Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
By Grockle
September 18 2010
Lords. Saturday 18 September 2010. Third 'Final' of this amazing season - will we be the bridesmaids again? It's a beautiful day and this is THE place to finish of a big league season but how many of you are praying for it to be third time lucky? The scorecard names Mark Turner in the line-up. We shall see how it pans out. Bell and Trott both start for the Bears (sounds like the NFL!)
v Warwickshire CB40 Final @ Lords Saturday 18 September 2010
Well here we are ladies and gentlemen. This was the one I hoped we'd be at after last year's great one day season. We would get it right where we got it so wrong at the quarter final stage in 2009. The other two were hoped for but not expected.
As such this is my final. I don't think we are favourites after the turmoil of the last week but I do think we are good enough to win this should we get over the crushing feeling of being so close and yet not achieving the pinnacle. It might have possibly been the same had Somerset arrived here as County Champions. Then it would have been a discussion about whether they could keep the momentum up after the euphoria of achieving something.
Here we go then. It is 1:30 in this part of London. The ground is very sparsely populated given that at least 14 Somerset coaches have arrived already and we walked through queues of fans in all kinds of maroon, white, black, pink(?) and grey kits with the county name on it.
The side on the scorecard shows a captain and selection board staying with the players who get us here. I'm not sure I agree with it but as I was vehemently angry when they dropped Steffan Jones to bring back Graham Rose for the 1999 "Cider Final", I'm not sure I can comment;
Somerset name;
Trescothick, Kieswetter, Trego, Compton, Hildreth, Buttler, Suppiah, Phillips, Thomas, Turner and Kartik
as their side. I only have two questions and to some extent one of them was answered in the semi-final. Should Suppiah bat higher in the line-up? Well before last Saturday I would be making a case but Nick Compton played such a fundamental role in that "Zander" position that I would have to disagree with myself should I ask that question.
The second issue is Mark Turner. I declared in the week that we should play Charl Willoughby for his experience and his tight line and length. It seems the county will go with the bowlers who to some extent got us here. I respect that decision but I wonder about it as a strategy for victory. It didn't work in the semi with Arul and Mark taking the ZdB burden within the bowling and I would suggest that Warwickshire with Bell and Trott back in their line-up are a sterner batting test for our attack. But if that is the decision then so be it.
We will await team announcements and go from there. Charl is not within the squad for today so it seems definite that the side will be as stated. Warwickshire have won the toss and as per the discussions this week, they have decided to take advantage of the predicted drier conditions for bowling and fielding of the afternoon. Our job now is to post a total that tests their batting irrespective of the conditions and hope that any dew wil not negate Murali Kartik as a weapon but give our pace attack something to work with - Umar Gul used it last night so why can't Alfonso Thomas tonight?
It's quite sparse in the seats some 15 minutes before the start of the game though there seems to be lots of people around the ground. It'll soon be that time again people strap in for a wild ride!! (Hopefully :-
It's 3:00 and the Bears come out to applause which is nothing at all to the ovation for Marcus Trescothick and Craig Kieswetter who follow them out of the Long Room. What a great start to the day! The Boss will take the first ball, once he has sorted out where the sightscreen is to be. It's a dot. Carter opens the bowling from the Pavilion end and his second gets Banger off the mark. Craig is beaten by the third but takes a single off a squirt for the fourth. This allows the skipper to put the first one to the boundary with a cover drive. 6 off the first.
Woakes takes the first from the Nursery End and he welcomes our 'wickie' with one around his head. He then provides the first wide of the game. 9 for 0 after two.
3:00 Today
Craig opens his shoulders two balls into the third and drives Carter sublimely for four. He nearly completes the same shot again at the end of the over but is brilliantly stopped by Bell with a one handed full stretch dive. Nevertheless they move to 15 after three. It is a case of runs leaking from one end (Carter) while the other bowler (Woakes) keeps it very tight. He goes for 2 in the fourth. After 5 we have 30 as Carter loses 13 runs to both batsmen.
Woakes gets some of the same treatment next ball as Marcus produces a 'slap, sweep,pull' for four to take the first boundary off him. The young bowler responds by nearly getting Craig LBW later in the innings before the Somerset man responds to that by driving him through Long Off for his first boundary off the Warwickshire bowler. Carter's loss of 25 from his first three prompts Bell to introduce Barker for the 7th and he immediately strikes as Trescothick puts one way up in the air and it falls to Woakes. 41 for 1 at the start of the 7th with the skipper gone for 21 off 17 balls with 3 fours. In comes Peter Trego and it's 43 by the end of the over.
Peter looks a bit shakey at the start and takes a while to get off the mark but then moves us towards 50 with a stroked four from Woakes. Craig then brings up the 50 cutting Barker. 53 off 50 deliveries.
Great View "Scabby" Camera I'm afraid!!
We have 61 after 10 with Craig on 28 off 30 and Pete on 11 off 13. But the eu[phoria does not last as Pete gets frustrated and tries to pull Barker but gets a leading edge and Clarke and he is gone for 11 with 62 on the board. Keith Barker has done the job for his captain with 2 for 10 off his three. The new man is Nick Compton.
Woakes is replaced by Carter from the Nursery for the 14th and the press is well and truly on as we struggle to get the ball off the cut strip. Woakes' first 6 overs have gone for 29 and we have 70. The track is good with little swing for the bowlers so it is shots that are giving wickets rather than ball deviation. Ant Botha replaces Barker for the 15th and the press continues by the end of 15 we haven't pushed the score past 80. Eventually the frustration gets to Craig as well and he tries pulling Carter to the mid wicket boundary only to be caught one handed by Barker who is having a really good game. Kieswetter's 37 came off 43 balls and contained 4 fours that all seemed to come at the front of the innings.
James Hildreth therefore becomes the man in the spotlight again with Nick Compton looking to stabalise an innings and get this score moving towards a defendable target under lights. Presently we are in the doldrums a little and wickets that we would have liked to have in the late 20's have gone. We need a solid, strong and evenutally accelerating partnership like the one last week at Taunton. We don't want to see our next two batsmen in for another 10 overs at least or this could become a scamble I'm afraid.
Botha's slow bowling is joined by Tahir's at the Nursery for the 17th and we have yet to pass 100 so a 300+ score is NOT on the cards presently unless someone produces a blitz. Neverthless both batsmen are sweeping Imran and the score is moving at about a run a ball so the 100 arrives from a slog sweep from Hildreth with the first boundary for a while. 72 deliveries for the second 50 of the game means we will have to put the boot down at some time.
You can almost feel the sweat coming off them can't you?
Botham (and a few other England captains) weed here!! (Sorry couldn't resist :-)
Meanwhile Hilda is making Compo run for his money and Compo seems to be enjoying it. Into the 20's in terms of overs and the Somerset pair have decided to take the Bears on in the field. If they can't pierce the infield they can make the ball go into gaps and by the end of the 24th we have 130 with Nick on 31 and James on 26. The 50 partnership arrives at 131 off 54 deliveries with only 2 boundaries is an indication of the work these two are doing for the cause.
138 at 25 (270?) and Tahir is off and Maddy is on at the Nursery. The third 50 comes up from 42 deliveries and sees us to 150 with Compo on 40 and Hildreth on 37. Please go past 50 this game Nick! You know this ground!! As if he hears me, he produces his first boundary from a cover drive off the 49th ball he receives to take him to 44.
Nick goes to 50 off a Bell misfield and a hard worked 50 it was off 56 balls with only one boundary. That concludes the 29th over and Barker replaces Maddy for the 30th from the Nursery end. Compo pulls his first delivery for four all along the ground. It is worth mentioning that Ant Botha, who has finished his spell form the Pavilion end conceded only 1 boundary in his entire spell. 39 runs though so there was a lot of running taking place!!
172 up at the 30 over mark and Tahir has changed ends. James is pushing him by coming up the wicket and knocking him out into the covers. However Compo takes the field on once too often. The ball is pushed square, picked up by Jonathan Trott who simply picks up and fires it into the keeper with James running through - he keeps on going. A 95 run partnership with Compton ends too early with his own 44 run contribution coming off 46 balls with only 3 boundaries. We needed more from these two but we have to be grateful for the work they have done and the much better position they have put us in.
176 for 4 halfway through the 31st. Has he provided enough for the back end to build on? Well Buttler is in? But he is also out 2 balls later LBW to Tahir without scoring 176 for 5. Arul Suppiah is in with 9 overs to make a mark and the tail after him. These two need to do something special if Warwickshire are not going to be chasing less than a run a ball with a strong batting line-up.
Oooooeeer! Woakes is back on for the 32nd from the Nursery and the Bears are up for this now. They see the fleshy tail of the Somerset Wyvern splayed out in front of them and smell blood in the air. Compton is 10 runs past his usual score in these games and Arul is yet to get off the mark. Ben Phillips, Alfonso Thomas, Murali Kartik and Mark Turner are not the worry that the men already out are with 10 overs to go. This final may very well stand or fall for the West Country on the quality of this partnership. The run rate has stayed at 5.6 for most of the game and that isn't really enough. It gets worse as Tahir bowls Suppiah coming up the wicket and not hitting one speared in at his feet. 178 for 6 with 1 run coming off his 6 delivery stay at the crease. Alfonso comes out before Ben and Tahir celebrates a spell of 3 wickets for 2 runs in 11 balls. The wheels are coming off ladies and gentlemen. Will we reach 200? Will we bat out our 40 overs? Will we give our bowlers enough to bowl at? The answer to all three seems to be NO at the moment.
But Tahir goes on and takes out Nick lbw with the fourth ball of the 33rd. 3 wickets for 1 in 6 deliveries for Tahir. From the pavilion he has taken 3 for 5 in 10 balls. The over isn't even finished as Ben joins Alf. Another question. Has Tahir done for us? 179 for 7. It doesn't look any more promising as Woakes passes the Phillips bat at the other end.
It isn't a problem because Ben isn't there for long as he plops Tahir up four balls into the 35th and we slump to 180 for 8 after being 176 for 4 only 4 overs ago. Kartik comes out with no real chance of doing anything at all and with 5 overs to go we have 182 and Barker to face from the Nursery. Murali's first shot suggests he isn't gong to be there long as he flashes at a wide one from Barker which goes down to Third man but was aimed for long on. Tahir ends his visit to the crease in the 36th with a brilliant ball that passes him and allows ohnson to stump him for 3. 187 for 9 with 4 overs to go. Not enough I'm afraid. Nowhere near enough on a pitch that 270 looked possible on. The run rate is just pushing over 5 and if we allow the Warwickshire batsmen in on this they will take us in this game with 10 overs to spare.
Tahir is bowling llike a man inspired (and why shouldn't he with 5 for 36 off 7 overs?) but Turner drives him through bell for 2 and takes us into the 90's. 3 overs to go and 8 runs required for the 200. Imran Tahir 8 overs 4 for 41 with his Pavilion spell of 4 overs giving him 5 for 14. One has to say that the only way that he will not be Man of the Match is if a Somerset bowler betters those figures!!
The last pair show some fight as Turner drives a four but as they creep towards 200 in the 39th off Carter, it becomes too much and Mark tries to hit over Clarke at the end and is caught to end the Somerset innings on 199 with an over to go. We lost 7 wickets for 23 runs in 8 overs and a half overs to fall from 176 for 3 to 199 all out. Get ready for another disappointment but pray with all your might for an inspired bowling performance. We have to defend 5.1 and over and I have a sinking feeling (has anyone noticed this?) that we do not have the resources to hold them under lights with a wet ball. Nashy may be right and the team who wins the toss has this final - the problem is that we haven't really given them a fight yet!!
The Reply
Trott and Carter versus Alf from the Pavilion and Ben from the Nursery. 5 from the first over and little trouble for the batsmen but Ben passes Carter with the fifth ball of the second. There is an empassioned plea for LBW with the next one but it is pitching outside leg and they have 6 after 2. The rate is slow but they have time, these two are tight but what about the other four? Is this the Turner 'swansong'? Is he going to leave us regretting his departure? We have to hope so because we need something of that kind of scale to crawl out from under this one.
The score doubles in the third but Carter gets a little 'cocky' about the way he went to 12 and tries to sky another to the boundary - into the hands of a grateful Peter Trego we have 1 they have 12 at the start of the fourth. In comes Barker facing a 'steaming' Ben Phillips who puts him straight under the cosh. An excellent over from the big man adds only 1 run a scalp. Another 36 of them would be wonderful gentlemen. At the start of the next Mark nearly has trott with a close sliding punt at the stumps which misses by a whisker but Trott looks to be ready for the fight and goes to double figures with a coupkle of eaasy singles - he knows there is little pressure yet. However, Barker isn't so sure as Alf puts one just under the peak of his helmet and smacks his head back hard. It's one of the new 'cycling' types and needs some repair before ha can continue. In fact it is too damaged to continue and he has to replace it with a normal blue one.
On come the lights and the shadows start to show on the ground (they were probably on before but they are starting to be noticable. Warwickshire are 18 for 1 after 5 but Trott is stroking the ball around the place and we need wickets to continue to fall. Presently the rate is 3.7 but as they only have to operate at a rate of 5.1 they do not need to up it at all during the powerplays. They can simply play out the first two strike bowlers and look for runs off Pete, Arul and Mark. Ben Phillips is presently bowling like a man possessed and together the two opening Somerset men have moved it to 5.3 with only 20 coming off the first 6. Phillips has presently bowled 3 overs 1 for 4!! Can't ask for more than that really can you?
Alf has Barker in trouble and he is trying to bat his way out of the frustration but getting little to hit. he tries to go over the infield and is sent on his way with a brilliant diving catch from Mark Turner. Two fingers held on to the ball but it stuck. 20 for 2 just 2 balls into the 7th over. In comes Bell and the real game starts here. It's 21 for 2 after 7 and Alf gets a standing ovation from the Compton stand as he returns to his fielding position. Bell clips one - but not particularly well for four from Ben. It is significant that Phillips thinks about it and decides it wasn't a problem because he was bowling to the plan and it was a bit of an edge. 25 for 2 after 8 and on comes Mark Turner. First ball short and Bell hits it over the inner field but it only stops in the midfield. The second ball is a 'chinese cut' down to Fine leg - fuller ball. A dab to third man for ball 3 and the fourth is driven through the covers just beating Arul to the boundary. The fourth is driven finer and well stopped by a diving Trigger. He goes for 9 and the Bears go to 34. Ben continues from the Pavilion and gives a rare four from the first ball he takes Trott with the last ball of the over as the Warwickshire man feathers a lifting delivery to Craig 39 for 3. Trott leaves with 17 off 35 balls with 2 boundaries. 39 for 3 off 10. Well played Ben Phillips!
Over number 11 Turner to Bell and he nearly has the England man first ball as the stuttering drive just passes the despairing Trescothick - the replay shows it was a bump ball anyway (calm down!!) The second also goes for 4 but this is a more meaasured shot. The light is fading now and the planes going into Heathrow are dropping into a salmon coloured cloud cover behind the Pavilion. All the players now have 4 shadows around them as Troughton (the next man in) gets off the mark. The last ball of the Turner over takes the Bears to 50 off 66 balls. More than our first one but it's the last one that will decide this game I think. Worryingly though Mark is not tightening the noose and presently has an economy rate of 10. We may have to look closely at this if it continues into a fourth over.
Ben will be bowled through one would assume - why take him off in this mood? He goes for 5 with two scoring shots and gets another ovation from the supporters. Kartik replaces Turner at the Nursery for over number 13 and for more than the first time this season we enter the most important phase of this game with the spinner on to do damage. He goes for 1 off his first and is followed by 3 from Ben Phillips. His second isn't as wonderful as he bowls a no ball and gives Bell a free hit - which he bowls him with middle stump as he makes space for a big one. After 15 they have 66 and Ben is in for his last - an excellent spell of 8 overs no maidens 24 for two 69 after 16 and Murali pushes them harder with a two run over in the 17th.
The necessary change brings Pete Trego into the game for the 18th. 75 for 3 after 18 but the wickets are still there and we have to bowl them out. The partneship looks untroubled by the spinner's wiles. They aren't making many but they are still there. 79 after 19 but a run a ball and the odd boundary will see them home and the pressure is increasing to remove one of these as the 50 partnership arrives off 63 balls.
In the 22nd, Trigger twists his knee stopping a return drive and he hobbles for a few minutes but it doesn't seem to bother him after he has walked it off. We are still keeping them under 100 into the 24th but ominously Bell goes to 50 off 53 balls with 5 fours and you get the impression that all you are doing is keeping off the inevitable and the oppostion can go up a gear at any time should the situation become close to unmanageble. Marcus still has to find 6 overs from somewhere as the 100 comes up halfway through the 24th off 132 balls. Even though we have held them, they are still up with the D/L and although the run rate has climbed to 6.1 (well done to the men for that), the 6 over problem is still there.
One possible solution is introduced at the Nursery for the 25th as Arul comes on to try and hold the Bears in check for a little longer. It partly works and is made more complicated by Mark being re-introduced at the Pavilion for the 26th after Trigger has a spell of 5 overs for 18. Alf comes back at the Nursery to try and break this match deciding partnership. These two go or we go ppotless in 2010 I think is pretty much the situation. Alf does strike and Troughton goes for 30 as he is caught behind at 118. 48 balls and 2 fours but more importantly 118 for 4 and the dangerous Maddy in to help out his captain. It's not done and it isn't over - interesting but still not ours!!
But we still need something from Mark and he delivers in the 30th as he gets a top edge off Darren Maddy which goes into the stratosphere before landing in Murali Kartik's hands. 135 for 5 and Clarke is at the crease. Marcus decides to keep the rest of Alf in reserve and brings Pete back for the 31st and the new man nearly does for his captain by calling a run on a straight hit to the Indian spinner who skims the stumps with his return with Bell nowhere. Nevertheless he remains and with him there this game is still the Bear's for the taking. Clarke brings up the 150 with a big square 6 off Turner - the first of the game and ominous with 8 overs and 2 balls to go. That 50 came off 49 balls so the acceleration is on. It is also followed by a leg glance for four and the pressure is off the batting side again. 155 for 5 after 32. They need 45 off 48.
Kartik is back at the Nursery. Clarke is facing and doing nothing stupid but he is beaten by MK's fourth. Two come from the over but can we exert enough pressure? Trigger will try from the Pavilion but Clarke has moved quickly on to 17 and Bell is still holding up his end. But it is still not over as Pete tempts Rikki in the 36th and James takes the catch in front of the Pavilion. 164 for 5 and the rate is up to 7.5 at 164 for 6. Murali is finished with 8 overs for 27 and we have to find an over from somewhere to keep this pounding to a finish. Bell goes over the top and reaches the boundary - he is still the key to this on 82. Botha is the new man and Thomas is back on at the Nursery and there is lots of discussion between captain and VC. A glanced ball for four is missed by Hildreth and everything is SO important now. They need 23 off 20. Bell is close as a direct hit finds him in. The 37th ends on 178..22 from 18 with Mark taking the 38th to Bell. it could be over this over.
