RYAN Stevenson says his time at Hampshire has been “a whirlwind”.

The all-rounder was awarded a two-year contract six weeks after arriving for a trial - and is now making his second first-class appearance, against county champions Yorkshire in the County Championship.

It has been a remarkable rise for the 23 year-old Devonian.

Having grown up playing for Dartington & Totnes CC, who are captained by his dad in Devon’s B & C divisions, he moved up four levels to play in the county’s Premier League for Torquay CC this year.

Spotted by Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, during one of his first games for Devon in the Minor Counties Championship at Finchampstead, he has not looked back since being invited for a trial seven weeks ago.

Last month, he told the Sports Pink: “It’s been quite a whirlwind - it’s my first year at Torquay and now I’ve got a contract at Hampshire!

“I always used to play cricket, then took up golf at 14/15 and focused on that. I got down to a one handicap but haven’t played for quite a while.

“I went to America to play golf and study but it wasn’t for me.”

Stevenson, who describes himself as a bowling all-rounder, was working in his mum’s Post Office and running the camping business he has set up with his girlfriend on his dad’s chicken farm when he was not playing for Torquay and Devon.

“She’s doing all the hard work while I’m playing for Hampshire!” he smiled.

“I’ve always followed county cricket on TV so it’s been a brilliant experience.

“Shaun Pollock was always my cricket hero growing up so as a ten year-old I made sure I got his autograph when he visited Taunton with Warwickshire!”

Stevenson, who is staying at the ground’s Hilton Hotel returned home at weekends to help Torquay win the Devon Premier League.

On his Championship debut earlier this month he made a crucial 30 at number ten before taking 1-33 as Durham were defeated at the Riverside.