There have been two departures from the Rose Bowl home of Hampshire. One of them – long-serving wicket-keeper Adrian Aymes - was not entirely unexpected, but the departure of Graham Walker, the chief executive of Rose Bowl plc, took many by surprise.

A persistent knee injury restricted 38 year-old Aymes to just five appearances last season and it has been decided that he should stand down with a year of his contract still to run. His enthusiastic approach to the game was appreciated by teammates and spectators alike and he leaves with glowing tributes from all at the club.

Aymes had been with Hampshire for 17 years, while the chief executive was something of a newcomer. Walker was brought in to mastermind the establishment of the Rose Bowl as Hampshire's new ground after the move from Northlands Road and to develop the business opportunities such a new venture offered. However, he has left suddenly "in order to pursue alternative business interests."

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