Bell flips the first over Kartik for four - short ball!! 182 for 6 Bell goes to 91. Next one is straight hit for four 186 for 6 Bell to 95. Third one lifted over Ben for 2 188 for 2 Bell to 97. His 100 comes off the square four for ball four (92 balls and 11 fours) 192 for 6. Four to long leg Bell to 105 196 for 6 and they take 2 off the last ball so MT loses 20 off that over and Warwickshire need 2. Alf has nothing to bowl at and they tie on the third ball of the 39th and lose Bell with the fourth as he hits the ball straight to Jos for a match winning 107. Woakes comes out needing to score 1 from 8 deliveries 199 for 7. Ian Bell's score was off 95 balls with 12 fours. Woakes doesn't get it from the next through a diving stop by Marcus but he flashes one over the field at the end to take the trophy by 3 wickets.
We didn't provide the batting score to win this. We didn't go with our strongest bowling attack. Loyalty is to be commended but it probably cost us this game. Charl would not have taken the catch that Mark did but he would not have gone for 71 off 7 and may well have supported Alf's 33 off 8 with 3 wickets. Arul went for 6 off his one.
It isn't Mark's fault. He isn't good enough and we played him. We gave him too few to defend and that was where we lost this. Rash shots at the start were as much to blame as his 20 run over to an excellent player near 3 figures. You have to accept that some are not up to it and faith may be able to move mountains but not every time.
A 'Bridesmaid's season. Challenged in everything. Looked the best in most and came away with nothing.
BUT an improvement on last season and we get stronger in the winter and we come back harder and hungrier in April.
For those of you who now turn to other sports, pop in occasionally and keep the old retainers company and we will all meet again on the first day of the new season in the year we wipe this memory clean from the face of the county.
UP the 'Set and thanks to one and all for all the fun this year. The Player of the Month for August to September vote will be up tomorrow and the Player of the Year will be coming on the 15th of October so start to think about that one.
Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockles.com (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 13:40
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:23:00:29:04 by Grockle.
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The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 07:00
SCCC have arranged a game at Lords on saturday against Warwickshire.Unfortunately I will not be attending but will spend all day with a front seat watching it on SKY Sports all on my own.If there is anyone in the Saltford area that's not got access to Sky and not attending you are most welcome to join me to watch.
I'm sorry no coach parties and moderate drinkers only.
PM me if you want to take up my offer.
I'm sorry no coach parties and moderate drinkers only.
PM me if you want to take up my offer.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Streeter (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 08:53
Good on you BR, hope you get a taker or two. I will be at Lords ( it's just down the road) I'll cheer for you too.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 09:09
That's very good of you, BR.
I think I will also watch on Sky in my home in London simply because I've spent plenty of money on the Durham game this week and should probably exercise some fiscal responsibility.
That said, if there are any tickets left, I might succumb to temptation later in the week. But, at the moment, my story is that I prioritised the more important fixture.
I think I will also watch on Sky in my home in London simply because I've spent plenty of money on the Durham game this week and should probably exercise some fiscal responsibility.
That said, if there are any tickets left, I might succumb to temptation later in the week. But, at the moment, my story is that I prioritised the more important fixture.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 11:08
Your priorities are entirely right, AGod; many of us would love to be with you, but have other demands to meet as well. One consolation for me is that I hope on Saturday to be able to salute a championship winning team within hours of their securing that title - in a location definitely "fit for purpose" - while also celebrating a one-day title.
I think you will find that tickets will be available even on the day of the final and from what I know of you I have little doubt but that you will succumb to temptation...
I think you will find that tickets will be available even on the day of the final and from what I know of you I have little doubt but that you will succumb to temptation...
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 11:17
My mum say's I have to go to bed at 8 o'clock so it will have to sneak the radio under the duvet for the finish.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 13:27
I'll be in the Grandstand, with my son Luke. He'll be drinking my allocation of cider as I shall be driving back to Dorset, afterwards, subject to finding a parking space!
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 13:30
As you were previously on the staff at Lords Botham surely you know all the parking scams.Try Lodge Road is my advice.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 17:43
Thanks BR, that's what I'm hoping for.
Wouldn't it be great if our team could walk out at Lords as County Champions? It would sure put a few on the gate.
Wouldn't it be great if our team could walk out at Lords as County Champions? It would sure put a few on the gate.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 17:58
I seem to be the mirror image of you AGod.
My fiscal responsibility says I am not at CLS but will be at Lords for what we all hope will be triumphal end to the season!
As we are off to thr New World for a hol soon I couldn't justify both!!
My fiscal responsibility says I am not at CLS but will be at Lords for what we all hope will be triumphal end to the season!
As we are off to thr New World for a hol soon I couldn't justify both!!
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 18:15
Good to hear you're going to Taunton for your hols, SJB.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 18:18
Very close to Lol - Boston, Plymouth and Lincoln amongst others. But not Taunton Mass sadly.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 18:24
I thought Bridgwater was the capital of The New World.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: samaithai2 (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 18:44
Late start for me Saturday 9-00 at night. If we win both will be heading for sin city at dawn much to the disgust of wife Samai.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Tumbles (IP Logged)
Date: 15/09/2010 19:30
I have a kind of parking tip that I use when going to away days in the football in London.
Drive to Osterley Station, just off the M4
[maps.google.co.uk]
You can park there for £2.50 all weekend (its a secure, uncovered NCP carpark) and then get a 1-4 zone travelcard in. As that line goes to Heathrow a regular service runs throughout the day/night... so no worries of getting back late.
Drive to Osterley Station, just off the M4
[maps.google.co.uk]
You can park there for £2.50 all weekend (its a secure, uncovered NCP carpark) and then get a 1-4 zone travelcard in. As that line goes to Heathrow a regular service runs throughout the day/night... so no worries of getting back late.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: BeefyRoberts (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 14:38
From a Middx fan,if travelling up check the TFL website for any underground lines that have closures for engineering works,a lot are at the weekend.
Also,roads are closed for the popes visit.
A good place for you guys to meet up is Baker Street station,Jubilee line runs to SJW from there and a couple of pubs directly near Baker Street station itself.
Not many pubs near Lords,the tavern is overpriced and beer inside the ground is £4 a pint!
Take food if you can,that is overpriced as well.There is a Tesco round the corner from SJW station,if walking down turn left at Barclays Bank.
Turn right outside Grace Gates,walk down the hill for about 10 mins and cross the road,a Sainsburys is there on the left as well.
Just a few bits,if helpful for you all.Oh yea,it is me who had a moan during the T20 season,thats forgotten about and thrown in the bin!
Good luck to you on Saturday.
Also,roads are closed for the popes visit.
A good place for you guys to meet up is Baker Street station,Jubilee line runs to SJW from there and a couple of pubs directly near Baker Street station itself.
Not many pubs near Lords,the tavern is overpriced and beer inside the ground is £4 a pint!
Take food if you can,that is overpriced as well.There is a Tesco round the corner from SJW station,if walking down turn left at Barclays Bank.
Turn right outside Grace Gates,walk down the hill for about 10 mins and cross the road,a Sainsburys is there on the left as well.
Just a few bits,if helpful for you all.Oh yea,it is me who had a moan during the T20 season,thats forgotten about and thrown in the bin!
Good luck to you on Saturday.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Wickham (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 14:47
Thanks, BeefyRoberts - and let's hope Middlesex get promoted next year, so that we can play you in 2012.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 15:04
I echo that.Nice to hear you've forgotten events at Taunton .
It's always a privelige to go to Lords to watch any game.I'm sure you'll enjoy your next trip to Taunton better.You can sit nearly wherever you want for CC games.
It's always a privelige to go to Lords to watch any game.I'm sure you'll enjoy your next trip to Taunton better.You can sit nearly wherever you want for CC games.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 15:27
[www.tfl.gov.uk]
The above site gives details of London Underground services during the coming weekend.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The above site gives details of London Underground services during the coming weekend.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 15:31
No problems for me.I'm going nowhere unless my tele blows up.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 15:43
... and remember that the Pope's visit may disrupt things in central London.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 15:49
Is he going to the game then ?!
Grizzzly
Grizzzly
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 15:53
I bet he'd find a parking spot no problem.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: SheptonPaul (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 15:59
I hear he's infallible outside off stump.
But if someone drops a catch off him, he gets incensed.
But if someone drops a catch off him, he gets incensed.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 16:11
He certainly dishes out the bull...
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: cricketjerry-mouse (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 18:24
Andy Flower has released Jonathan Trott from the England one-day squad to play for Warwickshire on Saturday.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: SHOWEY (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 18:58
anyone feel that altho the bookies make us favs and rightly so on the seasons form, the mental scarring after today and the 20/20 final could be a massive factor . Bear in mid we also lost in the 20/20 fianl last year and lost the pro 40 in the last over with 2 balls to go , after a yorker 2 balls earlier shaved leg stump and went for 4 byes . will take enormous mental strength to win on saturday
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 19:22
They'll be up for it saturday don't worry.I have every faith in Marcus's ability to pick the lads up for one more big push,and ram Buchers words right down his gob.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: SillyMidOn (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 19:25
Indeed. Butcher thinks they don't have the mettle to score hard and fast? Shove 280 down his throat in a Lord's final and he'll have think again!
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 16/09/2010 23:43
Forgive me if this has been suggested elsewhere (I'm just in and am catching up on today's postings, but may I suggest that all those of us lucky enough to be at Lord's on Saturday stand up and cheer as loudly as we can - and urge our neighbours to do the same - as soon as Trescothick leads his men on to the field (whether we field first or second) in honour of The Team of the Season. Let's lift the non existent roof of Lord's.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: wsm fan (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 00:05
I would hope/expect that will be a natural reaction for many of us anyway.
Weather etc will obviously determine bat/bowl decision, but for reason above it will be great if we field first and are able to give the boys a rousing reception all together on taking the field.
Saying that i always feel winning a final is better fielding second as all the team are on the field together at that match winning moment and they and us can all celebrate as one.
Anyway any win at all will do me, have a feeling they'll be a great deal of emotion from players and supporters alike, lets turn Lords into a Taunton take 2 and get right behind the boys and make sure the best team actually wins this competition.
Weather etc will obviously determine bat/bowl decision, but for reason above it will be great if we field first and are able to give the boys a rousing reception all together on taking the field.
Saying that i always feel winning a final is better fielding second as all the team are on the field together at that match winning moment and they and us can all celebrate as one.
Anyway any win at all will do me, have a feeling they'll be a great deal of emotion from players and supporters alike, lets turn Lords into a Taunton take 2 and get right behind the boys and make sure the best team actually wins this competition.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 00:33
Quote:SillyMidOn
Indeed. Butcher thinks they don't have the mettle to score hard and fast? Shove 280 down his throat in a Lord's final and he'll have think again!
When was the last time he thought at all?
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Wickham (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 08:02
I remember going to a Sunday league match at Lord's, possibly in 1979. Middlesex took the field to polite applause. Rose and Denning then came out to bat to a huge welcome. They both looked a bit bemused, seemingly thinking that the entire Taunton crowd had been transposed to St John's Wood.
I am sure that we can better that on Saturday.
I am sure that we can better that on Saturday.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 08:08
I remember that game Wickham.As they say I was there!
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 09:26
I tend to agree with Showey, albeit for a slightly different reason. Marcus has not hidden from the fact that the CC was the one that we all wanted, with bells-on, and has said that it will be really difficult to get the guys up for the Pro 40. Therefore, I would not point to mental scarring, so much as the fact that this Pro 40 would have been a distant second (or maybe third?) on the player's wish-list at the start of the season and, having come so close to the one we really wanted, it will be tough to "want," it as much as Warwickshire will.
I don't think we are 'mentally scarred,' by the T20 etc. If we were we would have folded like Yorkshire did in this decisive game, rather than holding our heads high and playing with great determination, which we did.
To be honest, I think we MUST bat first to win the game vs Warks - by rolling up a huge score, because I think that some of our bowlers are out on their feet, stamina wise. Marcus said they'd get through on adrenaline before collapsing in a heap, but I don't know that the adrenaline is still running after yesterday? If a tired bowling attack has to bowl first, without the mental boost of having a huge total to defend, that could spell trouble for us, especially with having to chase under the lights.
Conversely, if we make 290 or so batting first, that should put a spring back in the step of our bowlers, as they would know that we would be big favourites, if defending 290.
I don't think we are 'mentally scarred,' by the T20 etc. If we were we would have folded like Yorkshire did in this decisive game, rather than holding our heads high and playing with great determination, which we did.
To be honest, I think we MUST bat first to win the game vs Warks - by rolling up a huge score, because I think that some of our bowlers are out on their feet, stamina wise. Marcus said they'd get through on adrenaline before collapsing in a heap, but I don't know that the adrenaline is still running after yesterday? If a tired bowling attack has to bowl first, without the mental boost of having a huge total to defend, that could spell trouble for us, especially with having to chase under the lights.
Conversely, if we make 290 or so batting first, that should put a spring back in the step of our bowlers, as they would know that we would be big favourites, if defending 290.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: SheptonPaul (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 09:41
Agree with AG - bat first if possible. Wickham - sounds to me like that was one of the cup finals. I'll be in Abergavenny when they walk out at Lord's, but fully expect to be able to hear the cheer from there.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 09:47
We will give them one Helluva welcome on Sat as they have done us very proud this year - whatever!
Agree with AG's analysis re: batting first etc. Gives tired legs a bit longer to recharge.
Agree with AG's analysis re: batting first etc. Gives tired legs a bit longer to recharge.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: JanetCandy (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 10:59
Crikey - all this talk of cars and tube services.....am I the only yobbo going on the supporters' coaches?
I'm a tad curious as to why they're leaving Taunton so early in the morning though - its going to be a longish day.
BTW - I agree that there are some good pubs around Baker St Tube...try the Globe, opposite. For the more refined, walk down Baker St and take an over-priced drink in the bar of the Sherlock Holmes Hotel. Nice though.
Are we fearful of the likes of Bell and Trott? Hell no! We have nothing to fear but fear itself. C'mon lads! A final big effort!![[:wor kid:]](/phorum-5.1.15/mods/smileys/images/13.gif "[:wor kid:]")
Jan
I'm a tad curious as to why they're leaving Taunton so early in the morning though - its going to be a longish day.
BTW - I agree that there are some good pubs around Baker St Tube...try the Globe, opposite. For the more refined, walk down Baker St and take an over-priced drink in the bar of the Sherlock Holmes Hotel. Nice though.
Are we fearful of the likes of Bell and Trott? Hell no! We have nothing to fear but fear itself. C'mon lads! A final big effort!
JanRe: The c40 final
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 11:02
What time are they leaving? That is the SCCC coaches not the Berry ones?
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Chinaman (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 11:20
Re the Pope:
He'd be no use at bowling because he's not allowed to bowl a maiden over. He has to keep his balls to himself.
When batting he might be useful, but if he hit three sixes in a row it would be unfortunate.
I also hear that members of the Vatican XI are not permitted to stand at long leg, fine leg, or in the slips. Backward short leg and leg slip are also off limits, and deep extra cover is generally preferred in all instances.
He'd be no use at bowling because he's not allowed to bowl a maiden over. He has to keep his balls to himself.
When batting he might be useful, but if he hit three sixes in a row it would be unfortunate.
I also hear that members of the Vatican XI are not permitted to stand at long leg, fine leg, or in the slips. Backward short leg and leg slip are also off limits, and deep extra cover is generally preferred in all instances.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 11:22
"Are we fearful of the likes of Bell and Trott? Hell no! We have nothing to fear but fear itself. C'mon lads! A final big effort!"
Realistically, if our big guns bat for as many balls (combined) as Trott and Bell do then Somerset will, almost certainly, win the game for the simple reason that Tresco, Craig, Pete and Jos are likely to score more rapidly than Bell or Trott.
The issue for tomorrow is that batting conditions may heavily favour the side batting first, so if Warks bat first it might very well be that Trott and Bell end up facing a lot more balls in match than our big guns.
Realistically, if our big guns bat for as many balls (combined) as Trott and Bell do then Somerset will, almost certainly, win the game for the simple reason that Tresco, Craig, Pete and Jos are likely to score more rapidly than Bell or Trott.
The issue for tomorrow is that batting conditions may heavily favour the side batting first, so if Warks bat first it might very well be that Trott and Bell end up facing a lot more balls in match than our big guns.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: SheptonPaul (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 11:33
While Bell and Trott are clearly very good and should be respected, I would 'fear' Tahir and Woakes more.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Ronniesabre (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 11:56
they probably fear Tres, Kieswetter and Trego, Kartik and Thomas.........so it works botheways.
Get stuck into them, thats what I say.
Get stuck into them, thats what I say.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: JanetCandy (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 11:58
Hi Grocks
The supporters coaches are leaving the County Ground (or at least boarding) at 8.30 am - unless the SCCC staff were yanking my chain
Jan
The supporters coaches are leaving the County Ground (or at least boarding) at 8.30 am - unless the SCCC staff were yanking my chain
Jan
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 14:08
Thanks Janet - are they going from the Priory Bridge car park?
I suppose they hope to get up there befor the crush and it gives us time to meet people and get acquianted with the place for a while.
I suppose they hope to get up there befor the crush and it gives us time to meet people and get acquianted with the place for a while.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 14:44
Have a great day everyone, who is going to Lord's tomorrow.
It will be the first Lord's final in which Somerset has appeared that I shall not be present at. I feel that I am too old to endure another long day at the home of cricket, and as a matter of personal choice won't know anything of the game's progress or of the result until it is all over. I shall be deliberately engaged in other things, which I feel is the best thing that I could personally do.
The big disappointments of 1967 and 1978 were hard to swallow and accept, but when I arrived at the ground before the start of the 1979 final, I immediately knew that the vibes were good.
It was then of course that we won our first ever trophy, and the following day we won another.
But the vibes weren't always that good. In fact, after the 1978 final, I well recall travelling back to the West Country by train, and talking to another long - standing Somerset supporter. He had unquestionably over - imbibed during the day, and I can picture him now, lying along the bench - seat of the train's compartment, and slurring the words:- "Somerset will never win anything."
Of course, we did the following year and have done so subsequently.
I hope that you all get the same positive vibes when you enter the ground tomorrow. Enjoy it, and will the team on to victory, so that I can say to Old Frazer - "I told you so", instead of it happening to me, the other way around.
Because, I know it will.
It will be the first Lord's final in which Somerset has appeared that I shall not be present at. I feel that I am too old to endure another long day at the home of cricket, and as a matter of personal choice won't know anything of the game's progress or of the result until it is all over. I shall be deliberately engaged in other things, which I feel is the best thing that I could personally do.
The big disappointments of 1967 and 1978 were hard to swallow and accept, but when I arrived at the ground before the start of the 1979 final, I immediately knew that the vibes were good.
It was then of course that we won our first ever trophy, and the following day we won another.
But the vibes weren't always that good. In fact, after the 1978 final, I well recall travelling back to the West Country by train, and talking to another long - standing Somerset supporter. He had unquestionably over - imbibed during the day, and I can picture him now, lying along the bench - seat of the train's compartment, and slurring the words:- "Somerset will never win anything."
Of course, we did the following year and have done so subsequently.
