Somerset
Hampshire and Easter Bunnies
By Grockle
April 18 2025
A grey Good Friday at Utilita Bowl (not 'the' I've been told). Few people here expect four days of cricket BUT the hover cover is going off and it looks like we will start and then we'll go from there. No reunion with Sonny Baker as England have asked Hampshire to 'rest' him (Zimbabwe debut?)
CC1 Game 3 Somerset v Hampshire @ Utilita Bowl Good Friday 18 April 2025
This game is not expected to operate over all of the next four days. Rain is forecast every day but we start on time. Hampshire have won the toss and put us in. Sonny Baker is not going to bowl against his former county as England have asked Hampshire to 'rest' him so they may be looking at an early debut for the young bowler (Zimbabwe?)
Somerset have named a side that does not include captain Gregory (Abdomen injury) or Davey (rested?)
The side is;
Vaughan, Dickson, Lammonby, Abell, Banton, Rew, Aldridge, Overton, Pretorius, Leach, Ogborne
James Rew will captain for the first time for the county (he has done duty as England U19 skipper) and as such beats Abell's record (aged 22) as our youngest ever at 21. Alfie has been called up from the seconds given the lack of both Lewis and Josh.
The batting line-up remains the same facing the Abbott/Wheal new ball attack with almost no runs to their name and little faith from the travelling watching public that Archie and Sean will develop into the solution to our present fragility in that skill area.
Nevertheless Somerset are first up on a grey day as the game starts on time. How long we will be out there is another matter entirely.
Dickson is the first to go LBW to Wheal for 7 at 14 for 1 - nothing all that suprising and we gave it out from the second floor of the Ingelby-Mackenzie stand. Somerset's opening partnership issues continue and it still seems that Sean is not the solution we hoped he would be in 2023. Tom Lammonby strides out to finish the over.
After 10 overs we are still only 1 down and we have moved the score on to 27. In fact we move past 50 in the 16th as Fuller and Hampton take over the bowing roles for the home side. Tom L has moved on to 23 which is the same score as Archie presently though he has his from 26 balls and the younger man has taken 54. Nevertheless though, the pair are still there which instills hope in the Somerset faithful who are here. They produce a 50 partnership at 65 for 1.
Fuller makes a breakthrough as he dismisses Archie for 29 caught by Brown at 69 for 2. In comes Tom Abell as the floodlights are ominously switched on and Hampshire re-introduce Kyle Abbott. But it is Fuller who then sends Lammonby on his way for 36 wafting at a wide one caught by? The scoreboard says Prest but it looked like the keeper took it. Somerset are 78 for 3 as Banton arrives. Presently it is possible that we may even complete a whole session without a weather intervention!!
Before the break for lunch Hampshire re-introduce Brad Wheal to keep Somerset on their toes. It works as well as Gubbins takes an absolute blinder in the covers to send Tom Banton back for 5 though the delivery was from Abbott. 93 for 4 brings Rew in before his food, but it doesn't matter because he only lasts 3 balls and is then back in for lunch with the score at 93 for 5. Kasey does not take up the Gregory mantle all that well either as he is beaten for pace while playing down the wrong line by Wheal. Lunch arrives at 94 for 6.
It hasn't seemed like a 94 for 6 morning but we have fallen apart in the last 40 minutes of the session. Somerset went from 1 for 69 when Archie went in the 20th to 6 for 94 ( 25 more runs) with 3 wickets going for 1 run.
All this wasn't part of the plan I would imagine and without Lewis in that position of holding the tail together it puts a lot of pressure on Tom Abell and Craig Overton to pull this first innings together as Josh Davey is not there to provide stability. Although Migael is not a 'rabbit' with the bat, Jack and Alfie being at 10 and 11 suggest the end of this innings may come quickly without huger amounts of defiance from the next 3 bats.
The hover cover is on in the middle as the lunch break ends. There is drizzle but the groundstaff aren't 'sheeting' any other part though as I type that the main covers start to appear so there is obviously far more significant rain in the air. Within half an hour it is obvious that this looks like it will be a longish rain delay as they are pegging down and bringing on the covers around the boundary.
