Surrey School Selection Syndrome

Well Grockle what a lot of us thought would happen may be about to happen.

To big a squad to select from, Somerset if not to careful may be about to upset one or two players who don't deserve to be dropped from the team.

One person in particular is Steffan Jones he is a proud man and wants to play in everything, and if he is in form why not.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Ah, the 'selection headache'. It's difficult to compare this squad to the one we had only a small handful of years ago. Gary Gilder anyone?

They've got to be careful they don't interrupt the impetus and the balance of the side as well. Which is why I think they'll introduce one new player for this game and then look at the result before they bring in another. Steffan seemed to think the same in the Telegraph on Monday.

I expect to see Willoughby, Caddick and Turner being the spearhead if all are fit. KT may have a point if we persist with Zander when we have a full seam attack and Peter Trego offering more with bat AND ball. Ben Phillips and Jonah may have to accept their one day role.

But where do we put Mike Munday? Do we leave out an out and out bowler and put him in at 9 or do we lengthen the tail and keep the big three in? And if we do who do we leave out?

It's a great position to be in but the balancing act is so crucial. You almost hope for an injury!!

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2008:05:28:20:32:49 by Grockle.

It is a nice problem to have and sadly being part of a successful team means somebody is always going to be disappointed.
All the more reason to keep up the pressure on the selectors and force your way back in.
I have to say Grockle that I never,ever hope for an injury.
Those things seem to be catching.
It'd be a shame for Steffan if he's dropped,he has performed superbly though I can see him having to sit this one out.
The Munday factor is another matter.
I'm glad I don't have to pick the team.

I was talking from the point of view of a selector or player BJ

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If you looked at the ambience at Whitgift School for Surrey`s one-day match with Sussex today, you would virtually rule out conditions being dry enough by Friday to bring Michael Munday into the equation.

However, one slightly conservative way of easing the selection problem might be to remember there are just two championship matches left before we go into 20/20 mode.

Is it worth risking such a key performer as Andy Caddick after just one Saturday afternoon outing for Clevedon, when you could bring him back after the 20/20 fortnight with another month of recovery time behind him?

The downside of this of course - and something the England management never realised - is that Andy just loves to get out there and bowl.

Yep. I think if he's ready then use him BUT only if he's ready.

The reason would be to put the fear of God up some teams and let them ponder on it for a month and a bit. However if he isn't fully fit I'd go your way Jerry.

Maybe Turner will play instead and Andy will take the month - he isn't really going to be part of the early 20/20 anyway unless things alter drastically to previous campaigns.

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According to some of the Press reports, ARC will be playing for Clevedon C.C. against Taunton C.C. on Saturday.

If so, I can't see how he'll feature for the game at Whitgift School. In which case; Willo and Jonah for starters, Ben P for 1st change and PT for 2nd. Spin from IB.

Trescothick
Edwards
Langer
Hildreth
Blackwell
?
Trego
Kieswetter
Phillips
Jones
Willoughby

... Anyone?

The number 6 is whom?

de Bruyn might go at 5 and they all shift down by one. Or Munday comes in at 10. Or Turner plays and fits in at 9. Perhaps Durston at 6/7 and the others accommodate.

To paraphrase Larry Hagman in cr*p British Gas adverts from the 80's "it's (not) good to be in charge."

Me? If no ARC then I'd slide in a fit Tina Turner at 9 and open with him and Willo, then manage BP and SJ with spin from IB.

All pure conjecture of course and i'll hope that ARC is fit and takes 13 in the match ...

VtF.

I would hope to see Jones-he's in cracking form and will be totally disgusted if de Bruyn plays. I'm with Grockle that the first 7 are as he suggests and so is 11, but perm any 3 from the rest and I'm gld all I~ have to do is criticise

Jonah suggested that Whitgift was the place for ARC's return Vic in the Telegraph article earlier in the week.

Maybe he isn't ready but I wouldn't go on who may be playing in Taunton on Sat...it wouldn't be the first time that player list was slightly out...bit we'll see on Fri I suppose

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The 'Press' are wonderful beasts aren't they?

So long as he's ready and able then bring it on. This team's done well already - imagine adding ARC to it?

Appetite whetted ...

Hope you're right Grockle, you're nearer to things than me!

VtF.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:05:28:23:17:24 by VictheFish.

I wouldn't expect to see Caddy risked so soon. Not for a whole four days. I do, however, wonder if the powers that be might consider an outing for him at Canterbury the following Wednesday? That's if he plays and passes (fitness wise) the test of another league game for Clevedon? Incidentally, did anyone else see that, apparently, Clevedon slips shelled no fewer than three catches off the great man. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes!)

Personally, I think we really must pick Mark Turner if he is fit. I cannot imagine that the pitch will exactly be a bowlers dream and I think we will need extra speed through the air, if possible. I also think that we should persist with Jonah on the basis that players have to see that if they do exceptionally well, they will be retained.

I think I'd give Ben Phillips a rest, to facilitate Turner's return and otherwise stick with what we played in the last game. However, should De Bruyn contribute as little at Whitgift as he did at Tunbridge, then I'd think long and hard about picking him versus Yorkshire. Ian moving up a place and Peter Trego at six might make more sense. And for the Yorks game, on our flat track, it might be as well to have Munday as an option and moving Pete up to six could make room for that. However, before I had full confidence in making such a change I would like to see more CC runs from Craig in the number seven berth.

I've noted Kieswetter's lack of first class runs and feel that nobody's place can be guaranteed. Gazzard performed well in the pre-season friendlies and may think he deserves another chance at CC level.

Incidentally, does anyone know what has happened to Spurway?

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

The problem might be that Craig may be some distance ahead with the gauntlets, however?

Craig's lack of runs is a bit of a mystery to me, to be honest. He seems to have the defensive technique. He seems to have plenty of shots. He's still very young, though. Perhaps it's the case that one good score will open the floodgates?

I have even been wondering whether part of the reason that he's been opening up in the FP Trophy is that the powers-that-be might see in him a possible opening batsman in the future (i.e in proper cricket)

I'm not keen on wicketkeepers opening in first-class cricket. They should focus on their major skills and then add valuable runs in the second half of the order. Even Gilchrist, perhaps the greatest wicketkeeper batsman of modern times did not regularly open in first class matches.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

I quite agree about the opening question LoL, but (just to provoke discussion) might amend your post a little: to "perhaps the greatest batsman wicketkeeper of all time".

In answer to your question LoL, I made a surprise visit to the family for the long weekend, and flicked through the Chard & Ilminster to see young Spurway turning out for Ilminster. I believe I also saw BoBo's name playing for UC against a Chard side. It's always worrying when you look through the line ups and recognise all the surnames from the local teams, but assume it was their fathers that you played with and against all those years ago...

Saw on Teletext that Trigger is injured - anyone got the facts?

In the Gazette that The Cadmeister isn't fit enough for Whitgift - anyone know more??

He, supposedly, went off vs Kent.

I thought I'd read (on the Club site) that he was not in the squad for one of the two abandoned FPT games, but that it was "only a niggle" or some such.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:05:29:09:40:21 by Frome Exile.

For me, Turner should play. If he's got a niggle the PT should make way; if he hasn't then Ben should miss out.
Caddy should not be played if there is the slightest doubt about him, but if we are as close to 100% sure as we can be, then I think ZdB should make way.

According to CricketArchive, Gazzard has made 146 runs @ 36.5 in 4 innings in the 2nd XI Ch. CK is averaging 25 with the big boys, but has 24 catches in 5 games, compared to 10 in three for CG. So all in all, Gazzard probably isn't doing quite enough to put pressure on Kieswetter's place just yet.

To be fair, the influx of Kolpaks etc has probably led to an increase in the quality of the average second XI team. Therefore, second XI numbers might possibly carry more weight, this season, than they've carried for some considerable time.

That's true, AG, but if he is to displace CK it will be, I suspect, on the basis of making big scores. After all, others (Wes, John) in the 2nds have centuries against the same opposition, and Gazz has only made 1 fifty.

Yes, FE, I'd agree with that.

In any case, I think the powers that be regard Craig as an exceptional talent and I think things would have to get quite a bit leaner for him on the batting front, before they would seriously contemplate a change.

LoL - forecasts have been changing by the minute. However, the latest forecasts for Whitgift appear to be encouraging.