I hope that you all get the same positive vibes when you enter the ground tomorrow. Enjoy it, and will the team on to victory, so that I can say to Old Frazer - "I told you so", instead of it happening to me, the other way around.
Because, I know it will.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 15:04
Echo the above.
Have to go to a wretched two day conference today & tomorrow, so will miss following events at HQ.
So, all I can say is "good luck" to the team. You have done us all proud this year, so just enjoy yourselves & show everyone what you can do.
Grizzzly
Have to go to a wretched two day conference today & tomorrow, so will miss following events at HQ.
So, all I can say is "good luck" to the team. You have done us all proud this year, so just enjoy yourselves & show everyone what you can do.
Grizzzly
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 16:22
And if we win, I'd love to see someone from the club, maybe Brian, hand out a barb to the Sky crew. I expect Marcus is too nice to do it, but Brian has that hard edge to him and so maybe the man to do it...
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 16:43
SCCC coaches leave at 8:30am!! Reasons are Pope's visit, Tour of Britain and Tottenham and other home matches in ther capital...
I shall be there and standing to cheer the lads onto the field. And cheering them off the field rather later - whatever the result.
They have been magnificent this year and do deserve to win convincingly tomorrow but with the toss being pivotal and another team wanting to win too it is not a 'given'. We need to work hard for it.
I shall be there and standing to cheer the lads onto the field. And cheering them off the field rather later - whatever the result.
They have been magnificent this year and do deserve to win convincingly tomorrow but with the toss being pivotal and another team wanting to win too it is not a 'given'. We need to work hard for it.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: cricketjerry-mouse (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 17:27
Ian Bell will captain Warwickshire tomorrow. Club captain Ian Westwood has decided to leave himself out of the side in view of the availability of Jonathan Trott.
Neil Carter, one of their key players as pinch-hitting opening batsman and left-arm opening bowler, faces a late fitness test. He didn`t play against Hampshire in midweek.
Neil Carter, one of their key players as pinch-hitting opening batsman and left-arm opening bowler, faces a late fitness test. He didn`t play against Hampshire in midweek.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 17:31
It is one little gripe in all this.
Last week when I booked by coach seat after the semi, I was told by the lady that all the details would be on the club website so people could check the arrangments. Having not been in a place where I could access a phone with a signal for the last two days I looked and either I'm very slow now or the detail is not there in an easily accessible form.
Is it on the official site? If so where?
Last week when I booked by coach seat after the semi, I was told by the lady that all the details would be on the club website so people could check the arrangments. Having not been in a place where I could access a phone with a signal for the last two days I looked and either I'm very slow now or the detail is not there in an easily accessible form.
Is it on the official site? If so where?
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Bagpuss (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 17:42
I\'m sure His Holiness will be there - don't Catholics enjoy a pilgrimage to Lourdes?
Coming down by train from Scouseland - are there any Grockles plans to meet in one of these Baker Street hostelries prior to the match?
Coming down by train from Scouseland - are there any Grockles plans to meet in one of these Baker Street hostelries prior to the match?
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 18:02
As I can't find details about when I'm leaving I can't plan for when I get there I'm afraid.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Bobstan (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 18:13
SJB, I didn't know that the Tour of Britain goes through Somerton, I learnt that only this morning.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: JanetCandy (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 18:30
Hi Folks
I've just PM'd Grockle about this, but with hindsight should have gone public....I'm just concerned that I might be spreading mis-information! But it was given to me by the SCCC lady who sold me the Lord's ticket and coach ticket.
She said that the coaches would be boarding at the County Ground at 8.30 am. If anyone believes that to be wrong, please post your thoughts tonight....as I might otherwise....er...miss the bus!
Gooo Somerset!! We'll be cheering our socks off tomorrow!
Jan
I've just PM'd Grockle about this, but with hindsight should have gone public....I'm just concerned that I might be spreading mis-information! But it was given to me by the SCCC lady who sold me the Lord's ticket and coach ticket.
She said that the coaches would be boarding at the County Ground at 8.30 am. If anyone believes that to be wrong, please post your thoughts tonight....as I might otherwise....er...miss the bus!
Gooo Somerset!! We'll be cheering our socks off tomorrow!
Jan
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: PaddedUp (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 18:38
I'll be at Lord's tomorrow (Compton Stand), having been at the Rose Bowl and Chester-le-Street for the other two "Finals Days" this season. If the match is tied tomorrow, and Somerset lose because there aren't as many letters in Somerset as Warwickshire or some such, then I will admit to being the jinx and never go to another Final again!
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 19:54
Now there's a problem Janet because I was basing my plans on your info!!
IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS THE CORRECT INFORMATION ABOUT WHEN THE CLUB BUSES FROM TAUNTON ARE ACTUALLY LEAVING?
IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS THE CORRECT INFORMATION ABOUT WHEN THE CLUB BUSES FROM TAUNTON ARE ACTUALLY LEAVING?
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 20:09
Try ringing the club and see if there is anything on their answer machine.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Norwich SCCC (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 20:14
I anticipate the Warwickshire team to be as follows - Carter, Trott, Bell, Barker, Troughton, Maddy, Clarke, Johnson, Botha, Tahir & Woakes. (therefore no place for Chopra)
They seem to have had success chasing in the competition (something like 7 out of 8 matches have been won batting second), so would they bat first if they won the toss?
I think on paper we shade it, especially with the potential for explosive hitting.
Let us do ourselves justice and get a richly deserved piece of silverware in the cabinet. (and MT is long overdue a MoM performance in a final) Good luck to all concerned!
They seem to have had success chasing in the competition (something like 7 out of 8 matches have been won batting second), so would they bat first if they won the toss?
I think on paper we shade it, especially with the potential for explosive hitting.
Let us do ourselves justice and get a richly deserved piece of silverware in the cabinet. (and MT is long overdue a MoM performance in a final) Good luck to all concerned!
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 20:14
YES GROCKLE - IT IS AT 8:30 AM AS I SAID IN AN EARLIER POST
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 20:27
Thanks Sloop- just found that!
Nothing on the club answerphone at 6:00 but the Oracle has just confirmed that it is 8:30 at the St James Gate.
Seee those of you planning that route tomorrow morning.
Nothing on the club answerphone at 6:00 but the Oracle has just confirmed that it is 8:30 at the St James Gate.
Seee those of you planning that route tomorrow morning.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: wsm fan (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 21:51
Good wors from Alfie on the main site...
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: cricketjerry-mouse (IP Logged)
Date: 17/09/2010 23:11
Neil Carter, who missed Warwickshire`s cc win at Hampshire this week with a back injury, has been named in the starting line-up for tomorrow.
But there is no place for fellow opening bat Varun Chopra, who top-scored with 76 in the semi-final defeat of Yorkshire at Scarborough last Saturday. Either Ian Bell or Darren Maddy will open with Carter.
But there is no place for fellow opening bat Varun Chopra, who top-scored with 76 in the semi-final defeat of Yorkshire at Scarborough last Saturday. Either Ian Bell or Darren Maddy will open with Carter.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 06:14
To everybody going to Lords today have a good journey,enjoy the game and all get back safe and sound in the early hours of tomorrow morning.It's going to be a long day but well worth it when we get that trophy tonight.
COME ON MY BABBIES
COME ON MY BABBIES
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: The Diamond ruled ok (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 08:08
Weather info from West |London (8 miles from HQ) . A bright chilly morning lots of dew in the grass , anyone would think it is nearly October . Clear blue skies with whispy clouds of the white colour rather than grey black we have had for most of the week .
Little safety point folks , if your driving up this morning remember those sunglasses in the car , the sun is at an almost blinding angle at this time of the year (on the M4 coming East particularly) and no point meeting the back of an Artic for the sake of not wearing them .
Looks like a suncream and coat day , enjoy and safe travels to you all .
Little safety point folks , if your driving up this morning remember those sunglasses in the car , the sun is at an almost blinding angle at this time of the year (on the M4 coming East particularly) and no point meeting the back of an Artic for the sake of not wearing them .
Looks like a suncream and coat day , enjoy and safe travels to you all .
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: geordie moonraker (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 08:36
Too far for me today but the Cider's in (best Hecks, Tractor at a proper price), and the neighbours have been warned of noise levels.- full volume rendition of Blackbird- and I'm so on edge you would think I was playing.
I was shouting on your behalf at Durham - do the same for me today.
I was shouting on your behalf at Durham - do the same for me today.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 08:37
I have just seen the coaches leaving the county ground, I counted seven that I could see.
Everybody enjoy the game lets hope for a Somerset win!!
Everybody enjoy the game lets hope for a Somerset win!!
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 08:49
CJM - Varun Chopra has been something of a pain in the derriere to Somerset this season, and so I am not sorry to hear that he has been omitted.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Chinaman (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 09:14
And we have omitted Willo from the 13, according to the official site. Looks like Turner WILL play.
Waller and Gregory are the other two in the 13.
Waller and Gregory are the other two in the 13.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: SillyMidOn (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 09:16
The upside to Turner playing is that we can enjoy the Sky guys express surprise for the 4th year in a row that he "has a bit of pace".
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Keith's Sweater (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 10:19
I did note at ClS that Turner was getting a proper work-out during the intervals, in a way that didn't suggest a quiet wind-down before toddling off.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 10:32
Any photos of the coaches leaving Mike?
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Demon of Frome (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 10:35
The MCC members' site is saying that because so few Rover (MCC members' friends) tickets have been sold for this match, the whole of the Tavern stand will be closed today.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 10:39
Unless Willow is injured, I think the Turner thing is a mistake.
We have nothing to gain by dint of Turner gaining big-match experience and nothing to lose by dint of him being gutted if he was omitted, since he is not scheduled to play any more games for SCCC.
If there is anything in the pitch at all for seamers, then I'd back Charl to outbowl Turner, nine times out of 10.
Turner could be effective if we bat first, with his extra speed under the lights. But if Warks bat first, then I fear that he will struggle.
We have nothing to gain by dint of Turner gaining big-match experience and nothing to lose by dint of him being gutted if he was omitted, since he is not scheduled to play any more games for SCCC.
If there is anything in the pitch at all for seamers, then I'd back Charl to outbowl Turner, nine times out of 10.
Turner could be effective if we bat first, with his extra speed under the lights. But if Warks bat first, then I fear that he will struggle.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: geordie moonraker (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 11:02
I hate to disagree with my new friend AGod after we had such a splendid day together at Chester le St, but I would pick Turner. Charl is as likely to go for runs as MT and I have a feeling in my water that this is MT's day.Watching Turner being given work on the outfield and the word to Charl indicated that htis was always going to be the decision .
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 11:10
Hi GM, I fervently hope that you are right!
If you are right, will SCCC have non contract renewal remorse by day's end?
If you are right, will SCCC have non contract renewal remorse by day's end?
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: Glen House (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 12:07
Looking forward to a great day at Lord's. The sun is shining here - let's hope we all witness the trophy going to a side that really deserves something out of this season.
Re: The c40 final
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 12:29
The King of Spain said this morning that Warks have lost only three Pro40 games over the past two seasons. I did not realise that. It suggests that they may provide somewhat stern opposition.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: SillyMidOn (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 14:01
They are about to lose their 4th.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Chinaman (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 14:05
I don't think this will be easy, by any means. Don't underestimate the likes of Trott, Bell, Woakes and Carter ...
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 14:27
Mark will play. Charl is not with the squad - or at least he wasn't there for the regular kick about on the Nursery ground watched by about 500 people!!
The boys are presently going through their bowling motions and the place is starting to get a little fuller.
The boys are presently going through their bowling motions and the place is starting to get a little fuller.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 14:36
Now let's do this before we get started shall we?
This thread is linked to the frontpage (which can also be accessed through the "Grockles" logo at the top of the page)
On the frontpage are the links to the Radio Bristol commentary (though you may have to wait because Pete Simson seems to be stuck in a traffic jam in Shepherds Bush) AND the Cricinfo scorecard (which can also be accessed from the link at the top of every Grockles" forum page).
There is NO BLOG for this game from Nathan but I will be updating the frontpage on action through out the game. I tend to do the starts and then 5 or 10 over spells unless something important happens in between. So if you want to know what is actually happening IT WILL BE ON HERE
Hopefully that will cover all those usual questions about where can I get a score? What happened to X Y or Z? Is there a commentary link etc.
:-)
This thread is linked to the frontpage (which can also be accessed through the "Grockles" logo at the top of the page)
On the frontpage are the links to the Radio Bristol commentary (though you may have to wait because Pete Simson seems to be stuck in a traffic jam in Shepherds Bush) AND the Cricinfo scorecard (which can also be accessed from the link at the top of every Grockles" forum page).
There is NO BLOG for this game from Nathan but I will be updating the frontpage on action through out the game. I tend to do the starts and then 5 or 10 over spells unless something important happens in between. So if you want to know what is actually happening IT WILL BE ON HERE
Hopefully that will cover all those usual questions about where can I get a score? What happened to X Y or Z? Is there a commentary link etc.
:-)
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 14:38
Warwickshire have put us in!!
My thoughts were that this is what they would do because it means we bowl in the dew and field the greasy ball.
Lots of towels and on the ball boys - seamers to the fore and let's have a BBBBBIIIIIIGGGGGG total for them to chase please!!
My thoughts were that this is what they would do because it means we bowl in the dew and field the greasy ball.
Lots of towels and on the ball boys - seamers to the fore and let's have a BBBBBIIIIIIGGGGGG total for them to chase please!!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Ged (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 14:44
Good luck to you.
Somerset deserve a trophy this year and by jingo I think today will be the day.
Somerset deserve a trophy this year and by jingo I think today will be the day.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 14:50
Thanks Ged.By jingo we do.Enjoy and cheer youe Ex Middlesex players on.
Come on Somerset
Come on Somerset
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 14:50
Have they played into our hands, in the Pakistan match the moved around under light.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 15:24
Banger gone skying Barker's first ball straight to Woakes 41 for 1
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 15:29
The boss really did not need to do that!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 15:32
At least we've got plenty of batting to come.We don't have to rely on Tres all the time.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 15:44
Come on lads, settle down, we cannot be giving this away with shots across the line against Barker.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: samaithai2 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 15:45
Just switched commentaries Mark Davies says slow and hard work for batsmen. Dougie Brown on 5 live says hard for bowlers hmmm.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 15:48
Trigger gone trying to pull and top edging. 62 for 2
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 16:07
Not good so far, I'm afraid. 3 wickets and,in each case, the batsman got himself out.
The advantage of bowling under lights will not obtain at this rate, as we won't have a proper total on the board .
The advantage of bowling under lights will not obtain at this rate, as we won't have a proper total on the board .
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 16:09
Don't despair.Jimmy in now!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 16:12
And he needs to be in with Nick until the 30th at least!!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 16:56
Just about made it, but then daft call by Compton and Buttler falling. We'll have to bowl out of our skins here.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 16:58
Don't panic.We'll be ok
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:11
The wheels are off and Ben and Alf are in with 6 to go and 200 looking a long way away
Tahir has produced that magic spell and our early swishes are coming to haunt us.
Tahir has produced that magic spell and our early swishes are coming to haunt us.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:11
NNope, it's a full-on fold, I'm afraid. The Compton run-out of Hildreth has caused untold panic in the ranks. I'm afraid the batting has really let us down today
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:13
Tahir takes Phillips caught Bell. 180 for 8 in the 35th
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Scrumper (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:22
Tahir we go again 
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: SillyMidOn (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:22
Oh dear.
Might owe Lancs an apology if this is the best we can do!
But seriously, it's real shame. It looks like a magnificent season all around might well be a fruitless one. The lads don't deserve that.
Might owe Lancs an apology if this is the best we can do!
But seriously, it's real shame. It looks like a magnificent season all around might well be a fruitless one. The lads don't deserve that.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:32
Will somebody shut Bob Willis up. 
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: saint_jas (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:34
I really hope Kartik can do the business later.
Real bad that my Dad is a Warks fan
Real bad that my Dad is a Warks fan
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:38
I'd love to put my boot dpwn Willis mouth.Don't panic yet.We have a good bowling team.Kartik and Alfie can weave the magic.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:41
Well, that was about a 2 out of 10 batting performance, overall, I'm afraid.
Tahir did bowl very well. The run out was stupid and the fact that neither of the top three came off in any kind of big way meant that we did not have a good score on the board when the collapse started. Had one of the top three gone off quickly and batted for a while, we might have already had 215 or so on the board by the time we started to implode.
Everybody looks dejected on the balcony and I really cannot see how we are going to rouse ourselves to defend this? I expect Carter will slog it around in the power-play and that will, more or less, be that.
Tahir did bowl very well. The run out was stupid and the fact that neither of the top three came off in any kind of big way meant that we did not have a good score on the board when the collapse started. Had one of the top three gone off quickly and batted for a while, we might have already had 215 or so on the board by the time we started to implode.
Everybody looks dejected on the balcony and I really cannot see how we are going to rouse ourselves to defend this? I expect Carter will slog it around in the power-play and that will, more or less, be that.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:46
Yep. No real fight and no real idea except from Hildreth and Compton until the stupid sqaure pushed run out. The slump in Compo's sholders showed he realised immediately what he had done. Then it was back to Edgbaston 2009 and headless chicken time.
It has to be Murali I'm afraid BR - there is little in this pitch for the seam men. 250 or something like it on this should be a doddle.
Good Warwickshire infielding as well. Looks like a long trip home to a winter of 'maybes' I'm afraid.
It has to be Murali I'm afraid BR - there is little in this pitch for the seam men. 250 or something like it on this should be a doddle.
Good Warwickshire infielding as well. Looks like a long trip home to a winter of 'maybes' I'm afraid.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:52
Can't wait for next season.We'll be the top team.No problem.
Jimmy Hildreth for England
Jimmy Hildreth for England
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 17:54
I think it is a plumb batting pitch to be honest. We needed 260-270 batting first to win on this
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Norwich SCCC (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 18:00
It looks a belter, unfortunately. 260 -270 would have been about par. A ridiculous run-out but that does not excuse what followed.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Palairet (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 18:00
How will the 40 overs be shared out amongst our six 'bowlers'? Will Warwickshire need anything like 40 overs to score 200?
Will Turner or anyone else have a 'Boswell' experience?
You appear to have given up hope already, Grockle, and I expect that you are not alone.
After the experiences of the Twenty 20 final, and the last day of the County Championship, we are appearing to be a team who have punched above their weight all season, and are now well and truly on the ropes!
Will Turner or anyone else have a 'Boswell' experience?
You appear to have given up hope already, Grockle, and I expect that you are not alone.
After the experiences of the Twenty 20 final, and the last day of the County Championship, we are appearing to be a team who have punched above their weight all season, and are now well and truly on the ropes!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 18:10
Don't panic.Kartik to bowl em out.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 18:11
Cartert ct Trigger.
TrEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGO
TrEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGO
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 18:13
Good catch by Trego with the sun in his eyes.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: mikeindex (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 18:28
Whatever policy you've been following through the season, sending in two pinch-hitters when you're only chasing 200 seems silly.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: saint_jas (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 18:43
What a cracker by Phillips...