Nothing else happens in the day and the rain stays until early Saturday morning when it decides to go on its merry way and we re-commence at 11:30 with the weather suggesting that we might
DAY 2
Craig lasts a mere 4 balls before he gets a pretty good ball from Wheal and is caught behind without changing the overnight score which puts it in the hands of Jack Leach to help Tom Abell and Somerset get to 100 for 7 off the 10th ball of the day.
Jack seems to have come out to do more than just hold up an end and is forcing the pace of the game on as a viable partner for his colleague. Without Josh Davey as that 'possible' batting tailender, he seems to have decided this is his opportunity to forge a decent reputation as a bat at the end of the line-up (if he hasn't already reached 'legend' status in the minds of many at international level). Migael is far more of a 'get them while they are hot' kind of bat and maybe this is a good move to try and recover something from the mess this innings has been so far.
In retrospect there were possible more decent balls yesterday than was first thought with probably only Tom Lammonby and maybe Archie really at fault chasing balls they did not need to (though even Vaughan's did something and he is in his 'apprenticeship as such). However the consistent collapasable nature of the front end is more of a worry when the tail does not wag and the bowling is more fragile than it has been in past years.
Tom Abell is well in front to Fuller's third ball of the day. It moved a bit in the air and so became the ball you don't want to miss. Somerset reach 129 for 8 as Pretorius comes to the crease and Abell returns to the dressing room for 21.
Jack is adjudged LBW to Abbot for 20 at 136 for 9. He was not as convinced as the umpire it seems and wanders off very slowly but the replay suggests that unless he hit it he was pretty much done. Alfie is the last man in and the 150 looks a way away at the moment. 250 and a bonus point? In your dreams!!
The 150 arrives in the 46th with Alfie on 3 and Migael moving towards 20. The Hampshire bowlers seem far more wary of the South African with a bat than one would expect from a side with the opposition at 150 for 9. Maybe they don't want to face the new ball before lunch? It all seems a little weird and the home crowd are certainly not impressed by this mode of attack. Meanwhile the Somerset men stick to their task and see what might come from it.
Pretorius starts to be annoying as he moves into the 30s and Somerset reach 170. Maybe Migael is also getting a reputation as a man who will cause you batting problems. He has 'long handle' shots but he doesn't use them all the time. He has a strong defence and a good ground game. In fact he is an absolute pain in the rear if you don't take him seriously and allow him to get into his game.
Abbott and Wheal look to end the innings but MP seems to have other ideas as he moves to 47 from 40 with Ogborne operating as the 'other end keeper' on 6 from 43. The score has moved on to 184 and this 79 ball partnership has been significant as it moves towards a 50 which would come at 186. It doesn't arrive because Alfie is bowled by Wheal - a really good ball, no criticism of the young man at all.
Well played Mr Pretorius who has top scored with a really solid 47. Wheal takes 4 for 46 and Fuller also claimed 4 victims for 42. Somerset are all out for 184 and lunch is taken.
After the break Craig opens from the Pavilion End to Middleton and Stoneman (the man a few in Taunton hoped would be coming to us as an opener). Alfie is given the new ball at the Hotel End.
After 5 overs with 20 on the board the game has settled into a Day 2 afternoon kind of vibe, both bats are going at about the same pace and so are both bowlers. The sun is out and the rain has very much gone away so the game can now develop into something. Somerset are behind and need early wickets to get back into this game, they do not want any kind of partnership to develop at the start of the Hampshire innings, their objective has to be to disrupt the home side's order all day today and keep knocking them back.
Migael comes on for the first time taking the 9th from the Warne End with 34 on the board but no wickets in the Somerset column as of yet. Just before he starts it seems they've lost the ball and there is some rummaging in the seats behind the boundary with the box of balls arriving just before it re-appears and on we go. Alfie carries on from the other end as the dulcit tones of 'Tractor' waft up from the bottom of the Ingleby-Mackenzie stand to the right of the middle.
With 10 overs completed the total has roughly doubled to 38 when Ogborne gets Middleton nibbling at the fifth ball going across him and James Rew takes the catch to start the tally at 38 for 1 and the Hampshire man gone for 19. In comes Nick Gubbins.
