All 3 on display at forum

By Barmy Kev
September 20 2011

Barmy Kev reports on the euphoria at forum and some humour.    I'm glad to say no major revelations on from the fun filled event.

It was a packed Thomas Lord Suite, for latecomer’s standing room only.  As Gus took his seat there was a loud ovation, with some chants of Championes Championes Ole Ole Ole.  The panel was I Luv it, Gus, Chris Rogers, Ice Man and Dexter with 2^nd Division trophy on display.

I Luv It opening address stated he told Vinny promotion was our priority, which of course was achieved and he was not a “complete idiot”.  CB40- equal 1^st in group and would have qualified had we in the last game achieved our target in 3 overs.  We are also top of central contracts which was well received (previous forums when this mentioned they were sneers, as no good unless team doing well)

Chris Rogers was presented with Ignis player of month award.  I Luv it inadvertently said was for August. 

We warned they couldn’t reveal too much about new signings as no contracts have been signed.  I Luv it then stressed MTWDers were keen to party early.

1^st question about the different ball in Div 1.  Gus said will make some difference, but bowlers will do just as well. Iceman said looking forward to practice batting with it.

There was shortage of hands in air so Gus asked Berg what he was thinking of with 6-4-6 at Grace Road.  His words “ I could have married you after.”  Iceman said he could see White was tiring at end of spell and he “just went for it”

Then someone suggested we congratulated Sorry. This was met by laughter as the panel insincerely agreed with the suggestion.  It was mentioned that good they are in same division as us and Iceman was asked any fixtures that appeal and jokingly I think, mentioned Yorkshire.   

Moving on, someone asked about whether there would be increase in subscriptions? Vinny said this would be no more than 3% and we are still one of the cheapest counties.  It was stated more people watched county cricket at Lords than anywhere else.

Something on all our minds when someone asked if the fixture list can be more uniform. Simple answer no. Fewer 20/20 matches will help a tad.

Seaxe Man asked whether honours board in Middlesex Room would be updated? This will be looked into.

The old chestnut of playing at Southgate was raised by someone who confessed to living in Southgate.  The answer was not known but was stated only 1 game at Lords will be lost due to Olympics.

Then much to his embarrassment Gus’s mobile went off.

I Luv it asked next question due to no show of hands, to Dex what is biggest difference between Div 1 and 2 cricket? Dext played in Div 1 for Kent and said harder to get teams out.

20/ 20 was touched on. Lost early momentum, had injuries, but we were competitive in most games.  Next year 5 home games there will be 3 at Lords and 2 elsewhere.

A question was made whether early season training helped. Gus thought had positive effect and everyone started season fitter. This year won’t be bringing everyone back in Nov.  Rogers, who missed last years due to injury thought pre season training was “ overrated”.  Ice Man said it helped, but not easy but overall happy with it.  Dext congratulated the Iceman for saying right thing and then said was a good thing and worked.

A good question asked about whether Kevin Hand’s commentary safe as great way of following when can’t attend games. Reply was it’s safe.

Someone then complained about cold food at Middlesex Room. Vinny will take that complaint away.  An anonymous MTWD stalwart muttered, “Bring your own food”. Cheers Beefy.

Progress of 2^nd X1 was raised. We were a bit like Somerset as very close also-rans.

Would there be a tie to commemorate Div 2 champions?  Who cares.

Final question. Departures? Well we all know Ben Scott going to Worcestershire and Dan Housego leaving.

Our backroom staff was thanked, as was Gus.

Time to party.