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: mikeindex (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 18:56
Judging by the radio commentary there is an awful lot of playing and missing going on.
I cannot understand for a moment why Turner is picked ahead of Willoughby - but it seems a good deal of his expensiveness on this particular occasion has been down to edges.
In a way I'm very glad I only have the radio and cannot hear what Willis is saying - but in another I'm quite curious, just to know what the earlier contributors are talking about.
Just a few random thoughts. I do get very talkative when I'm nervous.
I cannot understand for a moment why Turner is picked ahead of Willoughby - but it seems a good deal of his expensiveness on this particular occasion has been down to edges.
In a way I'm very glad I only have the radio and cannot hear what Willis is saying - but in another I'm quite curious, just to know what the earlier contributors are talking about.
Just a few random thoughts. I do get very talkative when I'm nervous.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 19:58
Superb effort by Big Ben. And as I type, we've got something out of Turner though, overall, the gamble has not really paid off once again.
I do agree with the Sky guys that we should have had more guys saving one when our better bowlers were operating.
I do agree with the Sky guys that we should have had more guys saving one when our better bowlers were operating.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 20:08
Dreadful six conceded to Clarke, though. I'm afraid this selection has puzzled me for most of the season, and I'm still not really any the wiser. I feel that Kirby should be a big upgrade.
Huge mistake on team selection by Brian and Marcus
Huge mistake on team selection by Brian and Marcus
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: mikeindex (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 20:38
Best of luck Derbyshire.
Best of luck too to England this winter trying to get the new Ramprakash to play like that at international level.
Best of luck too to England this winter trying to get the new Ramprakash to play like that at international level.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: SillyMidOn (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 20:39
What a miserable week 
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: mikeindex (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 20:40
That was a bit mean to both Mark Turner and Ian Bell. Heat of the moment, sorry.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 20:42
Let's forget it now. I hope BR has some more decent signings up his sleeve because we need more than just Kirby to strengthen this squad.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: saint_jas (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 20:47
Terrible week
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: rambling sid (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 21:06
Haven't waded through all this thread so don't know whether same points have already been made.
We seem to have lost this through a dreadful decision by Compton, although partially redeemed by being top scorer, and I'm afraid Turner. I'm afraid I've seen enough of him already this season in limited over matches to think that he was too much of a risk. Willoughby would have been much better. Also what's happened to De Bryn. Is he injured.
All in all an awful last week to the season. I don't feel as bad as I did in September '78, but bad enough.
It can't affect the fact that it has been a wonderful season though, and one that I am glad to have witnessed.
We seem to have lost this through a dreadful decision by Compton, although partially redeemed by being top scorer, and I'm afraid Turner. I'm afraid I've seen enough of him already this season in limited over matches to think that he was too much of a risk. Willoughby would have been much better. Also what's happened to De Bryn. Is he injured.
All in all an awful last week to the season. I don't feel as bad as I did in September '78, but bad enough.
It can't affect the fact that it has been a wonderful season though, and one that I am glad to have witnessed.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 21:12
Sid - the really puzzling thing with Turner is this;
if the club really thought he was a really good player or prospect, they would surely have moved quickly to extend his contract? In the event we did not do so and he's off.
And if the club do not think that his contract is worth renewing then why, pray, keep picking him?
Bizarre, IMO.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:18:21:14:35 by AGod.
if the club really thought he was a really good player or prospect, they would surely have moved quickly to extend his contract? In the event we did not do so and he's off.
And if the club do not think that his contract is worth renewing then why, pray, keep picking him?
Bizarre, IMO.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:18:21:14:35 by AGod.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: saint_jas (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 21:14
De Bruyn I thought went over to his side in the Indian league?
But yeah would have thought Willoughby would have been better than Turner, he was awful.
Would have loved to been there today though, but cost, with hotel prices was ridiculous
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:18:21:16:24 by saint_jas.
But yeah would have thought Willoughby would have been better than Turner, he was awful.
Would have loved to been there today though, but cost, with hotel prices was ridiculous
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:18:21:16:24 by saint_jas.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 21:17
In all seriousness, in so many ways it has been a wonderful season with some wonderful players found for the future. The fact that we've come second on three occasions shows how good we are.
BUT on the negative side, I'm sorry, Tres & the selectors must have a blind spot - at no time in the season has Turner impressed me as a bowler. He's a pretty good fielder but after being at county level for four or five years he has, apparently learnt nothing UNLESS he is bowling his short tripe because somebody - skipper? - coach? - is telling him to bowl as fast as possible, and don't worry about the runs. Surely he is close enough to see how Alfonso gets control?
Also on the negative side - after Buttler's emergence early in the season, nobody will convince me that Compton is a better batter than Buttler - so why does Tres or the selection committee seem convinced that Compton is a better bat than Buttler OR Suppiah. Compton is an excellent fielder and may dominate 2nd XI bowlers but he does not with the better ones. Certainly tonight Buttler and Suppiah should have batted ahead of Compton, and certainly in the 4 day format.
Waller bowling early in the season at a lively pace, looked full of potential, and even now I would have stuck with him in the team ahead of Turner. I think somebody has told him to slow down his legbreaks, and he does not seem to have so much control at the slower pace.
old boy!
All in all a most enjoyable season - thanks to the players for their efforts - everyone of them clearly wanting to succeed.
Onward and upwards to 2011.
We all have opinions and will not always agree on the way forward, but that is the fascination of following cricket - the game that can provide more drama than most other sports.
BUT on the negative side, I'm sorry, Tres & the selectors must have a blind spot - at no time in the season has Turner impressed me as a bowler. He's a pretty good fielder but after being at county level for four or five years he has, apparently learnt nothing UNLESS he is bowling his short tripe because somebody - skipper? - coach? - is telling him to bowl as fast as possible, and don't worry about the runs. Surely he is close enough to see how Alfonso gets control?
Also on the negative side - after Buttler's emergence early in the season, nobody will convince me that Compton is a better batter than Buttler - so why does Tres or the selection committee seem convinced that Compton is a better bat than Buttler OR Suppiah. Compton is an excellent fielder and may dominate 2nd XI bowlers but he does not with the better ones. Certainly tonight Buttler and Suppiah should have batted ahead of Compton, and certainly in the 4 day format.
Waller bowling early in the season at a lively pace, looked full of potential, and even now I would have stuck with him in the team ahead of Turner. I think somebody has told him to slow down his legbreaks, and he does not seem to have so much control at the slower pace.
old boy!
All in all a most enjoyable season - thanks to the players for their efforts - everyone of them clearly wanting to succeed.
Onward and upwards to 2011.
We all have opinions and will not always agree on the way forward, but that is the fascination of following cricket - the game that can provide more drama than most other sports.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 21:19
It has to be said that the batting has at least as much responsibility as Turner for the loss, though.
Warks targeted Turner as the weak link. Because we only made 199 they only had to target one SCCC bowler. Had we batted properly, they'd have had to target one or more other bowler(s) rather than just picking on Turner. In doing so, they would probably have come unstuck.
Warks targeted Turner as the weak link. Because we only made 199 they only had to target one SCCC bowler. Had we batted properly, they'd have had to target one or more other bowler(s) rather than just picking on Turner. In doing so, they would probably have come unstuck.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: smallfrysom (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 21:32
In sport you dont always get what you deserve but Im damn sure they did tonight, Bad captaincy, playing a bowler who has been released because not being good enough then bowling him after he had just been thrashed hang your head Trescothick,
Willoughby or even Max Waller who I have seen and umpired in cricket from 13-18 would have put much more aplication and thought to bowling as he has in last 2 seasons and not let the team down.
Having thrown away 7 wickets for less than 20 runs the team still had a chance with Warwickshire panicking,
As someone who remembered 1978 weekend this was worse because it was such capitulation and reminded me of the defeats under the previous cricket management at Taunton.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:18:21:37:17 by averageside.
Willoughby or even Max Waller who I have seen and umpired in cricket from 13-18 would have put much more aplication and thought to bowling as he has in last 2 seasons and not let the team down.
Having thrown away 7 wickets for less than 20 runs the team still had a chance with Warwickshire panicking,
As someone who remembered 1978 weekend this was worse because it was such capitulation and reminded me of the defeats under the previous cricket management at Taunton.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:18:21:37:17 by averageside.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: rupertthetank (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 22:03
Well said averageside.
There is one thing being supportive and another being in denial that it is all down to being unlucky that 3 finals have been lost.
Make too many excuses for them and somerset will always know that failure is an option if they play well the rest of the season.
There is one thing being supportive and another being in denial that it is all down to being unlucky that 3 finals have been lost.
Make too many excuses for them and somerset will always know that failure is an option if they play well the rest of the season.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 22:08
I don't agree.
We WERE unlucky in the T20 (Pollard injury, anyone?) and I was proud of our efforts in the CC, including in the final game at Durham.
Today, we were outplayed and poor team selection played a part in that but just because we were outplayed today does not mean that we have some serious problem at the club that stops us from winning things.
I'd rather have had our season than the one that Warks have had. So they picked up today's bauble. It's the Championship that really counts, and they logged a pathetic 9 defeats with clueless, pathetic batting in that competition and were exceptionally fortunate not to be relegated. Without Tahir, they will be relegated next season, IMO.
We WERE unlucky in the T20 (Pollard injury, anyone?) and I was proud of our efforts in the CC, including in the final game at Durham.
Today, we were outplayed and poor team selection played a part in that but just because we were outplayed today does not mean that we have some serious problem at the club that stops us from winning things.
I'd rather have had our season than the one that Warks have had. So they picked up today's bauble. It's the Championship that really counts, and they logged a pathetic 9 defeats with clueless, pathetic batting in that competition and were exceptionally fortunate not to be relegated. Without Tahir, they will be relegated next season, IMO.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: rupertthetank (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 22:18
Then in that case AG Notts are the team to aspire to.
More wins,more losses and less draws.Win the Championship.
More wins,more losses and less draws.Win the Championship.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 23:05
Just back and what a brilliant journey having parked about 5 mins from ground and it took me just over 2 hours. If only the traffic was always so light.
A few thoughts, I'm not too despondent, but I'll probably feel worse in the morning.
Our fans gave tremendous encouragement, particularly after the interval and it was all very good humoured. We sat next to a lovely couple of families who had joined the Jos Buttler fan club. We had a tremendous day, including shopping in Oxford St.
Like A God, I am perplexed re Mark Turner's selection. If he's not good enough to keep, why play him. He's generally very expensive. Surely we have someone else?
Unfortunately, on the day we came up against a high class player who rode his luck and he was the difference between winning and losing, but we can rest for the winter with our heads held high, so thanks for the memories guys.
A few thoughts, I'm not too despondent, but I'll probably feel worse in the morning.
Our fans gave tremendous encouragement, particularly after the interval and it was all very good humoured. We sat next to a lovely couple of families who had joined the Jos Buttler fan club. We had a tremendous day, including shopping in Oxford St.
Like A God, I am perplexed re Mark Turner's selection. If he's not good enough to keep, why play him. He's generally very expensive. Surely we have someone else?
Unfortunately, on the day we came up against a high class player who rode his luck and he was the difference between winning and losing, but we can rest for the winter with our heads held high, so thanks for the memories guys.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 23:13
Great song today, "I'd rather see Trescothick, than the Pope"!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 18/09/2010 23:37
The result was disappointing, but as always after watching Somerset, whether at lovely Taunton or magnificent Lord's, I thoroughly enjoyed the day, especially the company for the first time of Bobstan, probably an even more promising young aspirant to county colours than I am, and of Wickham et fils.
And it seemed particularly appropriate to have a pre-match drink with Tractor and then to see him again as we were leaving the ground. Ever positive; ever magnanimous, that man.
We were thrilled by the increasingly cheeky running between the wickets of Compton and Hildreth that propelled us into what looked like a highly promising position and it seems churlish to blame one or other of them when they took one risk too many. After Hildreth departed the resolution seemed to fade away and it seemed almost certain that we had scored too few. Taking three early Warwickshire wickets raised our hopes, but we were a bowler light. Not including the unavailable ZdB or the manifestly available Willoughby or Waller instead of Derbyshire's 2011 spearhead was a mistake, on which others have commented enough - though he did take a very splendid catch.
Bell provided a master class - and I will mention here that I have long been one of his strongest fans in the face of the considerable criticism he has been subjected to here. It was in fact rather a good thing that he was out just before the close, for he then received the applause due to him for such a splendid innings. I would add that he increasingly shows signs of learning all there is to learn about middle order batting from The Emperor.
At the match end our team could well have drooped off in a desultory and depressed draggle; instead MT gathered them into a circle and they exchanged what one assumes were consolatory words; I hope the theme was "We've had a fantastic season; let's winter well and then have an even better season next time" (when ten of those on the field will still be in the team).
It has indeed been a great season; not many counties achieve a 2:2:2 in their final examination. Next year, our 111th in the CC, as pointed out earlier by a very learned contributor, we shall achieve a 1:1:1.
Thank you MT, all the team, BR, AH, RG and all the backroom people for bringing so much fun and brilliance to Somerset cricket in 2010. And thanks for the company of so many fellow contributors at various grounds this summer.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:19:11:15:40 by Loyal of Lhasa..
And it seemed particularly appropriate to have a pre-match drink with Tractor and then to see him again as we were leaving the ground. Ever positive; ever magnanimous, that man.
We were thrilled by the increasingly cheeky running between the wickets of Compton and Hildreth that propelled us into what looked like a highly promising position and it seems churlish to blame one or other of them when they took one risk too many. After Hildreth departed the resolution seemed to fade away and it seemed almost certain that we had scored too few. Taking three early Warwickshire wickets raised our hopes, but we were a bowler light. Not including the unavailable ZdB or the manifestly available Willoughby or Waller instead of Derbyshire's 2011 spearhead was a mistake, on which others have commented enough - though he did take a very splendid catch.
Bell provided a master class - and I will mention here that I have long been one of his strongest fans in the face of the considerable criticism he has been subjected to here. It was in fact rather a good thing that he was out just before the close, for he then received the applause due to him for such a splendid innings. I would add that he increasingly shows signs of learning all there is to learn about middle order batting from The Emperor.
At the match end our team could well have drooped off in a desultory and depressed draggle; instead MT gathered them into a circle and they exchanged what one assumes were consolatory words; I hope the theme was "We've had a fantastic season; let's winter well and then have an even better season next time" (when ten of those on the field will still be in the team).
It has indeed been a great season; not many counties achieve a 2:2:2 in their final examination. Next year, our 111th in the CC, as pointed out earlier by a very learned contributor, we shall achieve a 1:1:1.
Thank you MT, all the team, BR, AH, RG and all the backroom people for bringing so much fun and brilliance to Somerset cricket in 2010. And thanks for the company of so many fellow contributors at various grounds this summer.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:19:11:15:40 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: JanetCandy (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 01:42
Aw c'mon disappointed people.....and I'm one, too.....let's also celebrate what a FANTASTIC season this has been.
Somerset must be the best, most consistently successful team in all forms of the game this year by a country mile. We don't need to lift the silverware to know that - nice though it would have been
Ian Bell - that master of the choke in many a Test match - too bad he got a grip tonight.
And yes, that Turner over was PAINFUL. Not to mention the running-out of Hildy. Defending a modest score - but hell, we nearly did it.
We desperately need more depth in our bowling options for the future. Is Kirby going to cut the mustard?
Cheer up Marcus - you and the boys did us proud this year.
Alfonso for Prime Minister!!
Jan
Somerset must be the best, most consistently successful team in all forms of the game this year by a country mile. We don't need to lift the silverware to know that - nice though it would have been
Ian Bell - that master of the choke in many a Test match - too bad he got a grip tonight.
And yes, that Turner over was PAINFUL. Not to mention the running-out of Hildy. Defending a modest score - but hell, we nearly did it.
We desperately need more depth in our bowling options for the future. Is Kirby going to cut the mustard?
Cheer up Marcus - you and the boys did us proud this year.
Alfonso for Prime Minister!!
Jan
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 03:41
Oh dear.
Had a horrible feeling that something like this might happen. It must have been pretty tough getting everyone up for this just a couple of days after the Championship.
Still, if we had been told at the start of the season that we would get to the finals of both the one day tournaments & ended up effectively equal top of the Championship, I think we would all have happily taken that.
So, whilst 2010 has mirrored 1978, let's hope the parallels to the late 70's continue.
We can all take comfort in the knowledge that there is no reason why 2011 shouldn't be as successful for us as 1979 was.
Roll on 2011 !
Grizzzly
Had a horrible feeling that something like this might happen. It must have been pretty tough getting everyone up for this just a couple of days after the Championship.
Still, if we had been told at the start of the season that we would get to the finals of both the one day tournaments & ended up effectively equal top of the Championship, I think we would all have happily taken that.
So, whilst 2010 has mirrored 1978, let's hope the parallels to the late 70's continue.
We can all take comfort in the knowledge that there is no reason why 2011 shouldn't be as successful for us as 1979 was.
Roll on 2011 !
Grizzzly
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 06:40
Yes, LoL, ZDB was a big miss, I think.
Looking back, given the season that he has had, I think Hildreth would have been 100 percent within his rights to have simply sent Compton back to be run out. Would that have made a difference? Who knows. Perhaps James will develop the slightly selfish streak necessary to do that in years to come.
To be honest, I thought the MoM decision was a foolish one. The run chase should not have been a demanding one and so Bell was able to play his natural game, deviating from it only to attack Turner. If we'd scored the runs that we should have got - runs which Tahir stopped us from getting -then Bell would have been forced way out of his comfort zone. Tahir genuinely did bowl us out with brilliant bowling, it's not as though we were all caught slogging at cow corner. Indeed the first 3 dismissals and the stupid run out were all more disappointing, IMO, than the dismissals to Tahir.
And so to next season. Welcome, Steve Kirby and (I think) George Dockerell. Will we also land one of Hussain or Shreck? Will Damien Wright be back? Will we bring Pollard back for T20? If the finances allow, might we sign the one Kolpak to which we are entitled to try and strengthen our side. I doubt we could possibly afford all of the aforementioned moves, so tough choices will have to be made. Will the likes of Waller, Gregory and Meschede push on? It's been a shame that Waller has had scant opportunities this season.
I don't know that we can expect Hildreth to have quite such a brilliant 2011 campaign, but he certainly seems to have arrived. It is to be hoped that Arul, Craig, ZdB and Compton all have somewhat better CC campaigns next season. I think Ben, Charl and Alf all did as well as they possibly could. Kartik's wicket taking, after an amazing start, dropped off a cliff in the final 5 games or so. Not entirely sure why, but I think the unwelcome change in the weather played a part?
Looking back, given the season that he has had, I think Hildreth would have been 100 percent within his rights to have simply sent Compton back to be run out. Would that have made a difference? Who knows. Perhaps James will develop the slightly selfish streak necessary to do that in years to come.
To be honest, I thought the MoM decision was a foolish one. The run chase should not have been a demanding one and so Bell was able to play his natural game, deviating from it only to attack Turner. If we'd scored the runs that we should have got - runs which Tahir stopped us from getting -then Bell would have been forced way out of his comfort zone. Tahir genuinely did bowl us out with brilliant bowling, it's not as though we were all caught slogging at cow corner. Indeed the first 3 dismissals and the stupid run out were all more disappointing, IMO, than the dismissals to Tahir.