In the next over Pretorius gets one to come in and via an inside edge he castles Stoneman (17) at 38 for 2. The bat looks at the pitch as he wanders away but the Somerset men don't mind as Prest joins Gubbins with the job of resetting. Migael seems to have his dander up as he gives Prest quite a torrid introduction to the game for the rest of the over.
Overton changes ends to spell Alfie for the 14th as the Hampshire 50 comes up. Kasey is introduced from the Pavilion after which we try Jack from the hotel. Although the bowling is quite tight neither Pret or Gubbins look particularly troubled and by 30th over, the early hopes are gone as Hampshire pull past 100 to 112 for 2. Alfie changes ends to the Warne for his tenth as Prest moves into the 40s. 1 for 36 from his first 10 is a fair return. We go into Tea with a Hampshire partnership of 78 looking ominous at 116 for 2.
After Tea, Somerset start with Jack Leach from the hotel in glorious sunshine with Pretorius starting the last Saturday session from the Warne end. Prest is on 41 and Gubbins in on 33 so the home side will be hoping for a developing partnership to move them towards a first innings lead with 2 days left to push for a win. Prest is not staying though as Migael catches him in front on 42 and Hampshire move to 118 for 3. In comes Dawson who can be a real thorn in our side, expecially at his home stadium.
The day has dried out nicely and the forecast for the rest of the game is suggesting some limited chance of rain which might be persistent if it gets started but is by no means certain of arriving at all. Hampshire people have been telling us that Southampton has an 'interesting' relationship with weather and the forecasts can be eerily right or bear no resemblance to anything predicted. So.... England.
Craig is on after just one Leach over from the hotel. No one seems to be sure as to why but the opinion starts to move towards Hampshire 'coasting' through this last session. The bats don't seem to be in too much trouble but they also don't seem to be going about their job with any real level of urgency which is surprising given the weather possibilities over the next few days. Gubbins seems to have taken an age to move on by 10 while Dawkins seems to be becalmed on 13 and in the 43rd over the score has staggered to 140 for 3 still 44 runs behind at 5:15 in the afternoon with 26 overs left in the day.
Then suddenly Dawson seems to wake up and doubles his score with a six and a four to take Hampshire past 150. 13 from 34 balls becomes 26 from 38. Is this the start of the acceleration of the home side to put themselves in the driving seat for the next couple of days?
James re-introduces Kasey from the hotel though he has been pretty inconsequential in the scheme of things today with 37 from his 5 overs. However, as we are all aware, his spells can be wildly different within a game and the probable hope is that his next will be the decisive one of this game for him. His consistency is his main problem at the moment. Alfie may be in the 'over too far' against Dawson but 3 balls into the over the umpires decide to change the ball (we think the old one was the one they lost under the wet stuff in front of the Warne stand).
Gubbins reaches 50 from 113 at 174/3. A solid Gubbins-like innings. With 15 overs to go Hampshire are 4 runs behind so they will move into a lead before the halfway stage. Having said that it takes them over 3 overs to get there as they move to 186 halfway through the 59th. With 11 overs left in the day, the hard work of Craig who is going at less than 2 from his 18 overs and Pretorius who is keeping his rate down to just over 2 and a half are making the bats work for their runs as the lights come on.
With 10 overs to go Somerset introduce Tom Lammonby from the Warne end. His first over is a maiden so things are looking up for the left hander. His bowling is starting to appear more often... not sure whether that is significant or will come so but it is happening when we need some variation for a short period of time. Meanwhile Liam Dawson goes to 50 from 92 balls with 7 fours and 1 six at 194. There seems to be some discussion about the light (mostly between the Somerset fielders and the umpires) but it really does not seem any kind of problem to be honest and we should see out the 7 overs left.
Then to a great deal of surprise the umpires send the players off for the 'light' and take their first reading of the game. Which does not bode well for Monday afternoon when it is probably going to be darker than this if the forecasts are to be believed. So with 7 overs left in the day and 194 for 3 on the board there is still the chance of more play... but it's pretty doubtful and without too much waiting around, the officials do call an end to the day.