The uncertainty seems to have derived from the fact that there's some cold, wet stuff over Holland at the moment. They weren't sure whether it was going to move west (thus enveloping the South East) or in a more north-westerly direction - thus brushing through the Wash and Humber and up towards Tyneside. It now seems as though the Geordies and their 'pals,' the Wearsiders are set for an unpleasant weekend and we are set for a rather good one.

sounds good to me. Thanks

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

After brushing through my Wash and Humber, I'll don the skimpy sheer shorts at the weekend. Sounds like a scorcher to me. Then again, if it's a tad overcast, I'll don the skimpy sheer shorts, let a bit of air to the sediment & dregs (legs). C'mon my Babbies!!!

I envy you your selection problems.At YCCC we are in a different situation.Currently we have Hoggard,Naved,Kruis,Shahzad ,Morkel(who was standing in for Naved) all injured seamers;Patterson,another seamer,just returning from knee surgery and not considered fit enough for a 4 day game and Gough willing but with a few niggles which have prompted him to announce that he's calling it a day at the end of the season.
I think I would prefer your problems!
Hopefully we will have a couple back for our visit to Taunton next week

Hopefully you won't, Tyke! Maybe you could recall Sidebottom or Silverwood?

I don't want them to have Naved available.

What about Durston at Six instead of De Bruyn?
Solid bat and extra spinning option to back up Blackie if MM doesn't play.

It would be hard to drop Jonah; I would keep the same seamers unless Turner is fit and then he should come in for Philips who notwithstanding has been reliable this season

Got to unleash the burly Welshman again. His tail should be right up.

Somerset have decided to retain the same side that beat Kent, subject to a fitness test tomorrow on Peter T (groin strain).

If he doesn`t make it, the choice for a replacement rests between Michael Munday and Alfonso Thomas.

what, no Mark Turner? Why on earth not? Is he still not fit? I can't believe that he is - all of a sudden - behind Alphonso Thomas for a place in the team?

We must capitalise on Turner's performance vs Lancs by getting him back in team as soon as he is fit.

MT doesn't even get a mention on the 'Official' site. Nor does the present state of AC.

Odd ?

Grizzzly

M.M. that was Brother of playing for U.C.

Very often the local BBC site have more that the official site.

Peter Trego (side strain) will face a late fitness test so seamer Alfonso Thomas and leg-spinner Michael Munday are standing by to replace him. [news.bbc.co.uk]

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Somerset will choose from the following 13 players- Marcus Trescothick, Neil Edwards, Justin Langer, James Hildreth, Zander de Bruyn, Ian Blackwell, Pete Trego, Craig Kieswetter, Ben Phillips, Alfonso Thomas, Steffan Jones, Charl Willoughby and Michael Munday.

For tomorrow

no Caddick or Turner

Somerset will choose from the following 13 players- Marcus Trescothick, Neil Edwards, Justin Langer, James Hildreth, Zander de Bruyn, Ian Blackwell, Pete Trego, Craig Kieswetter, Ben Phillips, Alfonso Thomas, Steffan Jones, Charl Willoughby and Michael Munday.

No Caddick or Turner

Trego and Willoughby have fitness tests in the morning

Trego and willoughby have fitness tests in the morning

Thanks Rob - perhaps I meant BoBoBo...

Why is Willo havong a fitness test? We need him!

I'm afraid there is a lot of standing water here in London this morning. It's been very wet since the bank holiday Monday, in general, and rained heavily for an hour or so last night (with light rain for another 90 minutes or so.) It's rained every day, with some heavy bursts.

Therefore, I'd be really rather surprised if play gets under way on time. Indeed, I doubt we'll see any play before lunch unless Whitgift is a much better drying ground than most out-grounds are.

I wonder if Mr Rose's comments on Caddy contain a clue about Canterbury on Wednesday.

"We'll make a decision on AC's first-class comeback, when we are fully satisfied that he is able to get through four days."

I wonder if this means they are satisfied that he'd be good for 10 overs, but not yet for 50? (in the match)

If so, might we give AC a run out on Wednesday?

Meantime, it's hugely dissappointing that they don't even mention Mark Turner. They had said he was fit again. If that's no longer the case, I'd rather they told us. If he's in the same boat as Caddy and they're not yet satisfied that he can last a full four days, then ditto.

Festival update.The last visit by Somerset to our festival championship matches(Guildford)encouraged Mr Langer to bat on and on..,.342 was the highest innings i've witnessed.Quite painful but fair play was a masterclass really.I expect Whitgift to be a batsmans wicket but with rain about recently not be unhelpful to the seamers.

The eyes of the wider cricketing world will be on Ramps'.Surrey are still waiting for a first championship win.I hope to see the hundreth 100 as part of a Surrey win,trusting you guys will not be too disappointed.Enjoy all.

At the moment it's meant to start on time.

According to the BBC.

Good!

Trescothick, Edwards, Hildreth, Langer, de Bruyn, Blackwell, Thomas, Kieswetter, Phillips, Jones, Willougby.

No Trego but Willoughby is fit.

Seems that Thomas may have kept Turner out because of his batting ability - with Trigger missing.

Yes, we won the toss and have chosen to insert them, no doubt hoping there will be early assistance from dampness in the surface. Personally, I'm of the Lord Cowdrey school.

Let's start crossing everything that Pete is fit for next Wednesday because he would be a huge miss if he's not fit.

I wonder - to answer my own question - if Thomas is the replacement for Pete because his first-class record includes two first-class tons?

Then again, there's that old question about how much stock we can put into records acquired in SA cricket?

Turner wasn't in the 13, SJB.
CricInfo only has 10 at present with Willoughby miossing from Coy's list above.
Hope Coy is correct.

My team list was from the BBC.

Willoughby is playing i'm listening to the match and he is opening the bowling with Alfonso Thomas.

CricInfo now concurs!
Happy days...........except for BoBo, of course.
Get well soon feller!

Have you got a Link Coy?

Get well by Wednesday to be more precise!!

[www.bbc.co.uk]


It takes you to BBC London sport shows page, and top right hand column it says Listen to live Surrey cricket commentary, then click on it.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:05:30:10:11:23 by Coy.

Thanks Coy - have worked it out. But it only works with Realplayer (not Windows Media Player).

20-0 but Thomas has just passed Spriegel's edge. They are saying Spriegel is making his Surrey debut at his old school Whitgift.

any sign of much movement (according the commentary) Sloop?

Absolutely need to get into the form horses named Butcher and Afzaal, ASAP.

Come on, Thomas, this is expensive stuff, so far.

I'm surprised he got the new ball, since JL seems to have previously had a major preference for Ben to take the new ball.

'A little bit of swing there for Willoughby...' - so yes some swing. 32-0. Steffan just on.

They are wittering on (quite pleasantly) about visiting Bath and Weston (sic) and other 'out' grounds.

They are well informed (otherwise) and aware of Somerset listeners (just referred to the very heavy rain in Somerset last night).

Come on, the burly Welshman!!

well, if it is really flat, let's hope it just stays that way. We can at least aim for maximum batting points.

This Surrey side bats a long way down, with Nicholson at eight and in good form this season.

I would have opened with Jones and not Thomas, with Phillips as first change, but what do I know!

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Spriegel caught by Langer at first slip for 22 off Steffan.

Enter Ramps!!

Correction ...off Phillips.

Ramps off mark first ball...

Great to see the Welshman draw first blood again!!! He really does have the bit between his teeth.

Yes, my apologies to Ben.

Keep up the good work Sloop, it means i can close a few of these sport windows down and open a few work ones.

why on earth would you want to do a thing like that?? And on a Friday, too!

I thought if I popped out to the loo a wicket would fall. Only nine more toilet trips required today!

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

AGod, not through choice just that my seat is not in the most advantageous position for browsing and toggling.

Quote:

AG
Absolutely need to get into the form horses named Butcher and Afzaal, ASAP.

Don't worry; I've nobbled Afzaal by keeping him in my TFL side.

Yeah, but I've dropped Butcher from my team (ahead of the 20:20) and will, no doubt, be punished.

Meantime, we need to get rid of Newman soon as he's scoring pretty quickly.

Trego is 12th man, he came on for Langer.

Actually I've just discovered that the two changes I made yesterday failed to register, so I've still got the gameless Chris Read in!
Not a happy bunny!

12th man????

Are you sure?

What, in the name of Satan, is going off out there?

You don't leave someone out because they've failed a fitness test and then make them 12th man?????? Do you???? or am I missing something, here?

