Kunal promisingmore of the same

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 22nd Jul 2005.

WINSLEY CRICKET: WINSLEY cricket fans will be breathing a collective sigh of relief after their Indian star Kunal More pledged his future to the club for as long as he is wanted.

The all-rounder from Bombay has been a revelation ever since he moved to Wiltshire five years ago and he insists the club has now become a "second home."

More, 26, has consistently topped the club batting and bowling figures for the last five years and has rarely found himself out of the top two batsmen in the Bristol and North Somerset League.

Last season he finished 15 runs short of the league's leading run scorer, Joe Breet from Westbury, with 835 runs but after missing the early part of the season his average of 174 was the best around.

More, also a spin bowler, has continued his form this season and his 77 with the bat and 5 for 29 with the ball guided Winsley to an 89 run win at home to Pak Bristolians on Saturday to boost their league survival hopes.

He said: "I have had a brilliant time at Winsley. Everyone at the club has treated me really well and it really feels like a second home for me now.

"I enjoy the summer over here and I will keep coming back for as long as Winsley want me. Really it us up to them how long I play for them."

More admits the English conditions were difficult to get used to at first, having previously played all his cricket on the dry, spin conducive wickets of India.

He believes he has now come to terms with the conditions and is sharing his experience with the schoolchildren at John Bentley School, Calne.

He said: "As well as loving playing cricket in Wiltshire, it is also a great experience to be getting the chance to coach some cricket at John Bentley School.

"I came to England because it was a great chance for me to play in different conditions. It has expanded and improved my game

`Because of the changing conditions in this country every year is a new challenge. Also I have a lot of pressure on me because what I do is so important for the team.

"I like the responsibility it gives me and I always want to do well because I know it is for the good of the club. That is important to me after the way they have looked after me."

On Saturday bottom of the table Pak Bristolians were bowled out for 121, chasing Winsley's 210 for 7.

This was Winsley's third victory of the season and More believes it has injected new hope into their survival hopes.

He said: "Our problem this season has been unavailablity because we have not been able to field the same side at all.

"Hopefully we can build on this win and then climb up the table to a midtable position. I think that is realistic."

Winsley travel to fellow strugglers Shirehampton tomorrow.

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