Day 3 - Happy Easter people
The sun streaming in at 8:30 promotes hope of a good full day but it has clouded over and is much cooler and greyer at 11 when the game re-commences. Alfie begins the day from the hotel to Gubbins on 58 from 147 balls. His partner Dawson has 51 from the 99 balls he has faced so this could develop into a substantial partnership if early wickets do not arrive. The cloud is not grey and there are srtreaks of blue in the highest white cover. Tomorrow afternoon has a particularly poor weather prediction so today is probably the deciding phase of this game.
Craig Overton is on from the other end and the Hampshire 200 arrives within 2 balls of his start. It will 104 overs today if we get a full day as they will include the ones not bowled from last night.
Dawson nearly perishes to Tom Abell in the 68th over (4th of the day) when the Somerset man almost holds on to a very difficult diving chance. He had it, juggled it and then lost it - It would have been a tremendous catch which he did very well to even get close to. But it was not to be.
The 100 partnership arrives at 218 for 3 with both Hampshire men in the mid 60s. Lammonby is on for an early spell (10 overs before the new ball) from the Warne - Craig does not seem all that happy, kicking at the crease and threatening to throw the ball back past the bat in his last over. Alfie has not held the line at the other end and the lead has moved on quickly to 233 in contrast to the very slow progress at the end of Day 2. It all seems a little loose in a period of the game where an iron grip was needed from a visiting side struggling to compete in a game presently.
Lammonby breaks through in his second over of the day as he traps Gubbins in front for 82 at 243 for 4. A very welcome wicket. Hampshire commentators think they have a long tail as Brown comes in. We'll have to see how we make them look in the next couple of hours. The 250 arrives in the 75th and it still seems a little too easy for a side we need to keep in check.
At 256 Lammonby offers some filth and Dawson sends it to Vaughan at point and he departs for 72. He is replaced by Hampton and Tom Lammonby is 'ripping' through the soft Hampshire underbelly!!! with 2 for 21 from his 6 overs (4 today). Lammers then gets another as he swings one in and has Hampton LBW. This one does a lot, almost too much. 256 for 6 as Brett Fuller comes out. It sounds like Albert is suffering from a back spasm and may not bat so this may be only a 9 wicket batting line-up today. However, a very important spell from the left hander in the grand scheme of things.
Migael takes the new ball immediately it becomes available from the Warne at 267 for 6. Overton returns from the other end. However Fuller and Brown are stubborn and may need to be 'winkled' out as the Hampshire first inings lead moves towards 100. Pretorius asks questions of Fuller and he finally answers by playing at a ball he didn't need to try and hit. It did come into him and he is caught by Overton in the slips and departs at 280. Toby Albert does come out to bat so it will be a full line up for the home side. Migael moves to 3 for 47 from his 16 overs in the innnings.
The lead does move into 3 figures at the end of the 86th but Pretorius is on one and has Albert LBW for 3 at 286 which brings Abbot to the crease. The new pair are looking to push on and the 300 arrives in quick time as Abbott takes 15 from his first 7 balls. The worrying thing from Somerset's perception is that Overton is yet to get on the wicket sheet, he's bowled tightly but is not claiming victims in this innings from his 25 overs. They do need to remove the Hampshire tail quickly to stay effectively in this game on anything but a 'survival' until the end of Day 4 level.
Pretorius gets his 5th (5 for 56 with 3 maidens) with a leg side catch by Rew to send Abbot on his way with 20 from the 11 blls he faced. It is now 306 for 9 with Wheal at the crease as we move towards the lunch break. The break is dropped back to cover for some of the time lost and they can ask for the extra half hour if necessary. Meanwhile Brown is unimpressed and deposits the Somerset bowler straight over his head for six to move the score to 213. Wheal is also keen to push it on as he hits 2 consecutive fours from Overton's next one. The 350 is definitely still a possibility here.
