DURHAM CAPTURING SUCCESS

Durham lift the Friends Provident Trophy at Lords in August

DURHAM CAPTURING SUCCESS

Durham County Cricket Club go into their final match of the LV County Championship season at Kent today dreaming of completing a historic season by clinching yet more silverware.

Only granted first class status in 1991, Durham claimed their first major trophy in style with an emphatic victory against Hampshire in the Friends Provident Trophy Final at Lords in August, before a 70 run victory against Glamorgan last weekend saw them clinch the NatWest Pro40 2nd Division title.

Currently 3rd in the County Championship Division One table, they travel to Canterbury knowing victory could see them overhaul Sussex and Lancashire, who play Worcestershire and Surrey respectively, in what promises to be the most tense and exciting finish to a season in many years.

Assisting the Durham effort at Canterbury, as she did at Lords, will be English Institute of Sport Biomechanist Angela Hibbs.

Hibbs combines her role with the EIS in the North East region with her work at the Riverside, a partnership which began at the start of the 2006 season.

Phil Dicks, himself employed independently by both organisations (Performance Manager, Durham CCC & Athlete Advisor, EIS) explained to eis2win.co.uk how the relationship came about.

“I started using video analysis during my time working with Equestrian” he says.

“During that time I first met Angela at a workshop and remembered her because of her interest in Cricket.”

“After I was then appointed at Durham CCC in 2005, I encouraged the club and the EIS to make a joint appointment, recommending Angela for the role.”

Since the introduction of the ECB’s video data capture project in 2006, all first class counties now benefit from the use of video technology to enhance their training and match preparation.

In addition to logging and coding every ball, Hibbs is able to provide live feedback to coaches and players whilst also building a database which can be used to scrutinise the performance of not only the Durham players but increasingly opponents too.

“It’s an excellent coaching and scouting tool which is of great benefit to the players and coaches throughout our set up” says Dicks.

Hibbs work also involves biomechanical analysis of players, especially bowlers, which includes youngsters at the academy as well as the contracted professionals.

“Mechanical imbalances are often the origin of injury which can leave talent unfulfilled. Objective assessment and intervention along with support for coaches, strength and conditioning staff and physio support are a key part of Angela's work” says Dicks, who believes the joint appointment of Hibbs has proved a great success.

“I’m very much in favour of collaboration within the North East” he said. As a region I believe we have to work together with our resources to support our elite athletes and coaches.”

by James Skitt

19.09.07

Photography © Getty Images