ISLE of Wight-born Kevin Winchcombe has established himself on the local sports scene as an all-rounder who has given his all across a variety of disciplines, with success, including as a coach.
The 51 year old, made chairman of the Isle of Wight’s Island Games Association last year, has played cricket, rugby and football at a high level and is enjoying being an endurance athlete at triathlon and Ironman level.
Kevin, a licensing manager for the Isle of Wight Council, was educated at Nine Acres Primary, Nodehill Middle, Carisbrooke High and the Isle of Wight College, as well as the North East Surrey College of Technology and Kings College, London.
He has won honours at Newport Cricket Club, with the UK Fire Service rugby team, Newport Football Club and the Isle of Wight at the Island Games and is a cricket, football and running coach.
Kevin was asked a series of questions about what motivates him and gives him satisfaction in sports.
Here is what he had to say......
When did you first start playing football and what attracted you to it?
A: I started playing it at primary school and never looked back. I enjoy the competition, the camaraderie and the challenge of winning and improving.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
A: I get to play with many of the players I have coached over the years and also get to play in the same side as my son, Joe, at Newport.
What has been the highlight of your sporting days so far?
A: There have been so many, but the one which stands out for me was winning the Island T20 Cup in 2018.
I opened the batting with my son and together we knocked off the runs. It was a great feeling to celebrate it with Joe and beating our old enemy, Northwood.
Who do you look up to in your sport and why?
A: There have been so many influential people in my sporting career.
In football, it’s Jock Horne. He saw something in me and took me to Newport when I was 18.
Whereas in cricket, people like Mick Blackman, Alan Gurney, Rog Poynter, Keith Mitchel and Eddie Walder were an influence. They were amazing cricketers who taught me so much.
They played the game hard and were winners who encouraged me to be better in their own unique ways.
What are your aims in sport?
A: To always push myself to achieve my best, but not forgetting we play sport for enjoyment.
Tell us something nice about one of your teammates?
A: Martin Poynter was my best mate. We spent many weekend afternoons playing cricket together.
He sadly passed away far too early and, if it wasn’t for cricket, I may have not met him and not had the friendship we had.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen in your sport?
A: There has been so many, but the one thing which always stands out is being chased by a naked Mick Blackman around Amersham Hill Cricket Club after I had sprayed Ralgex on parts that shouldn’t be sprayed.
It was a good job I was a bit younger than him, otherwise I am not sure what he would’ve done to me if he’d caught me!
What do you find to be the most difficult aspect of playing a certain sport?
A: At my age, staying fit enough to participate.
If you could pluck any player from the elite level of your sport to play in your team who would it be and why?
A: Chris Hoy — his dedication to his sport and training ethic would be a true inspiration to all team members and someone to aspire to.
Which team do you support and what’s been your favourite moment watching them?
A: I had always followed Liverpool, but when I stopped playing football, I got a season ticket at Fratton Park and have, ever since, been a Pompey fan.
I was lucky enough to be at Fratton when Pompey got promoted to the Premier League and was part of the 20,000-strong pitch invasion afterwards with the players.
What are your best sporting qualities?
A: I work hard to achieve. Training is so important to ensure you can reach your full capability.
What have been your sporting achievements?
A: I captained the Isle of Wight cricket team for several years — my highlight, skippering them to win the Four Island Cricket Competition at Ventnor.
I was once included in the MCC handbook for winning the toss and batting first against the MCC which, as many cricket followers will know, isn’t the done thing!
I have also played rugby for the Fire Service, winning the Southern Area competition in Oxford many years ago.
What’s been the most memorable event or match you’ve participated in and why?
A: Completing an Ironman triathlon (a 2.4-mile sea swim, followed by 112-mile cycle and then running a marathon) in Wales in 2018.
The training and the mental preparation for a multi-disciplined sport, which lasted over 14 hours, was unreal.
Completing an Ironman is something which I am extremely proud of.
Tell us something about you your teammates wouldn’t know?
A: I was in the 1st Newport Scouts Band as a youngster and I performed twice at the Royal Albert Hall.
Do you have a set preparation on a match day?
A: I used to always polish my football boots in the changing room before each game.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A: Work hard for what you want and you may just achieve it.
What’s the worst part of training for you?
A: I loved training. I couldn’t wait to get there. Probably enjoyed football training more than actually playing.
If you could choose to play your sport at any venue in the world, where would it be and why?
A. After watching a test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, it would have to be there. What an atmosphere!
What or who motivates you ahead of a competitive event or match?
A: The unknown and wanting to do my best and contribute with a match-winning performance.
Do you have a motto that you follow in your sport?
A: Just do the best you can. No one makes a mistake or does something wrong on purpose.
Who would you say are the world’s top sporting personalities ever?
A. Ian Botham, Daly Thompson, Chris Hoy, Mike Brearley, Freddie Flintoff, Ben Stokes and David Weir.
Have you met (and played against) any famous sports people?
A: I have played against many — cricketers, Chris and Robin Smith, Ryan Sidebottom, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed and Islanders Danny Briggs and Adam Hose, who I both coached, and Southampton footballer, Matt Le Tissier.
What’s the worst injury you’ve had and what was the rehab like?
A: I broke my leg in February 1990 whilst playing for Newport FC. I have been lucky enough to not suffer any other major injuries.
Provide a question you’d have liked us to ask, but didn’t, and your answer
A: What is your sporting objective? Through the Island Games Association I want to be able to give sportspeople born, or who live on the Isle of Wight, the opportunity to perform on an international stage and to heighten the awareness of the Island Games.
This, in turn, will encourage the Island community to back our athletes and celebrate their successes.
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