There is some conversation between the two umpires and James Rew about something and it does seem to be something around Craig Overton who has not been very happy at all this morning. At the end of the over Craig leaves the field without his jumper. Seems he kicked the ground in the vicinity of the umpire (not at him though to be fair) so he may be up for disciplinary points as well as he most definitely will be reported.
Meanwhile the game goes on and it brings about a change of bowling as Kasey Aldridge returns at the hotel end with 324 on the board. Alfie returns at the Warne end and bowls Brad Wheal for 19 at 336. There's a bit more conversation around the end of the game. COve returns at the end of the session and seems to be having a chat with umpires and the groundstaff - possibly calming the waters? It's all a bit weird and it may not be over yet.
With thanks to Ben Kingdom, Tom's first wicket today is his first since September of 2022 (Ben Charlesworth versus Gloucestershire at Taunton in the CC). I'd not realised he had been out that long. When asked at the start of the season how his winter had been he said he it had been quiet and he had been working mostly on making sure his ankle was fully healed. Hopefully it will be a successful rehab for him.
Session 2 of Day 3 sees Archie Vaughan and Sean Dickson striding out to make a game of this. Kyle Abbott delivers first from the hotel end with Vaughan taking first strike. He drives his fourth ball to the boundary classically, the only scoring sot of the first over. Sean Dickson will face Brad Wheal from the Warne end to start his second innings account. He's solid in defence but is not moving the score on quite yet. Happy for that to remain the case while he is still there. Occupation of the crease is the first task today.
With 21 on the board (Vaughan 12 and Dickson 9) at the end of the 8th over, Fuller is introduced into the attack from the hotel end. Resistance continues as the light deteriorates and the floodlights are switched on as we move into the mid afternoon. This is the first game since the last one of 2023 before that our opening partnership has reached double figures in both innings of a CC game. Having said that Vaughan is caught by Hampton off Fuller as the 50 partnership arrives with an individual score of 24. I am not sure when the last one of those was registered but it must be some time ago (a year it seems - Edgbaston in April 2024 courtesy of Mr Kingdom and Mr White).
Tom Lammonby is now out in the middle, hopefully having learned from Day 1 not to chase wide ones when it isn't necessary to do so. Just after 3pm, the umpires take a reading halfway through the 19th at 61 for 1. It is getting dimmer but the officials have decided to carry on. It is not a good sign for extended play wth 54 overs left in the day. Nothing at the moment suggests that the light will improve massively any time soon.
In an attempt to make something happen and take the umpire's mind off the conditions perhaps, Hampshire introduce Liam Dawson in the 21st. They then move to spin aty both ends with Prest at the other. The problem is that if they go off, it is very unlikely that the light would improve enough to get the sides back on again and then tomorrow afternoon would become a problem for a side (Hampshire?) trying to win the game. Meanwhile Dickson move to 43 with Lammonby holding the other end on 15. They will be happy to just keep the total moving but the Hampshire attack is being hampered by their inability to use their pacemen (we assume the spin option came at the suggestion of the officials as there is very little in this pitch presently for the slow men).
At 3:50 they take another reason and they finally take them off for the light via taking an early Tea. It's 91 for 1 with Sean Dickson on 49 from 106 balls. His fifth 50 for Somerset is so very close!!
After an earlier than expected Tea we wait for the return which finally happens about 4:45 so we missed about 40 minutes of play. With some 35 overs are deemed left in the day we start again though there is little doubt it will not be a long return to the middle. At least they go on long enough for Sean to get past his 50 from 118 balls (?) with 6 fours. He hit another boundary before there is an almighty appeal for a caught behind. The umpire shows no interest at all despite the incredulous cries from the home fielding side. Then the light folds in again the sides leave with 31 overs left at 103 for 1. Dickson has moved on to 55 from 125 balls while Lammonby has 22 from 41. Somerset are still 49 runs behind.
The umpires stay out with the groundsman chatting about whatever groundstaff and umpires chat about and we wait for the great and the good to decide if the conditions have altered. It really does not look like anything will change positively.
