F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

Around the world with a Gunn by Kylie White

Whilst most of the Finchley family is enveloped by dismal weather, dodgy diets, and arguably the hardest month to get through, one of Gunns’ most favorite daughters, Sophia Dunkley, is reaping the rewards of a grueling lockdown program after being selected to represent England on their impending tour against New Zealand. After success in the Rachel Heyhoe-Flint domestic season in 2020, including a match-winning 97 for the South-East Stars, twenty-year-old ‘Dunksy’, as she is affectionately known, was widely expected to be considered for the February series, which will consist of three One Day Internationals and another three T20s. Like many athletes, Dunkley was particularly restless in lockdown; government restrictions making the ability to train particularly difficult. Former Gunns Dunkley and Wyatt making the most of bubble life and some much-needed sun.

"She’s one of the most exciting young players in the country" - Charlotte Edwards

“Lockdown was tricky to start off with, not knowing With a relieving feeling that she could now devote when we were next going to train and feeling like all her energy to cricket, Dunkley was cautiously we were losing some of the hard work we’d done optimistic as she waited for selections to be over winter. But I managed to get inventive and announced despite being yet to represent her really work on other skills such as running and country in a 50-over fixture. strength throughout the lockdown which helped to “It’s always hard waiting for selection as you make it go quicker!” never really know what’s going to happen. But I had In between trying to sort out innovative ways to a good (short season) last summer, so I took some train, Dunkley also managed to complete her confidence from that I knowing I’d given myself a university degree with fantastic results. Dunkley good chance of inclusion,” she said from her proudly recalls, “it was slightly weird seeing as we Christchurch hotel suite. just celebrated graduation at the kitchen table! But Perhaps as a result of her Caribbean roots, I had just spent 4 years balancing Uni alongside Dunkley is not one for looking too much into the cricket, so I was over the moon to graduate with a future, preferring to focus on the positive and 2:1. present. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 | V O L U M E 0 1

She does, however, speculate on her expectations Speaking exclusively with the Gunns Gazette from after the tour, which includes returning home to Mill the Ageas Bowl training centre, Edwards stated, Hill to spend quality time with Mum Caroline and “Dunks was the one player I really wanted to sign her Grandma. from the outset. She’s been so unlucky not to play She is also incredibly excited at the thought of for England more in the last couple of years. She’s working with one of her long-time heroes, Charlotte one of the most exciting young players in the Edwards for the upcoming professional women’s country, hopefully, she’ll get the opportunity with domestic competition, The Hundred. the Brave to show everyone what she can do.” Edwards will coach the Southern Brave who will Laid back as ever, Dunkley was not overly-phased field key internationals Anya Shrubsole and another by the prospect of a two-week quarantine on arrival former Gunn in Danni Wyatt, alongside explosive to New Zealand, instead choosing to focus on the West Indian, Stafanie Taylor. In an era gone past sunny side of opportunities that her dream job as a when the greats of the game were still encouraged professional cricketer has now presented her with. to play club cricket, Edwards was part of a fierce “If all the tests came back negative for a week, we Finchley line up when thirteen-year-old Dunkley were then allowed to train in small ‘bubbles.’ We made her debut into senior cricket. were also able to access a small garden for a walk “I’m so excited to play with the Southern Brave. I and chat with the rest of the team which has really think we have a really strong squad coming helped my overall health. I’m traveling the world together, and I’m really looking forward to working with good people, doing what I love. You can’t ask with Charlotte Edwards, who has so much for much more.” knowledge and experience”. It is obvious that the former international skipper (who holds just about For those interested in watching England take on every record in the book,) has a terrific admiration New Zealand, BT Sports will be covering all six for the work ethic and talent of Dunkley. matches starting from February 23rd.

GET TO KNOW YOUR GUNNS Name: Lucy Porter Nickname (on the pitch): Little dunks Favourite non-alcoholic shot: Down the ground Biggest cricket blooper: When Barts took a caught and bowled and threw the ball in the air and it hit her head. I was crying laughing that I didn’t realise it was over and got told off for being in the wrong place. Best cricket memory: Any game beating Hursley Park Post Match Food/ Drink: NANDOS