And if they've left Pete out for cricketing reasons? Well, that would be insane, based on form so far this season.

Do we know what's wrong with JL?

Incontinence, probably.

I'm afraid I dropped Craig and went for Phil Mustard as I imagine the Durham attack will give him plenty of catches. I was, therefore, pleased to see that he will be available for all of the 20:20 since Amrbose has been picked for the one-day team. At least it wasn't Prior, which was what CEEFAX was suggesting would be the case.

Trego supposedly has hurt his ankle.
Langer's back on the pitch, but hurt his finger when he took the catch.

I've gone for Luke Sutton as I fancy some decent runs from him in 20:20.

He's hurt his ankle after coming on as 12th man, COY? or that's why he was left out?

I thought somebody said he had a groin niggle, but perhaps that was Willow?

very economical stuff from Jonah, thus far.

Tractor is on his way!
Didn't realise he was going to be the new 12th man.

Trigger IS 12th man - according to commentators (who are doing a good job - even mentioning a mail fro a chap called Tractor Driver!) he picked up an injury from bowler footmarks....

...odd tho' that he is 12th man.

Surrey 96-1 - some movement still apparently and Somerset seamers being 'disciplined'.

That is it from me for now - off to lunch!

Good wicket Ramps out Well done Willoughby

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Ramprakash out 17 Willoughby

c'mon

Ramps out.We've got em on the run.

Trego injured his ankle against Kent

Well, that wicket means that the morning session as a whole has just about been satisfactory overall (given that we elected to field.)

If we're to take control of this match after lunch, then bowlers 3 and 4 must match the control of Willow and Jonah.

If not, then Messrs Caddick and Turner are (hopefully) looming large.

If Willow really was doubtful for this one, then I'd also add that 13 overs before lunch is quite a substantial workload. I wouldn't want to see him deployed for another 13 overs in the next session unless he was never doubtful in the first place.

Butcher out for 2

Phillips caught and bowled

Clearly I need to take lunch at the pub on every day of this game.
Driving worked the charm last time - today it's drinking!
Not to be worked in tandem, of course!

On the other site: "From the squad of 13 who were taken to the south east all rounder Pete Trego is missing with a side strain....."

I don't understand why he would be fielding as 12th man and also think that the Club should say something about Turner's situation.

Afazzl out for 2

b. Phillips c. Langer


112-4



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:05:30:13:15:52 by Coy.

Mt Phillips seems to be hitting the spot.

Commentators are being very complimentary about our bowling so far today.

I shall be going to lunch in about 3 hours but I don't think we can wait that long for a few more wickets.

Acording to the radio Turner is down as 12th man, but there is no sign of him, and Trego and Munday are 12th men.

One of them might be. The other must be 13th.

p.s. FE - I've been out for lunch too. I'm delighted at what I've discovered on my return. I'm also just about to snap up tickets for Canterbury next week and the weather is set fair for a trip to Whitgift tomorrow. All is right with my world!

Newman out 84 lbw Thomas

140-5



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:05:30:13:36:19 by Coy.

It's probably an opportune time to commend Mr. Rose (or whoever else was responsible) for another excellent signing in Ben Phillips.
He's currently out-performing his career numbers in every department of his game.

We can't really fault most of the recent signings... aside from Langer and White, we've had Willoughby who came with a very average reputation, Phillips, whos done well, and a Trego who was completely flourished.

I misread that and thought that you'd said that we can't fault the signings, other than Langer and White!!

But yes, FE, good point.

And now Alphonso has a first victim!

We need to get the ultra-aggressive, Mr Benning quickly now to really stamp our authority on this one.

No play at all at Southampton today. I do know (from personal experience) that their station was under water on Monday, so I don't know if the Rose Bowl is flooded? Or is really raining all day, down there? If so, let's hope it stays down there.

I too went out for lunch and that seems to have helped.

FE: is there a field near your pub? If so, please go back to the pub, have a few drinks and then drive round and round the field.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Surrey do bat a long way down and I was suprised to see us put them in. Langer must have read the pitch right becuase it was possible that Ramps Butcher AFzaal could have batted us out of the game/ Well bowled so far but the job's only half done. Anythign under 275 is a pretty good.

But I thought you were suggesting yesterday, FE, that we should drop Ben Phillips and play Mark Turner.

I think he was. And so was I. Personally, I didn't think Ben had been as effective against the top order as I thought Turner might be with his extra pace. There's also the consideration that if the two are at all 'neck and neck, for selection, then Mr Turner might be seen as a real long-term spearhead for SCCC.

Still, Ben's taken plenty of top-order wickets in this one!

SLC: that's why I said another good signing.

cjm: I was, because I though the extra pace would help on this pitch, and I'd still have had a fit Trego ahead of Ben, but that doesn't mean I can't offer praise where it's merited.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:05:30:14:17:21 by Frome Exile.

A good days play.

Mr Rose's record is great. All we need now is for Alphonso Thomas to destroy Surrey in their 2nd dig - like Jonah did at Tunbridge - and the levels of competition in our bowling department would be off the charts. And Mr Rose would start to look like more of a soothsayer than a 'mere,' Director of Cricket.

Competition for places is intense! All of the quicks are putting their hands up!

Time for Mr Blackwell to bowl - then it will be c Phillips (Long Off) b Blackwell.

You know it makes sense

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

The commentator appears to be enjoying the cricket.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

I suspect an ultra-slow pitch, guys. The main reason I say this is that guys like Ramprakash have been unable to score very quickly. Benning has scored very quickly, but then he’s a power-hitter. On slow pitches, guys that rely on timing can often be neutralized. But power-hitters often prosper. I remember Imran saying that, on slow pitches, Viv Richards would be more dominant than in any other situation because other people would barely get the ball off the square as there was no pace of ball onto bat, but Viv would use sheer blunt force to bludgeon the ball to all parts. If it is really slow, then folks like Banger and Ian may well be able to score much more quickly than most of the Brown Caps.

and, suddenly, a kind of stalemate seems to have occurred.

To be broken only by my 25 minute car journey! see you in 30!

excellent!!

A good days play,Somerset have done well.

Surrey TV has highlights of todays play.A good stumping from Craig.

I thought those commentators were brilliant, bright and cheerful and unbiased.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Brilliant stumping by Craig.

I hope to attend tomorrow. Is any one else going? looks like a good day so far.

I wasn't saying you'd got anything wrong, just happy now to be able to say we've signed lots of really quite average county pros (steff Jo as well) and they've performed better than anyone realistically expected.

Pitch may be slow, but we still got lots of good batsmen out, happy with that day at the office. Caddick won't get a game when he is fit!

yes I've been planning on going down. Forecast is heavy showers, (with no indication of what comes between them) but this is one of the closest they'll get to Lonnen so worth a day out.

No worries, SLC: just clarifying.

I, too was well impressed with the Surrey commentators.

Hope to catch some more of them later today.

A good day at the office for the Lads - need to wrap up the Surrey innings and put a good opening stand together. Batting won't be too easy methinks.

Caddick won't get a game when he is fit!

It may be a bigger issue than we all thought SLC and I mentioned it in the prelude to this game.

It isn't a case that we need Caddy because we are lacking, it's we need Caddy IF he is at the level of performance that is better than the guy he'll be replacing.

A fully fit Caddick would be on the list very early but he needs to be near top form to just 'walk' into this side at the moment. I expect him to be there once (and if) he gets himself sorted but the great situation is that he will have had to work to get there and not just be able to turn his arm over for a sufficiently prolonged time.

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Lets get Grockles website a mention

Just read that Luke Wright has been handed the role of a pinch hitter and he will open the batting in the one day series.

Sounds good to me

Somerset has put a third man in.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Sounds like we need a fourth and fifth Mike.

9 down Jim

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

I told you we needed them Mike.

326 all out

C'mon

I assume LoL and AG turned up at the ground half an hour ago,refreshed by morning slurps.
Their presence inspired the lads and intimidated the brown hatters,it's amazing what having a secret agent on your books can do for you.
I think Surrey have been shaken.
But not stirred.

This gives me some heart when I see who took the wickets.

Willoughby
Thomas
Phillips
3 each.

Blackwell 1

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

So Alfonso comes into the equation as well...complications abound!!

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Looks like Trego must be fit again the commentator said during the lunch break he must have run around the boundary at lease 20 times.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

73-3

Edwards, Trescothick and Hildreth gone

And Langer's got dropped at slip

Not good

Excellent recovery.