The noise of the hover cover suggests we are done for the day. See you all tomorrow
Day 4
The morning is overcast with solid grey cloud to the horizon. It's dry but moist so conditions in the morning will not be particularly good for the men with the bat while giving something to the men with the ball. Somerset are 49 runs behind on first innings with 1 wicket down. Sean Dickson and Tom Lammonby have to job of establishing a base for the visitors to build on to a point where the weather closes in and makes a win impossible and a draw inevitable. IF Somerset manage to make it to the through to the lunch break then it's expected that there will not be enough time before the light or the rain ends this game. We have had more cricket than was expected, whether it is 'good' cricket is a matter of opinion. A good second innings would give the side some much needed morale before the trip up to the Oval for our third away game in a row. We need that and we need the front end to provide the runs. we shall see how it develops during the morning.
With 15 minutes gone, Kyle Abbott tempts Lammonby to have a go at one which is not there to hit and gets up too much. It is there to snick to Pret and Tom returns to the dressing room for 24 at 107 for 2. Out comes Tom Abell to carry on the defence against Abbott and Wheal in the greyness of a Monday morning.
Dickson moves into the 60s (the odds were very short that he wouldn't make it past this score this morning) as Somerset work hard but slowly to decrease the first innings deficit, presently standing at 31. The greyness is definitely building up just west of the ground and the forecast of rain is getting worse as the morning goes on. We are presently expecting the first band to hit Southampton about 12:30 with a predicted deluge after 3pm.
The 150 arrives as the partnership moves towards 50 and the lead is now 4 runs. It looks like it is raining and the groundstaff are moving towards the hover cover so there are suggestions that the weather is moving in at precisely the time it was predicted (it seems it is drizzling but not enough to stop play). Hampton and Fuller are trying to push things on, Dickson is living a charmed life and Tom Abell is just holding up the other end.
Dawson comes on, the light may be an issue, the somerset pair go to a 50 partnership from 109 balls in 'mizzle', Dickson has 73 and Tom B has 25. They do seem to be playing through a mist. At 12:37 rain stops play and they take an early lunch having added a run to move to 158 for 2 which is effectively 6 for 2 with 2 sessions left in the larger scope of the game.
As we come to the end of the interval, the hovercover is pulled over the wicket and the start is delayed. At 1:15 it is moved off the strip but not moved off the field so they may be expecting some more or they will simply not shift it until the sides come on to the field of play. The umpires wander out for a chat and a point at the sky, as umpires tend to do in these situations. The conversations result in the cover being replaced over the wicket and the umpires wandering back. Up to this moment in the game we have lost 179 overs in this game. if there is no more play but up to about 70 of those might be bowled if there is any more play. It is not looking all that likely as the groundstaff start to pull out the outer covers.
The latest announcement is that if there is no further rain, play will restart at 2:30. At the appointed time, the umpires do go out. Mike Burns gets as far as the bottom of the stairs before he is holding his hand out to check the rain. It starts as they move out to the field, they pick up the stumps, they put them down and motion for Hampshire to go back inside and we are in a second post lunchtime delay in dying light as well. The lights are back on and though the umpires are out there with the groundstaff if does look highly dobtful that there will be any really quick return to the pitch by the sides.
Then the rain starts in earnest as the sound of it hitting the stand roof attests. The umpires walk back in and the covers go back on the field. There is blue sky to the left heading this way so there is still a hope of play. There is the question of how much time this game needs to have any chance of being anything but a draw. Somerset have 8 wickets to lose before Hampshire can get in again. The difference is presently 6 runs but if the home side could get the visitors out, when would that happen and then how long would they need to get the runs they would require to win the game? There are 70 or so overs available (they will have lost some for the delay) and t is doubtful they will get back on the pitch until at least 3:30. Ahhh the joys of rain affected four day games huh?
At 3:10 the sky has cleared after quite an extensive rain storm at the edge of the cloud bank. The staff are now clearing the surface and we will probably restart in the next 20 to 30 minutes. The sun is out even though the lights are still on. They are taking an early Tea with play expected to restart at 3:40 with 40 overs of the day remaining.
We start again on time and the first ball from Wheal has Dickson down on one knee looking to drive the ball through the covers... he misses it. Abbott inevitably takes the opening responsibility from the other end and he is met by the full face of the same player's bat for most of his first over.