And so to next season. Welcome, Steve Kirby and (I think) George Dockerell. Will we also land one of Hussain or Shreck? Will Damien Wright be back? Will we bring Pollard back for T20? If the finances allow, might we sign the one Kolpak to which we are entitled to try and strengthen our side. I doubt we could possibly afford all of the aforementioned moves, so tough choices will have to be made. Will the likes of Waller, Gregory and Meschede push on? It's been a shame that Waller has had scant opportunities this season.
I don't know that we can expect Hildreth to have quite such a brilliant 2011 campaign, but he certainly seems to have arrived. It is to be hoped that Arul, Craig, ZdB and Compton all have somewhat better CC campaigns next season. I think Ben, Charl and Alf all did as well as they possibly could. Kartik's wicket taking, after an amazing start, dropped off a cliff in the final 5 games or so. Not entirely sure why, but I think the unwelcome change in the weather played a part?
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Bobstan (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 08:36
LoL has most eloquently said all that I should have liked to say about the day. Good to meet Wickham and Son (No job too small) and LoL. And, of course, Tractor and his friends.
There should be a Supreme Championship based on the results of all three competitions, with a weighting towards the County Cricket Championship.
I declare the inaugural winners to be (drum roll):
SOMERSET
There should be a Supreme Championship based on the results of all three competitions, with a weighting towards the County Cricket Championship.
I declare the inaugural winners to be (drum roll):
SOMERSET
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 09:06
Quote:averageside
In sport you dont always get what you deserve but Im damn sure they did tonight, Bad captaincy, playing a bowler who has been released because not being good enough then bowling him after he had just been thrashed hang your head Trescothick,
Willoughby or even Max Waller who I have seen and umpired in cricket from 13-18 would have put much more aplication and thought to bowling as he has in last 2 seasons and not let the team down.
Having thrown away 7 wickets for less than 20 runs the team still had a chance with Warwickshire panicking,
As someone who remembered 1978 weekend this was worse because it was such capitulation and reminded me of the defeats under the previous cricket management at Taunton.
I waited until this morning to post because I wanted to think before I posted, I had it all in my head then I read ‘averageside’s’ post and he could have been reading my mind so no more to add.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: RadstockRob (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 09:07
At least they won't be able to pick Turner next year!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 09:13
BBC Sports TEAM OF THE YEAR in December
Surely you don't have to be winners to be the best team. Could anybody argue that as far as cricket is concerned in 2010, there can only be one TEAM - SCCC. Lets show them by all voting for SCCC.
old boy!
Surely you don't have to be winners to be the best team. Could anybody argue that as far as cricket is concerned in 2010, there can only be one TEAM - SCCC. Lets show them by all voting for SCCC.
old boy!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 09:16
Good point Rob.
I will add to my post this has been the best cricket by “the team” I have watched this season that I can remember it has also been the worst end to a season I can remember.
I will add to my post this has been the best cricket by “the team” I have watched this season that I can remember it has also been the worst end to a season I can remember.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: WaresWurzel (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 09:17
Quote:Grizzzly
Oh dear.
Had a horrible feeling that something like this might happen. It must have been pretty tough getting everyone up for this just a couple of days after the Championship.
Still, if we had been told at the start of the season that we would get to the finals of both the one day tournaments & ended up effectively equal top of the Championship, I think we would all have happily taken that.
So, whilst 2010 has mirrored 1978, let's hope the parallels to the late 70's continue.
We can all take comfort in the knowledge that there is no reason why 2011 shouldn't be as successful for us as 1979 was.
Roll on 2011 !
Grizzzly
Grizzly I could not agree more, it has been a very good season as I am sure 2011 will be a great one, one trophy will lead to many more, and I hope a golden era is just around the corner.
I do think playing Turner was a mistake yesterday, I really struggle to understand why we played him when he is leaving?
Good to see and talk to some of you at Lords yesterday and I look forward to meeting more of you in 2011.
Wurz
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:06
Mike - I know the end has been upsetting this season, but I think there have been far, far worse endings to a season. And I only have to go back 12 months to find one. Last season we were in contention in the CC, as we were this year. But whereas, this year, we performed excellently against a resolute Durham team, last year we folded like a deck chair to urine poor Lancashire - and at home, to boot!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:09
There's no chance of winning BBC Team of the Year.
But why doesn't the ECB have such an award? Or Wisden?
But why doesn't the ECB have such an award? Or Wisden?
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:14
AGod can you remember when we in contention (the final matches)to win three competition and end up winning none? I can't
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:24
No - but I can remember plenty when we had nothing to play for after totally unsatisfactory seasons in which we failed to compete on all fronts! I consider all of those endings to have been far, far worse - so bad, in fact, that I was probably even looking forward to the round ball season at those times!
This year, I am gutted that the season has ended - I'm ready for the CC to start again now!! This might not feel like it now but it's possible either that this is just the start of something special, or that this may have been our finest hour.
This year, I am gutted that the season has ended - I'm ready for the CC to start again now!! This might not feel like it now but it's possible either that this is just the start of something special, or that this may have been our finest hour.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Glen House (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:24
OK it was disappointing not to win a trophy, and we simply didn't get enough runs yesterday, but the team spirit was tremendous and Somerset didn't fold after posting a disappointing total. The atmosphere at Lord's was great and our support immense throughout. Though I'm as gutted as anyone that we failed to land a trophy, this has been one hell of a season and Somerset are, without doubt, the team to watch.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:26
We started this season saying we were at least a bowler light.
We got where we were because the bowling resources we had bowled out of their skin in many many games.
Last night on the whole that was no different. Ben Phillips has bowled through injury and given his all whenever on the pitch. Last night he was simply magnificent. Alf was Alf and Kartik tied them up and dealt with the dampness well - it wasn't such a problem. Pete worked his sphericals off but is still IMHO a bowling allrounder.
And then we hit the wall...a bowler light. ZdB has covered that sometimes but not always and he is also a bowling allrounder.
I don't understand the absence of Charl. If he was injured then I don't understand the use of Arul for 1 over. If he wasn't part of the solution then I don't understand the absence of Max on a pitch that gave Tahir something when we needed a bowler to bowl to a plan. If Max wasn't the option then I don't understand faith being put in a bowler we had already assessed as NOT part of our plan. If we had to risk someone then why not Lewis? Not for 8 possibly but at least put your faith in someone who is staying.
Having said that please don't anyone say Mark did not give his all last night. He tried to keep us in the batting when his colleagues had let him and us down. He fielded like a maniac and took a brilliant catch to start the Bears panic. He bowled for the win. He just wasn't good enough.
We knew that he would give his best. His best wasn't enough and we are to blame for putting him in the position where some may remember his Lords performance in the category of Boswell and other bowlers who have given it away.
We always knew he was more likely to leak. We thought we could cover. We didn't do our job and he couldn't do the job we then needed him to do. But we knew that in advance.
We are still a bowler short and we've done better than most of us ever expected in April. Disappointing end but a season to remember and take a lot of positives from.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:19:11:04:48 by Grockle.
We got where we were because the bowling resources we had bowled out of their skin in many many games.
Last night on the whole that was no different. Ben Phillips has bowled through injury and given his all whenever on the pitch. Last night he was simply magnificent. Alf was Alf and Kartik tied them up and dealt with the dampness well - it wasn't such a problem. Pete worked his sphericals off but is still IMHO a bowling allrounder.
And then we hit the wall...a bowler light. ZdB has covered that sometimes but not always and he is also a bowling allrounder.
I don't understand the absence of Charl. If he was injured then I don't understand the use of Arul for 1 over. If he wasn't part of the solution then I don't understand the absence of Max on a pitch that gave Tahir something when we needed a bowler to bowl to a plan. If Max wasn't the option then I don't understand faith being put in a bowler we had already assessed as NOT part of our plan. If we had to risk someone then why not Lewis? Not for 8 possibly but at least put your faith in someone who is staying.
Having said that please don't anyone say Mark did not give his all last night. He tried to keep us in the batting when his colleagues had let him and us down. He fielded like a maniac and took a brilliant catch to start the Bears panic. He bowled for the win. He just wasn't good enough.
We knew that he would give his best. His best wasn't enough and we are to blame for putting him in the position where some may remember his Lords performance in the category of Boswell and other bowlers who have given it away.
We always knew he was more likely to leak. We thought we could cover. We didn't do our job and he couldn't do the job we then needed him to do. But we knew that in advance.
We are still a bowler short and we've done better than most of us ever expected in April. Disappointing end but a season to remember and take a lot of positives from.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:19:11:04:48 by Grockle.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:26
Yep, the team did not play brilliantly, but they did play hard and let no-one down.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:40
Quote:averageside
In sport you don’t always get what you deserve but I’m damn sure they did tonight. Bad captaincy, playing a bowler who has been released because not being good enough then bowling him after he had just been thrashed, hang your head Trescothick.
I totally agree with you Averageside, and others, regarding the selection of Mark Turner. I feared that it would prove to be a mistake, and of course it was.
I confess to never having been a great admirer of Turner, and after he had been on our books for two years (he actually remained for four), it was apparent to me, as well as many others, that he wasn’t going to make the grade.
I don’t blame him. I am sure that he gave of his very best, and one cannot ask for more, but he simply wasn’t good enough at county level, as Durham discovered years before.
I don’t entirely blame Marcus either for his selection, Averageside. Surely, Brian Rose and Andy Hurry must accept most of the responsibility for this?
But, let us not believe that Mark Turner had been released. This is what he was quoted as saying only yesterday in the ‘Western Daily Press’: -
"Lord's is an opportunity for every cricketer, and my heart and my head will be with Somerset. The club offered me a new contract, but I felt playing more cricket at Derbyshire was the way forward for me.”
He states that he was still wanted as a player by Somerset, and although I do not know what the terms and conditions of the newly – offered contract were, I find such a decision to be mind – boggling to say the least.
Mark has his supporters on here, and posters are entitled to their opinion as much as I am.
I wish him well. I wish Somerset well for next season, and I even wish my great and long - standing friend ‘Old Frazer’ well.
‘Frazer’ was a very able cricketer in his day, and a protégé of the late, gregarious Bill Andrews. When I meet him at another sporting event next weekend, he will undoubtedly say to me: -
“I knew it. I just knew it, Clarrie. I said that we would lose all three competitions, and we did. The bowling just isn’t good enough.” I should add that it is a polite interpretation (i.e. omitting expletives) of what he will dutifully tell me.
He was right. Damn it, he’s always right – well on Somerset cricket anyway.
A good, but nevertheless disappointing season for Somerset.
At present, I don’t wish to add anything other than that, but in due course, I most certainly will.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:43
I hope no-one has suggested it and I haven't noticed if they have, that Turner didn't try. All our players gave their all, but on the day some of us weren't good enough. Alas some had an off day, when there was no second chance, but fair play to Warks who clearly had a plan and executed it very well.
I disagree that the support was good throughout. At the start all we could hear in the Grandstand was the opposition supporters on the other side. Perhaps they had spent more time in the pub, or maybe we were still shell-shocked from Durham, but we certainly made up for it after the interval.
Does anyone know what happened to the usual media add-ons? There was no music, no banner advertising on the scoreboards and no video messages, at least I didn't see any. I recorded a video message promoting Grockles.com and wishing the team success and Luke posted a message, but all I saw was pictures of fans with the trophy.
We loved the variety of songs and I'm sure the players appreciated our support.
I disagree that the support was good throughout. At the start all we could hear in the Grandstand was the opposition supporters on the other side. Perhaps they had spent more time in the pub, or maybe we were still shell-shocked from Durham, but we certainly made up for it after the interval.
Does anyone know what happened to the usual media add-ons? There was no music, no banner advertising on the scoreboards and no video messages, at least I didn't see any. I recorded a video message promoting Grockles.com and wishing the team success and Luke posted a message, but all I saw was pictures of fans with the trophy.
We loved the variety of songs and I'm sure the players appreciated our support.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 10:53
Perhaps I should have add to my posts that I don't blame Turner you can see he does his best.
He doesn't select himself and he doesn't put himself on to bowl.
It was no good keeping Peter Trego till the last over when we all know matches don't always go to the last over.
He doesn't select himself and he doesn't put himself on to bowl.
It was no good keeping Peter Trego till the last over when we all know matches don't always go to the last over.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Alan Tucker (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 11:11
As this has drifted into looking back on the season I have done some research that some national cricket jounalists should have done.
After the 20/20 we played 8 Championship matches and lost c673 overs to weather. I think this denied us four wins - Kent double, Hampshire at some and the 60 overs lost on the first day at Durham.
Nottinghamshire played 9 matches and lost c454 overs to weather. This denied them an away win at Leeds. The other two games where weather was influential was Chapple's joke 'gimme' declaration at Trent Bridge with 132 overs lost and the final game where Lancs allowed Notts to score at 5.07 runs an over to gain 5 points.
As a member for 48 years this is our best TEAM during that period for a whole season. Terrible trip home after Lords - had to stand all the way from Marylebone to Solihull packed like sardines surrounded by Warwickshire 'fans' some very intoxicated.
After the 20/20 we played 8 Championship matches and lost c673 overs to weather. I think this denied us four wins - Kent double, Hampshire at some and the 60 overs lost on the first day at Durham.
Nottinghamshire played 9 matches and lost c454 overs to weather. This denied them an away win at Leeds. The other two games where weather was influential was Chapple's joke 'gimme' declaration at Trent Bridge with 132 overs lost and the final game where Lancs allowed Notts to score at 5.07 runs an over to gain 5 points.
As a member for 48 years this is our best TEAM during that period for a whole season. Terrible trip home after Lords - had to stand all the way from Marylebone to Solihull packed like sardines surrounded by Warwickshire 'fans' some very intoxicated.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 11:19
Thanks for that, Clarence, I guess that clears up the logical incoherence of picking Turner -ie we had actually NOT decided that he was not good enough.
Having said that, he is still leaving, one way or tother. I think sentiment must have reared it's head. I guess Marcus was probably the sentimental guy because Brian Rose has always struck me as entirely ruthless.
I agree with Grockle that we were a bowler light all season and I still think we need more than just Kirby and Dockerell to come in.
This could be the launch pad for something really good but we do have accept that we've had immense good fortune with injuries this season. For all we know, but for their injuries, Durham may have done a hat-trick and left both us and Notts trailing in their wake. Certainly, there is no way that we could have survived the injuries that they suffered, which were to their top four bowlers.
To challenge again next season, we will need to avoid the injury bug again and avoid too many England call-ups.
Having said that, he is still leaving, one way or tother. I think sentiment must have reared it's head. I guess Marcus was probably the sentimental guy because Brian Rose has always struck me as entirely ruthless.
I agree with Grockle that we were a bowler light all season and I still think we need more than just Kirby and Dockerell to come in.
This could be the launch pad for something really good but we do have accept that we've had immense good fortune with injuries this season. For all we know, but for their injuries, Durham may have done a hat-trick and left both us and Notts trailing in their wake. Certainly, there is no way that we could have survived the injuries that they suffered, which were to their top four bowlers.
To challenge again next season, we will need to avoid the injury bug again and avoid too many England call-ups.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 11:55
I think that Grockle sums things up pretty well and I would only differ in two respects:
Willoughby is in my opinion a 'proper cricket' seam bowler rather than a man for the slogger type batting in the shorter game. He suffers in the same way as Caddick did - he is too good and accurate. That very skill plays into the hands of the batter who is trying to work out where the bowler will bowl. I remember many occasions silently pleading with the skipper to take Caddy off - they KNOW the ball is going to be straight accurate and in the same spot.
Turner may confound us all and be a great success at Derby. I understand, and believe, he is a very nice young man. He is, as the very loyal BBC Somerset commentators kept repeating, so that they didn't anything worse - "He is whole hearted in his approach to playing the game". Unfortunately 'whole hearted' does not make up for any deficiencies in a players skill base. I have seen a bowler over the last few years who CONTINUALLY bowls 2/3 very good balls each over, on average, but throws in with them 3/4 tripe balls - too wide, too short or whatever. Clearly, despite a lot of us having reservations Brian Rose must have thought he had something because remember HE WAS OFFERED a contract for next year. However, I just wonder whether the offer was made to him like one of my Aunts used to say to me when I was young and visited (she had a nice fruit cake which she REALLY wanted to keep for herself). "Have a piece of cake? - won't will 'e?" - so did Brian say "Have another contract? - won't will 'e?".
old boy!
Willoughby is in my opinion a 'proper cricket' seam bowler rather than a man for the slogger type batting in the shorter game. He suffers in the same way as Caddick did - he is too good and accurate. That very skill plays into the hands of the batter who is trying to work out where the bowler will bowl. I remember many occasions silently pleading with the skipper to take Caddy off - they KNOW the ball is going to be straight accurate and in the same spot.
Turner may confound us all and be a great success at Derby. I understand, and believe, he is a very nice young man. He is, as the very loyal BBC Somerset commentators kept repeating, so that they didn't anything worse - "He is whole hearted in his approach to playing the game". Unfortunately 'whole hearted' does not make up for any deficiencies in a players skill base. I have seen a bowler over the last few years who CONTINUALLY bowls 2/3 very good balls each over, on average, but throws in with them 3/4 tripe balls - too wide, too short or whatever. Clearly, despite a lot of us having reservations Brian Rose must have thought he had something because remember HE WAS OFFERED a contract for next year. However, I just wonder whether the offer was made to him like one of my Aunts used to say to me when I was young and visited (she had a nice fruit cake which she REALLY wanted to keep for herself). "Have a piece of cake? - won't will 'e?" - so did Brian say "Have another contract? - won't will 'e?".
old boy!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Right Arm Over (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 12:15
A bitterly disappointing end to a season that has seen us witness the best ever Somerset team. Yes, a big statement to make especially when there is no silverware to show however, we do have some wonderful memories and we go into the off season knowing we have a committed group of players that are proud to represent the club.
Enough has been said on Turner, deep down we all know he isn't good enough at present. I wish him all the very best at Derbyshire, a good club with patient supporters who will give him a chance.
Yesterday like Thursday and August 14th was a tough one to take. My thoughts are with the lads who have given everything this year. Next year they will come back more determined and in the ranks will be Steve Kirby, the player who might just be the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle.
Somerset CCC, I am proud to be a member.
Enough has been said on Turner, deep down we all know he isn't good enough at present. I wish him all the very best at Derbyshire, a good club with patient supporters who will give him a chance.
Yesterday like Thursday and August 14th was a tough one to take. My thoughts are with the lads who have given everything this year. Next year they will come back more determined and in the ranks will be Steve Kirby, the player who might just be the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle.
Somerset CCC, I am proud to be a member.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 13:16
I take your point OB about Charl and this format but when you're a bowler light and you have a choice would you bet on Mark or Charl NOT going for 10 an over in 7?
We were at least 50 light on the score. It might not have mattered had the front end done its job.
I'll give you another one. You want someone to give Bell some worry and possibly get his wicket. Charl or Mark?
