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By Barmy Kev
March 20 2019

Kev gives an account of the forum that followed the Seaxe AGM covering Simmo, women's cricket and the dreaded 100 ball. 

The Forum that followed the Seaxe AGM chaired by Nigel Ross (Roscoe) with Panel Mike Selvey, John Simpson (Simmo), Natasha Miles (Middlesex and England woman cricketer)  

In introducing Mike Selvey Roscoe recalled as our keeper when he clean bowled Barry Richards with an in swinger.  On congratulating him he said that ball would have got out the best player of world, to which he replied that ball did get out the best player in the world. Same game he shared a lift at the hotel with Andy Roberts who suggested to Roscoe it would be safer for him to bat lower down the order.

Simmo impressive stats for Middlesex were read out. It mentioned 20 per cent of his wickets were stumping which is an unusually high ratio. He was asked about time last season when he was dropped. He said he was refreshed played plenty of golf but would have liked to have been playing. Indications were he would be keeping for opening fixture and raring to go. I reminded him of that match winning last over 6 at Taunton in our championship winning season

Women’s cricket was bought up. Natalie said they practise 5 days a week. Selvey stated how it is growing especially in countries like China and America.  This will soon catch on universally certain prominent people who previously have not taken it seriously are now enthusing about the women's game. 

100-ball cricket was mentioned to resounding boos. Selvey was enthusiastic as will engage new fans with short attention span. We were reminded how 20/20 started with sceptics and how it has grown. Simmo said he would embrace it and happy to be part of any franchise. We were reminded how short a cricket career is and every opportunity needs to be taken. 

Meeting was closed with Roscoe stating he regrets in his playing days not having opportunity to engage with fans and how he is grateful he is able to now.