Extremely good recovery.

Keep it going Jim !

Grizzzly

Well batted Blackie,keep it going.

Well Done Blackwell 100 up keep going

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Good hundred from Blackwell. Hopefully Langer can get one as well, and full batting points.

The internet radio is about 15 runs behind Cricinfo...unusual for that to happen!

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Great centuries from both of them - well played lads, a really big session for us this one.

Well done Langer this is getting repetitive.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Well batted Justin.

Must be something wrong with your internet Grockle.
Mine is ahead of Cricinfo.

Tremendous effort from both of them.

Especially pleased for Ian, who must take great pleasure from 'performing' in front of the skipper !

Keep it going !

Grizzzly

Well there can't be more than one surely! I'm listening to the Surrey coverage on a stand alone and Somerset are on 310 for 4 with Langer on 93

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Superb play by both of them,brilliant cricket.
I look forward to the reports from LoL and AG,those masters of the written word will be bursting to tell us all of the days events.
No problems here either Rob.

Grockle This happened to me the other day when Real Player kept buffeting when I had a bad connection.

A suggestion restart the real player.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:05:31:17:08:49 by Mike BOS.

I think you ought to pop round and sort it out Jim.
Barring that a hammer usually works Grockle.

No buffering but Ian has just got his ton off a bit of poor fielding. He even got a hug from his skipper. Hope he gets his hundred as well that would be really good!! Can't wait to hear if he does!!

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200 partnership.
Well done lads.
Bit of a noisy crowd.
I wonder who they are?

End of play,superb stuff from Langer and Blackie.
This one is for the taking.
Come on boys.

Hmmm, this is good, very good Maybe we should play on school pitches more often, how about Castle School?

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Cricket's the winner.

Shall we tell Grockle everybody's gone home.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Nah it's OK. It was Realplayer which seems to load it from the radio in 20 minute blocks but neglects to tell you that you have to tell it to run it in real time. I can pan back and forward within the 20 mins - now that's quite cool

Not too shabby ending on a 200 run partnership. May mend some bridges between two really good batsmen. Surrey commentator was particularly complimentary about Ian as a one day option for the national side.

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I am so pleased for Blackie and his mum. Well done, mate, oh and you Justin!

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

I was very pleased at the radio commentators reaction to Ian's display too.
I can see him being a real option again for England very soon.His one day bowling can be superb,as tight as a gnat's backside.
Wonderful for the lad,he's been through a lot.
Quality and class will always win through in the end,and he deserves another shot at it.
Let's hope whatever happened between him and Mr Langer,if anything,is a thing of the past.

That was 2 superb knocks. not least fro the speed at which they scored (see the Surreyt run rate of under 3) It is the 9th 200 + 5th wicket partnership for Somerset. It is the second highest against Surrey (Piran Holloway and Rob Turner in 1998 got 214) BUT it is the 3rd 200+ 5th wicket partnership that features one ID Blackwell
J Francis and Ian 320 v Durham ~UCCE
Marcus and Ian 214 v Notts
and now today.
If JL and IDB had failed today then we could have been in trouble

That last point GM is something that has been key to our success in the last two seasons.
In years gone by Somerset sides have flattered to deceive and faltered when things start to go wrong.
When a few wickets used to fall you knew it was squeaky bum time and others would follow pretty soon.
The last two seasons have been different,somebody has always come to the party to make sure we are in the very least competitive.
Hurry and Langer have instilled a self belief and sense of team that is admirable.
They work together and for each other,it is wonderful to see.
Anybody know the weather forecast for the London area as it's pretty grim here?
With a little luck we can record win number two.
Very,very impressive stuff today.

Hallo all!!

I've just got back from Whitgift.

Here are my thoughts;


Not massively impressed with either side in the closing part of the Surrey innings.

For us, Thomas bowled a good line and length but did not make the batsmen play often enough. He did come very close to getting Batty to nick behind in his second over, though. Later, he polished off the tail. Ben Phillips did not hit his straps. His first ball was down leg-side and it was a no-ball and he followed that up with a second ball which was a long hop outside off-stick. After that, the radar was better but he did not, at any point, have anyone in trouble. A short-length to Saqlain enabled the Pakistani to turn him away for a single to Jonah's right at square leg. Phillips was replaced by Willow. Charl bowled a mix of a few good balls and some stuff that was too short.

For Surrey's part, they lacked urgency.

LoL described this passage of play as "turgid."

Turgid was emphatically not the word that anyone would use to describe Neil Edwards' approach to the game though. He looked absolutely sublime and it was a shock to all - and a big dissappointment to me when he was dismissed after lunch. His cover-drive was particularly great to see, though he was also brutal in dispatching anything short and very strong off his legs too.

Banger played one beautiful back-foot drive, back past the bowler. Otherwise, he looked fairly solid until he was first dropped at slip and then caught at slip in short succession.

Edwards, frustratingly, appeared to play across a straight one to be bowled. It was one of the best 40s, I have ever seen.

Conversely, Zander De Bruyn played one of the least impressive 40s I have ever seen. I'm afraid it was not hard to see why he failed in the CC at Worcs. He appears - on this evidence - to be a compulsive driver. Put it in his half outside off-stick and he will flash at the ball. He must have nicked about four balls off the pacemen through the slips. He did play a couple of decent shots off Saqlain before being caught at slip off what may have been either a conventional arm-ball, or the 'doosra.'

James Hildreth seemed to completely miss a full-toss from Collins to be LBW.

Langer was very badly dropped, before scoring, by Mark Butcher. The catch - at slip - was of average height and below average pace. It was an awful error for Surrey.

As one would expect, JL went about his work in diligent fashion, from that point onwards, determined to make Surrey pay for their error. For some reason, Surrey intermittently decided to drop short to him. As I kept saying to the Notts fan and the Surrey fan, with whom I was sat, 'you don't bowl that length to a Western Australian.'

At the other end, the GREAT Ian David Blackwell dominated with consummate ease. He played pretty much every shot in the book. Some with great timing. Some with brutal power. He did not look in any trouble until he finally got one from Saqlain that bounced on him. He nicked it to Nicholson, at slip, who spilled the chance. Ian had made 79, I think, by that stage.

The good news, gents, is not so much the fact that we had this 200 partnership. It's not even how well Ian and Neil played. Nor the fact that Surrey muffed their catches. It's the fact that there seemed to be a bit of something there for both seamer and spinner throughout. I inspected the wicket at tea, and there was not a hint of green on there. It was all white rough, rye type grass. Therefore, I think if we can forge into a lead of 130 or so, then I think we have an above average chance of pushing for a win. On the other hand, if we flop in the first session tomorrow, there's a reasonable chance that the pitch might deteriorate considerably which would be music to Saqlain's ears.

The overnight pair must, ideally, carry on for at least 90 minutes or so in the morning. After them we have 3 guys averaging about 20 (Craig, Jonah, Ben) and one guy averaging 28, but in South Africa (where James Bryant averaged 40.) But conditions are not loaded in favour of the batsman and all bar Dernbach have played at least one Test (of the Surrey bowlers). Additionally, there is likely to be some heavy cloud cover tomorrow, too. So, this isn't a foregone conclusion, by any manner of means.

Overall, a great day in which Neil Edwards and Ian both looked tremendous.

Ian should certainly be moved ahead of De Bruyn in the batting order.

btw.. just before the close I met Tractor and LoL and Will the Exile and a fourth gentleman that I believe was introduced to me (by LoL) by the name of Phil (apologies to him if that was not his name.)

Very glad to have met you all. You looked like you had had a splendid day and were about to have a splendid evening!! (this company were last seen heading off to find a place that was described by Tractor as 'the one-fifty place,' so I think the area may be drunk dry tonight.)

p.s. LoL..... The weather forecast that I have seen is not as bad as the one which it sounded like you might have seen. Intermittent showers, possibly only on the light side, seems to be the call for tomorrow. If they come down after we've batted and add a bit of dampness to the pitch, then that might not be a bad thing.

Thanks AG. I'll use it in the update if that is OK.

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Absolutely, Grockle, no problem at all.

It really was an excellent day. Ian dominated as we all know he can. As usual, he lost nothing by comparison with the internationals, Langer and Banger. Equally, Neil Edwards also lost nothing in comparison with those two, either.

