Hose, remains positive, despite knowing cricket will not start until July 1 at the earliest.
“It’s been fine. During these times, it gives you a great sense of perspective and allows you to think through all the things you’re grateful for,” reflected Adam, 27.
“I’m fortunate enough to play cricket for a living, so of course there is a bit of frustration that comes from not being able to do something you love.
“But there are many people putting their lives on the line to keep us safe, which we should all be very thankful for.
“I’m just enjoying spending time at home at the moment. I really enjoy cooking, so I’ve been getting stuck into that and looking at further study.
“Cricket skills work, however, is difficult in the circumstances, so other than the occasional hit around in the garden with the dog, there hasn’t been much of it, unfortunately.
“I’ve been staying on top of my fitness work. Its been good fun playing around with them and seeing what type of sessions I can create with items from home, especially having managed to grab a few weights from Edgbaston before we got locked down.
“As far as a plan to carry the season on and resume full training is concerned, I am unsure.
“I’m trying to stay positive about the prospect of playing some cricket this year, but my gut feeling is it’s going to be difficult.
“There is an option of playing behind closed doors, but the logistics will be difficult. There are 18 counties, so creating a sterile environment is going to be very challenging — not forgetting one of the most important aspects for a bowling team, shining the ball, so seeing how they address that is going to be very interesting.
“If the season was scrapped, it would be tough to take, but I guess we will have to cross that bridge if we come to it.
“There’s so many unknowns at the moment. I’m just trying to stay positive and healthy, so hopefully when we get the green light to return to playing, I’m good to go and can hit the ground running.”
While Adam has not had to take a pay cut in lockdown, coronavirus has had a huge effect on other sportsmen.
West Wight golfer, Brandon Robinson-Thompson, said: “Financially, the virus has hit me pretty hard.
“I’m not in the position where I get paid when I don’t play, so when I am unable to play, I don’t have any income.
“I’m basically bleeding money.”
Brandon returned to the Island from the United States corona-free and in self-quarantine with his family for two weeks under new guidelines — but he could be out on a course playing with his dad on the Freshwater Bay Golf Club course getting some vital practice in soon following Boris Johnson’s announcement on Monday last week allowing golf to return, but in a very restricted capacity, last Wednesday.
“One of the hardest parts of the lockdown is the uncertainty. I am used to planning, practicing and working out with tournaments to prepare for,” Brandon added.
“Not knowing when I am going to tee it up again competitively is a strange feeling.
“Not being able to see my girlfriend, close friends etc is obviously hard as well. Two months is a long time.
“One positive from not being able to compete, is being able to work and practice on some weaknesses and get ready for when we can compete again.
“It is a cliche, but I believe in staying ready so I don’t have to get ready.
“I have adopted morning workouts and short game practice every morning, so it has been great to have some sort of routine.
“If such social distancing measures continue, I don’t see us playing anytime soon.
“I do believe golf is a sport which could be played with social distancing measures. There is already limited contact.
“Travelling, however, is the big issue, but golf could be the first, or one of the first sports to get back to competition.”
Carisbrooke’s darts ace, Keegan Brown, has an important double life as an NHS laboratory assistant at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport.
He also keeps his spirits up keeping in touch with his family regularly by phone and dropping off essential items to the doorstep of vulnerable family members.
While he has not been able to play competitive darts, bar one virtual tournament he had to abandon because of technical problems, Keegan has been doing extra shifts in the hospital to help battle Covid-19.
Despite being on 24-hour call to work anytime at the moment, Keegan remains upbeat.
“I think so far I’ve been coping well at home during this lockdown period,” he said.
“When you are living out of a suitcase for around 42 weeks each year, I would only get a couple of weekends at home, so this is not what I expected.
“Currently, I am keeping myself busy with my hours at St Mary’s and doing jobs around the house I would not normally have time for.
“For the first few weeks of lockdown, I found it very hard to motivate myself to practise.
“But with the introduction of the Unibet Home Tour, I found my lost passion for darts return and given me something to work toward, even if I can’t commit the time I normally would.
“Anyone who plays any form of sport will always want to win, regardless, so for me, it doesn’t matter if I’m playing at Ally Pally or in my dining room.
“There is no better feeling then winning in sport. With darts, we are fortunate to be able to play from anywhere and against people all over the world with different apps.
“Financially, working at St Mary’s gives me a basic income every month, with the difference being I’m unable to compete for prize money which, although never guaranteed, can come in large amounts.”
The Home Tour is believed to be the only live professional sport happening anywhere in the world currently, with Keegan delighted to be involved in it.
“I always want to play in competitions where the best can play together and not be stopped by a global pandemic,” said Keegan.
“I am therefore grateful the PDC have found a way to show off our talent during these difficult times, entertaining fans viewing darts around the globe.
“It also allows us a chance to continue playing in a competitive environment — even if it is more relaxed than usual.
“We can’t predict the future while Covid-19 is prevalent, so the first priority is to make sure everyone is safe and not compromise people’s health when playing events.”
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