And at 163 for 2 they take the players off for bad light with 3.3 overs played. They took a reading in a very bright period of the game and are therefore going by the rules, even though it is probably brighter than most of the morning spell of play. This is not making a load of sense. The hovercover has also been moved back into place and they seem to be preparing for more rain.
The dark clouds are moving in so there is a good possibility that rain will close this game down. I'm calling it and heading back for Taunton people. I'll re-assess when I get home on the basis that I could be wrong. If so, enjoy whatever cricket is left ladies and gentlemen.
It finished as predicted wihtout much surprise. A draw but a poor performance nevertheless.
Farmer White also added his view of the game at a coupld of points. Those views can be found through links he added to the thread attached or via his website which can be accessed HERE
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:24:21:01:54 by Grockle.
Lewis Gregory is a slight doubt with an abdominal 'niggle' so Alfie Ogborne has been included in a 13 man squad
No other newbies so off we go with another " How many overs will our openers survive?" Lottery
Vaughan, Dickson, Lammonby, Abell, Banton, Rew, Overton, Davey, Pretorius, Leach, Ogborne, Aldridge, Leach
No Jake Ball either along with no other batting options
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:17:17:40:01 by Grockle.
[www.theguardian.com].
Iâm quite sad about that; always liked him.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:17:21:08:54 by Des Platt.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Would be good if Mr Abbott finally had an off day or two against us as well !
Grizzers
Gregory not playing.
Josh not in.
Craig back along with Alfie
James is captain
Vaughan, Dickson, Lammonby, Abell, Banton, Rew, Aldridge, Overton, Pretorius, Leach, Ogborne
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:18:10:39:14 by Grockle.
I fear the management have forgotten Einstein's dictum "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results".
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
But he'll soon be back.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
[farmerwhite.co.uk]
Farmer
And where is the radio commentary to be found?
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:04:19:12:01:39 by Loyal of Lhasa.
Fuller enjoying the conditions
[somersetcountycc.co.uk]
Live BBC radio coverage here:
[www.bbc.co.uk]
Grizzers
Maybe it's my laptop, but the Hants clothing looks distinctly blueish.
A bit like our batting unfortunately.
Grizzers
I have already mentioned that Gubbins likes to score against Somerset, recalling an enterprising innings when he was playing for Middlesex at Uxbridge. The innings was a fine one, which is more than one can say for that particular ground. I wish him well but not for this match.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
It will be another important early Day 3 sssion in what is becoming an April of them
Possible light/damp issues post tea.
VERY mixed forecast tomorrow.
In the unlikely event we don't rip through them for 250 this morning let's hope they keep plodding on slowly and help take time out of the game.....
Now would be a very good time for us to regain some batting form.
Grizzers
Quote:dilly
Why isn't Overton captaining the side? He was vice-captain last year and I don't think there has been an announcement changing that since.
Seems that they wanted to give James Rew some experience of captaining the side and also makes him the youngest player to captain Somerset.
Good day all round in the circumstances, including MP's five fer.
Grizzers
I am glad I commented positively on Lammonby's bowling on Saturday evening; he clearly did exceptionally well on Sunday morning.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
[www.espncricinfo.com]
But let's face it, we're absolutely miles away from challenging for the Championship right now. Yes, it's early season, but we have got to up our game big time, to get back to being serious contenders. And to avoid problems at the other end of the table.
Grizzers
Unfortunately Jason Kerr has different view on our start to the season. On the website he is quoted in his after close interview that he isnât disappointed in the cricket we are playing.
âYou are always disappointed because you want to win every game you play, but I am not disappointed with the cricket we are playing. Hopefully, within the next four games of this block we can get a couple of wins.â
Baffling to say the least particularly given the last two games. Yes there are some positives from the way we fought back with ball and in 2nd innings of batting v Hampshire but plenty of room for improvement. Another slow start could ultimately cost us once again. Not to mention we had 1 point deducted for minus over rate. Doesnât get any easier with Surrey away next up Friday then Essex home before week off.
[farmerwhite.co.uk]
Farmer
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