If Neil can find a way to - perhaps - concentrate better (if that's what the issue is?) in order to convert his starts, then he might get a shot at international cricket. At the very least, he could become a dominant opener for SCCC.

I got that impression last year AG there was more than one time last year when he was the aggressive member of an opening partnership than his more illustrious companion.

He can be every bit as devastating as those with a more famous reputation.

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It may surprise none of you to hear that, on such a splendid day for our chaps, I missed the lot on account of.................being in the car!
Really pleased at what I've arrived home to!

Well done, FE.

Could I interest you in a job as a rally driver?

this is great stuff. just logged on as tonight after spending the day in richmond with friends. we were 37-0 when i last looked. really pleased for ian blackwell. interesting points by a god and tomorrow morning is obviously going to be the pivotal session of the match. i hope to get down there.

Grockle - do you have any notion at all as to why Neil seems to be not even in the conversation for our one-day team?? He lacks for neither range of shot, nor power of shot.

I think it's more than a little odd that we don't even seem to consider him in the short stuff.

Is it that he's not considered quick enough between the wickets, perhaps??

Not really. When he first started there were assumptions that his strength was as a Championship opener, supporting a strokemaker and taking the Peter Bowler role.

However, in the last couple of seasons he has been the run maker on more than one occasion and certianly seemed to be making a play for a place in a one day side at the start of this season. I suppose his injury gave that option to John Francis but should the option appear again I wouldn't be surprised if Niel appeared in a one dayer.

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I forgot one other detail from today.

Marcus has some kind of injury affecting his left hand. Index finger has some kind of taping/bandage on it. He fielded at mid-off throughout, presumably as a concession to the injury. It looked like he enjoyed fielding there, though, as he got very involved in chatting to the bowler between deliveries. When Banger batted, the injury did not seem to inconvenience him in any way whatsoever.

I don't have much to add to AGod's report - and my old eyes aren't half as sharp as his. I go to the cricket as much for the ambience as the technicalities and enjoyed a pint or so of ambience in the company of the well-voiced Tractor, who had one or two more than I did. The aforesaid was indeed in excellent form and it was good that the Surrey spectators took his comments in a good spirit.

I did not see what Surrey were trying to do in the first ninety minutes; they scored at around one run every two minutes, and their final total, achieved in just under four sessions, was slightly lower than Somerset's achieved in just over two sessions.

Edwards was hugely impressive, oozing class and confidence; Trescothick seemed a little out of sorts. Hildreth had no chance to shine, losing his wicket before he got his eye in. I enjoyed De Bruyn's knock more than AGod did, but don't think he did any better than, say, Durston would have done. Langer was initially jittery, but settled down to play second fiddle for much of the last session to everybody's favourite, IDB, who gave another master class in controlled hitting. It was good to see this pair taking lots of singles and there were two sessions of hugging, as each achieved his century. I hope that thus augurs well for their working relationship.

Now, weather allowing, we must press on to a big score tomorrow. Tractor has already informed us we'll be 300 ahead by tea and I, as some of you know, demand to witness one triple century per season, so one of JL or IDB has to score two hundred more in two sessions. I think it's IDB's turn.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

How was the one fifty place LoL?

Cheap and cheerful and an excellent location to round off, in company with Tractor and others, a day of shire cricket at its best.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

It sounds superb,I hope you're all able to repeat the dose tomorrow.

Just back. Stopped for supper in Horsham with the lady wife. Very good supper (Pizza Express) (recomend the 2005 Pinot Grigiot) and beer in the Black Jug (Bath Gem and Cains Raisin) well worth drinking. No one has mentioned the lack of real ale at the match absolutely apalling for such a delightful venue ( the ground is quite pictures...kew..esk surounded by trees with a wonderful bank forming a natural amphitheatre) quite fantastic. The grockles contingent accounting for themselves well with Lol and Tractor being in exceptionally good form, good to meet Streeter as well as all the others mentioned.

OK the morning was slow but that was because Surrey was batting and we were bowling. Note that Surrey achieved in 4 sessions less half an hour what we did in 2 sessions plus half an hour. Some credit should be given to our bowling for that. Edwards looked very stilish (having style incase spelling has let me down). Tresco seemed to struggle and looked slightly out of sorts, although so did Langer who went on to make a centuary (yes he was dropped a few times early but if you can make them while your struggling then good luck). Blackwell's innings was supreme an enjoyable and well deserved ton. A few more runs are definitely required tommorrow as the pitch is starting to do a bit. Saqlain at one stage was getting some exceptional turn and bounce. The wicket is very dry and dusty with almost no grass on it. (grass fine standard wicket grass unlike the coarser stuff at Taunton). Outfield very green and lush,boundary short. A few too many fielding mistakes by the home side.

A fantastic day all round. Thanks to players and specatators for making it so. Brilliant prospects for tomorrow. The next milestone is the rcord partnership for the 5th wicket against Surrey (214 at present) then the bonus points and (acording to Tractors scenario of 16.15 today) a lead of 300 by tea (or lunch) tommorrow.

Not allowed out to play tomorrow but it will be nice to see some of you at Canterbury on Wednesday.

What alovely day it sounds like you've all had,would it be wrong of me to say I'm slightly jealous?
Thanks to BR who alerted us to the site we can all enjoy the highlights of the days play on the home side's own station.
For the lazy,here is the link;

Surrey TV

The first session is going to be crucial today.If we can continue as we did last night I think we'll be in the box seat by tea.
I'm so riveted to this match that I've cancelled my plans to go out today so I can listen to the game.

Will, one point I can't get my head around. How is Horsham anywhere near your way home?!

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Sounds like a marvellous day, but plenty to do today. East London is dry, with a little bit of sun trying to poke through...hopefully Whitgift has a full days play ahead of it...

Wurzel, I live 6 miles from Horsham, its one of my 3 alternative railway stations for going places (and coming back)!

For some strange reason, there are 61 people presently interested in that little gem of news Will. Is something going on that I don't know about? Why. this morning do we have huge amounts of people checking out what's happening in Surrey?

Welcome one and all nevertheless!

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Hope you guys enjoy a great day today too. Ask Tractor to give them a shout from me!!

More batting points please. And then....

It was indeed a great day out. I even got to put some faces to names, nice to meet you Exile, Tractor,Agod and LoL. That Mr.Tractors enthusiasm is very infectious, five minutes standing next to him and I was opening my lungs as well!! As someone has said though seemed to be taken in good part by the Surrey gentlemen and ladies.
I came away very impressed by the boys. Great shame when Neil was out as he was striking the balls beautifully. A very nervous half hour when 3 wickets fell and Justin was dropped but after Ian came to the crease it all came good. Two very impressive innings there for different reasons really. I didn't think Justin was timing the ball for most of the time but he stuck in there and kept going. It has to be a sign of real class when you make centuries without being completely on top of your game. Ian was a revelation. It can be very misleading when you see scores and reports of big hits without actually seeing the innings (which I very rarely do).He is so not a slogger. He seems to play most shots with only three-quarter power and a lot of control. And he's quite content to defend as appropriate. There is an awsome sense of authority about him at the moment. Given a fair sky prospects look good for this one.

Quote:

Grockle
For some strange reason, there are 61 people presently interested in that little gem of news Will.

But seven of them are 0117!

Morning all!

Morning FE,and everyone else.
Skipper gone,time to get heads down and build.
Off to the shop.

Now what should Somerset do?

First get Maximum batting points, then should they try and get a large score ahead of Surrey or declare about 100 in-front, and then try and get Surrey out cheaply leaving us a small target to get.

Or.....

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Keep going as normal for this session. Have to hope to only bat once!

150 for Blackie - very well done. Controlled batting according to the estimable Surrey commentary.

Well supported by Craig.

Keep going lads.

440-6 - Blackie bowled by Dernbach for 158.

Superb innings by Blackie!

Ben has joined Craig.

Some collapse to 446 all out. May the wickets continue to tumble ;-)

Time to get working on those wickets tumbling lads and lasses.
Great innings Blackie,you're a hero.

Need a couple of quick wickets now - FE, you don't fancy a jaunt round the M25, do you - maybe two laps?

I'm in and out of my Dad's motorhome; getting it squared away from my trip to HQ next weekend.
Perhaps I should at least start the engine!

Time for Blackwell, we need wickets.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

What did I say.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

i've got some pictures from the last couple of days and I'd like to add LoL and AG's comments onto the story but I don't seem to be able to access the admin page at the moment so it will have to happen later - apologies.