Potential is one thing. Performance is all that matters when the chips are down. Performer? Charl or Mark?
Willow would not be my perfect choice for the extra one day bowler but he was the ONLY choice for this Lords Final unless there is something I don't know about the circumstances.
We were at least 50 light on the score. It might not have mattered had the front end done its job.
I'll give you another one. You want someone to give Bell some worry and possibly get his wicket. Charl or Mark?
Potential is one thing. Performance is all that matters when the chips are down. Performer? Charl or Mark?
Willow would not be my perfect choice for the extra one day bowler but he was the ONLY choice for this Lords Final unless there is something I don't know about the circumstances.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 13:39
Yep, Grockle. He would not have taken the catch, as you said, and we might have ended up another few runs lighter on the batting side as well, because Turner at least defended bravely with the bat, but in terms of the actual bowling.... especially with Charl's track record of having bowled well in a day-night 40 over game on this very ground in the recent past...
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 13:41
One imagines that if we play the same game again next season, with everyone fit, then the choice may well come down to either Steve Kirby or possible Dockerell to fill that spot, rather than Willow.
The young Irishman does seem to have a pretty impressive track record in one-day cricket and I might be wrong but I would guess that he may be a regular part of our one-day side. I hope that Waller does not get forgotten about, however.
The young Irishman does seem to have a pretty impressive track record in one-day cricket and I might be wrong but I would guess that he may be a regular part of our one-day side. I hope that Waller does not get forgotten about, however.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 13:42
A couple of points.
I understood that Willoughby didn’t play in many 40 over matches because he was being rested for the CC if this was the case that wasn’t the reason he was left out yesterday.
Turner, in what I have read he is moving to Derby because he wants to play more first class games, some on here have said he has trouble with his fitness that’s why we never played him in the CC. I will be watching with interest next season.
I understood that Willoughby didn’t play in many 40 over matches because he was being rested for the CC if this was the case that wasn’t the reason he was left out yesterday.
Turner, in what I have read he is moving to Derby because he wants to play more first class games, some on here have said he has trouble with his fitness that’s why we never played him in the CC. I will be watching with interest next season.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 14:13
That is exactly why I understood the gamble on Mark in the semi Mike. We had to ensure Charl was OK for Durham but not for the Final as you say and we needed 10 tight overs.
Wickets were not the important factor, one would have been nice but Turner was not in for the wicket this time as he wasn't bowled at the start in the hope of him taking the shock front ender (as he had been used in the T20's). We were expecting the wickets from Alf and MK mostly.
There must be another reason for it to make any kind of sense.
Wickets were not the important factor, one would have been nice but Turner was not in for the wicket this time as he wasn't bowled at the start in the hope of him taking the shock front ender (as he had been used in the T20's). We were expecting the wickets from Alf and MK mostly.
There must be another reason for it to make any kind of sense.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 14:18
I thought the decision to be made yesterday (on the day of the match) was Turner or Waller - I think the newspaper named (from 12)......
old boy!
old boy!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 14:34
Lewis Gregory was also included in a squad of 13.
The selection of him would have presented a very big challenge to the young man.
The selection of him would have presented a very big challenge to the young man.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 14:57
We'll never know if he would have risen to it as Jos did in Hydrabad.
It probably was a step too far but as someone said elsewhere. If Max isn't up to these kind of one day games, what is he staying for?
Charl not even being with the squad at the game was a puzzle to me as well. I don't know whether he was at Lords but he wasn't there as an involved member of the Somerset playing staff.
It probably was a step too far but as someone said elsewhere. If Max isn't up to these kind of one day games, what is he staying for?
Charl not even being with the squad at the game was a puzzle to me as well. I don't know whether he was at Lords but he wasn't there as an involved member of the Somerset playing staff.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Clarence Parker (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 15:12
"If Max isn't up to these kind of one day games, what is he staying for?"
I have asked myself the same question many times, and no doubt will continue to do so next year.
I have asked myself the same question many times, and no doubt will continue to do so next year.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 15:22
Interesting debate above re the bowling & from afar, it does seem odd that Turner was preferred to Willow.
Nontheless, at the start of the season, I for one, had real fears that our bowling would be grossly inadequate to allow us to challenge meaningfully for anything.
Also interesting to see Brian now acknowledge openly that we were a strike bowler short, albeit last winter seemingly denying the very same.
That we got within a whisker of winning three titles then, speaks volumes for how the bowlers performed out of their skins as a whole across the season.
A shame then that our batting perhaps let us down when we needed it most yesterday. One wonders if Warks. would have chased another 50 or so, even with MT going for 10 an over.
Grizzzly
Nontheless, at the start of the season, I for one, had real fears that our bowling would be grossly inadequate to allow us to challenge meaningfully for anything.
Also interesting to see Brian now acknowledge openly that we were a strike bowler short, albeit last winter seemingly denying the very same.
That we got within a whisker of winning three titles then, speaks volumes for how the bowlers performed out of their skins as a whole across the season.
A shame then that our batting perhaps let us down when we needed it most yesterday. One wonders if Warks. would have chased another 50 or so, even with MT going for 10 an over.
Grizzzly
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: PaddedUp (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 16:26
I should start this by saying that I have absolutely no doubt that Turner was doing his best last night. From my vantage point in the Compton Stand I saw no evidence whatsoever of slacking, losing heart or not bowling to the best of his ability. Additionally, I have a sense from what the other Somerset players put on Twitter that he is a very popular chap and a good team player.
BUT...
His absolute best was, frankly, absolutely dire. The only time I have seen worse bowling was poor Scott Boswell's wide-ridden over in 2001. Almost every ball was very poor, and to be honest deserved to be hit to the boundary. He bowled shocking deliveries again and again to Ian Bell with inevitable results. I sat watching the replays on the big screens with mounting fury at what was unfolding.
Mark Turner's bowling cost us the trophy last night. I choose my words carefully - it was his bowling that was the problem, not the man himself who should shoulder the blame. The sad fact about this Final is that Turner's performance was, on the experience of the rest of the season, wholly predictable. I have been saying all week to anyone who would listen that if Somerset bowl Mark Turner against Ian Bell the match will be lost. I would dearly have loved to have been proved wrong, but we all know what actually transpired.
So, given that the whole sorry tale was eminently predictable from weeks ago (what Somerset supporter didn't groan yesterday afternoon when it was clear that the last chance to play someone else had not been taken?), why was he picked? Willoughby, Gregory, Waller would all have been better, and this was obvious all week. And then, having been picked and spent a couple of overs proving yet again that his bowling falls far, far short of what is required, why was he asked to bowl several more overs?
I do not know how well Jos Buttler can bowl, but I am absolutely certain that literally ANY of the others would have done a better job than Mark Turner did in his final over, and would have said so before he bowled it. And I mean any other - if Trescothick's only option was to give Buttler the gloves and bring Kieswetter on then he should have taken it. I have seen Kieswetter bowling in warm ups and he really would have done better than Turner.
I know Turner has his supporters here, and I mean no malice to him as an individual. I genuinely hope he is successful at Derbyshire and gets the first team cricket he is after and does well. But I am glad that I have seen him bowl his last ball for Somerset and will not miss him from the team next year. I can only hope that all those involved in selecting Turner to play last night instead of literally any other member of the team, and Trescothick who kept on bowling him long after it had become obvious he could have done a better job with the ball himself, have learned from this very expensive lesson.
End rant!
BUT...
His absolute best was, frankly, absolutely dire. The only time I have seen worse bowling was poor Scott Boswell's wide-ridden over in 2001. Almost every ball was very poor, and to be honest deserved to be hit to the boundary. He bowled shocking deliveries again and again to Ian Bell with inevitable results. I sat watching the replays on the big screens with mounting fury at what was unfolding.
Mark Turner's bowling cost us the trophy last night. I choose my words carefully - it was his bowling that was the problem, not the man himself who should shoulder the blame. The sad fact about this Final is that Turner's performance was, on the experience of the rest of the season, wholly predictable. I have been saying all week to anyone who would listen that if Somerset bowl Mark Turner against Ian Bell the match will be lost. I would dearly have loved to have been proved wrong, but we all know what actually transpired.
So, given that the whole sorry tale was eminently predictable from weeks ago (what Somerset supporter didn't groan yesterday afternoon when it was clear that the last chance to play someone else had not been taken?), why was he picked? Willoughby, Gregory, Waller would all have been better, and this was obvious all week. And then, having been picked and spent a couple of overs proving yet again that his bowling falls far, far short of what is required, why was he asked to bowl several more overs?
I do not know how well Jos Buttler can bowl, but I am absolutely certain that literally ANY of the others would have done a better job than Mark Turner did in his final over, and would have said so before he bowled it. And I mean any other - if Trescothick's only option was to give Buttler the gloves and bring Kieswetter on then he should have taken it. I have seen Kieswetter bowling in warm ups and he really would have done better than Turner.
I know Turner has his supporters here, and I mean no malice to him as an individual. I genuinely hope he is successful at Derbyshire and gets the first team cricket he is after and does well. But I am glad that I have seen him bowl his last ball for Somerset and will not miss him from the team next year. I can only hope that all those involved in selecting Turner to play last night instead of literally any other member of the team, and Trescothick who kept on bowling him long after it had become obvious he could have done a better job with the ball himself, have learned from this very expensive lesson.
End rant!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Scotsman19 (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 16:32
What a sorry end to the season for SCCC. To many mistakes have led me to question the professionalism of certain people at the club. For example Who can forget the run out opportunity at the 20/20 finals? Regarding Mark Turner, he has to be one of the worst bowlers SCCC have employed in a good number of years. God help Derbyshire if they see him as a solution to their bowling problems!
The Positives - What a roller coaster ride for supporters. The last day of the championship was a great advert for the sport. Somerset at least are trying to address the obvious shortfalls by making a popular signing with Kirby. I trully believe that 2011 will be a great year.
Finally - Well done James Hildreth! Last year I was his biggest critic, even suggesting that Somerset should offload him. I'm humbled to say I was wrong!Lets hope James now gets that trip"down under" as a reward for a fantstic season
The Positives - What a roller coaster ride for supporters. The last day of the championship was a great advert for the sport. Somerset at least are trying to address the obvious shortfalls by making a popular signing with Kirby. I trully believe that 2011 will be a great year.
Finally - Well done James Hildreth! Last year I was his biggest critic, even suggesting that Somerset should offload him. I'm humbled to say I was wrong!Lets hope James now gets that trip"down under" as a reward for a fantstic season
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 16:39
Some fair points 'padded up'. Regards TWITTER - I would assume if any player put in print what they really think of his bowling, rather than wrapping it up in nice comments about being a good fellow to have around, there would surely be a very big fine from on high for bringing the game into disrepute!
old boy!
old boy!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 16:54
I don't see that as a rant at all personally Padded. Seems to sum it up for me also.
I have to say that sat in the Media Centre with a number of much more keen and knowledgable eyes on the game than mine your thought when Marcus took Mark aside and gave him the ball for the 39th was voiced by one emminent reporter and one member of the SKY commentary team almost in the same breath.
I reported the over on line - a couple of others simply turned voyeuristic and seemed captivated by the prospect of the sheer carnage about to start. No-one was surprised at the result. Why were our selectors and on-field strategists so blind to something so obvious?
My colleagues (and I'm proud to call them that) from the local media who have followed Somerset further and longer than I have this year and I didn't say a word. There was absolutely nothing that needed saying. Others I have never met before came up and offered their condolances!!
Before I left the centre to get the coach I did have a slightly garbled conversation with a member of our cricket committee who was there in the role of commentator and journalist (sorry if I made little sense Vic) and asked him to convey to the team when he next saw them how proud the supporters were of their achievements this season and that this hadn't changed that pride.
But I still feel puzzled in the same way I fail to understand how Luke Wright can be an accepted member of the England side because 'he's a good man to have in the dressing room'. It is all well and good but you need eleven of your best players on the pitch when you are playing the next best one day side in a winner takes all end of season match at the home of cricket. Sentiment does not enter into the equation when the other factors are so heavily weighed against the individual.
I would have had no problems whatsoever for Mark to be completely involved in the build up and in the role of morale officer but these are professional cricketers who are employed to further the cause of Somerset cricket and in some ways do on the pitch what the supporters in the crowd wish they could do. They express our dreams out there. They fulfill our sporting desires by proxy.
However good they are as people I don't want to travel to Lords and see one of my chosen county side do what I can see on Crowcombe village green just down the road any Sunday in August! That is harsh I know and I would imagine one of the people feeling the worst today is Mark.
It also took away from them something that they had all fought so hard for all year - sad for all I'm afraid.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:19:16:55:18 by Grockle.
I have to say that sat in the Media Centre with a number of much more keen and knowledgable eyes on the game than mine your thought when Marcus took Mark aside and gave him the ball for the 39th was voiced by one emminent reporter and one member of the SKY commentary team almost in the same breath.
I reported the over on line - a couple of others simply turned voyeuristic and seemed captivated by the prospect of the sheer carnage about to start. No-one was surprised at the result. Why were our selectors and on-field strategists so blind to something so obvious?
My colleagues (and I'm proud to call them that) from the local media who have followed Somerset further and longer than I have this year and I didn't say a word. There was absolutely nothing that needed saying. Others I have never met before came up and offered their condolances!!
Before I left the centre to get the coach I did have a slightly garbled conversation with a member of our cricket committee who was there in the role of commentator and journalist (sorry if I made little sense Vic) and asked him to convey to the team when he next saw them how proud the supporters were of their achievements this season and that this hadn't changed that pride.
But I still feel puzzled in the same way I fail to understand how Luke Wright can be an accepted member of the England side because 'he's a good man to have in the dressing room'. It is all well and good but you need eleven of your best players on the pitch when you are playing the next best one day side in a winner takes all end of season match at the home of cricket. Sentiment does not enter into the equation when the other factors are so heavily weighed against the individual.
I would have had no problems whatsoever for Mark to be completely involved in the build up and in the role of morale officer but these are professional cricketers who are employed to further the cause of Somerset cricket and in some ways do on the pitch what the supporters in the crowd wish they could do. They express our dreams out there. They fulfill our sporting desires by proxy.
However good they are as people I don't want to travel to Lords and see one of my chosen county side do what I can see on Crowcombe village green just down the road any Sunday in August! That is harsh I know and I would imagine one of the people feeling the worst today is Mark.
It also took away from them something that they had all fought so hard for all year - sad for all I'm afraid.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:19:16:55:18 by Grockle.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: JanetCandy (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 17:02
Hi Bobstan
Funny you should say that - I said the very same thing to anyone who'd listen on the coach on the way home last night.....i.e. hypothetical though it may be....if there were a prize for the most successful team on the aggregate performances of all 3 competitions, Somerset would have won it by a country mile - and then some!
BTW - just had an Email from a friend in Australia, saying he'd watched the last 6 overs on Cricinfo (the wonders of technology eh?) and he was 'surprised' that Tres brought Turner back on. You and the rest of the cricketing world, my friend! Could Tres have done any worse if he'd put HIMSELF on to bowl?
Its Alfie I feel sorry for too - he must have been spitting tin tacks watching that over-from-hell. Memories of Boswell......
Not to worry - we'll get there. Another year, another bowling attack. Well done Somerset - cracking 2010.
Funny you should say that - I said the very same thing to anyone who'd listen on the coach on the way home last night.....i.e. hypothetical though it may be....if there were a prize for the most successful team on the aggregate performances of all 3 competitions, Somerset would have won it by a country mile - and then some!
BTW - just had an Email from a friend in Australia, saying he'd watched the last 6 overs on Cricinfo (the wonders of technology eh?) and he was 'surprised' that Tres brought Turner back on. You and the rest of the cricketing world, my friend! Could Tres have done any worse if he'd put HIMSELF on to bowl?
Its Alfie I feel sorry for too - he must have been spitting tin tacks watching that over-from-hell. Memories of Boswell......
Not to worry - we'll get there. Another year, another bowling attack. Well done Somerset - cracking 2010.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 17:17
Sorry about my 'parrot fashion' Grockle but you have, I'm sure summed a lot of our sentiments in a most appropriate way.
I'm going to put an end to my comments on this particular thread and, as the cliche says 'move on'.
There will be many other matters to discuss over the months, and I will have my pennyworth.
A truly brilliant season to keep us hoping for even better times in 2011 - AFTER the Ashes win?
old boy!
I'm going to put an end to my comments on this particular thread and, as the cliche says 'move on'.
There will be many other matters to discuss over the months, and I will have my pennyworth.
A truly brilliant season to keep us hoping for even better times in 2011 - AFTER the Ashes win?
old boy!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: SheptonPaul (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 17:45
Have only just summoned up the courage to catch up on Grockles...
Was out all day yesterday - checked scores at one point to see 170-3 off about 29 - fantastic! All set for 230+, even things don't go well from here - Warks will struggle to get that in the dew (having seen Gul at the Oval on Friday evening). Got home about 8.20 to see what disaster had unfolded - but we were still in it as they needed about 30 off 3 with one end open. Then 'watched' the 38th over unfold on the Cricinfo commentary - heart was pumping like billy-o. Nightmare, absolute nightmare.
No, none of us would have picked Turner - all season in one-day cricket I think we've had ten strong players plus Mark (preformance-wise I mean - no criticism of his effort or personality here). Can't get our heads round that at all - if they really didn't want Max or Charl, I think Gregory would've been a good bet.
I think (not having seen any of it) the criticism on here of Compton is very harsh - top scorer and it sounds like he and James were running very well (as I understand they do regularly) and just took a chance too many. He knew he'd messed up and would've felt lousy. Runs-wise, he's had a good week and he'll be better for it next year.
We've been brilliant this season, from BR, AH and MT downwards. It hasn't gone our way at the very end of the 3 comps, and we've not had the rub of the green at all. Yes, Banger may have made mistakes in his first year as skipper, but there are a lot of tough calls to be made.
Onwards and upwards - we'll be better next season. I'm all for it being 78 to 79 all over again. And if we could wrap up one or two trophies before the end of August, that would help us all. I'm finding this heartache a real bummer.
PS Big up to Banger for his Sky interview at the presentation. If he felt even half as bad as I felt, I don't know how he can hold it all in to be so calm, poised and magnanimous. I'd have been throwing things - or just to depressed to speak at all.
Was out all day yesterday - checked scores at one point to see 170-3 off about 29 - fantastic! All set for 230+, even things don't go well from here - Warks will struggle to get that in the dew (having seen Gul at the Oval on Friday evening). Got home about 8.20 to see what disaster had unfolded - but we were still in it as they needed about 30 off 3 with one end open. Then 'watched' the 38th over unfold on the Cricinfo commentary - heart was pumping like billy-o. Nightmare, absolute nightmare.
No, none of us would have picked Turner - all season in one-day cricket I think we've had ten strong players plus Mark (preformance-wise I mean - no criticism of his effort or personality here). Can't get our heads round that at all - if they really didn't want Max or Charl, I think Gregory would've been a good bet.
I think (not having seen any of it) the criticism on here of Compton is very harsh - top scorer and it sounds like he and James were running very well (as I understand they do regularly) and just took a chance too many. He knew he'd messed up and would've felt lousy. Runs-wise, he's had a good week and he'll be better for it next year.
We've been brilliant this season, from BR, AH and MT downwards. It hasn't gone our way at the very end of the 3 comps, and we've not had the rub of the green at all. Yes, Banger may have made mistakes in his first year as skipper, but there are a lot of tough calls to be made.
Onwards and upwards - we'll be better next season. I'm all for it being 78 to 79 all over again. And if we could wrap up one or two trophies before the end of August, that would help us all. I'm finding this heartache a real bummer.
PS Big up to Banger for his Sky interview at the presentation. If he felt even half as bad as I felt, I don't know how he can hold it all in to be so calm, poised and magnanimous. I'd have been throwing things - or just to depressed to speak at all.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: smallfrysom (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 18:17
Fact is next season the situation will unlikely to be the same. Many county sides will not have the injuries and will strengthen. Of course its been a good season but opportunities like 2010 to be in such a position to win the County Championship and a one day final(all be it not a proper 50over one) will be even tougher. To be challenging in all 3 trophies and in a good position to win all of them may well be extremely hard to emulate or surpass again.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:19:18:31:44 by averageside.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:19:18:31:44 by averageside.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 18:20
Yes, as expected it's been a thoroughly depressing day, but thank heavens we have this medium to share our thoughts. It sure does help, so thanks very much Paul.
ps I'm glad yo had some company cos you looked so lonely in the bottom left of the tardis.
ps I'm glad yo had some company cos you looked so lonely in the bottom left of the tardis.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 18:41
If we win one trophy next year, it will be an achievement. Winning is a habit & we need to get over that last (semi-psycholgical ?) hurdle just once.
If we can do that, I'm sure many more will follow.
Grizzzly
If we can do that, I'm sure many more will follow.
Grizzzly
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 19:00
Tardis?
Banger looked immensly tired on the after match interviews. They all need to go awat and reflect on all this. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Very sensible OB. I'm going to close this thread tomorrow and start a Move On one :-)
We've had 200.000 hits this month already and the unique address number is 50 below the average monthly total as of yesterday. Seems they are coming here to read if not post
Welcome to anyone new. Hope you post and hope you stay for the winter or come back oin the spring of 2011
Banger looked immensly tired on the after match interviews. They all need to go awat and reflect on all this. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Very sensible OB. I'm going to close this thread tomorrow and start a Move On one :-)
We've had 200.000 hits this month already and the unique address number is 50 below the average monthly total as of yesterday. Seems they are coming here to read if not post
Welcome to anyone new. Hope you post and hope you stay for the winter or come back oin the spring of 2011
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: BeefyRoberts (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 19:15
Guys n Girls,although you lost yeaterday(i was on your side) i think you still had a good season,bridesmaids 3 times.Yea,i know its no silverwear but a lot of other counties would love to had 2 cup finals and a very good go at the championship trophy.
Hope we(Middx) catch you in either competition next season,and can meet for a cider/beer or two.
Have a good winter one and all.
Hope we(Middx) catch you in either competition next season,and can meet for a cider/beer or two.
Have a good winter one and all.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 19:57
They might not let you in, Beefy!
Thanks for your good wishes and as you probably k now, I look forward to the times that we play Miidx.
Grockle, the media centre's like a tardis and the daleks could go ujp in the lift.
Thanks for your good wishes and as you probably k now, I look forward to the times that we play Miidx.
Grockle, the media centre's like a tardis and the daleks could go ujp in the lift.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 20:08
Ahhh!
Well I certainly wasn't lonely yesterday - saw a lot of people I knew and spirits were generally high.
But it is a daft system waiting for one of two lifts that only take 5 people at a push to get to the 'Lozenge'
Good view though.
Well I certainly wasn't lonely yesterday - saw a lot of people I knew and spirits were generally high.
But it is a daft system waiting for one of two lifts that only take 5 people at a push to get to the 'Lozenge'
Good view though.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Botham (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 20:32
Luke and I followed you around the ground, about 100 metres behind, but got lost when visiting the CB area. Do you have way of finding out why there was no music and why none of the banner ads or video recordings were shown?
Also, I wonder why some of the coaches arrived so late and some didn't!
Also, I wonder why some of the coaches arrived so late and some didn't!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: uncle morpheus (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 21:10
A long with all Somerset supporters I feel deeply gutted about this seasons end. Yes we just lost out in all competitions which is all very,very disappointing.
However, life moves on, cricket moves on. No sooner have we finished tucking into mince pies at Christmas our thoughts will turn to end March/early April and the start of a new season. And what a season it could be. Steve Kirby giving us extra firepower, possibly Hussein as well, possibly pollard back for the T20. Lots to look forward too.
Finally, there has been a lot of comment about Mark Turner.
He may have leaked too many runs but I believe he always gave his best. I wish him well.
However, life moves on, cricket moves on. No sooner have we finished tucking into mince pies at Christmas our thoughts will turn to end March/early April and the start of a new season. And what a season it could be. Steve Kirby giving us extra firepower, possibly Hussein as well, possibly pollard back for the T20. Lots to look forward too.
Finally, there has been a lot of comment about Mark Turner.
He may have leaked too many runs but I believe he always gave his best. I wish him well.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 21:28
Quote:AGod
To challenge again next season, we will need to avoid the injury bug again and avoid too many England call-ups.
That's a very intriguing sentence, AGod. While the backroom boys appear to have demonstrated considerable skill in keeping our players fit in the past couple of seasons, I am wondering what strategy you suggest the county should adopt to ensure the avoidance of England call-ups; I also wonder how many of our fellow contributors consider such a strategy to be in the best interests of the county or the players concerned.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: SheptonPaul (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 22:11
There had been an accident on the eastbound M4 near Swindon at 2am Saturday morning. When I drove past on my way to Wales at 11am, the eastbound motorway was still closed (although I believe about to open) - the tailback went for miles and I suspect many of our supporters were caught up in that, maybe including coaches.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 19/09/2010 22:13
The coaches came from a number of companies. The SCCC coaches left Taunton at 8:30. The Berry ones left at 9:30. Some came down the M4 - which was closed after Leigh Delamare and so they had to find their way from there. Others came down the A303.
Some didn't come with two drivers and so they were staggered going back as well because of drivers needing breaks of different sizes because they didn't all come from Taunton.
No idea about music- it wasn't there last time I went to Lords in 2002 either I didn't personally miss it. it became very boring during the T20 seeig as it seems to have been franchised to every game and was all the same.
Advertising? I'm not sure a 7 day window for specific advertising related to the counties would have been enough time. There seemed to be lots for general things.
Some didn't come with two drivers and so they were staggered going back as well because of drivers needing breaks of different sizes because they didn't all come from Taunton.
No idea about music- it wasn't there last time I went to Lords in 2002 either I didn't personally miss it. it became very boring during the T20 seeig as it seems to have been franchised to every game and was all the same.
Advertising? I'm not sure a 7 day window for specific advertising related to the counties would have been enough time. There seemed to be lots for general things.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 07:18
Lots of simultaneous England call-ups would not be in the short-term interests of the County, LoL, unless we can push on anyway and remain unaffected by them.
I'm well aware that we cannot actively do anything to stop them, other than hope that they do not take too many players away at the same time.
Somerset's success is much more important than that of England, you see.
I'm well aware that we cannot actively do anything to stop them, other than hope that they do not take too many players away at the same time.
Somerset's success is much more important than that of England, you see.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 10:53
Perhaps your concern for Somerset's success, which I wholly share, outweigh your concern that young men like Hildreth should get the international recognition they manifestly deserve.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 12:04
I feel it would be grossly unfair to deprive any of our players any opportunity to play at the highest level, assuming of course that they want to. Over the next few years I would be very sad for Buttler, Kieswetter, Trego, Hildreth and Suppiah of the current squad if they didn't have the opportunity.
old boy!
old boy!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 12:19
Look, we have no power to actively deprive them of anything.
But, yes, I'm more concerned with our overall team success than I am with the individual advancement of any single player, or group of players. The more this team excels, the more likely those individuals are to gain international recognition, anyway.
In terms of recruitment, it potentially makes things easier for us in the long-run because more good players may want to come and join us. In the short-term, unless you have really good squad depth, it makes life difficult, though. Look at Warks this season - nine CC defeats!
I think the most remarkable facet of our season is that we managed to compete extremely hard on all fronts, in spite of having what, in my view, has been a really skimpy squad. For example, we've had only one batsman with first class experience in reserve for most of the season and, since Kartik replaced Wright, we have not had a single proven quick in reserve - to the extent that when Ben missed a game, we played the reserve batsman instead!
It's a tricky situation for Brian as he weighs up the likelihood of international calls and juggles our player budgets.
I'd say that the likelihood of call-ups is roughly as follows in the next 12 months or so.
Craig for T20 - 80% - never underestimate incumbency.
Buttler for T20 - 50% - selectors have demonstrated willingness to shake up this party before and Jos's pyrotechnics will not have gone unnoticed.
Hildreth for Tests - 25% - selectors have become very resistant to change. Not sure if Hildreth is the first cab off the rank.
Pete for ODIs or T20 - 20% - he must have a chance but the powers that be will probably count age and lack of pace against him, although I would not.
But, yes, I'm more concerned with our overall team success than I am with the individual advancement of any single player, or group of players. The more this team excels, the more likely those individuals are to gain international recognition, anyway.
In terms of recruitment, it potentially makes things easier for us in the long-run because more good players may want to come and join us. In the short-term, unless you have really good squad depth, it makes life difficult, though. Look at Warks this season - nine CC defeats!
I think the most remarkable facet of our season is that we managed to compete extremely hard on all fronts, in spite of having what, in my view, has been a really skimpy squad. For example, we've had only one batsman with first class experience in reserve for most of the season and, since Kartik replaced Wright, we have not had a single proven quick in reserve - to the extent that when Ben missed a game, we played the reserve batsman instead!
It's a tricky situation for Brian as he weighs up the likelihood of international calls and juggles our player budgets.
I'd say that the likelihood of call-ups is roughly as follows in the next 12 months or so.
Craig for T20 - 80% - never underestimate incumbency.
Buttler for T20 - 50% - selectors have demonstrated willingness to shake up this party before and Jos's pyrotechnics will not have gone unnoticed.
Hildreth for Tests - 25% - selectors have become very resistant to change. Not sure if Hildreth is the first cab off the rank.
Pete for ODIs or T20 - 20% - he must have a chance but the powers that be will probably count age and lack of pace against him, although I would not.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 12:35
I don't personally think you'll find us having to deal with any movements.
Craig may be left to develop for at least a year unless Davies immplodes and rather than CK taking his ODI spot he may find his T20 spot going the other way.
Jos has shown great prowess with the bat but also some areas of his game needing work - playing back to spin is one thing he has to work on.
James is the most likely but long term observers may wait to see if this season was a one off or a development. His consistency has been brilliant but twas not always that way. Lions? Yes. Full call up? A way off yet. Bell's ton put him back at least one space.
Pete? Not the allrounder they want yet. His bowling still needs work and his batting position still needs clarification at county level. Bopara has it and Wright is still before him.
It might be an issue - but not a large difficulty - we'll cover. It doesn't affect the bowling a great deal and with Nick settling in more towards the end of the season we have him and Arul to walk in and fight for positions. Still not sure what the position of Chris Jones is, Craig Meschede will be a year older in that all rounder area.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:20:13:01:08 by Grockle.
Craig may be left to develop for at least a year unless Davies immplodes and rather than CK taking his ODI spot he may find his T20 spot going the other way.
Jos has shown great prowess with the bat but also some areas of his game needing work - playing back to spin is one thing he has to work on.
James is the most likely but long term observers may wait to see if this season was a one off or a development. His consistency has been brilliant but twas not always that way. Lions? Yes. Full call up? A way off yet. Bell's ton put him back at least one space.
Pete? Not the allrounder they want yet. His bowling still needs work and his batting position still needs clarification at county level. Bopara has it and Wright is still before him.
It might be an issue - but not a large difficulty - we'll cover. It doesn't affect the bowling a great deal and with Nick settling in more towards the end of the season we have him and Arul to walk in and fight for positions. Still not sure what the position of Chris Jones is, Craig Meschede will be a year older in that all rounder area.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:20:13:01:08 by Grockle.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Blub (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 12:39
It was a difficult decision whether to bowl MT for that over. Tres may have got two good overs out of Alfie and PT, but then where would the money be if they needed, say 12 off the last over with Bell facing Turner. Who knows, they may have been all out by then anyway.
Apologies if this has been covered already, but reading the last few pages I don’t see mention of it. My point concerns Zander de Bruyn. With him missing we have no option, as we have done previously in the year for a back-up seamer. There have been plenty of instances during the course of the season where one of Trego, Turner, Waller or de Bruyn have failed to hit the mark whilst bowling, but there has been a back-up to replace them. With Zander allowed to go back to SA, we lacked this back-up. Of course it is easy to be wise after the event and of course we won the SF without him, but I cannot get over the fact that we were somewhat unbalanced.
I didn’t see Arul’s solitary over, and obviously he is not in the class of Kartik, but I would have thought that he was worth more than the one over with Turner clearly struggling.
On this strand, why does Hildreth not bowl anymore? I seem to recall him being quite effective in the T20 a couple of years ago, and I vaguely recall him talking about improving his bowling.
Apologies if this has been covered already, but reading the last few pages I don’t see mention of it. My point concerns Zander de Bruyn. With him missing we have no option, as we have done previously in the year for a back-up seamer. There have been plenty of instances during the course of the season where one of Trego, Turner, Waller or de Bruyn have failed to hit the mark whilst bowling, but there has been a back-up to replace them. With Zander allowed to go back to SA, we lacked this back-up. Of course it is easy to be wise after the event and of course we won the SF without him, but I cannot get over the fact that we were somewhat unbalanced.
I didn’t see Arul’s solitary over, and obviously he is not in the class of Kartik, but I would have thought that he was worth more than the one over with Turner clearly struggling.
On this strand, why does Hildreth not bowl anymore? I seem to recall him being quite effective in the T20 a couple of years ago, and I vaguely recall him talking about improving his bowling.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Ronniesabre (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 13:27
read the comments on here, and agree with most.
Mark Turner...why was he playing? If he has signed for someone else why on earth would you play him. Amjad left Kent, never played again and same with Kirby after he announced he was leaving GLos.
We had a ready made guy in Willo ro come in as weel.
Oh well..management certainly got hat wrong!!
Mark Turner...why was he playing? If he has signed for someone else why on earth would you play him. Amjad left Kent, never played again and same with Kirby after he announced he was leaving GLos.
We had a ready made guy in Willo ro come in as weel.
Oh well..management certainly got hat wrong!!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 13:48
We may have suffered from Luke Wright syndrome - "great guy," and all that.
Alternatively, we suffered from 'If it's not broken, it can't be made any more efficient," syndrome and lazily assumed that because we'd been winning with Turner in the team, as opposed to because of Turner, the same thing would happen again and there was no need to consider how the team could be improved.
Alternatively, we suffered from 'If it's not broken, it can't be made any more efficient," syndrome and lazily assumed that because we'd been winning with Turner in the team, as opposed to because of Turner, the same thing would happen again and there was no need to consider how the team could be improved.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 13:56
Then let's hope a huge lesson has been learned for the last day of the season next year!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: BeefyRoberts (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 14:32
Music at Lords? Well,when the Middle play T20 games we are ' allowed ' to have music on,but turned down so it doesnt upset the members in the brick clubhouse and same for the residents around the ground.
Same goes for the Big screen,the music/sounds are left off for the same reasons.
As for flags/banners,you must be joking,this is Lords old boy!
This season,The Middle managed to persuade the gouvorning bodies to allow flags/banners in for T20 games only.
Last year,in my bag,i had a pink wig still in packaging( we on MTWD sold them,all monies donated to the Middlesex breast cancer charity) The steward didnt allow me to take it in,said it was fancy dress!After i explained to him what was happening,he said i can take it in,but he pleaded with me not to wear it,or i will get in trouble!
Lords,at times does go a bit over the top!!!
Same goes for the Big screen,the music/sounds are left off for the same reasons.
As for flags/banners,you must be joking,this is Lords old boy!
This season,The Middle managed to persuade the gouvorning bodies to allow flags/banners in for T20 games only.
Last year,in my bag,i had a pink wig still in packaging( we on MTWD sold them,all monies donated to the Middlesex breast cancer charity) The steward didnt allow me to take it in,said it was fancy dress!After i explained to him what was happening,he said i can take it in,but he pleaded with me not to wear it,or i will get in trouble!
Lords,at times does go a bit over the top!!!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: SillyMidOn (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 15:25
You only have to look at the Lords website, which snootily claims to be "A celebration of all that is English".
Pink wigs and banners just won't do dear boy!
Pink wigs and banners just won't do dear boy!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 15:44
I saw some fancy dress outfits in the ground.
There were some guys dressed as Wurzels and one particular bloke wearing to most ludicrous yellow and reddy orange striped coat!! In fact some others were wearing ties of the same striped version in obvious support for the 'joker' suit.
Rebels the lot of 'em :=)
There were some guys dressed as Wurzels and one particular bloke wearing to most ludicrous yellow and reddy orange striped coat!! In fact some others were wearing ties of the same striped version in obvious support for the 'joker' suit.
Rebels the lot of 'em :=)
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Wickham (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 15:48
I was very pleased to have had the company of LoL and Bobstan (and my son) – and, before the game, of Tractor, Doncaster Dud and Oz.
The match was, of course, disappointing. But it was heartening to see how hard the whole team fought to defend a below par total and – but for Bell (who was missed from a difficult stumping chance) – we might well have won.
Compton and Hildreth played very well and ran superbly between the wickets. I could see, for the first time, why our friends from the Middlesex site rate Compton so highly: I suspect that he will be all the better next year for this innings. Compton should not be blamed for his mis-judgement which accounted for the wicket of Hildreth: when a pair of batsmen are trying to steal every possible run, the occasional mis-judgement is inevitable.
I agree with those who have said that de Bruyn's absence unbalanced the side. I think that Trescothick's unwillingness to bowl Suppiah stemmed from the paucity of runs he had to play with: Suppiah's single over was milked for six singles and Trescothick (rightly, in my view) concluded that he couldn't afford to allow the game to drift away and instead needed to gamble on one of his main bowlers being able to take at least one wicket in order to stem the tide of runs. In the event, this gamble didn't really work, because we didn't take sufficient wickets – and, crucially, Bell remained until virtually the end. But I think that it was the right strategy to adopt in the circumstances.
Clearly, the selectors did not have a strong hand when it came to picking our fifth bowler. Willoughby isn't really suited to one-day matches (and he certainly wouldn't have taken the excellent catch which Turner took), Waller might have been handicapped by a wet ball, and Gregory has had minimal first team experience. If one or more of our reserve bowlers had been given a run in the side earlier in the season then he/they might have been a viable option; but I haven't seen them bowl, so I don't know to what extent that would have weakened our bowling in those earlier matches – which we had also needed to win. Turner undoubtedly tried his best (but lacks both the control and the variety to trouble a high-class batsman, such as Bell) and will no doubt be feeling as much disappointment as anyone: I don't think that his impending move to Derbyshire should have had any bearing on the decision whether or not to pick him.
