Totton & Eling’s long serving junior cricket co-ordinator Mandy Knight had the honour of carrying the Cricket World Cup on to the Ageas Bowl prior to the South Africa and West Indies teams coming out for the national anthems.
At the start of what, sadly, was a rain abandoned match, she placed the cup on to the plinth.
All 11 venues and host cities for the Cricket World Cup were asked to nominate individuals who have made a difference to their city through sport. Mandy was deservedly chosen for her voluntary work spanning some 25 years overseeing the introduction of cricket to hundreds of local children at Totton & Eling.
Mandy & husband Stuart have overseen the T & E junior section grow from just a handful of kids to the thriving 80+ plus boys and girls who now regularly enjoy the game of cricket.
Reflecting on her big day, Mandy said: “It was a huge honour and I was very proud to have carried the Cricket World Cup on to the pitch at the Hampshire Bowl and to have been part of the opening ceremony.
“I was very nervous and terrified that I would drop it, trip over or otherwise embarrass myself or the organisers. The Cup itself is large and surprisingly heavy.
“I need not have worried as it all went without a hitch and I successfully managed to place the cup on the exact spot, on the plinth,facing the right way,without mishap!
“Despite the wet weather and the little cricket played, I had an exciting and extremely memorable day, one that I will remember for a very long time.
At the start of what, sadly, was a rain abandoned match, she placed the cup on to the plinth.
All 11 venues and host cities for the Cricket World Cup were asked to nominate individuals who have made a difference to their city through sport. Mandy was deservedly chosen for her voluntary work spanning some 25 years overseeing the introduction of cricket to hundreds of local children at Totton & Eling.
Mandy & husband Stuart have overseen the T & E junior section grow from just a handful of kids to the thriving 80+ plus boys and girls who now regularly enjoy the game of cricket.
Reflecting on her big day, Mandy said: “It was a huge honour and I was very proud to have carried the Cricket World Cup on to the pitch at the Hampshire Bowl and to have been part of the opening ceremony.
“I was very nervous and terrified that I would drop it, trip over or otherwise embarrass myself or the organisers. The Cup itself is large and surprisingly heavy.
“I need not have worried as it all went without a hitch and I successfully managed to place the cup on the exact spot, on the plinth,facing the right way,without mishap!
“Despite the wet weather and the little cricket played, I had an exciting and extremely memorable day, one that I will remember for a very long time.