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Set up nice now with Ramps gone.

Even better now BR.

Blackwell is getting a lot of bounce

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

We need to get them out pretty sharpish.
Batting last could be interesting,I wouldn't fancy chasing too many.

a real shame but the weather forecast is pretty bad for monday. hopefully the rain won't be the winner in what has been an excellent game

Let's hope so because as you say Tuffers this has been a superb match,as was the game against Kent.
Who needes gimmicks when you've got cricket of this quality being played?
Perhaps the men who make the decisions need to look at how they promote the County game.
They already have the entertainment.
Just get the message out to everyone.

Good wicket Newman out for 91 well done Jones

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Won't need tomorrow boys......SISUO will see us home tonight!

Not if the light intervenes.

I can't remember Blackwell causing so many problems, wish I was there.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Willo is bowling spin to keep the game going.Pity Trigger isn't playing he could have bowled his leg spin.

At least we are getting a commentary Mike.

Cricinfo got their knickers in a twist again; they have Willoughby and Jones bowling part overs.

I think it was Willoughby bowling spin that fooled them.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

It looks to me as though Charl has broken down, please someone tell me otherwise.

wcg

Benning bowled Willo so no problems it's only the light that's a problem

He has just taken a wicket with spin.

Well done the umpires for keeping them out there.

And another wicket.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:01:16:22:55 by Mike BOS.

What has happened to Butcher?

Batty gone now. 165/6 and tottering.
Butcher in now with a runner.Should be fun

Do we have another injury though Is it Jones ?

So it sounds like we need to get as much of the game finished tonight as possible, and hope that the forecast isn't right for tomorrow?

Willo bowling tweakers eh?! Quality stuff.

Come on the boys!

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BVI Grockle

I don't think we have any injury's because Jones was waiting to bowl when the ball was giving to Willoughby because of the light.

Run out by your runner and the captain

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:01:16:42:10 by Mike BOS.

I've said it many times before about Blackie and will say it again.
When he gets things right he can be virtually unplayable.
In all my years of watching cricket I had never seen anything like his display against Glamorgan at HQ a few years back.
He can still do a job for England.
He's grown up a lot in the last couple of years and is now showing the world that he is a superb cricketer.
Well done Blackie.
You are a hero,a true Somerset great.

He's too good for England.

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Cricket's the winner.

His biggest improvement Jim is his accuracy he doesn’t bowl many bad balls. That is why he’s so economic in one day matches.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Extraordinary stuff with Willow bowling spin. Did anyone else know he could do that?

If it stays dry tomorrow, this won't be as easy as some might think. I looked at the wicket at tea yesterday and it looked very dry and it sounds as though Ian has been all but unplayable today. There's not only turn, but prodigious bounce. It won't be simple playing Saqlain and Afzaal under such circumstances.

Superb stuff by Ian, though. Really great to see. And another thoroughly compelling game of cricket for the second game in a row.

Met Office rainfall radar suggests that we might be lucky to see any play at all after lunch tomorrow.

In better news, although very heavy rain is forecast for Tuesday, the rainfall radar is completely clear for the trip to Canterbury on Wednesday.

Well you learn something new every day. I`ve watched cricket for quite some time and was unaware that that was permitted.

wcg

From the commentary today, it sounded as though Zander De Bruyn fielded extremely well. They also said that Craig kept wicket brilliantly and that Alphonso Thomas bowled extremely well at Ramprakash.

I'm bound to wonder whether JL is wishing, though, that we'd either picked a second spinner or batted first in this one?

Sorry Mike,

I meant to say Thanks

WCG

Unaware what was permitted, Gooner? If you mean CW bowling spin - Ok, it doesn't happen that often that someone switches from seam to spin, but neither is it that rare. I'd say it's more common than, let me see, Wenger picking an English player...

Hi SP,

No not that, but the fact that Willoughby appeared to finish Jones`s over so that we could stay on the pitch Was unaware that he could bowl spin though Terrific versatility. As regards the football Foreign talent is cheaper and in most cases better Red and White comes first!

WCG

His accuracy has been quite amazing for quite a while now,though he is doing it with much more consistency.
I rate him very highly as a bowler.
I don't pick the England side though,sadly.
If I did he'd be Skipper,top all rounder and speech maker.
He's a star and we're lucky to have him.

Hi Gooner - no, Willo would only have been able to complete Jones' over if Jones had been injured - he couldn't have just taken over to bowl slow to save going off for bad light. Jones could have bowled the last ball slow, telling the umpire he was going to do so, if they were on friendly speaking terms and the ump had said it would be prudent to do so.

WCG That didn't happen Blackwell had just finished his over and Jones was waiting to bowl, the ball was handed to Willoughby instead because of the light.

Cricinfo got their information wrong again, and have now corrected it.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

I'm surprised no-one has yet suggested that (admittedly with hindsight, and Alfonso's 3 first innings wickets notwithstanding) we might be regretting leaving out Munday.

BBC radio once again showed no idea what was happening outside of squad members or those who 'just missed out'.

They made a huge thing of the fact that Matt Prior was scoring a few but had been left out of the one day side while another one day ex England player was scoring 150 odd and taking wickets but wasn't even added to the conversation. Just the fact nothing else. Yawn.

And who is the spinning all rounder in the one day squad? Are we gong to see Kev P twirling away?

One thing though. Did people know that Marcus was the highest scoring English batsmen this season as of this set of games?

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Graeme Swann; possibly; and yes.

I heard that on radio five at lunchtime Grockle,though they said somebody in the Sussex match was poised to overtake him.
The way Blackie is treated by the media is amazing,you could swear he's done something awful to upset them.
Hopefully his ability will do the talking for him and now he's doing it at the highest level available they'll start to see him in all his glory.
As a spinning allrounder for the ODI side he'd do a sterling job I'm sure.
Let's hope the current management are prepared to give him a chance.
It'd be down to the man then to show them what he can really do.

Saw some highlights on Sky Sports News (so guess more meaningless kissball like the Japanese Under 15 football league hasn't started yet!) and the big thing that struck me was how much this team seem to enjoy playing with each other.

Far from the cheap congratulations you see elsewhere, the hug from Kieswetter to Blackie on reaching 150 looked incredibly genuine.

Add to that the way the bowler was mobbed each and every time a wicket fell and it would seem that we have a very harmonious and happy changing room at Somerset.

They seem to treat every minor success as a stage in a battle and, if that continues and they concentrate session by session, it can only be a good thing.

If this is the result of success then all well and good. However, I think much of it is down to the management team and well done to them for it. Long may it continue, especially if the going gets tough.

This time last year we lost to Middlesex at Lord's. Fingers crossed the weather will hold for this game against Metropolitan opposition and we can climb higher in the table ahead of playing the Tykes.

All good stuff.

VtF.

It was another excellent day at the lovely Whitgift ground, though there was very little sunshine.

Blackwell and Kieswetter batted splendidly early in the morning and we were beginning to think that Tractor's scenario of 600 by tea was quite realistic. Then both of them were out and a group of us, including the aforesaid, slipped out for a pub lunch, where we received a surprising text message to say that suddenly we were all out.

Newman batted well in the afternoon, but nobody else convinced much. Ramprakash hit a couple of fours but looked nervous and it was not a massive surprise that he was out for only fifteen - though many thanks to Jones for that. Blackwell was getting extraordinary lift and I'd like to comment on the unfussy and completely competent way that Kieswetter dealt with balls coming through at erratic height and pace. Willoughby looked as if he'd been bowling slow left arm all his life and his wicket was well deserved.

It would have been nice to finish things off tonight, especially given the uncertain forecast, and at one stage we were thinking that the extra half hour might see us home. A win tomorrow would, I think, take us to the top of the table, clearly the end at which we belong.

Another great day - sadly for me my last until August.

And apologies to Will the Exile, whom somehow we lost on the way to the pub on Saturday evening.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:02:23:05:20 by Loyal of Lhasa..

I could understand you losing someone coming away from a pub but not going to.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Nice one LoL,that's lovely.
When Tractor was referring to 600 by tea it's my guess that he was predicting the amounts of alcoholic units the party would down that afternoon.
It sounds like you've all had a splendid time.
I look forward to seing you later in the year.

