Player Spotlight – An Interview with Corey Hope
We are really interested in how people are wintering, so we asked the Third Team Skipper a few questions (if he can type properly being at university and all…)
How did last season go in terms of your expectations and performance?
From a 3XI point of view, I was extremely impressed with our season looking back. At the start of the season I challenged the lads to achieve a top 3 finish, which I thought was realistic but never expected us to go on the run we did! Few tiny errors here and there from myself as well as the team were our only downfall (which still hurt a little) but being such a young team we were bound to make a few mistakes! Wouldn’t be fair to single any individuals out because our main asset, both on and off the pitch, we were a collective team and the maturity levels some of the young lads showed (now and again) really surprised me. From a personal point of view I went well, challenged myself to be a 2XI regular and i’m proud to say I only missed one game!
What are you looking forward to most about this season?
Just getting back out playing! Really enjoyed last season and now everyone is a year older and I’m really excited about our chances both in the league and cup. A few senior figures have moved on so some of the lads need to step up and take on the added responsibility of teaching the younger ones a thing or two, mainly staying well away from the changing rooms when Haggers has got out cheaply!!
What have you been doing over the winter?
Been doing a lot of coaching, found a lot of great academies and been fortunate enough with the chance to work alongside Ryan Sidebottom which has been great. Coaching cricket you learn a lot about your own game as well as teaching others! Probably drinking and spending too much (according to my Mum) but really been enjoying being in York at University!
How’s university?
Going well! Started knuckling down this year and I’ve been really pleased with the results I’ve been getting. Things are starting to pick up with my dissertation work which looks like a long process, but i’m also quite looking forward to it! Got a really decent set of mates, and you very rarely spend time on your own and there’s a laugh a minute so really happy i’m here! The nightlife is still as good as ever and i’ve plenty of stories but none suitable for the website!!
What are your hopes for the season?
That Rhys Woodworth will of bought some new boots.
What is the one thing you love about Lowerhouse?
It’s a family. I’m lucky enough to play in a team with lads i’ve played with since I was a kid and everyone shares the same common goal! It’s an exciting time with the amount of quality juniors coming through and I hope they have the same experiences I did playing for this club as a kid!
If you could change 1 thing about the club, what would it be?
The changing rooms, if Paddy Martin throws a tantrum one more time I fear for more than the doors!!
What’s your earliest memory of the club?
Playing cricket at the side of the pitch every weekend whilst my family were playing for real! Having Bomber trying to teach me the forward defence whilst I was more interested in trying to whack it for 6…still holds true now!
