BILLY Taylor has realised a long-held ambition this week by agreeing a three-year deal with Hampshire after rejecting a new contract being offered by Sussex.

The 26 year old Southampton-born seam bowler was rejected in 1997 by his native county after trials led to him playing several 2nd XI matches for them.

Instead, he played Southern League cricket for Winchester (along with brothers Jimmy and Martin) and saw Minor Counties action with Wiltshire before moving along along the coast to Sussex. He had five seasons at Hove, claiming 104 wickets in one day cricket.

But he never became a regular member of the County Championship side, although he did play a key role this summer as they won the Championship for the first time in their history.

He came into the side for the injured James Kirtley in the final matches of the season and played in the historic win over Leicestershire at Hove which saw Sussex clinch the title.

In all, he took 23 wickets at an average of 29.60 in his seven matches during the season, with an impressive economy rate for a seamer of 2.7 runs per over.

Frustration led to move

"All that was great, but it was very frustrating being called up only when someone else was injured," he told me.

"I decided that, at my age, I needed to be playing regularly to further my ambitions of maybe one day playing for England. So I turned down the offer of a new contract.

"I was thrilled when Hampshire came in for me as it's always been my ambition to play for them.

"Now is the right time to see how good I am and I hope to win a regular place, hopefully taking the new ball."

Billy has done well against Hampshire in recent seasons and feels that the Rose Bowl will be a happy hunting ground for him.

"The pitches there will help you if you hit the deck hard and that's what I do at fast medium," he said.

Taylor has always remained a member of Winchester CC and played five Southern Premier League games for them during the summer.

He'll also play indoor league cricket for them at River Park this winter.

'Improved' says Tremlett

Hampshire's Director of Cricket, Tim Tremlett, commented: "Billy has improved a lot since his days with us and is a very wholehearted bowler.

"He's looking for the challenge of becoming a regular first teamer and we hope he can do just that."

Taylor's reliability and economy will be key factors in his favour, as will his ability to stay free of injuries.

One of his first ambitions with Hampshire will be to win his county cap.

"I never gained one with Sussex, but it would be a proud moment for me to do so with my home county," he said.