Lol - no worries, did very well for my self and can thoroughly recommend Cains Raisin Beer. Still managed to wake up with an apres cricket hangover despite not drinking at the match (no real ale) Weather looks very worrying on the beeb satalite. Really need to get on with it if they can.

To say I'm jealous of you lot is, frankly, an understatement.

... jealousy coming from a man who lives near Taunton... whatever next!

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

YOu didn't fancy the bottles of Bishop's Finger then, Will?

Not raining in London, yet.

I think it's imperative that, should Surrey decide to bowl pacemen with the new-ball, we launch a ferocious attack on them, since getting runs off Saqlain may be very difficult indeed.

In fact, I would be tempted to open with JL and NE as I think that we must have Marcus available to counter Saqlain and cannot risk losing him at the top of the order.

We also need to make sure that we bowl better than we did early doors on Saturday (when Surrey were also 7 down.)

FE - I did suggest, four or five posts before yours that JL might wish that 'either we'd picked a second spinner, or else we'd batted first.'

So you did, AG.
I was so busy yesterday that I skimmed rather, and missed it. I must confess that when I said I was surprised no-one had mentioned it, I had you perhaps foremost in my mind.

Nice picture of Blackie on the CricInfo front page today (shame Harmy's hat-trick gets the headline, though! ).
Is it me, or does IDB look a little lither than of late?

For the first time since 1994 I think I'm going to be diplomatic here.
I thought Blackie looked a tad chunky on watching the highlights on Saturday.
Nothing wrong with being a tad chunky in my opinion,he is comfortable with himself and in superb form.
Perhaps the form player in the Championship.
Anyway,I alaways thought I played best when a tad hung-over.
If not a tad drunk.

anyone any bright ideas as to why we've opened up with seam? It sounded like Willow's spin was doing a really nice job yesterday?

Got it now.
Lets get going.

I guess we might (reluctantly) have to consider the new ball to blow away Dernbach and Collins?

My hope was that we got them out for 220 by 1200. With 14 minutes to go and it now 212 for 8 I may have been a tad optmistic. It is time that we changed Thomas into Willoughby and yes I agree open with NE and JL and go for it if they bowl seam

Yippee!!!!

Pedro Collins, with an average of 4, may make your prediction come true...

Hallo, Tractor, do you have internet access from the ground today? Or just keeping your powder dry for Wednesday?

Well done GM, all out with 2 minutes left before midday.

As Tractor said Yippee!!!!

Now Somerset need 108 with plenty of time

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Yes, but 7 runs too many. 108 is not as easy as it looks with a pitch taking spin and the threat of rain but if we hadn't scored as quickly in the first innings then we would not be in this position, Shades of lat year where our scoring rate was often the difference between a draw and a win. Here's hoping that we win in say 32 overs which will be at say 3.00. I fancy a score from Hildreth today.

We have to be positive,right from the start.
My commentary has gone down again.
Bill Hooks.

I said it wouldn't be easy. Their ploy of opening with Saqlain has worked...just as well Marcus opened rather than our thoughts. What do we know anyway.

It was never going to be easy on a pitch that is four days old and misbehaving.
We have to be positive.
It's the only way.

Yes BJ. Positive batting is the only way.Scratching around only leads to disaster. Nevertheless I'm glad its 108 not 208.

That little session at the end of yesterday where the likes of Batty and Butcher were banished is looking huge, right now.

Only fifty more needed.
Why do they have to take lunch?
Stupid rules.

It’s a good job we do have commentary cricinfo is so slow updating today, it sounds like some of you have had your E/Mails read out today.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Can't we claim an extra half-hour?

The last thing we need is lunch.

Need to hit as many as possible before lunch, if we're forced to take it.

Ten in two balls.
Nice one Skipper.

Banger puts him out of the ground now.
They want the afternoon free.

19 off the over.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Excellent positive batting by Trescothick and Langer this morning.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

STRIKE UP THE BAND!!!

My word, these last two CC games have been totally compelling contests - and excellent overall performances from SCCC.

Do we really have to stop for some hit and giggle?

Seriously, it's going to a difficult balancing act in the hit and giggle between wanting to rest key CC players and not wanting to lose momentum by losing too many 20:20 games even if we're not really that bothered about this competition, next to the FP and absolutley, definitely not next to the CC.

In three innings for Somerset against Surrey Langer has scored exactly 500 runs; that's 166.66 each time.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Langer gone for 46 - trying to force a win before lunch break.

94-2 and 14 to win - brilliant stuff from Banger and Langer. Scoring at tremendous rate despite the problems of bounce from the pitch.

Keep it going lads - finish quickly before any risk of rain!!

Excellent commentary again from Surrey radio. Hope they can hold onto their tent for the post-lunch finale!

We've got the winning streak in us and I'm sure those selected for the other competitions will want to continue the trend.
How wonderful to see Banger and Langer take the game to Surrey in the pre-lunch period,fantastic stuff.
A big thumbs up once again to the BBC London commentators,they have been very fair and provided great entertainment.
We must surely get a service to match for home matches.
It's a bit of a joke that we don't.

Is it really necessary to stop for lunch when there are only 14 runs required?

I'm in the office so can't listen to the radio commentary - is there a serious chance of rain in the next hour, have they said?

can anyone hear the fat lady yet

Very similar post SjB,you're on my wavelength.
Or I'm on yours.
I apologise for this.

Does anyone else agree that Ian should come out immediately after lunch? A couple of blows from him and even the kind of collapse that we had in the second-half of our first innings, would not be able to stop us.

And, yes - in the hour or so that I listened to them at the end of yesterday, I've been enormously impresed with the Surrey radio team. They have been hugely complementary about Ian and have also praised several other aspects of our performance, including Zander's fielding (two great slip catches and a run-out), Craig's keeping and even Charl's spin bowling.

I think we'll escape the rain, but I'm not sure whether we'll escape a victory.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

No - their feeling is the rain is not imminent.

But the weather satellite map is not looking very good for that area.

BJ I am always happy to be on your wavelength!! Especially on a day when we should gain a significant victory.

IF the rain comes and beats us it would be a travesty - we have outplayed Surrey for most if the match

rainfall radar does not look good. This ridiculous business about having to take lunch is entirely illogical. If you can claim an extra half-hour at the end of the day to get a result, why should you not be able to claim it before either of the scheduled breaks in the day? I can't believe this is really all about selling extra meat-pies or something, because the financial benefits of so doing must be negligible?

brilliant last 30 minutes for us up to lunch

Quote:

AG
Does anyone else agree that Ian should come out immediately after lunch?

I don't. I don't think the benefit , if there is any, of bringing the denoument a few moments forward, would outweight the potential damage of sending the wrong message to Hildreth. Ian's contributed plenty to this match, and James deserves a chance to makes his contribution, too.

What about if the rain looks imminent and/or it's starting to drizzle, FE?

Then the benefits of bringing the denoument forward would be not inconsiderable, would they not?

Excellent stuff. Now I can go and eat ...

So good to have an internet commentary and highlights on Surrey TV. Something that we so sadly lack.

VtF.

A great great win, made to look very easy in the end. And some very generous commentary from the Surrey men.

Top of the table and there we must stay for the next eleven matches.

It's now more than a year since we lost a CC match.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Interesting point AG/FE. My hunch is to go with Hildreth.

I still think Hildreth.
He's not exactly hesitant himself.

Superb win - well done the Lads!!

Top of table from the bottom in just two games - something of a record (?)

On to the quarter final now - team confidence must be on an almighty high! Look out Kent!!

As he has just demonstrated.

EXCELLENT win, with contributions from pretty much everyone.

Happy, happy, happy days.

So did, JL, FE!

Two tremendous results in the last two games (one suspects that Surrey will be hard to beat, all year long, and Kent will win plenty of games.)

I just wish the rain hadn't deprived of us of our chance to win at Old Trafford, too. You'd have to imagine that Lancs would have struggled, batting last, versus the great Ian David Blackwell. And we had Munday playing too!

Of course, we also had chances to force wins over both Hants and Sussex too!!

Well well well. Tremendous stuff. I forecast a 3.00 finish because I could not imagine us scoring at 7.5 an over. I did say I fancied JH for a score and he couldn't have done much more could he. The problem is, and we found it last year, that no one will dare set us a run chase.

'Twas ever thus, Geordie - nobody ever set us a target when we had Viv and Both!