We have had a marvellous season. As BeefyRoberts said, virtually any other side would have loved to have achieved what Somerset have achieved. I am sure that the management – who have been responsible, with the players, in getting us to this position – will reflect on how to make further improvements to help make us an even more formidable side next year (and the recruitment of Kirby seems to be a step in the right direction). But as a mere supporter (and contributor to this message-board), I prefer to reflect happily on the 98% of things which have gone well this season, rather than the 2% which have not.
The match was, of course, disappointing. But it was heartening to see how hard the whole team fought to defend a below par total and – but for Bell (who was missed from a difficult stumping chance) – we might well have won.
Compton and Hildreth played very well and ran superbly between the wickets. I could see, for the first time, why our friends from the Middlesex site rate Compton so highly: I suspect that he will be all the better next year for this innings. Compton should not be blamed for his mis-judgement which accounted for the wicket of Hildreth: when a pair of batsmen are trying to steal every possible run, the occasional mis-judgement is inevitable.
I agree with those who have said that de Bruyn's absence unbalanced the side. I think that Trescothick's unwillingness to bowl Suppiah stemmed from the paucity of runs he had to play with: Suppiah's single over was milked for six singles and Trescothick (rightly, in my view) concluded that he couldn't afford to allow the game to drift away and instead needed to gamble on one of his main bowlers being able to take at least one wicket in order to stem the tide of runs. In the event, this gamble didn't really work, because we didn't take sufficient wickets – and, crucially, Bell remained until virtually the end. But I think that it was the right strategy to adopt in the circumstances.
Clearly, the selectors did not have a strong hand when it came to picking our fifth bowler. Willoughby isn't really suited to one-day matches (and he certainly wouldn't have taken the excellent catch which Turner took), Waller might have been handicapped by a wet ball, and Gregory has had minimal first team experience. If one or more of our reserve bowlers had been given a run in the side earlier in the season then he/they might have been a viable option; but I haven't seen them bowl, so I don't know to what extent that would have weakened our bowling in those earlier matches – which we had also needed to win. Turner undoubtedly tried his best (but lacks both the control and the variety to trouble a high-class batsman, such as Bell) and will no doubt be feeling as much disappointment as anyone: I don't think that his impending move to Derbyshire should have had any bearing on the decision whether or not to pick him.
We have had a marvellous season. As BeefyRoberts said, virtually any other side would have loved to have achieved what Somerset have achieved. I am sure that the management – who have been responsible, with the players, in getting us to this position – will reflect on how to make further improvements to help make us an even more formidable side next year (and the recruitment of Kirby seems to be a step in the right direction). But as a mere supporter (and contributor to this message-board), I prefer to reflect happily on the 98% of things which have gone well this season, rather than the 2% which have not.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 16:01
I'd agree with most of that Mr W except;
Catch or no catch, was Mark the best bowling option as the 5th option in a game where he HAD to be used and probably for more than a couple of overs (T20 gambles made more sense).
Were we honestly saying that a bowler with a season average of about 9 was the best bet?
Why wasn't Arul bowled as part of the press in the mid teen to mid 20 overs? Surely at least another Arul over would have been worth a try. Even if it had been at the expense of one Of Pete's so that we had him as an option at the end of the game. I can't believe that Mark was planned to be the only other option to Alf with two overs to go, they were left in that position because of his performance and they didn't use Arul as the player to relieve pressure and give us at least another pace option for over 39.
Charl - IF he was available (and I'm not sure we know the real reason he wasn't there) MUST have been the obvious option for a difficult situation even if it isn't his forte. You surely have to go with proven experience against proven lack of tight lines and length in such an important match.
The only thing I can come up with is that they bet on scoring enough to make Mark's spell inconsequential and hadn't thought hard enough about it IF he was called into play as a major bowler. Too much confidence of a 250+ score and when it didn't appear no real Plan B.
I have to agree with the assessment of Max and Lewis but sorry. Surely even they were better options than the nightmare Marcus was left with 18 balls from the end? At least it would have been a gamble on the unknown rather than a decision which went against what the season had told you.
Catch or no catch, was Mark the best bowling option as the 5th option in a game where he HAD to be used and probably for more than a couple of overs (T20 gambles made more sense).
Were we honestly saying that a bowler with a season average of about 9 was the best bet?
Why wasn't Arul bowled as part of the press in the mid teen to mid 20 overs? Surely at least another Arul over would have been worth a try. Even if it had been at the expense of one Of Pete's so that we had him as an option at the end of the game. I can't believe that Mark was planned to be the only other option to Alf with two overs to go, they were left in that position because of his performance and they didn't use Arul as the player to relieve pressure and give us at least another pace option for over 39.
Charl - IF he was available (and I'm not sure we know the real reason he wasn't there) MUST have been the obvious option for a difficult situation even if it isn't his forte. You surely have to go with proven experience against proven lack of tight lines and length in such an important match.
The only thing I can come up with is that they bet on scoring enough to make Mark's spell inconsequential and hadn't thought hard enough about it IF he was called into play as a major bowler. Too much confidence of a 250+ score and when it didn't appear no real Plan B.
I have to agree with the assessment of Max and Lewis but sorry. Surely even they were better options than the nightmare Marcus was left with 18 balls from the end? At least it would have been a gamble on the unknown rather than a decision which went against what the season had told you.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 16:43
Yep, Grockle, a gamble on the unknown is preferable to going with something that you already know will not work. I think we must have been complaent and thinking that we would roll up a big total. I know that I thought that, so it would not be surprising if Marcus and Brian thought the same.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grizzers (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 17:10
Any inclination as to why Willow wasn't there Grockle ? I sense you have a theory ?
Grizzzly
Grizzzly
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: PaddedUp (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 18:54
Grizzzly and a few others, I have just started a new thread which may (or may not) explain why Charl wasn't there...
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Wickham (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 20:47
I did not suggest in my post that it was the right decision to pick Mark Turner – and I made the point that he lacks both the control and the variety to trouble a high-class batsman, such as Bell. I am sure that if the selectors had known that he would leak runs in the manner that he did, they would have gone for a different option. However, I am suggesting that there was no obvious answer – the plain fact is that (in de Bruyn's absence) the squad was a bowler light for one-day cricket.
I do not think that it would have been right to have picked Gregory for only his second first team match. If he had gone round the park (an event which could have ruined his confidence for the future), people would understandably have criticised the decision to have picked him. I did, however, question in my earlier post whether we might have blooded some of the second team bowlers earlier in the season – if we had done so, we might have had a stronger hand from which to pick.
So, as I see it, the selectors were left to pick from Turner, Willoughby and Waller – none of whom was, in my view, an obvious choice. In that circumstance, I am loathe to criticise the selectors – and certainly would not impute complacency to them.
I do not think that it would have been right to have picked Gregory for only his second first team match. If he had gone round the park (an event which could have ruined his confidence for the future), people would understandably have criticised the decision to have picked him. I did, however, question in my earlier post whether we might have blooded some of the second team bowlers earlier in the season – if we had done so, we might have had a stronger hand from which to pick.
So, as I see it, the selectors were left to pick from Turner, Willoughby and Waller – none of whom was, in my view, an obvious choice. In that circumstance, I am loathe to criticise the selectors – and certainly would not impute complacency to them.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: mikeindex (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 21:01
I too am loath to criticise the selectors, or anyone else connected in any way with this magnificent season - but to me Willoughby does seem an obvious choice.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Kentish Townie (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 21:02
Turner has leaked runs all season. That's why he's leaving. It was a very bad call to play him at all. Given it was the last game of the season surely Willo could have had a final push..?
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: PaddedUp (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 21:09
Quote:Wickham
we might have blooded some of the second team bowlers earlier in the season – if we had done so, we might have had a stronger hand from which to pick.
Quite right Wickham, I absolutely agree. Turner didn't really perform after the CB40 match at Bath near the start of the season (where I admit I thought he looked good, Grockle you were right after that match). I and others around me at various matches throughout the season groaned when Turner was on the team sheet, so there were plenty of good opportunities to give Waller or A N Other more of a chance in his place.
It's always easy to be wise after the event, but had others been given that chance then yes, there would have been a much stronger hand for the Final. And it isn't really being wise after the event, as plenty thought Waller at least should have been given more of a go earlier in the season, and indeed others if Waller proved to not be up to scratch.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 22:39
Four options;
Pick Charl
Bowl Arul as a second spinner for part of the game to minimise the possibility of Mark going at 9+ an over and/or having to bowl 8 (may have been a dicey option given AS's bowling performance in the semi)
Pick Max and leave Mark or Arul out. Bowl him in tandem with Kartik
Pick Mark as one of the main bowlers
I have to agree about Lewis he would have been a very last resort I think.
Of those 4 surely the result of the last was the most obvious? It had not come off in more than 1 CB40 game all season.
I don't think they had a backup plan. I do think they gambled on 250+ and holding the Bears under that. I personally classify that as poor planning if not complacency.
UNLESS there is some reason why Charl was not available and even then the role of Arul or a second spinner does not seem to have been thought out at all.
Arul has been carrying a hand injury for at least the last third of the season. If that was affecting his bowling then he shouldn't have played and Max should have because we needed to bolster our bowling far far more than we needed to extend the tail to number 10.
Maybe Arul's heroics with the bat in the semi actually worked against us? Who knows.
Whatever. It comes down to a strategic blunder UNLESS there are things we don't know that forced the selector's hand.
As a minimum Mark should have been bowling as a 4 over option with the sixth bowler be that Arul or Max. That did not happen. We did not minimise his activity with the ball and found ourselves having to maximise it with no alternative strategy. That surely was not good enough.
Pick Charl
Bowl Arul as a second spinner for part of the game to minimise the possibility of Mark going at 9+ an over and/or having to bowl 8 (may have been a dicey option given AS's bowling performance in the semi)
Pick Max and leave Mark or Arul out. Bowl him in tandem with Kartik
Pick Mark as one of the main bowlers
I have to agree about Lewis he would have been a very last resort I think.
Of those 4 surely the result of the last was the most obvious? It had not come off in more than 1 CB40 game all season.
I don't think they had a backup plan. I do think they gambled on 250+ and holding the Bears under that. I personally classify that as poor planning if not complacency.
UNLESS there is some reason why Charl was not available and even then the role of Arul or a second spinner does not seem to have been thought out at all.
Arul has been carrying a hand injury for at least the last third of the season. If that was affecting his bowling then he shouldn't have played and Max should have because we needed to bolster our bowling far far more than we needed to extend the tail to number 10.
Maybe Arul's heroics with the bat in the semi actually worked against us? Who knows.
Whatever. It comes down to a strategic blunder UNLESS there are things we don't know that forced the selector's hand.
As a minimum Mark should have been bowling as a 4 over option with the sixth bowler be that Arul or Max. That did not happen. We did not minimise his activity with the ball and found ourselves having to maximise it with no alternative strategy. That surely was not good enough.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: PaddedUp (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 23:35
If you'd offered me those options before the match Grockle I'd have gone 1, 3 (leave out Mark), 2, 4. With 20/20 hindsight, I'd still have gone with those.
If the Lord's announcer had said before the match, "There is one change to the Somerset team as printed on the scorecard. Charl Willoughby replaces Mark Turner", I think the Compton Stand would have collapsed when all the supporters leaping for joy landed at the same time. That is harsh on Mark, but look back on posts before the match and the feeling really was for Charl to be bowling at Lord's, and that was also the sense I got from the Somerset supporters around me, before, during and after the match.
What is really sad is that Tres had the choice of going for option 2 during the innings, even if option 4 had been the original game plan. I have been hugely impressed with Trescothick's bowling changes this season, which have regularly proved to be inspired. But something went badly wrong on Saturday and it probably cost us the title.
If the Lord's announcer had said before the match, "There is one change to the Somerset team as printed on the scorecard. Charl Willoughby replaces Mark Turner", I think the Compton Stand would have collapsed when all the supporters leaping for joy landed at the same time. That is harsh on Mark, but look back on posts before the match and the feeling really was for Charl to be bowling at Lord's, and that was also the sense I got from the Somerset supporters around me, before, during and after the match.
What is really sad is that Tres had the choice of going for option 2 during the innings, even if option 4 had been the original game plan. I have been hugely impressed with Trescothick's bowling changes this season, which have regularly proved to be inspired. But something went badly wrong on Saturday and it probably cost us the title.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Mike TA1 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 23:39
Up to about four overs from the end I was still thinking we could still win it.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: PaddedUp (IP Logged)
Date: 20/09/2010 23:45
I agree Mike. And if Tres had switched to Grockle's Option 2 at that point we might, might have done it. Probably not, but might. By persisting with Option 4 the match was lost in 5 balls. One of the few serious mistakes Tres has made all season, it's just a shame it came at such a crucial time.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 21/09/2010 11:58
I still agree with the Sky guys about the fields when our best bowlers were bowling. At a minimum when Kartik or Alf were bowling to guys other than Bell, I'd have had almost everyone up saving one in those situations.... we needed to impart more pressure onto the likes of Troughton and Clarke, IMO.
Then again, I still think that with the tactics we used (including the bowler of Turner) we would have won the game with the score of 250+ that we probably expected to get. On a good pitch, I think there was every logical reason to expect us to get that score. I'm not sure that Tahir has ever previously caused us anything like that magnitude of a problem?
Then again, I still think that with the tactics we used (including the bowler of Turner) we would have won the game with the score of 250+ that we probably expected to get. On a good pitch, I think there was every logical reason to expect us to get that score. I'm not sure that Tahir has ever previously caused us anything like that magnitude of a problem?
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Bobstan (IP Logged)
Date: 21/09/2010 18:03
Wickham remarked on the day that the ball really didn't seem to be coming on to the bat. No real pace in the pitch.
I think that was my impression too.
So maybe 250 was not realistic. I think 230 would have won the match, and 220 might well have done so.
Bell is a classical style batsman. With a higher target he might well have had to improvise a little more, a role in which he is less happy perhaps. This could well have led to his dismissal.
Water under quite a few bridges. Bell's innings was, of course, a fine one.
I think that was my impression too.
So maybe 250 was not realistic. I think 230 would have won the match, and 220 might well have done so.
Bell is a classical style batsman. With a higher target he might well have had to improvise a little more, a role in which he is less happy perhaps. This could well have led to his dismissal.
Water under quite a few bridges. Bell's innings was, of course, a fine one.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 21/09/2010 18:54
Yep, Bobstan, our biggest problem was that a sub-par total allowed Bell to stay within his comfort zone.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: SheptonPaul (IP Logged)
Date: 21/09/2010 19:34
I thought this rather painful and demoralising (for some of us) thread was to be removed yesterday, allowing us to forget our disappointment, stop wallowing in misery, finish with blaming Mark, Marcus or Marks, and move on to happier thoughts of a golden, trophy-laden 2011?
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 21/09/2010 20:27
Never said I would remove it Shep. You don't have to read it though. I was thinking I'd be able to close it but there seems to be things that people want to say even now.
Who's been blaming Vic? He wasn't playing!! I know I saw him in the Media Centre!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:21:20:30:16 by Grockle.
Who's been blaming Vic? He wasn't playing!! I know I saw him in the Media Centre!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:21:20:30:16 by Grockle.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Wickham (IP Logged)
Date: 21/09/2010 21:36
SP: I blame Karl Marx - too much equality on Somerset's part this season.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: SheptonPaul (IP Logged)
Date: 21/09/2010 23:06
OK, so I struggled to find a third M (let alone a fine third M ) - sorry Grockle, I thought it was to be euthanised...I know I don't have to read it, but it still depresses me as the pain still rankles. It's taken me over 30 years to wipe the bitterness of Worcester 1979, wonder how long this one will take? 
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:21:23:06:43 by SheptonPaul.
) - sorry Grockle, I thought it was to be euthanised...I know I don't have to read it, but it still depresses me as the pain still rankles. It's taken me over 30 years to wipe the bitterness of Worcester 1979, wonder how long this one will take? Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:09:21:23:06:43 by SheptonPaul.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Bobstan (IP Logged)
Date: 22/09/2010 08:13
You have to tell yourself that you are a true supporter, following your county through thick and thin, not what the football fans would call a glory-hunter.
You could have transferred allegiance to Surrey, or one of the big teams.
Oh, maybe we shouldn't get too down. Especially after a wonderful season.
You could have transferred allegiance to Surrey, or one of the big teams.
Oh, maybe we shouldn't get too down. Especially after a wonderful season.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 22/09/2010 10:04
Hopefully SP it'll all be over by this time next year! :-)
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 22/09/2010 11:04
It's a shame that the Champions League dates got moved, because I'd have loved to see Jos Buttler attack the Champions League (then again, we would probably have lost him to some accursed IPL team for the start of next season, so maybe not.)
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: JanetCandy (IP Logged)
Date: 22/09/2010 11:14
I agree with Bobstan.
I'm barely even disappointed any more - especially as the streetwise cricket journalists and commentators are still coming out and correctly pointing out... 'Somerset - are the team of the season'!
I feel that we've all slightly got stuck in to the hapless Mark Turner because his over-from-hell happened during the last throw of the dice. Its easy to focus on that and forget that cricket is a team game....IF we'd got more runs, IF not for the run-out .... IF Bell hadn't been on song...we'd have won. Lots of ifs and buts. The fact is that it didn't work out for us on the big day. And yeah, were probably short of some menacing support for Alfie and Kartik. But not to worry....onwards and upwards!
I'm barely even disappointed any more - especially as the streetwise cricket journalists and commentators are still coming out and correctly pointing out... 'Somerset - are the team of the season'!
I feel that we've all slightly got stuck in to the hapless Mark Turner because his over-from-hell happened during the last throw of the dice. Its easy to focus on that and forget that cricket is a team game....IF we'd got more runs, IF not for the run-out .... IF Bell hadn't been on song...we'd have won. Lots of ifs and buts. The fact is that it didn't work out for us on the big day. And yeah, were probably short of some menacing support for Alfie and Kartik. But not to worry....onwards and upwards!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: AGod (IP Logged)
Date: 22/09/2010 11:22
Ben bowled excellently. And Pete was also good.
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: old boy! (IP Logged)
Date: 22/09/2010 12:05
I think that most of us contributing to this forum agree that SCCC had a brilliant season regardless of the final results. The one area where, probably, the majority are agreed is the rather obsessional way that our selectors could not see the obvious flaws in Mark Turner's performances. So much so that despite everything they were prepared to offer him another contract (his words).
Regarding the team performances, I would say if you offered the counties second place in all three competitions AT THE START of the season, no one would have refused it.
old boy!
Regarding the team performances, I would say if you offered the counties second place in all three competitions AT THE START of the season, no one would have refused it.
old boy!
Re: Lords Amighty I feel my temperature rising!!
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 22/09/2010 12:29
Only 12 months Shep - we will have won a trophy (or two) by then.
Glass half full like Tractor :-)
Glass half full like Tractor :-)
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