This lunch thing. I heard others say that last week when Kent only needed another 20 or so might well have got them if there hadn't been the lunch interval. I've always said that lunch was a great idea. Long may it continue. I'm having an extended lunch break from now until tomorrow afternoon when that train leaves for Canterbury. This really is a fantastic result. Headaches galore on team selection for the Yorks game next week (if not the Kent one-dayer). Let the thunder resound and lightning dazzle that lovely ground for the rest of the afternoon. An extremely enjoyable weekend in the company of grocklees old and new, and apologies to those Surrey members who were probably a little cheesed off with my cheering every run on Saturday (there were quite a few of them - runs I mean). On wards and upwards.

Doesn't that look nice

Look Here :- [content-uk.cricinfo.com]

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Brillaint,super,incredible.
This is some team,fantastic.
Here's the table;


Division One Championship

Posted at the same time Mike.
That's twice today that's happened to me.
Spooky.

We are top of the league, say we are.............

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Snap Jim

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

I thought they took it quite well, Mr Tractor Driver!

Certainly the crowd where I was were extremely fair and complimentary about our team.

I was particularly pleased to note that the Surrey fan that I was conversing with had this to say about Ian (before he'd even come out.)

"I've always been impressed with Blackwell. Do you think he's realised his full potential?"

That makes a very welcome change to the usual 'I get my opinions from Agnew,' supporter that I often encounter.

And it's an interesting question, isn't it?

My answer was that I said I thought he had with the ball, but that I think he can do even better than he has done with the bat. I've seen Ian bat, many times, in the same game as various internationals and he never seems to lose anything in comparision with any of them (with the bat) as far as I can see.

Well done to the boys - both playing and supporting.

Fantastic result.

Will Caddy play Wednesday?
Will the team change much for Friday?

Brian Rose is going to have earn his money this week!

I continue to suspect that Caddy will be held over until after the 20:20 and play some second XI stuff in the meantime. It's a fantastic situation to be in - that we're doing well even without that most fantastic of servants.

And, being honest, how many people would have expected (not hoped) to be top of the tree, if they'd known that AC would not have bowled a ball in anger????

I delayed cutting the lawn until Somerset had completed thier win now it is raining.

It was worth it.

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Quote:

AGod
You'd have to imagine that Lancs would have struggled, batting last, versus the great Ian David Blackwell. And we had Munday playing too!

That is, I assume, only given that Lancs weren't playing as well as they could....

Simply wonderful to turn on your computer in the morning and see a famous Somerset victory. All the talk of a flat wicket, we win the toss and put them in and win the game with aggressive batting, strike bowling and excellent spin late in the game. We batted last on a 'bunsen' against one of the best spin bowlers of the past 20 years and won. Magic.

Top of the league at the start of June. If we can turn the Yorkies over then we'll have a month of 2020 to prepare for the big push to glory.

Note of caution - Durham do have a game in hand... OK that's enough caution. Fantastic stuff.

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BVI Grockle

of course, Bloke, if they'd played as well as they could do, they've have beaten us by an innings and 412 runs. In four sessions.

It's now raining, here in London!!!

Quote:

Tractor
This lunch thing. I heard others say that last week when Kent only needed another 20 or so might well have got them if there hadn't been the lunch interval. I've always said that lunch was a great idea. Long may it continue. I'm having an extended lunch break from now until tomorrow afternoon when that train leaves for Canterbury. This really is a fantastic result. Headaches galore on team selection for the Yorks game next week (if not the Kent one-dayer). Let the thunder resound and lightning dazzle that lovely ground for the rest of the afternoon. An extremely enjoyable weekend in the company of grocklees old and new, and apologies to those Surrey members who were probably a little cheesed off with my cheering every run on Saturday (there were quite a few of them - runs I mean). On wards and upwards.

I wonder if Mr Saggers will meet your train this year.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

Rain stopped play at Southampton; still playing at Lord's.

Haha to both of your posts AG

Can't remember which game it was a couple of seasons ago when Somerset required an awkward number of runs to win a CC match, so sent Johnno out (either to open, or certainly way up the order) who smashed the necessary runs in very quick time, minutes before the heavens opened. Sounds like this could have been a close run thing too.
Those Radio Surrey chaps were very good indeed. Reading out those emails from such far flung places as Batchit (with a 'W'). WE have Surrey at home Tue Aug 12th, wonder if they can do the internet radio coverage for that game - silly me, there'll be a queue of Radio Bristol, Somerset, local HTV, Ponts West commentators all jostling for position at that one.

Tonight's HTV news lineup:

20 minutes on how Gloucestershire played out a fascinating draw with the mighty Warwickshire, featuring a reporter at the scene and footage of someone playing a forward defensive; interviews with the players, managament, tea ladies, scorers and both members of the crowd.

Oh, and before we go for the night, Somerset are top of the CC1 table.

Good night.

We won a game at Southend, too, where Mushy was sent up the order to deal with the turning ball vs Such and Childs. Worked a treat. Somerset won by 7 wickets.

BBC Sport news ticker has "Somerset beat Surrey..." ahead of "Inter Milan appoint Jose Mourinho...".

What is the world coming to? Has the football season stopped? Who do I write to to complain?!!!

Rain stopped play at Gloucester and Lord's now.

Durham may indeed have a game in hand but we share an almost identical points-per-match average.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:06:02:14:32:17 by Loyal of Lhasa..

Ooooh, our pals at MTWD will be sitting uneasily in their seats, given that they have a run-chase of 90...

This is from The Guardian County Championship Blog.

A great piece of insight and very heartening :

2.30pm And so it goes: Somerset sealed victory shortly after lunch, Surrey's gambit of opening with Saqlain Mushtaq and introducing Usman Afzaal as first change doing little to disguise the fact that their lead of 107 was never going to worry a team containing the likes of Langer and Trescothick, writes Andy Bull.
Those two engaged in a competition to try and end the game before the lunch break - Afzaal supplying an ample number of pies (his five overs went for 49) that the two old pros tucked to all parts of the ground. Langer admitted to us afterwards that he'd been trying to finish the game before lunch, and he managed eight of the 22 he needed from the last over before he came down the wicket and was, a little embarrassingly, clean bowled by Afzaal.
Anyway, it took eight balls after lunch for Somerset to finish the chase, and they swiftly retired to their portacabin dressing room for a group huddle and a long loud chorus of the Blackbird Song by the Wurzels. Langer also singled out Ian Blackwell for his performance in the match, adding, incredulous at the thought, that Blackwell had actually been running laps after the close of play on Saturday (when he was 104 not out overnight). If anything is indicative of a change in the culture at the club it is that.

[www.last.fm]

Chorus]
Where be it Blackbird to?
I know where he be,
He be up yon Wurzel tree,
And I be after he!
Now I sees he, And he sees I,
@#$%&'d if I don't get 'en
Wit a girt big stick I'll knock 'im down
Blackbird, I'll 'ave thee!
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
'Ow's 'E Fadder?
(Audience Answer) Allright!

All me life I'm on the farm,
Workin' for me keep
Tendin' pigs and chickens,
And they cows and sheep
And then while I'm workin',
there's one who always mocks me
He sittin up 'dere in the trees,
blackbird I'll 'ave thee!

Chorus

Underneath the open sky
in spring we loves to dine.
We likes to 'ear the flappin'
of the missus' washin' line
We listens to a tuneful song,
a blackbird or a @#$%&,
But on me vest and underpants
he scored a direct hit!

Chorus

If I goes out poachin',
a creepin' through the fields,
With me old retriever,
a followin' at me heels.
If I aim me shotgun at a pheasant in the hay
That bloody blackbird starts his row
and frightens him away!

Chorus

No longer can I sleep at night,
get peace of any kind,
That bird'll be the death of me,
he's prayin' on me mind!
If I chase him long enough,
I'll get 'en by and by,
And celebrate me vict'ry
wit a girt big blackbird pie!

Chorus

Thanks TP I am playing it while reading

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.

Yes, thanks indeed, TP. Brightens up a dull afternoon.

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Botham standing for free speech, coffee and biscuits

My afternoon was already bright enough.

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LoL

Sixty-one Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Is it strictly a Wurzels song?

Nevertheless...You-tube.

I can see us singing loud and proud at the Friends Provident Trophy Final.

There is one good thing to come out of match for one Surrey player Jade Dernbach has put pen to paper on a contract extension to remain at the Brit Oval until the end of the 2010 season.

Full story :- [www.ecb.co.uk]

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Oddball: Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose.