Somerset
I Don't Like Tuesdays
By Grockle et al
September 21 2015
No Craig Overton in the squad for the last game of the season as Somerset look for the seven points that will keep them in the top tier of the Championship for another season at the expense of Hampshire. Rumours are that Alfonso Thomas may very well bowl his swansong in his place though Lewis Gregory must be expecting to play as well. We'll have to wait and see but the facts are pretty simple 7 is the number.
There's a Club party in 5 days time and it will be a pretty hollow 'celebration' if the wrong side turns up for the four day game starting against Warwickshire tomorrow at the ground. All year the first team have been frustrating the supporting public in all forms of the game and it is about time they arrived with a job to do and simply did it effectively.
We aren't asking them to destroy the Bears.... though it would be nice. All we want is a decent first innings with the bat OR the ball and enough bonus points to put the game past the 7 points required. We would be happy with a draw and three - the weather may have a say in that.
If Marcus, Tom, James and Pete Trego can duplicate the run performances of the last couple of games it could be enough. With a penalised and suspended Craig Overton not present in the game we will be looking at Tim and Jamie to do provide the special stuff with the ball. Or will this be a Leach game?
Will they be joined by Alfonso? I'm personally not sure how I feel about that. Is it his role to keep us up? It is probably his last game in a Somerset shirt if he is picked - I can't see him returning next year. He hasn't been picked for the late season CC1 games, he has been working in the seconds. He hasn't seemed to be happy with the club since the one day tournament when he was not selected and lost the short form captaincy to Jim Allenby. Reports are that his form for the seconds hasn't been awe inspiring but he has massive experience in these kinds of games and he has been there for us a number of times before.
Lewis Gregory was sidelined by the rota system last game and will obviously hope that the nod goes to him along with a nod to a youth policy but can Matthew Maynard afford to do that? Which is the gamble? Lewis or Alf?
In other places, Tom Cooper may also be performing for the last time as a Grocklee after looking more of the player we hoped he would be at the back end of this season. Too little too late one would expect but a match winning performance might just change that. We will say goodbye and thanks to Luke Ronchi who has been there for us when other international options have not been. It isn't his format but his experience behind the stumps must be to our advantage.
It is all on the line before the biggest rebuilding exercise Somerset has been through since the last time we were in this position and failed to stay on the right side of the line. Whatever happens, the winter will be one of replacement, restructure and restrategising the county's way of facing a County Championship campaign.
We've outlined how it has gone this far and the main reasons why the four day and the short form competitions have just been beyond us this year. IF we stay up then the top dfrasw will become harder and the weaker members will be fewer. We either buck up and get our collective act together or we could simply be putting off the inevitable and we will sink again at the end of the next round. If we sink now, we may never recover so first things first. SEVEN of the best please gentlemen and then we'll go from there.
Enjoy it all those of you who are lucky to be there. Let the rest of us know how it goes.
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Discussion started by Grockles.com , 21/09/2015 15:27
Grockles.com
21/09/2015 15:27
21/09/2015 15:27
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:10:02:18:02:24 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:10:02:18:02:24 by Grockle.
And so the last four dayer of the summer becomes the decider on whether Somerset have staggered over the line to remain in the first division of the Championship. Warwickshire are not good opponents for this as they do have a bit of a reputation at Taunton. No Craig Overton because of stupidity. Trescothick and Trego coming of double and single tons.
Is there the belief? Is there the consistency? Is there the ability? Is there a collapse left in the side and is there a Warwickshire man looking to make his highest score or haul with the ball as usually happens at our County Ground.
Get the nail nibbling going and hope we get the magic 7 points we need. Winter will be damn cold and miserable without them!!
Is there the belief? Is there the consistency? Is there the ability? Is there a collapse left in the side and is there a Warwickshire man looking to make his highest score or haul with the ball as usually happens at our County Ground.
Get the nail nibbling going and hope we get the magic 7 points we need. Winter will be damn cold and miserable without them!!
And anyway............well done to the county Grockle tells all posters who complain to much about SCCC to go and watch ! They won a good match and have got a trophy in the cupboard !
It's all on the other county thread.
Lets hope the weather is good for the Warwickshire match.
Lets hope the weather is good for the Warwickshire match.
True Mike. It would be sad if the weather decided it all. A side should be able to decide its own destiny.
Yes, but it's England.
If you are poor enough over the course of a season to leave yourselves in a position where a couple of days of bad luck with the weather doom you to the drop then cannot complain too much.
As it happens, I think the forecast for Trent Bridge is worse than that for Taunton.
If you are poor enough over the course of a season to leave yourselves in a position where a couple of days of bad luck with the weather doom you to the drop then cannot complain too much.
As it happens, I think the forecast for Trent Bridge is worse than that for Taunton.
Good news is that the club are not in trouble because as the ECB website states we have not had 5 level 1 breaches in the last 12 months. Rule 3.5.17 it seems.
Interesting that Alfonso, Adam H and Jamie O have all received fixed penalties this season.
Interesting that Alfonso, Adam H and Jamie O have all received fixed penalties this season.
Good question. Answer have I none...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:20:20:26:17 by AGod.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:20:20:26:17 by AGod.
Quote:AGod
Good question. Answer have I none...
Bl00dy hell.
I think my computers broken.
I hope the weather improves, its very cold and damp in Town today.
Go for a win lads please,I do not fancy watching four days sitting out for a draw, even if it is the last game this season.
Go for a win lads please,I do not fancy watching four days sitting out for a draw, even if it is the last game this season.
Well, we've made a further two year investment in JD.
And that's a decision that MM will have been centrally involved in.
MM had no role in the recruitment of TG so he should have no intrinsic reason to favour TG over JD (I think managers in all sports often have a bias, conscious or otherwise, toward their own signings compared to those made by previous regimes).
My own view on TG is that I am unconvinced that he brings enough penetration to the table vs Div One batsmen in good batting conditions.
I don't know whether Josh Davey would bring more penetration or not in benign conditions but I think it's arguably worth a go, even in a match as important as this.
With plenty of cloud and showers forecast it's perfectly possible that conditions will actually favour seam bowling vs Warks. In those sort of conditions, Josh Davey does seem to have a serious wicket-taking knack.
I suspect that, if LoL's question were to be posed to Mr Maynard, then MM would say that we need to 'bank on experience,' for this sort of crunch game.
And that's a decision that MM will have been centrally involved in.
MM had no role in the recruitment of TG so he should have no intrinsic reason to favour TG over JD (I think managers in all sports often have a bias, conscious or otherwise, toward their own signings compared to those made by previous regimes).
My own view on TG is that I am unconvinced that he brings enough penetration to the table vs Div One batsmen in good batting conditions.
I don't know whether Josh Davey would bring more penetration or not in benign conditions but I think it's arguably worth a go, even in a match as important as this.
With plenty of cloud and showers forecast it's perfectly possible that conditions will actually favour seam bowling vs Warks. In those sort of conditions, Josh Davey does seem to have a serious wicket-taking knack.
I suspect that, if LoL's question were to be posed to Mr Maynard, then MM would say that we need to 'bank on experience,' for this sort of crunch game.
I think if Josh wants to be a serious contender for a regular place in the first eleven then he might have to consider stopping playing for Scotland. George Dockrell's time away with Ireland seemed to me to have allowed others to be higher in the pecking order I.E Jack Leach (and deservedly so), at the same time I am not convinced G.D has become a better player over the last few years.
While it may be a punt to bring Josh in for this game, I am not sure he has done anymore than TG to deserve a place. (IMO)
While it may be a punt to bring Josh in for this game, I am not sure he has done anymore than TG to deserve a place. (IMO)
Yes, I regret to say that I do not believe that George Dockrell's international career has really helped him develop his career - either at Somerset, or in general. On the contrary, I believe that George has regressed.
He looked such a tremendous prospect when he first game on the scene. But I think he's played a surfeit of white ball cricket for Ireland and his international appearances have disrupted his SCCC career, IMO.
So Josh may be well advised to give up on Scotland and, equally so, George with Ireland, if they want to develop their County careers.
He looked such a tremendous prospect when he first game on the scene. But I think he's played a surfeit of white ball cricket for Ireland and his international appearances have disrupted his SCCC career, IMO.
So Josh may be well advised to give up on Scotland and, equally so, George with Ireland, if they want to develop their County careers.
Some among you have clearly appreciated that my question about Davey was no more than that - a question, not a protest.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I'm guessing Gregory for Cove, Thomas for TG. I'd also consider Hose for Allenby.
I'd bring Thomas in for Craig Overton and Davey in for Allenby but I expect the only change to be Gregory in for Craig Overton, as despite being hopeless all season Maynard has not dropped Allenby and I don't think that he is likely to for the last game.
Bell is in the Warwickshire squad.
[www.edgbaston.com]
Bell is in the Warwickshire squad.
[www.edgbaston.com]
I don't think there's any chance of MM dropping Allenby either.
To be honest, he might be required for his control with the ball anyway, especially if it there's little in conditions for Jack Leach.
To be honest, he might be required for his control with the ball anyway, especially if it there's little in conditions for Jack Leach.
Agree. No chance at all that Allenby and his bowling variation will be left out.
What has Josh Davey done in any four day game to justify being considered for this match?
He takes early wickets in one day games and that is a good thing to have... for one day games. He's not ready for the tighter requirements of a four day game.
Alf? Probably but only because Cove is not available. Wish there was another viable option - extra batsman?
What has Josh Davey done in any four day game to justify being considered for this match?
He takes early wickets in one day games and that is a good thing to have... for one day games. He's not ready for the tighter requirements of a four day game.
Alf? Probably but only because Cove is not available. Wish there was another viable option - extra batsman?
From a small sample size of 9 fc matches Josh Davey has a batting average of 20, and a bowling average of 25.
[www.espncricinfo.com]
If some people think Barrow's batting average 0f 20 entitles him to more chances then you could argue Davey should be in for his batting alone!
[www.espncricinfo.com]
If some people think Barrow's batting average 0f 20 entitles him to more chances then you could argue Davey should be in for his batting alone!
Yes but as his 9 include one University match for Middlesex, 3 ICC matches against non Test nations and Australia A , maybe we'll let him get a bit more experience and solidify his averages before we put him in a match like this?
Lies, damn lies, and statistics.
The job hunters nightmare- must have experience.
But how do you get experience if no one will give you that experience?
Bates, Barrow and Davey all have a first class average of 20.
Verdict on Bates seems to be 'not a batsman and never will be'
Verdict on Barrow (by some) 'He is a batsman but needs more chances'.
Verdict on Davey- 'He doesn't have enough experience, so don't pick him'.
The job hunters nightmare- must have experience.
But how do you get experience if no one will give you that experience?
Bates, Barrow and Davey all have a first class average of 20.
Verdict on Bates seems to be 'not a batsman and never will be'
Verdict on Barrow (by some) 'He is a batsman but needs more chances'.
Verdict on Davey- 'He doesn't have enough experience, so don't pick him'.
And your point is? You quoted the statistics I just clarified them. I like Bates as a keeper and Barrow I'm non plussed about but he is contracted for another year. Josh may be good but he's too loose overall and needs experience. So?
So
If he needs some experience-
Give him some experience.
Otherwise he liable to remain inexperienced.
If he needs some experience-
Give him some experience.
Otherwise he liable to remain inexperienced.
How exactly is Davey going to get that experience if we don't play him? I'd have played Davey a lot more this season and having seen a fair bit of him for the seconds over the last two seasons I'd say that he is a good bowler and a decent batsmen just how good of course we won't know until he gets a chance in the first team. In my opinion Davey is a much more threatening bowler than Allenby and over the course of this season I think that without doubt he would have scored more runs than Allenby.
He isn't.
He'll have to wait until his place isn't one of eleven to keep us in the first division when more pressure experienced players are available.
Hey but play him Dave, you'll find a reason to blame Trecothick or Allenby or Maynard if it goes wrong anyway so he can't lose in your team.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:17:45:23 by Grockle.
He'll have to wait until his place isn't one of eleven to keep us in the first division when more pressure experienced players are available.
Hey but play him Dave, you'll find a reason to blame Trecothick or Allenby or Maynard if it goes wrong anyway so he can't lose in your team.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:17:45:23 by Grockle.
I made no mention of Maynard and Trescothick Grockle so I don't know why you brought them up, you seem to be obsessed with defending Maynard and Trescothick even when there is no mention of them.
You say his place is not one of the eleven to keep us in the first division when more pressure experienced players are available. Well if those experienced players are must picks then why are we in a relegation battle? I would say we are in this position because they have not performed well enough this season.
You say his place is not one of the eleven to keep us in the first division when more pressure experienced players are available. Well if those experienced players are must picks then why are we in a relegation battle? I would say we are in this position because they have not performed well enough this season.
Of course you didn't, the game hasn't started yet.... The can't do anything wrong when there's no play taking place can they? Oh wait........
Your not talking much sense Grockle I was talking about Josh Davey and you turn it in to a chance to defend Trescothick and Maynard (even though I made no mention of them,) why is that I wonder ?
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:18:17:15 by Dave65.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:18:17:15 by Dave65.
Hey I'm not defending Trescothick. Just saying you will blame him. It's not a prediction without some factual background.
But don't get all upset Dave. You have very right to blame him for everything and I have the right to say you do... It's a forum.
Did you post about his double hundred by the way? Just a question...can't remember if there was a positive comment or not. I know you dislike his captaincy (can't say I'm his biggest fan there either)... not sure whether that blinkers you to anything else he does.
As for Josh, he's a new name so of course you'll want him picked. Go for it man. I doubt you've got a chance in hell... but if Somerset don't make it you can use him sitting on the bench as a reason for it can't you. And if he plays and does well we'll all be happy but you will still probably find a way to use something along the lines of a 'despite being saved' kind of line.. with the odd usual surname thrown in.
All I said was I wouldn't pick him for this game and I don't really care why you think that is wrong because I believe your view is not a rational one where this team is concerned at this point in this specific season.
So have a nice evening and we can both wait for tomorrow and whatever destiny has in store.
But don't get all upset Dave. You have very right to blame him for everything and I have the right to say you do... It's a forum.
Did you post about his double hundred by the way? Just a question...can't remember if there was a positive comment or not. I know you dislike his captaincy (can't say I'm his biggest fan there either)... not sure whether that blinkers you to anything else he does.
As for Josh, he's a new name so of course you'll want him picked. Go for it man. I doubt you've got a chance in hell... but if Somerset don't make it you can use him sitting on the bench as a reason for it can't you. And if he plays and does well we'll all be happy but you will still probably find a way to use something along the lines of a 'despite being saved' kind of line.. with the odd usual surname thrown in.
All I said was I wouldn't pick him for this game and I don't really care why you think that is wrong because I believe your view is not a rational one where this team is concerned at this point in this specific season.
So have a nice evening and we can both wait for tomorrow and whatever destiny has in store.
Lewis Gregory, and Alfonso Thomas added to the team that played Sussex less Cove.
Match Preview
Edited to change link...thanks Chunky
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:22:25:32 by Roger ivanhoe.
Match Preview
Edited to change link...thanks Chunky
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:22:25:32 by Roger ivanhoe.
Quote:Dave65
I made no mention of Maynard and Trescothick Grockle so I don't know why you brought them up, you seem to be obsessed with defending Maynard and Trescothick even when there is no mention of them.
You say his place is not one of the eleven to keep us in the first division when more pressure experienced players are available. Well if those experienced players are must picks then why are we in a relegation battle? I would say we are in this position because they have not performed well enough this season.
So would Mr Maynard himself. Isn't that exactly what he said about this season - that too many experienced players have under-performed?
Some `interesting` selections by other counties for key final matches of the season.
Ian Bell is in for Warwickshire, although he didn`t play in their last match when they struggled against Notts; also Oliver Hannon-Dalby, who usually only plays in the white ball game but has a good record against Somerset. Chris Wright is dropped.
Meanwhile, in the other key match at Trent Bridge, Notts are giving a debut to Billy Root, younger brother of Joe, and also include Stuart Broad. But they have left our Alex Hales and James Taylor. Hampshire add bowlers James Tomlinson and Mason Crane to their squad.
Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid all return to the Yorkshire side against Sussex at Headingley, as does Ryan Sidebottom who missed the win at Hampshire
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:23:55:14 by cricketjerry-mouse.
Ian Bell is in for Warwickshire, although he didn`t play in their last match when they struggled against Notts; also Oliver Hannon-Dalby, who usually only plays in the white ball game but has a good record against Somerset. Chris Wright is dropped.
Meanwhile, in the other key match at Trent Bridge, Notts are giving a debut to Billy Root, younger brother of Joe, and also include Stuart Broad. But they have left our Alex Hales and James Taylor. Hampshire add bowlers James Tomlinson and Mason Crane to their squad.
Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid all return to the Yorkshire side against Sussex at Headingley, as does Ryan Sidebottom who missed the win at Hampshire
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:23:55:14 by cricketjerry-mouse.
I posted on Tuesday Grockle when he was just over 50 not out saying he looked in good touch playing Magoffin and Jordan very easily. I have not posted since then as I have been busy travelling back from Hove, then I was at Lords on Saturday and only got back from London today. But if you want a positive comment about the innings from me then I will gladly say that it was an excellent innings and the best that I have seen Trescothick play away from home for a number of years.
Davey is hardly a new name is he, he's been at the club for two years now and he was the 8th highest wicket taker at the world cup. And I have stated numerous times on here that Davey has impressed me when he has played for the seconds this season and that I would have him in the team instead of Allenby who I would imagine nearly everyone agrees has been a dreadful signing and is not worth his place in the team.
As for staying up I would be stunned given the wickets at Taunton over the last couple of games if we could not get 7 points from this game.
Davey is hardly a new name is he, he's been at the club for two years now and he was the 8th highest wicket taker at the world cup. And I have stated numerous times on here that Davey has impressed me when he has played for the seconds this season and that I would have him in the team instead of Allenby who I would imagine nearly everyone agrees has been a dreadful signing and is not worth his place in the team.
As for staying up I would be stunned given the wickets at Taunton over the last couple of games if we could not get 7 points from this game.
And Dave...they aren't 'must picks' because they are good. They are 'must picks' because they are the best we have for this particular situation. Josh simply isn't. I have no illusions about their performances this year.
Josh is just a solution you want them to try because he hasn't been tried before and that is your solution to most of this.
Blame the people who are in the team and shove anybody else in because they can't be worse well I'm afraid they can in some situations.
I'd rather see the people who got us here and have the PROVEN past ability to get us out get us out rather than shoving all the responsibility on a young bowler who has NEVER played a first class game for a county against another county. Josh Davey can't save our season and shouldn't be asked to.
The people who got us here know how to get us out and it is their responsibility to do their flaming jobs. Now please don't post anything else as daft because I must go to bed.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:19:27:59 by Grockle.
Josh is just a solution you want them to try because he hasn't been tried before and that is your solution to most of this.
Blame the people who are in the team and shove anybody else in because they can't be worse well I'm afraid they can in some situations.
I'd rather see the people who got us here and have the PROVEN past ability to get us out get us out rather than shoving all the responsibility on a young bowler who has NEVER played a first class game for a county against another county. Josh Davey can't save our season and shouldn't be asked to.
The people who got us here know how to get us out and it is their responsibility to do their flaming jobs. Now please don't post anything else as daft because I must go to bed.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:19:27:59 by Grockle.
Past ability being the key word there as surely current ability is more important than past ability. Also what ability of any sort has Allenby shown for us and for Division 1.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:19:34:28 by Dave65.
Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:19:34:28 by Dave65.
Josh Davey did play 3 county championship matches for Middlesex, Grockle. Got a 50 in his first match.
Re your 2nd paragraph. Usually if the people have picked have landed you in the relegation zone it is a good idea to try the other options you have.
I mean, with Allenby you know what you will get- and the general consensus seems to be what you will get is not good enough.
Re your 2nd paragraph. Usually if the people have picked have landed you in the relegation zone it is a good idea to try the other options you have.
I mean, with Allenby you know what you will get- and the general consensus seems to be what you will get is not good enough.
Yeah sorry Chunky. I was looking at the 5 games I don't personally class as First Class even though they are. I'd also include I suppose the one against New Zealand for us. So I refer to your sense.
He's played 3 county games against other counties out of his 9 - all of them in 2010 some 5 years ago.
And yes you'd be right if we were three or four matches from the end of the season and we were trying an option... but we didn't do that and "Allenby" still has done more for the side this season in the CC1 than young Josh has.
Let the poor lad off the hook. He is too loose presently for CC1, he has hardly played for the team this season and you want to shove him in here and demand he saves our bacon. What's your hope? He takes a couple of early wickets and doesn't go for as much as Tim on a bad day?
Great plan. Good luck with it. Goodnight gentlemen don't let the frustration of not persuading me keep you up all night.
He's played 3 county games against other counties out of his 9 - all of them in 2010 some 5 years ago.
And yes you'd be right if we were three or four matches from the end of the season and we were trying an option... but we didn't do that and "Allenby" still has done more for the side this season in the CC1 than young Josh has.
Let the poor lad off the hook. He is too loose presently for CC1, he has hardly played for the team this season and you want to shove him in here and demand he saves our bacon. What's your hope? He takes a couple of early wickets and doesn't go for as much as Tim on a bad day?
Great plan. Good luck with it. Goodnight gentlemen don't let the frustration of not persuading me keep you up all night.
Well, you know the old saying-
Do what you've always done, and you'll get what you've always got.
Do what you've always done, and you'll get what you've always got.
COOL!! It worked last time we were near this situation a few years ago.
Also there is the saying "you made your bed so now you'd better lie in it"
"No point closing the door after the horse has bolted"
"you got yourself in this mess you'd better get yourself out of it"
blah blah blah......yawn yawn yawn
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:20:16:36 by Grockle.
Also there is the saying "you made your bed so now you'd better lie in it"
"No point closing the door after the horse has bolted"
"you got yourself in this mess you'd better get yourself out of it"
blah blah blah......yawn yawn yawn
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:21:20:16:36 by Grockle.
Just to clarify for chunky ref Barrow and Davey: my feeling is that , as a generalisation, posters on here would like us to keep Barrow on the staff rather than let him go, as he is in his early 20s and has potential. Unlike Davey, there is no clamour on here for Alex to play tomorrow.
I note that Barrow us in the 13 for tomorrow, though I'm sure he won't play unless there's any doubt or problem with Ronchi. I still think we will see Alfie making a farewell appearance alongside Lewis Gregory, with TG also missing out....although I also suspect we may not have an XI named until Wednesday.
I note that Barrow us in the 13 for tomorrow, though I'm sure he won't play unless there's any doubt or problem with Ronchi. I still think we will see Alfie making a farewell appearance alongside Lewis Gregory, with TG also missing out....although I also suspect we may not have an XI named until Wednesday.
Never mind the cricket, does Tractor still reside under the scoreboard and does Alfie the dog still attend? These are the important things.
The personnel, comments and posting styles will remain on here come what may.
The personnel, comments and posting styles will remain on here come what may.
We have just had a heavy shower of rain in Taunton, the covers are still because of it.
Looks like showers around start time and then again around lunch. Longer stretches of Play more likely this afternoon
Somerset won the toss and are batting. Both Hampshire and Sussex won the toss and are fielding.
Notts, who look to have put out a very weak batting side, are two down already - both to Fidel Edwards; Yorkshire one down - Adam Lyth.
Why on earth elect to bat first when:
a) We haven't won a home game batting first for at least two years (and I think it's more than three full years - July 2012, I believe).
b) It's forecast to be an on and off day in between the rain, meaning that batsmen may have to stop and start repeatedly.
c) Cloud cover should, presumably, assist the bowling side today, but the forecast for the remainder of the match is much better.
Unless we think it's extremely dry and are a bit scared of batting last vs Patel on this surface, then it looks a baffling decision to me.
Hants are all over Notts in the early going at Trent Bridge. The visitors won what could be a very important toss.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:10:52:23 by AGod.
a) We haven't won a home game batting first for at least two years (and I think it's more than three full years - July 2012, I believe).
b) It's forecast to be an on and off day in between the rain, meaning that batsmen may have to stop and start repeatedly.
c) Cloud cover should, presumably, assist the bowling side today, but the forecast for the remainder of the match is much better.
Unless we think it's extremely dry and are a bit scared of batting last vs Patel on this surface, then it looks a baffling decision to me.
Hants are all over Notts in the early going at Trent Bridge. The visitors won what could be a very important toss.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:10:52:23 by AGod.
Scarcely a surprise, bowling first, at Trent Bridge.
IN my opinion, Trescothick's decision to bat first will only be justified if:
a) We make a decent total - including a decent bonus point haul in our first dig.
AND
b) Batting does not become conspicuously easier as the match moves along (as usually happens at HQ).
IN my opinion, Trescothick's decision to bat first will only be justified if:
a) We make a decent total - including a decent bonus point haul in our first dig.
AND
b) Batting does not become conspicuously easier as the match moves along (as usually happens at HQ).
Yet again, Tres, Maynard and co, with a mere 20+ years in the professional game each, all over the world, know nothing like as much as our local expert AG. The sooner he becomes captain and DoC, the better off Somerset and the game as a whole will be.
FCOL
FCOL
Get over yourself, SP.
You know as well as I do that our track, in recent times, tends to have most life in it first up and then progressively less life as time goes on.
One doesn't need any amount of time "in the professional game," to be aware of this.
Moreover, the so-called experts are seldom good at "reading pitches," based on the notion of closely inspecting it before it starts anyway. Past experience is usually a better guide than trying to guess what a track will do based on what the track looks like. And past experience here says that - unless it's starting exceptionally dry as with the Derbyshire track from 2013 - then this track tends to be better to bat on as a match wears along, rather than the reverse.
Same is why it's so hard to win games, batting first at Taunton and why we haven't won one in that manner for ages.
Visiting sides have also seldom won batting first in recent times, although one that has done is, er............ Warwickshire.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:12:17:52 by AGod.
You know as well as I do that our track, in recent times, tends to have most life in it first up and then progressively less life as time goes on.
One doesn't need any amount of time "in the professional game," to be aware of this.
Moreover, the so-called experts are seldom good at "reading pitches," based on the notion of closely inspecting it before it starts anyway. Past experience is usually a better guide than trying to guess what a track will do based on what the track looks like. And past experience here says that - unless it's starting exceptionally dry as with the Derbyshire track from 2013 - then this track tends to be better to bat on as a match wears along, rather than the reverse.
Same is why it's so hard to win games, batting first at Taunton and why we haven't won one in that manner for ages.
Visiting sides have also seldom won batting first in recent times, although one that has done is, er............ Warwickshire.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:12:17:52 by AGod.
Move away from the panic button, Agod at least until the end of the day
If we get 350 runs+ I think the decision will be justified. If we accomplish that we are all but safe.
Why choose to bat first? Simple-we need 7 points, 5 are on offer for batting. OK so it might not work but it seems the right strategy for this game in the position we are in.
SP2 - let me know how you get on getting over yourself, sounds something I should like to try even if only to test the old flexibility.
Surely the best strategy for our situation, GM is to aim, first and foremost, to try and win the match? If we win the match that it is, of course, mathematically impossible for us not to stay up.
And our usual strategy at home is to put the opposition in because we know, full well, how difficult it is to win batting first (and bowling last).
With Jeetan Patel in the Warks side, I would be surprised if we'd intentionally prepared a very dry track. Unless the weather in the SW has been uncommonly dry (as distinct from the weather here in the SE!) then I doubt that we've inadvertently produced a bone dry track.
Maybe it's such a total road that no help for the bowlers is anticipated at any time?
But, really, it's only if the track is bone dry that our chances of winning the match would usually be increased at Taunton by batting first. Worse, our chances of losing a CC match at Taunton usually increase if we bat first (witness the season-opening home defeats to both Durham and Middx).
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:12:29:12 by AGod.
And our usual strategy at home is to put the opposition in because we know, full well, how difficult it is to win batting first (and bowling last).
With Jeetan Patel in the Warks side, I would be surprised if we'd intentionally prepared a very dry track. Unless the weather in the SW has been uncommonly dry (as distinct from the weather here in the SE!) then I doubt that we've inadvertently produced a bone dry track.
Maybe it's such a total road that no help for the bowlers is anticipated at any time?
But, really, it's only if the track is bone dry that our chances of winning the match would usually be increased at Taunton by batting first. Worse, our chances of losing a CC match at Taunton usually increase if we bat first (witness the season-opening home defeats to both Durham and Middx).
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:12:29:12 by AGod.
I'd say :wait and see" in answer to your question AG but its obviously rhetorical unfortunatly and you will now debate the answer mostly with yourself for at least the next two days
Coopers gone.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:23:03:37:50 by Grockle.
Coopers gone.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:23:03:37:50 by Grockle.
Mark Adair, Warwickshire`s debutant at Taunton today, is a 19-year-old fast bowler from Ireland. I wonder if he was recommended to the county by Boyd Rankin?
And Cooper out, in his customary manner, on the stroke of lunch.
I think a good deal of rain is forecast early afternoon, so if that materialises then it might be some time before play resumes after lunch.
I think a good deal of rain is forecast early afternoon, so if that materialises then it might be some time before play resumes after lunch.
My fear is that the main reason that our Captain chose to bat first is not because the track is uncommonly dry but rather because he, personally, was feeling buoyant about his own batting form and thought "I'll lead from the front, get out there and get us to 400."
So far, his confidence in his own batting has been justified. But, will the team as a whole get to a total that nets us a lot of batting bonus points?
So far, his confidence in his own batting has been justified. But, will the team as a whole get to a total that nets us a lot of batting bonus points?
AGod-
The name of the game is for Somerset to get at least 350 (4 batting points), then get oppo 9 down before 110 overs are up = the 7 points you need.
Or, better still, make 400 in 110 overs- then you only need to take 6 wickets in 110 overs.
Winning the match is less important than getting 350+
The name of the game is for Somerset to get at least 350 (4 batting points), then get oppo 9 down before 110 overs are up = the 7 points you need.
Or, better still, make 400 in 110 overs- then you only need to take 6 wickets in 110 overs.
Winning the match is less important than getting 350+
Yes, I am well aware of the permutations, arithmetic wise.
But, equally, if we were to actually win the match, then bonus point calculations would become entirely moot.
Regardless, if the pitch behaves in a typical fashion then it will get progressively flatter, meaning that it would be relatively easier to make either 350 or 400 in the second innings of the match and relatively easier to take 9 or more wickets in the first innings of the match.
Therefore both the narrow immediate objective of looking for 7 points AND the usual objective in any cricket match (win the game) would usually be best served by batting second at Taunton.
But, equally, if we were to actually win the match, then bonus point calculations would become entirely moot.
Regardless, if the pitch behaves in a typical fashion then it will get progressively flatter, meaning that it would be relatively easier to make either 350 or 400 in the second innings of the match and relatively easier to take 9 or more wickets in the first innings of the match.
Therefore both the narrow immediate objective of looking for 7 points AND the usual objective in any cricket match (win the game) would usually be best served by batting second at Taunton.
Reasons to bat first
First innings average score 2015 Taunton 366
Somerset First innings average score 2015 Taunton 424
Potentially control the game and put pressure on Warwicks also Hants and Sussex aswell. If things went well we could bat as long as we like
If we conceed big bowling first to Warwicks it will leave us with only the draw option if other games start going against us. Plus lift the spirits of Hants and Sussex. It could potentially leave us batting last to stay in the division either following on or for a nervous few sessions
Even if we dont get the points we need batting first we will still know if we need to put the brakes on early in Warwicks first innings or chase wickets and still have the security of the third innings to either set up a win or bat the game into a draw
First innings average score 2015 Taunton 366
Somerset First innings average score 2015 Taunton 424
Potentially control the game and put pressure on Warwicks also Hants and Sussex aswell. If things went well we could bat as long as we like
If we conceed big bowling first to Warwicks it will leave us with only the draw option if other games start going against us. Plus lift the spirits of Hants and Sussex. It could potentially leave us batting last to stay in the division either following on or for a nervous few sessions
Even if we dont get the points we need batting first we will still know if we need to put the brakes on early in Warwicks first innings or chase wickets and still have the security of the third innings to either set up a win or bat the game into a draw
So far as I can work out, the two highest scorers (for any county) in the First Division are batting together now. Something to celebrate, perhaps!
Your analysis seems very plausible to me, Joelsberg.
Your analysis seems very plausible to me, Joelsberg.
If we win the match, with maximum bonus points, and restrict Warwickshire to just two bonus points,Somerset will replace Warwickshire in 5th place in Div 1. Prize money at stake, boys! 400-8 and roll 'em over for less than 200! Twice!
Think we'd need more than 400 to pull that off, but bat once would be the right line of thinking, in the hope of not needing to take any significant number of wickets on the final day of the match.
Begining to look as though Marcus Trescothick and Matthew Maynard know more about cricket than AGod.
On course for 400 in 110 overs at the moment.
On course for 400 in 110 overs at the moment.
Not really, Chunky.
If the track gets flatter still as the game wears on, we'd still be better off batting second.
If the track gets flatter still as the game wears on, we'd still be better off batting second.
AG: do you want to think again about whether you really intend your response to the comment "Beginning to look as though Marcus Trescothick and Matthew Maynard know more about cricket than AGod." to be "Not really, Chunky".
No, The meaning is obvious. Because what is really meant by his post is "looks as if they were right to bat first."
As I'd already said the acid test for whether batting first is a good move is not only what total is made batting first, but rather whether or not batting becomes trickier as the match proceeds. If the opposite occurs, and batting becomes easier and easier then a decent SCCC first innings total does not, in and of itself, vindicate a decision to bat first.
Equally, if SCCC made a bad total batting first that alone would not necessarily imply that we'd made a mistake in batting first.... if the track got progressively more difficult as the game went on, then batting first would have been justified in spite of the fact that people might, initially, think that it wasn't due to a low first-innings score.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:15:40:36 by AGod.
As I'd already said the acid test for whether batting first is a good move is not only what total is made batting first, but rather whether or not batting becomes trickier as the match proceeds. If the opposite occurs, and batting becomes easier and easier then a decent SCCC first innings total does not, in and of itself, vindicate a decision to bat first.
Equally, if SCCC made a bad total batting first that alone would not necessarily imply that we'd made a mistake in batting first.... if the track got progressively more difficult as the game went on, then batting first would have been justified in spite of the fact that people might, initially, think that it wasn't due to a low first-innings score.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:15:40:36 by AGod.
Well one down and only 6 to get. I'm afraid I'm being totally pragmatic because these next days are about getting 7 points, and I don't care how we get them. If we have got 3 (or more) by close that's fine by me.
If you bat first (which Somerset have) you don't even need to declare on 400, because a drawn game is enough, so, bat on and on, because it takes time out of the game, makes a draw more likely and a Warwickshire win (the one thing you don't want) less likely.
Much easier to dictate terms if you bat first.
Much easier to dictate terms if you bat first.
This has become quite a funny thread now.
AG, I DO agree with you that we are usually better off and have more chance of winning a game at Taunton if we bat second. However, with you and I both today stuck in the damp South East, a good 100+ miles from Taunton, it's not unreasonable to expect those charged with the responsibility of getting the seven points required, there on the ground and with all their experience, to have a rough idea what they're doing.
SP, still bending over backwards to get over myself.
AG, I DO agree with you that we are usually better off and have more chance of winning a game at Taunton if we bat second. However, with you and I both today stuck in the damp South East, a good 100+ miles from Taunton, it's not unreasonable to expect those charged with the responsibility of getting the seven points required, there on the ground and with all their experience, to have a rough idea what they're doing.
SP, still bending over backwards to get over myself.
Actually think that we did right to bat first. Being utterly pragmatic if we draw this match we will almost certainly be safe. Batting first ( IMO ) is the wrong thing to do if you want to win at Taunton but is almost certainly the right thing to do if you are happy with a draw.
Only a really bad first dig collapse negates that thinking and thankfully that has not happened. I am pretty confident as at now that we will stay up - THANK THE LORD !
Only a really bad first dig collapse negates that thinking and thankfully that has not happened. I am pretty confident as at now that we will stay up - THANK THE LORD !
James Hildreth will need to bat for the rest of the day if we are to retain serious hopes of "batting them out of the game," via this first dig.
New ball available in about 15 overs' time.
New ball available in about 15 overs' time.
..........and Allenby fails again - other than a fair bit of economical bowling this guy has brought nothing to the party and I wonder what goes on between him and MM that makes him indispensable and undropable as far as Somerset are concerned - anyone got any ideas ?
Managers in most sports are usually loath to give up on people that they, themselves, have signed until it is 100% clear that they aren't going to make it.
If Matthew Maynard continues to ask Jim Allenby to bat as high as number five (which, IMO, is beyond JA's abilities), then I would imagine that Mr Maynard will have to concede defeat on this point by about the mid-point of next season.
In an ideal world, he's not really a CC1 number six either. Neither is Peter Trego, IMO. These two guys should effectively be competing for one place in the SCCC CC1 side, with that place being at number 7.
If Matthew Maynard continues to ask Jim Allenby to bat as high as number five (which, IMO, is beyond JA's abilities), then I would imagine that Mr Maynard will have to concede defeat on this point by about the mid-point of next season.
In an ideal world, he's not really a CC1 number six either. Neither is Peter Trego, IMO. These two guys should effectively be competing for one place in the SCCC CC1 side, with that place being at number 7.
I'm not sure that 29 is a failure for Allenby - it's disappointing, but around what I'd expect from him. However, it is a failure for a Div One no. 5 - if JA was batting at 7 I don't think I'd be too disappointed with him, but he's no number 5. As I've said before, I think we have a load of 7s and 8s batting 5-10.
Yes, I feel a bit sorry for him. Asked, all season long, to do a job that he is probably not properly equipped to do.
I guess Myburgh failing and falling from favour has been a problem this year.
From our available personnel, then ideally JM would bat at number three which would allow Cooper to bat at five and Allenby or Trego to bat six or the two of them to bat 6 and 7.
From our available personnel, then ideally JM would bat at number three which would allow Cooper to bat at five and Allenby or Trego to bat six or the two of them to bat 6 and 7.
Terrific performance from James. He has been a real diamond this year.
Marcus also enjoying a very strong batting run in the latter part of the season, so well done to him as well.
Grizzzly
Marcus also enjoying a very strong batting run in the latter part of the season, so well done to him as well.
Grizzzly
I know AGod won't be happy with it, but seems like a decent 1st day to me, 3 points in the bag already & should be able to get a 4th. Other scores not exactly going away from us either - Hants may get the bowling points but pressure will be on them batting.
AG - what happened to JM anyway? I saw him injured at a T20 game but for the life of me i can't remember seeing him since
AG - what happened to JM anyway? I saw him injured at a T20 game but for the life of me i can't remember seeing him since
The signing for the sake of a signing, Luke Ronchi played his part.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:18:26:43 by chunkyinargyll.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:18:26:43 by chunkyinargyll.
Great effort under the circumstances today especially from Tres and Hildreth.
'
Re Allenby 'failure' - surely 29 today is not, 'in and of itself', a failure for a Div1 number 5, but his CC record over the season surely is. I know somebody will tell me how wrong I am, but from my remote viewpoint, MM and JA have looked out of their depth in about equal measure.
When MM said a month or so back that he had underestimated how difficult it was all going to be, wasn't at least part of that a suggestion that he had not expected such a difference in standard from Div 2? He obviously genuinely thought Allenby could manage the step up. Little evidence that he's right so far.
'
Re Allenby 'failure' - surely 29 today is not, 'in and of itself', a failure for a Div1 number 5, but his CC record over the season surely is. I know somebody will tell me how wrong I am, but from my remote viewpoint, MM and JA have looked out of their depth in about equal measure.
When MM said a month or so back that he had underestimated how difficult it was all going to be, wasn't at least part of that a suggestion that he had not expected such a difference in standard from Div 2? He obviously genuinely thought Allenby could manage the step up. Little evidence that he's right so far.
Indeed, hopefully more to come tomorrow. Any chance of a return visit next year.
Good day, happy with that. Especially well done to Banger and James, well backed up by TomC and Luke Ronchi late on. Positive batting, just right for the occasion. Regardless of what Hants and Sussex do, we're going about things the right way.
By the way, I've had an email from the club which implies that, as there's a Macmillan fundraising event on, it's free to get in for everyone on Friday. Anyone know if I've read that correctly?
By the way, I've had an email from the club which implies that, as there's a Macmillan fundraising event on, it's free to get in for everyone on Friday. Anyone know if I've read that correctly?
Love reading your commentary on the day's play when I come home from work, AGod. Never fails to put a smile on my face!
We're nearly there. Order of the day tomorrow is bat, bat, bat. If we can get nearly half way through the day, then I would have thought it would pretty much assure the draw without worrying about bowling points.
We're nearly there. Order of the day tomorrow is bat, bat, bat. If we can get nearly half way through the day, then I would have thought it would pretty much assure the draw without worrying about bowling points.
Yep! A good day at the office. Imperious from the emperor!
Same again tomorrow would put us in a pretty safe place I think.
Same again tomorrow would put us in a pretty safe place I think.
Quote:rodders12
..........and Allenby fails again - other than a fair bit of economical bowling this guy has brought nothing to the party and I wonder what goes on between him and MM that makes him indispensable and undropable as far as Somerset are concerned - anyone got any ideas ?
I may be wrong but I think Allenby has played every single game for us this season !! Including the New Zealand tour game !!
Very well done, in particular, to the Emperor and the GOM - and some other useful contributions too.
I think that the team showed a lot of character today, given our position in the Table. The skipper led from the front, once again.
I am delighted too for Matt Maynard, who has taken stick from some quarters, but who has seen the team he is building have a good finish to the season.
I think that the team showed a lot of character today, given our position in the Table. The skipper led from the front, once again.
I am delighted too for Matt Maynard, who has taken stick from some quarters, but who has seen the team he is building have a good finish to the season.
Well done everybody on today's performance. 4 points today and more runs and points tomorrow I trust.
Wickham - we haven't won a CC match for more than two months.
What we've done recemtly is get three draws on flat tracks against our fellow strugglers and get thumped on a less flat track against the Champions.
I sincerely hope that Matthew Maynard himself does not consider this 'a good finish to the season.'
What we've done is the bare minimum required to stay up and not a lot more.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:20:08:07 by AGod.
What we've done recemtly is get three draws on flat tracks against our fellow strugglers and get thumped on a less flat track against the Champions.
I sincerely hope that Matthew Maynard himself does not consider this 'a good finish to the season.'
What we've done is the bare minimum required to stay up and not a lot more.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:22:20:08:07 by AGod.
A good day's Cricket for the supporters of the club and those that want the club to stay in Division 1, obviously a disappointment for the site's forecaster although of course he will dispute any repetitive negativity.
360 for 5 in 84 overs at the close, most of us would have grabbed at that score at 10.35 this morning, good knocks from Tres, and James, great to watch when they are in form
.
400 plus tomorrow and another point,It will be down to Alfonso, to get stuck into the Wark's batsmen tomorrow and go out on a high, and then AGod will be saying yet again its a mistake not offering him another RED BALL contract.
360 for 5 in 84 overs at the close, most of us would have grabbed at that score at 10.35 this morning, good knocks from Tres, and James, great to watch when they are in form
.
400 plus tomorrow and another point,It will be down to Alfonso, to get stuck into the Wark's batsmen tomorrow and go out on a high, and then AGod will be saying yet again its a mistake not offering him another RED BALL contract.
One can be put on the naughty step for saying personal things Roger, so let me say - a brilliant day for all concerned at Somerset. Despite many reservations about his, IMO, wooden approach to captaincy, MT has been as good as his word with his batting and set a tremendous example to follow. If he keeps this form into his 40th year the young players around him can only get better. I have never doubted his quality and I wonder whether, as he explained at an open meeting last year - he is "managing" his suspect ankles. Undoubtably not playing one day cricket and "tip-and-run" T20 has perserved his wonderful skill for us to enjoy for, perhaps several more seasons.
Apart from watching all the wonderful youngsters in the "stable" there can be no greater pleasure than watching JH somehow stroking the ball to the boundary with unsurpassed timing. Long may he survive and play for us over the next few years. Why the devil is anyone complaining?
Old Boy!
Apart from watching all the wonderful youngsters in the "stable" there can be no greater pleasure than watching JH somehow stroking the ball to the boundary with unsurpassed timing. Long may he survive and play for us over the next few years. Why the devil is anyone complaining?
Old Boy!
Day one photos.
Because of the unsettled weather today the camera was in the bag for a lot of the time.
I could still watch a very satisfying day cricket, we did exactly what was required by batting first, go for the most points option first. Unfortunately Tom Abell was the only one to miss out on the good batting pitch.
Tommy Cooper was batting well enough until Rikki Clarke decided to replace his middle stump with the ball.
Marcus played brilliant today with shots from the book and some not in the book.
Marcus playing a bit cover drive but unfortunately getting a fine edge to Tim Ambrose off the bowling of nineteen year old Mark Adair, and what a wicket to get for a nineteen year old in I believe to be his first first class match.
I was privileged to watch James Hildreth bat today in what I can only describe as a near perfect innings, nearly if not all his shot were played along the ground, I can't remember him giving a chance.
James Hildreth, this is the nearest I can find to a false shot, inside edge through his legs.
I hope it is warmer tomorrow, and we get all five batting points.
Because of the unsettled weather today the camera was in the bag for a lot of the time.
I could still watch a very satisfying day cricket, we did exactly what was required by batting first, go for the most points option first. Unfortunately Tom Abell was the only one to miss out on the good batting pitch.
Tommy Cooper was batting well enough until Rikki Clarke decided to replace his middle stump with the ball.
Marcus played brilliant today with shots from the book and some not in the book.
Marcus playing a bit cover drive but unfortunately getting a fine edge to Tim Ambrose off the bowling of nineteen year old Mark Adair, and what a wicket to get for a nineteen year old in I believe to be his first first class match.
I was privileged to watch James Hildreth bat today in what I can only describe as a near perfect innings, nearly if not all his shot were played along the ground, I can't remember him giving a chance.
James Hildreth, this is the nearest I can find to a false shot, inside edge through his legs.
I hope it is warmer tomorrow, and we get all five batting points.
Many thanks, as always, Mike, for the excellent photos - and also for the great line about Clarke deciding to replace the middle stump with the ball.
The report from Headingley is that, as always, there is plenty of help for the seamers. So Yorkshire may be in a pretty handy position against Sussex with just shy of 250 on the board, Bresnen and Plunkett still at the crease, and a battery of wicket-taking fast bowlers.
I agree with you Dredge about the fun of reading a thread when you haven't been involved in it on a good Somerset day. I used to get criticised for having long debates with other posters - partly because no one else would - but now everyone does...
Old Boy! The way to stay off "the naughty step" is to talk about the CRICKET and not the POSTER exclusively.
Whoever made the point (and it might have been AG) about the fact that Allenby has been playing out of position all season is quite correct, he deserves some credit for taking the flak he has for that during the season.
The answer to the question why he hasn't been dropped would probably be... who would have done that number 5 (or even number 7) job? We had no-one except Barrow or Bates early on. I would have liked to have seen Hose get a chance at the back end of the season and then maybe you could have at least moved Allenby but resources have been limited and no one else has really shown any more reason to be credited with faith that they could do better this season - or have they?
No comment from Dave today - obviously travelling from somewhere to somewhere without access to wifi and the internet once again? It is so unfortunate that this seems to happen on good Somerset days. Good to see your faith has returned Rodders but for a Somerset supporter aren't you expressng it a little too early? (TiC) I'd agree with you if this was day 3.
How can James Hildreth hit 1500 runs on a season and have no winter work? I know he has had lean seasons and all that but most of these were very classy 1500 runs and only Voges has done better I think I heard. One of the only joys of this season was watching the man bat at his best, there are few better to watch when the Emporer is in his pomp.
Many people here also voice criticism with the 'hope I am wrong' ending and I am no exception to that. I am SOOOOOOOOO glad I was wrong in my assessment of the Boss at the start of the season. He may not be the Somerset 'Boss' next season (by no means a bad thing) but he has yet to give up that title in terms of batting. The work of Tom, Marcus, James and the other Tom I have to admit when the chips are very firmly down has been very nice to see. Some fight from Pete wasn't unwelcome either. Has Cooper done enough? Probably not but he has notched up a little more respect from me at least and probably learned a few things from his time with a bat in the South West. If he goes I hope that new experience helps him find another spot somewhere and moves his game along.
So, slightly smug today, Hope to be positively beaming by this time tomorrow and a little more optimistic about 2016 for a while after that if all things continue in this vein.
Old Boy! The way to stay off "the naughty step" is to talk about the CRICKET and not the POSTER exclusively.
Whoever made the point (and it might have been AG) about the fact that Allenby has been playing out of position all season is quite correct, he deserves some credit for taking the flak he has for that during the season.
The answer to the question why he hasn't been dropped would probably be... who would have done that number 5 (or even number 7) job? We had no-one except Barrow or Bates early on. I would have liked to have seen Hose get a chance at the back end of the season and then maybe you could have at least moved Allenby but resources have been limited and no one else has really shown any more reason to be credited with faith that they could do better this season - or have they?
No comment from Dave today - obviously travelling from somewhere to somewhere without access to wifi and the internet once again? It is so unfortunate that this seems to happen on good Somerset days. Good to see your faith has returned Rodders but for a Somerset supporter aren't you expressng it a little too early? (TiC) I'd agree with you if this was day 3.
How can James Hildreth hit 1500 runs on a season and have no winter work? I know he has had lean seasons and all that but most of these were very classy 1500 runs and only Voges has done better I think I heard. One of the only joys of this season was watching the man bat at his best, there are few better to watch when the Emporer is in his pomp.
Many people here also voice criticism with the 'hope I am wrong' ending and I am no exception to that. I am SOOOOOOOOO glad I was wrong in my assessment of the Boss at the start of the season. He may not be the Somerset 'Boss' next season (by no means a bad thing) but he has yet to give up that title in terms of batting. The work of Tom, Marcus, James and the other Tom I have to admit when the chips are very firmly down has been very nice to see. Some fight from Pete wasn't unwelcome either. Has Cooper done enough? Probably not but he has notched up a little more respect from me at least and probably learned a few things from his time with a bat in the South West. If he goes I hope that new experience helps him find another spot somewhere and moves his game along.
So, slightly smug today, Hope to be positively beaming by this time tomorrow and a little more optimistic about 2016 for a while after that if all things continue in this vein.
James Hildreth has scored the most runs in division one with 1390 CC runs, only Ashwell Prince in division two has scores more runs 1427 in the CC (Lancs didn't play yesterday)
It would be great if JH managed to top score overall at the end of the season.
It would be great if JH managed to top score overall at the end of the season.
I think that Marcus Trescothick currently has the second highest aggregate in Division 1.
James Hildreth has the highest first-class aggregate this season. (I believe that Voges' runs this calendar year include runs in the winter.)
James Hildreth has the highest first-class aggregate this season. (I believe that Voges' runs this calendar year include runs in the winter.)
You might have predicted one of those things to be the case earlier in the season but certainly not both.
It tends to highlight how woefully we have been let down in other areas of the side over the whole season I'm afraid. However both those pieces of the correct puzzle are in place for 2016 at least.
It tends to highlight how woefully we have been let down in other areas of the side over the whole season I'm afraid. However both those pieces of the correct puzzle are in place for 2016 at least.
Hildy could well go past Voges today for the most first class runs in the calendar year. He is on 1758, 50 behind Voges' 1808, and he has also played 4 innings less, but presuming Voges plays against Bangladesh (did I read somewhere that he is vice-captain?) he will almost certainy end the year on top.
Come on boys, lets get to 400 before throwing the bat around. I hope it means the wicket it doing something thou..
Yes, better that - hopefully - there's still something left in the track today.
Jove may well slog us to the final batting point anyway, IMO.
Jove may well slog us to the final batting point anyway, IMO.
But it seems that we are intent on batting time as Thomas/Leach is as generally defensive a partnership as this SCCC XI could conceivably muster..
And Warwickshire have no further material incentive to compete in this game as now assured of fifth place.
They are not usually a side, IMO, that lacks for resolve but the chances of them developing end-of-seasonitis are now higher than nil.
They are not usually a side, IMO, that lacks for resolve but the chances of them developing end-of-seasonitis are now higher than nil.
Ohhhh everyone's relegation saving "celebrations" looking a bit premature at the moment..oooooooh!!!
Hooray! We don't make things easy for ourselves. Well done Jamie and Jack.
I don't really see why we sent AT in ahead of him - particularly given that AT is short of first-team batting practice.
More generally, SCCC may wish to look at allowing Jamie to bat higher than number 11 next season, IMO.
More generally, SCCC may wish to look at allowing Jamie to bat higher than number 11 next season, IMO.
Well done to both.
Let's hope that his reJovenation with the ball continues shortly.
Let's hope that his reJovenation with the ball continues shortly.
Sussex 3/2 as well. Chris Jordan opening. What on earth is that all about!?
I imagine they'll bring Patel on to bowl at Jamie soon, which might be when the fun really starts!
.. and we're off!
Hants 3 down.. 350 is looking a long way away for them now.
Hants 3 down.. 350 is looking a long way away for them now.
And the tail wags and does the business as well. Bit of a hiccup but nothing lost because of it. Jove will definitely bat ahead of Thommo next season AG.
Am I right in thinking that if Hampshire fail to reach 300, we are safe?
Quote:Following on
Am I right in thinking that if Hampshire fail to reach 300, we are safe?
350 I think. However if they don't even make 200 they are relgated regardless.
Other than the obvious goal of survival and of wanting to actually win a CC match for the first time since the Rose Bowl, my biggest desire from this game would be to see Jack Leach end the season with a good number of wickets from this game to boost his confidence and give him something to take into his winter/next season.
Doesn't appear that there was much in it for Patel so may be a tall order, but I hope he can do it.
Doesn't appear that there was much in it for Patel so may be a tall order, but I hope he can do it.
I agree with you AG (did I really just write that?!). It's looking very promising looking at the Sussex game as well as Hants.
IF (& it's a big if bearing mnd there's over 2 days to go still) we finished 6th, I'd say that's a more than reasonable position when you bear in mind that we lost Compton & Kieswetter who would walk into pretty much every other side in the country bar Yorkshire.
But it's not all over yet of course, though Hants are doing their best to stop the excitement lasting 4 days....
IF (& it's a big if bearing mnd there's over 2 days to go still) we finished 6th, I'd say that's a more than reasonable position when you bear in mind that we lost Compton & Kieswetter who would walk into pretty much every other side in the country bar Yorkshire.
But it's not all over yet of course, though Hants are doing their best to stop the excitement lasting 4 days....
We needed 7 points if Hants win with maximum points. WE have 5 so need 2 more. If Hants drop 2 ( that is score under 350) then we already have enough ( I think)
As long as I have followed Somerset, the team has insisted on teasing its supporters - as, for example, today by pretending they didn't want that fifth batting point and then getting it with time to spare and scoring a few additional runs just for fun.
You cannot fail to love 'em.
Well done to Jove and Leach.
You cannot fail to love 'em.
Well done to Jove and Leach.
Looking as though this morning's early collapse may have been the product of either some uncommonly good bowling or poor batting, rather than due to the pitch having suddenly become in any way tricky for batting on.
I suppose, with the 10:30 start, it's possible that there might have been some dew that livened it up for half an hour?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:23:14:17:14 by AGod.
I suppose, with the 10:30 start, it's possible that there might have been some dew that livened it up for half an hour?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:23:14:17:14 by AGod.
big wicket at Nottingham - I'm afraid my eyes have been diverted to Trenters as it looks like being a bit of a snore-fest at Taunton
Yes. Very good figures so far for Jack. Two wickets at Trenters leave Hants on the brink
Leach nabs another for a bonus point, which means Hants now have to score a very unlikely 400
Well done Jove, Alf & Jack !
Time to come out from behind the sofa ?
Grizzzly
Time to come out from behind the sofa ?
Grizzzly
Leach is in serious danger of becoming the Third Greatest Living Englishman.
And that makes me very happy indeed.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
And that makes me very happy indeed.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Absolutely magnificent stuff, it's going to make my 50th birthday celebrations a lot more pleasant.
Cider o clock anyone?
Cider o clock anyone?
Quote:AGod
Other than the obvious goal of survival and of wanting to actually win a CC match for the first time since the Rose Bowl, my biggest desire from this game would be to see Jack Leach end the season with a good number of wickets from this game to boost his confidence and give him something to take into his winter/next season.
Doesn't appear that there was much in it for Patel so may be a tall order, but I hope he can do it.
Great shout AGod
Quote:AGod
Why on earth elect to bat first when:
a) We haven't won a home game batting first for at least two years (and I think it's more than three full years - July 2012, I believe).
b) It's forecast to be an on and off day in between the rain, meaning that batsmen may have to stop and start repeatedly.
c) Cloud cover should, presumably, assist the bowling side today, but the forecast for the remainder of the match is much better.
Unless we think it's extremely dry and are a bit scared of batting last vs Patel on this surface, then it looks a baffling decision to me.
Amazing stuff.
Having seen Jack nearly crock Cove when celebrating his first Championship wicket recently, I dread to think what he is up to this afternoon over there !
With figures of 12-6-10-5, he's has definitely earned the right to do whatever he wants !
Well done SCCC on surviving the drop. Quite a few positives to end the season on.
Now, I suppose we'd better start the debate as to whether to enforce the follow on.......
Grizzzly
Having seen Jack nearly crock Cove when celebrating his first Championship wicket recently, I dread to think what he is up to this afternoon over there !
With figures of 12-6-10-5, he's has definitely earned the right to do whatever he wants !
Well done SCCC on surviving the drop. Quite a few positives to end the season on.
Now, I suppose we'd better start the debate as to whether to enforce the follow on.......
Grizzzly
Quote:AGod
Get over yourself, SP.
You know as well as I do that our track, in recent times, tends to have most life in it first up and then progressively less life as time goes on.
One doesn't need any amount of time "in the professional game," to be aware of this.
Moreover, the so-called experts are seldom good at "reading pitches," based on the notion of closely inspecting it before it starts anyway. Past experience is usually a better guide than trying to guess what a track will do based on what the track looks like. And past experience here says that - unless it's starting exceptionally dry as with the Derbyshire track from 2013 - then this track tends to be better to bat on as a match wears along, rather than the reverse.
Same is why it's so hard to win games, batting first at Taunton and why we haven't won one in that manner for age.
Sussex not getting the second batting point means that if Hants get to 250, the equation is that they will stay up if they win and Sussex lose.
Quote:chunkyinargyll
Begining to look as though Marcus Trescothick and Matthew Maynard know more about cricket than AGod.
On course for 400 in 110 overs at the moment.
Somehow presently Dredgey I really, really don't care as important as it is for those two sides.
Quote:AGod
Not really, Chunky.
If the track gets flatter still as the game wears on, we'd still be better off batting second.
Grockle, I'm with you there! I'm so pleased that in the end, we didn't have to rely on anyone else's shortcomings.
And England have just called up Samit patel - should have waited a few more hours....
Out of interest, does Dockrell have a contract for next year? And also bearing in mind that Waller is a very good limited overs player, it certainly helps MM with deciding what type of overseas player to go for next year
Out of interest, does Dockrell have a contract for next year? And also bearing in mind that Waller is a very good limited overs player, it certainly helps MM with deciding what type of overseas player to go for next year
Oh, I don't think spin was even in the hat in terms of the type of overseas player that they'd go for next year.
Everything that I've heard seems to indicate that MM is after an overseas batsman.
But it's a huge bonus for Jack to go into his winter programme on the back of this kind of performance.
Everything that I've heard seems to indicate that MM is after an overseas batsman.
But it's a huge bonus for Jack to go into his winter programme on the back of this kind of performance.
AG - hindsight is of course wonderful but I think many of were surprised MM went for a spinner for the whole season anyway when we already had 3 on the books.Rehmann did seem a good shout for the 2nd half I have to admit, but yes, a quality batsmen is most likely, one who keeps wicket too might be perfect but not many around
Anthony Gibson claiming that the Warks' bowling coach said that this track has "obviously been prepared for a high scoring draw."
Oh dear, somebody neglected to tell either Jack or his team's own batsmen...
Oh dear, somebody neglected to tell either Jack or his team's own batsmen...
Quote:Grizzzly
Now, I suppose we'd better start the debate as to whether to enforce the follow on.......
Grizzzly
Come on, Grizzzly, you can do better than that. Surely the debate must start at once as to how we can possibly avoid relegation next year with this lot.
As for Leach, I fail to see what he's for. He's already conceded two more runs than he scored and only taken five wickets so far.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:23:16:37:59 by Loyal of Lhasa.
Yep. Poor foresight on my part LoL !
As Hants refuse to rollover, and Yorks start to build a lead, Sussex must be beginning to feel a tad uncomfortable right now.
Grizzzly
As Hants refuse to rollover, and Yorks start to build a lead, Sussex must be beginning to feel a tad uncomfortable right now.
Grizzzly
Yes, Grizzly. Especially as Yorkshire would love to go out with a win, and Hampshire will be firing up Fidel for one last burst. It could be a nailbiting end to the season, and without us being even remotely involved 
Well fielded, Tractor.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I've just noticed that we have scored 438 in each of our most recent innings.
It would be nice for Thomas to be part of a winning side in this match against the county that thought he was not worth retaining.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
It would be nice for Thomas to be part of a winning side in this match against the county that thought he was not worth retaining.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:rodders12
Never in doubt my friends as I posted yesterday !
Well after a stormy old season in more ways than one Mr R we both got what we wanted in the end.... another season to comment on that will be worth the effort
Looks like Yorkshire have missed the bus, I thought they'd given up weeks ago.
What a fabulous couple of days. Well done lads. I'm so glad that we don't have to endure a nerve shredding last couple of days of agonising over what is happening else where and have done the job ourselves.
We will win the thing next year for sure!!
We will win the thing next year for sure!!
Quote:Loyal of Lhasa
I've just noticed that we have scored 438 in each of our most recent innings.
It would be nice for Thomas to be part of a winning side in this match against the county that thought he was not worth retaining.
And am I right on thinking that last time wee took 100 overs and this time 100 overs and one ball?
A wonderful display of controlled accurate spin bowling by Jack. I didn't see more than a couple of balls not pitched on a perfect length. The proof was there for all to see as England's best player of spin bowling was bambozzled by Jack. I'm glad I was there to see it. Lets hope we have him on a long contract to avoid another'Jos' episode.
Old Boy!
Old Boy!
If Hildreth is not one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year, I shall eat my cricket hat. Either outcome will seriously disappoint old boy!
And on this highly cheerful day we can take note that in just three months from now the nights will be getting shorter and the next season will be almost upon us.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
And on this highly cheerful day we can take note that in just three months from now the nights will be getting shorter and the next season will be almost upon us.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Not sure what the 'Jos Episode' was OB! Do you mean that a player was attracted to another county when his contract came up for re-negotiation.
The way to avoid Jack being involved in a 'Jos Episode' is to make sure he wants to stay not sign him up so he can't go. It's been shown many times that if a cricketer wants to go, a contract won't stop him.
The way to avoid Jack being involved in a 'Jos Episode' is to make sure he wants to stay not sign him up so he can't go. It's been shown many times that if a cricketer wants to go, a contract won't stop him.
A hat made of marzipan was made for Paddy Ashdown to eat after election night. If he hasn't consumed it by now you could always offer to help him do so Loyal of Lhasa.
Very pleased with today, especially as I got in the car with score about 95-1 and got out of the car with 105-6 on the board. Great little spell from Jack! I put the flurry of wickets first thing down to the new ball...?
Sleep content, everyone.
Sleep content, everyone.
I'll sleep very well Shep, it really is a huge relief.
Can we also stop the calls for AG to eat humble pie.
He says it as he sees it, he's truly passionate about all things SCCC and adds a huge amount to this forum.
It's a night to raise a glass and celebrate....not pick on one of our own.
Can we also stop the calls for AG to eat humble pie.
He says it as he sees it, he's truly passionate about all things SCCC and adds a huge amount to this forum.
It's a night to raise a glass and celebrate....not pick on one of our own.
Best player of spin bowling, Old Boy?
I wasn't aware that Cook or Root were playing today?
I suppose Warks should be grateful that Mr Bell didn't run down the wicket and yahoo Jack's first ball up in the air to mid-off as has become his wont in international cricket...
I wasn't aware that Cook or Root were playing today?
I suppose Warks should be grateful that Mr Bell didn't run down the wicket and yahoo Jack's first ball up in the air to mid-off as has become his wont in international cricket...
Day two photos.
A day of delight and relief , and no longer having the need to ask how the other matches are going.
What was so good about today apart from staying in division one was the applause Alfonso got when he came out to bat, it started when he set foot on the grass and didn't stop until he reached the other batsman.
Lets get this out the way first, Alfonso Thomas getting an edge off the bowling of Rikki Clarke and was caught by Ian Bell.
At one time I thought we were not going to get our five batting points, but we did thanks to the partnership between Jamie Overton and Jack Leach, this four by Jamie brings up their fifty partnership.
Although Lewis Gregory didn't look like taking a wicket and went off the field holding his back, he did cause Ian Westwood a bit of trouble with this ball.
Ian Westwood, one of Jack Leach's five wickets, if it wasn't for the bail in the air I wouldn't have known he was bowled.
Ian Bell pulling a short ball.
Even though Alfonso Thomas must have mixed feelings playing in this match, there was no doubt in the delight on his face when he had Ian Bell out lbw.
Jack Leach was mobbed so many times after taking a wicket it looks like after Varun Chopra was caught by Jim Allenby he was trying to get away from being mobbed this time, it didn't work they caught up with him.
Freddie Coleman caught by Lewis Gregory, another one of Jack Leach's wickets.
Tim Ambrose looks like he was bowled around his legs by Jack Leach.
I do worry some times about mob rule (joke) Rikki Clarke lbw Jack Leach.
Jeetan Patel decided the best form of defence is attack by going down the pitch and hitting a six.
A day of delight and relief , and no longer having the need to ask how the other matches are going.
What was so good about today apart from staying in division one was the applause Alfonso got when he came out to bat, it started when he set foot on the grass and didn't stop until he reached the other batsman.
Lets get this out the way first, Alfonso Thomas getting an edge off the bowling of Rikki Clarke and was caught by Ian Bell.
At one time I thought we were not going to get our five batting points, but we did thanks to the partnership between Jamie Overton and Jack Leach, this four by Jamie brings up their fifty partnership.
Although Lewis Gregory didn't look like taking a wicket and went off the field holding his back, he did cause Ian Westwood a bit of trouble with this ball.
Ian Westwood, one of Jack Leach's five wickets, if it wasn't for the bail in the air I wouldn't have known he was bowled.
Ian Bell pulling a short ball.
Even though Alfonso Thomas must have mixed feelings playing in this match, there was no doubt in the delight on his face when he had Ian Bell out lbw.
Jack Leach was mobbed so many times after taking a wicket it looks like after Varun Chopra was caught by Jim Allenby he was trying to get away from being mobbed this time, it didn't work they caught up with him.
Freddie Coleman caught by Lewis Gregory, another one of Jack Leach's wickets.
Tim Ambrose looks like he was bowled around his legs by Jack Leach.
I do worry some times about mob rule (joke) Rikki Clarke lbw Jack Leach.
Jeetan Patel decided the best form of defence is attack by going down the pitch and hitting a six.
Track not turning very much as per Jack which makes his figures look even better. It did sound as though they had no clue what to do with him today. And Patel, a good bowler, didn't seem to get much from it.
Apparently, according to the Radio WM crew, Warks have struggled badly with the bat since the T20 Finals. So it remains to be seen whether they will have the necessary resolve and skill to bat the match out from here.
Whilst we're all understandably delighted for Jack and relieved about dodging the drop, I do think it important that we polish this match off as we've had a number of frustrating occasions at home where we've been unable to force victory and I think our bowling unit would derive confidence for the future from a win but probably lose confidence if we don't win this from here.
Apparently, according to the Radio WM crew, Warks have struggled badly with the bat since the T20 Finals. So it remains to be seen whether they will have the necessary resolve and skill to bat the match out from here.
Whilst we're all understandably delighted for Jack and relieved about dodging the drop, I do think it important that we polish this match off as we've had a number of frustrating occasions at home where we've been unable to force victory and I think our bowling unit would derive confidence for the future from a win but probably lose confidence if we don't win this from here.
Quote:Shepton Paul 2
Very pleased with today, especially as I got in the car with score about 95-1 and got out of the car with 105-6 on the board.
SP: I suspect the manufacturer has been fiddling with your car's software, for I can't believe that that collapse could really have happened.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Gregory holding his back !! Doesn't sound very good. Mesch coming back is apt as Lewis has previous in the back area .
Mike re: Lewis and 'not looking like taking a wkt,' the commentators claimed that Allenby put down a catch off LG just after lunch?
Sounds a bit worrying if he left the playing arena holding his back, though. Hope it's merely a niggle.
Sounds a bit worrying if he left the playing arena holding his back, though. Hope it's merely a niggle.
When the teams came off for tea, was Leach (5/10 at the time) encouraged to lead them?
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Yes Allenby did grass a low but catchable chance off Lewis.
A great day and sad I had to miss the JL show! #TauntonVettori
A great day and sad I had to miss the JL show! #TauntonVettori
Yes BJ thanks for stating the point.
Most of the posts you refer to came from a regular but 'visitor' to the site.
I was suprised no-one picked him up or asked for my official stance. It was a bit over the top even though there is a bit of a case of opening yourself up to it.
Still a decent point we should take note of.
Most of the posts you refer to came from a regular but 'visitor' to the site.
I was suprised no-one picked him up or asked for my official stance. It was a bit over the top even though there is a bit of a case of opening yourself up to it.
Still a decent point we should take note of.
Grockle- If someone says they know more than Trescothick and Maynard, and are then it is subsequently proved that Maynard and Trescothick were right, is it so very very wrong to have a laugh?
It's not my decision unless I'm asked to moderate or it is obviously excessive Chunky.
Saying it once might have been enough perhaps?
You don't like it a lot when people do it at your expense so you should be able to see the point made by others?
I simply said I was surprised not to be asked.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:24:09:25:39 by Grockle.
Saying it once might have been enough perhaps?
You don't like it a lot when people do it at your expense so you should be able to see the point made by others?
I simply said I was surprised not to be asked.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:24:09:25:39 by Grockle.
It is very quiet on here. The celebrations of not being relegated have obviously got to some.
Great minds Goonie... I was just wondering if the team had over-celebrated last night.
yeah question is Paul, is it worth celebrating. Relief more like!!
Back to the usual today I see. AG's batting second not looking so bad now I suspect.
Back to the usual today I see. AG's batting second not looking so bad now I suspect.
Well not really. 100+ on, max bonus points and survival, seems a good decision taken on day 1
Exactly what MM said. Also there is the end of season party at the ground tomorrow night so that may be what they are waiting for.
The platform is now nicely set for Cooper and Allenby to both make hundreds.
Oh dear.
Just as well we got it sorted yesterday by the looks of it !
Grizzzly
Just as well we got it sorted yesterday by the looks of it !
Grizzzly
Rightly or wrongly I suspect none of the players care very much which is a bit sad if true - albeit a tad understandable !
See why I thought Tuesday was a little early, though I know you were talking about the relegation aspect. We can snatch defeat from the grasp of any victory any time.
Though you are also probably right that the relief of yesterday may not have helped get the spark going today.
Though you are also probably right that the relief of yesterday may not have helped get the spark going today.
Cooper and Gregory trying to get us over 200 ahead. Jack it's triple century time to go with the 7-fer!!
Well done, on this occasion, to Cooper for showing some stickability.
All looks fairly wretched otherwise.
All looks fairly wretched otherwise.
So has the track suddenly become a bunsen?
Jack said it did not do all that much much yesterday.
I doubt it's suddenly become a bunsen.
Rather I suspect the problem is that batsmen face so little quality spin that if it's turning even a little bit (as Jack said it was yesterday) then batsmen tend to fold. And not only our batsmen.
Jack said it did not do all that much much yesterday.
I doubt it's suddenly become a bunsen.
Rather I suspect the problem is that batsmen face so little quality spin that if it's turning even a little bit (as Jack said it was yesterday) then batsmen tend to fold. And not only our batsmen.
Absolutely pathetic really. Only Somerset can go from a point of complete and utter dominance to this.
When we did last win a FC game, was it June time?
When we did last win a FC game, was it June time?
Keep the faith, Jack will spin us to victory we're the best part of 200 ahead!
And come on. If anyone had bet on the word 'bunsen' in "AG Scrabble" on this thread they will have made a killing!!
Double it up guys. Stick the winnings on "excreble"
Double it up guys. Stick the winnings on "excreble"
Tumbles - I think it was right at the start of July at Rose Bowl.
And unless Jack can produce more magic then we'll end the season with 3 wins vs 7 defeats.
On balance this is our worst season since 2006.
2013 was dire but at least we actively pulled ourselves out of the mire that season, courtesy of late season wins vs Middx and Surrey.
This time we've done not much more than rely on others to fail.
And unless Jack can produce more magic then we'll end the season with 3 wins vs 7 defeats.
On balance this is our worst season since 2006.
2013 was dire but at least we actively pulled ourselves out of the mire that season, courtesy of late season wins vs Middx and Surrey.
This time we've done not much more than rely on others to fail.
Well whatever the spelling is people know what I mean... But put your money on the right spelling ladies and gentlemen.
It's Execrable it seems
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:24:16:57:16 by Grockle.
It's Execrable it seems
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:24:16:57:16 by Grockle.
Quote:AGod
I'm not in the habit of making up words that don't exist.
The same can't be said of some of your scenarios :-)
For the umpteenth time this season, the Beeb have just described our batting as 'brainless.'
We seem to have finished how we started - with a collapse.
We seem to have finished how we started - with a collapse.
Quote:AGod
For the umpteenth time this season, the Beeb have just described our batting as 'brainless.'
We seem to have finished how we started - with a collapse.
Well, we keep asking for consistency.
How on earth have we turned 438 plays 114-6 into a very possible defeat?? Their last 4 put on 200odd then we give it way for 100odd? Seems that although we look like avoiding relegation by a very narrow margin given we now might lose and Hants win, nothing seems to have improved since early season. I don't quite get where the 'good finish to the season' comments came from yesterday. We have survived because Tres has found some form, Hildy has continued to score well, and we've had one sensational spell from Leach. That's it. Not much of a basis for anything better next season IMHO.
I'm with the guys on the new thread re 2016 who want to see a new DOC. I just cannot see (admittedly from a remote view) what if anything has been achieved or improved by the current incumbent.
Somebody please tell me I'm wrong - and that MM has just been unlucky with signings that have not delivered - and he'll sort it through the winter.....
I'm with the guys on the new thread re 2016 who want to see a new DOC. I just cannot see (admittedly from a remote view) what if anything has been achieved or improved by the current incumbent.
Somebody please tell me I'm wrong - and that MM has just been unlucky with signings that have not delivered - and he'll sort it through the winter.....
So a Warwickshire victory set up for the last day. We seem to have actually managed to do JUST enough and no more.
"How on earth have we turned 438 plays 114-6 into a very possible defeat??"
What was it that MM said about the team "backing off," when we were on top of teams???
Doesn't look as though that's been fixed.
I have the impression that Matthew Maynard thinks we need more combative characters on the field. When the Van Der Merwe signing was made a particular point was made about how much RvDM would add in that respect.
It may be that "naturally combative people," will be the common streak that unites the various players that Matthew Maynard will attempt to sign this winter.
He tried to sign David Willey, too, and few are more combative than Mr Willey (except maybe his dad).
What was it that MM said about the team "backing off," when we were on top of teams???
Doesn't look as though that's been fixed.
I have the impression that Matthew Maynard thinks we need more combative characters on the field. When the Van Der Merwe signing was made a particular point was made about how much RvDM would add in that respect.
It may be that "naturally combative people," will be the common streak that unites the various players that Matthew Maynard will attempt to sign this winter.
He tried to sign David Willey, too, and few are more combative than Mr Willey (except maybe his dad).
All teams collapse at some time. Short memories among a number of you. If any other counties
have batters who have been better than MT, JH, lower down the potential of JO and CO plus Tom Abell - the potential of bowlers such as CO, JO, JACK and LG, tell me! The one thing that I admire above all else is the youngsters being brought through during MM's regime. I still think that we should have persisted with Bates (allegedly not far behind Foster and Read).
Unless it was a one-off yesterday Ronchi found it very difficult to keep to JACK, and IMO looked like a batter trying learn how to keep wicket.
Old Boy!
.
have batters who have been better than MT, JH, lower down the potential of JO and CO plus Tom Abell - the potential of bowlers such as CO, JO, JACK and LG, tell me! The one thing that I admire above all else is the youngsters being brought through during MM's regime. I still think that we should have persisted with Bates (allegedly not far behind Foster and Read).
Unless it was a one-off yesterday Ronchi found it very difficult to keep to JACK, and IMO looked like a batter trying learn how to keep wicket.
Old Boy!
.
Potential is fine old boy but delivery is another. I get your drift but I would like to see that potential come to fruition more consistently
Better on the day or better over a period of time OB!?
Presently there are few on their day but those others do less more often than we do and that has to stop and soon.
It's no good being good one day in 5.
It's the difference between James' averages most seasons and this season.
Big scores in small groups and small scores for most of a season gives a fairly decent overall average but does little to win matches
Consistently good scores in most games gives the same but does so much more for the overall season.
Presently there are few on their day but those others do less more often than we do and that has to stop and soon.
It's no good being good one day in 5.
It's the difference between James' averages most seasons and this season.
Big scores in small groups and small scores for most of a season gives a fairly decent overall average but does little to win matches
Consistently good scores in most games gives the same but does so much more for the overall season.
Totally agree GGG - that is my problem with our youngsters - other counties have 17 year olds playing in finals so we are not that well blessed !
Question! If we had been relegated this year how many of our good youngsters would not have been snapped up by other well-endowed counties with more money on offer?
Old Boy!
Old Boy!
I don't know the facts but how many of our youngsters had debuts in their teens?
If its as many as I think then the only difference between us and other counties is that our "teens" are older than theirs. I know Jos debut was one day after his 19th birthday
If its as many as I think then the only difference between us and other counties is that our "teens" are older than theirs. I know Jos debut was one day after his 19th birthday
Craig Overton would surely have a been a big target and so, too, Tom Abell.
But whilst it is true that all teams collapse sometimes (in Warks' case this was the second time this season that they had lost five wkts for 0 runs!), but I doubt any team has lost wickets in bunches with the frequency that we have this season.
We've collapsed in almost every innings of every away game apart from Hants and Sussex and our first innings at Notts. On top of that we've collapsed at home to both Durham and Middx, in our second innings at home to Sussex and then today in our second dig vs Warks.
So I make that 10 matches this season in which we have collapsed (4 home games, and 6 away as we collapsed in our second dig at Trent Bridge). I make that 62.5% of our matches.
But whilst it is true that all teams collapse sometimes (in Warks' case this was the second time this season that they had lost five wkts for 0 runs!), but I doubt any team has lost wickets in bunches with the frequency that we have this season.
We've collapsed in almost every innings of every away game apart from Hants and Sussex and our first innings at Notts. On top of that we've collapsed at home to both Durham and Middx, in our second innings at home to Sussex and then today in our second dig vs Warks.
So I make that 10 matches this season in which we have collapsed (4 home games, and 6 away as we collapsed in our second dig at Trent Bridge). I make that 62.5% of our matches.
Well George Bartlett and Ben Green have both been selected for an England U19 tour.
Generally speaking, that pretty much guarantees you a first team contract, and a first team debut the following season.
[www.middlesexccc.com]
Generally speaking, that pretty much guarantees you a first team contract, and a first team debut the following season.
[www.middlesexccc.com]
Day three photos.
We have heard of a season of two half's Somerset's game are all to often a match of two half's, one good and one bad.
Alfonso Thomas beating Jeetan Patel bat.
Jeetan Patel and Laurie Evans didn't look in any trouble until this ball from Jack Leach clean bowled Laurie Evens.
And the other batsman Jeetan Patel charge down the pitch off the bowling of Jack Leach and was stumped by Luke Ronchi.
Jack Leach leading the team off the field after taking 7 wicket for 106 off 40 overs.
Not the type of shot I wanted to see Marcus Trescothick play again after that excellent first innings score.
Marcus Trescothick's thick outside edge to first slip Varun Chopra bowled by Keith Barker, that started a steady flow of batsman walking back to the pavilion.
Is that a similar shot from Tom Abell? Only he never got an outside edge off the bowling of Keith Barker.
Tommy Cooper just manage to stop the ball rolling back onto his stumps, off the bowling of Jeetan Patel.
Peter Trego not playing a shot given out lbw off Jeetan Patel, I would have loved to have seen that from behind the bowlers arm, he looks a long way across.
We can still do it tomorrow, with a following wind.
We have heard of a season of two half's Somerset's game are all to often a match of two half's, one good and one bad.
Alfonso Thomas beating Jeetan Patel bat.
Jeetan Patel and Laurie Evans didn't look in any trouble until this ball from Jack Leach clean bowled Laurie Evens.
And the other batsman Jeetan Patel charge down the pitch off the bowling of Jack Leach and was stumped by Luke Ronchi.
Jack Leach leading the team off the field after taking 7 wicket for 106 off 40 overs.
Not the type of shot I wanted to see Marcus Trescothick play again after that excellent first innings score.
Marcus Trescothick's thick outside edge to first slip Varun Chopra bowled by Keith Barker, that started a steady flow of batsman walking back to the pavilion.
Is that a similar shot from Tom Abell? Only he never got an outside edge off the bowling of Keith Barker.
Tommy Cooper just manage to stop the ball rolling back onto his stumps, off the bowling of Jeetan Patel.
Peter Trego not playing a shot given out lbw off Jeetan Patel, I would have loved to have seen that from behind the bowlers arm, he looks a long way across.
We can still do it tomorrow, with a following wind.
The Trego dismissal implies that that particular delivery possibly turned some distance.
But the report that Evans and Patel looked entirely untroubled is rather worrying... are we really supposed to believe that the track was flat whilst they were batting and then morphed into some raging cobra when we went into bat? It does not sound very likely?
p.s Great photos, Mike, thanks as always.
But the report that Evans and Patel looked entirely untroubled is rather worrying... are we really supposed to believe that the track was flat whilst they were batting and then morphed into some raging cobra when we went into bat? It does not sound very likely?
p.s Great photos, Mike, thanks as always.
Quote:old boy!
Question! If we had been relegated this year how many of our good youngsters would not have been snapped up by other well-endowed counties with more money on offer?
Old Boy!
Answer- none!! You forget we pay high wages. Or so Nash is fond of telling us . So we pay them high wages and they finish towards the bottom of everything going . Something is wrong. You answer that?
I think Mr Nash has said as a club we had one of the highest wage bills, rather than we pay HIGH WAGES.
But saying that we do have MT and JH on the payroll, and we had CK, NC and a little earlier Jos, I will be very surprised to hear at the presentation of the accounts at the next AGM in January that we had one of the top three or four wage bill for players for the current season..
But saying that we do have MT and JH on the payroll, and we had CK, NC and a little earlier Jos, I will be very surprised to hear at the presentation of the accounts at the next AGM in January that we had one of the top three or four wage bill for players for the current season..
No CK and NC for this season, but a batch of new and (one assumes) improved deals were given to the Overtons and LG.
Club website suggests Ronchi put down Patel off Leach early today.
Really wish Bates was 'keeping instead.
Catches win matches.
Ronchi made something like 56 in this match. But that drop cost us as many runs from Patel's bat alone (before you factor in the runs scored from the other end).
Always pick your best wk ESPECIALLY if you are expecting a spinner to play a leading part in your attack.
Really wish Bates was 'keeping instead.
Catches win matches.
Ronchi made something like 56 in this match. But that drop cost us as many runs from Patel's bat alone (before you factor in the runs scored from the other end).
Always pick your best wk ESPECIALLY if you are expecting a spinner to play a leading part in your attack.
Two things. How difficult was the chance from your sitting room and how do you know your best mate would have taken it.
As usual loads of guess work
As usual loads of guess work
Hope we do better tomorrow.
It would be a shame to end the season on a downer.
Grizzzly
It would be a shame to end the season on a downer.
Grizzzly
If you actually use your eyes and read NF you will see a comment to that effect on here . Commentators also said the same thing - that he really struggled.
Bates is simply a better gloveman so the odds are he would have done better.
Bates is simply a better gloveman so the odds are he would have done better.
Never mind the constant sniping on here, this must have been the most disappointing day in the whole of the summer. After such a brilliant previous day, securing our first division place, we just folded like a pack of cards.
We had the opportunity to finish the season a high, taking the feel good factor throughout the winter, but now leave with doom and gloom.
What we need is a 'Mr Motivator' type character to kick a few butts.
Let's hope today brings better fortune.
We had the opportunity to finish the season a high, taking the feel good factor throughout the winter, but now leave with doom and gloom.
What we need is a 'Mr Motivator' type character to kick a few butts.
Let's hope today brings better fortune.
Agreed Botham. Third day was certainly a massive anti-climax. They can still win it though-even after surrendering a fantastic position. Lets hope for the best.
I am surprised how inadequate Ronchi appears behind the stumps.
He has dropped so many straight forward, 'takes', not catches although I think he did drop Patel.
If that is international standard, Bates and indeed Barrow have been let down, he is no better. Both would be doing a better job IMO...Runs... Ronchi averages 24 or thereabouts in his time with Somerset...a waste of opportunity for the Somerset lads and a waste of the counties money on an expensive overseas player Done simply to 'please the crowd'.
He has dropped so many straight forward, 'takes', not catches although I think he did drop Patel.
If that is international standard, Bates and indeed Barrow have been let down, he is no better. Both would be doing a better job IMO...Runs... Ronchi averages 24 or thereabouts in his time with Somerset...a waste of opportunity for the Somerset lads and a waste of the counties money on an expensive overseas player Done simply to 'please the crowd'.
Except it didn't really 'please the crowd,' even when it was announced...
I can see that MM wanted to strengthen the batting for obvious reasons.
But it would have made more sense to sign a batsman to replace a batsman i.e. Cooper, IMO, rather than sacrificing wicket-keeping ability. Alternatively, one could have looked at getting a decent batsman to replace one of the all-rounders that have been batting at five or six. We don't need BOTH of Allenby and Trego as bowling options, IMO, as evidenced by the fact that there have often been games where one of them has not bowled very much.
Perhaps absolutely no batsman was available and/or willing to come?
But if any were and we passed them over for Ronchi then I'm afraid that was probably another error of judgement, IMO.
Personally, I find it hard to believe that there was nobody available with superior batting ability to Ronchi, irrespective of whether or not they could keep wicket.
But, I think Messrs Maynard, Trescothick and whoever else was involved in the decision decided that:
(
(runs scored by Ronchi minus runs scored by Bates) > (runs scored by A N Other overseas minus runs scored by Cooper, or Allenby or Trego.)
But the above calculation, even if a reasonable appreciation, takes no account of the runs liable to be lost by a keeper who struggles standing up.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:25:11:02:34 by AGod.
I can see that MM wanted to strengthen the batting for obvious reasons.
But it would have made more sense to sign a batsman to replace a batsman i.e. Cooper, IMO, rather than sacrificing wicket-keeping ability. Alternatively, one could have looked at getting a decent batsman to replace one of the all-rounders that have been batting at five or six. We don't need BOTH of Allenby and Trego as bowling options, IMO, as evidenced by the fact that there have often been games where one of them has not bowled very much.
Perhaps absolutely no batsman was available and/or willing to come?
But if any were and we passed them over for Ronchi then I'm afraid that was probably another error of judgement, IMO.
Personally, I find it hard to believe that there was nobody available with superior batting ability to Ronchi, irrespective of whether or not they could keep wicket.
But, I think Messrs Maynard, Trescothick and whoever else was involved in the decision decided that:
(
(runs scored by Ronchi minus runs scored by Bates) > (runs scored by A N Other overseas minus runs scored by Cooper, or Allenby or Trego.)
But the above calculation, even if a reasonable appreciation, takes no account of the runs liable to be lost by a keeper who struggles standing up.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:25:11:02:34 by AGod.
It looks from the outside like a very good move by the skipper to bring on Cooper.
Career best for both Leach and Cooper in this match.
Career best for both Leach and Cooper in this match.
Ambrose gone too.
I imagine they'll attempt to hit their way out of this mess as soon as play resumes after lunch, or possibly even before.
Sounds like we've dried up the runs almost completely.
I imagine they'll attempt to hit their way out of this mess as soon as play resumes after lunch, or possibly even before.
Sounds like we've dried up the runs almost completely.
Just woke up from a doze to a bizarre looking scorecard. Am i still dreaming?
I thought he only bowled medium pace dobbers?
With hindsight, I suppose management may wish that they had picked GD or MW. Although I suppose that they would counter by saying that if we'd made more runs in our second dig then one specialist spinner should be sufficient.
Cooper's bowling in his final game has been a huge bonus!
With hindsight, I suppose management may wish that they had picked GD or MW. Although I suppose that they would counter by saying that if we'd made more runs in our second dig then one specialist spinner should be sufficient.
Cooper's bowling in his final game has been a huge bonus!
Could be a twist at Leeds, yet.
But, regardless, Hants do deserve plenty of credit for the way they have turned their season around.
But, regardless, Hants do deserve plenty of credit for the way they have turned their season around.
Not a bad start to the afternoon session.
As AG said, it is very good that Jack Leach will go into the winter with a sizable haul of wickets in this match.
As AG said, it is very good that Jack Leach will go into the winter with a sizable haul of wickets in this match.
Straightforward enough win there wasn't it? Shame on all who predicted doom & gloom last night.
I think Leach has earned the right to start next season as our main spinner. A nice way for Thomas to finish.
Quote:I suppose I shouldn't quote myself but I couldn't resist it.geordie moonraker
I think we have a good platform for a win!!!!
Extremely satisfying. Well done Somerset especially Mr Leach. Its nice to see them convert an opportunity and a good way to sign off the season. I bet Sussex wished they were safe now...
And I hope Dave can pop on later tonight after his obvious wifi issues over the last few days and tell us all about it.
Well done to Tom Cooper as well.
Well done to Tom Cooper as well.
Terrific result to wake up to.
That must have been quite the game to watch (well, maybe apart from yesterday
).
Jack will be in great spirits for the winter & hopefully will come back refreshed for next season. Don't suppose we'll be signing any overseas spinners next year !
Well done all.
Long winter ahead unfortunately !
Grizzzly
That must have been quite the game to watch (well, maybe apart from yesterday
).
Jack will be in great spirits for the winter & hopefully will come back refreshed for next season. Don't suppose we'll be signing any overseas spinners next year !
Well done all.
Long winter ahead unfortunately !
Grizzzly
We didn't deserve 4th Steve but we at least stayed up with a win and under our own steam.
Makes you wonder how you can get where we got with the rubbish we've been providing. Then again I don't really give a toss at the moment!!
It'll be a good party tonight. Jack Leach has arrived with 11 for 180 in this game. NOW play the boy and keep him in cotton wool at the start of the season so he doesn't do something stupid OFF the cricket pitch.
Makes you wonder how you can get where we got with the rubbish we've been providing. Then again I don't really give a toss at the moment!!
It'll be a good party tonight. Jack Leach has arrived with 11 for 180 in this game. NOW play the boy and keep him in cotton wool at the start of the season so he doesn't do something stupid OFF the cricket pitch.
Indeed Grockle - 4th would have papered over far too many cracks. Still surprised me when I spotted it though.
he is going abroad so the cotton wool thing wont happen.
He has come of age. If we can get this type of wicket at Taunton most games, and some additional batsmen to cope with it then that would be the correct recipe for winning games at HQ.
I can savour the victory for 6 months- brilliant. Bye all.!!
He has come of age. If we can get this type of wicket at Taunton most games, and some additional batsmen to cope with it then that would be the correct recipe for winning games at HQ.
I can savour the victory for 6 months- brilliant. Bye all.!!
Missed the end by less than five minutes! Damn!!
Great effort again today. If we could cut out the bad sessions.....
Very well done to the Cooperman and the TauntonVettori!!!!!
Should quieten the Trolls for a short while.
Many thanks to the great Alphonso for the memories. And to Tom C for his late season form with bat and ball.
If MM can secure two or three very good players for next season perhaps next year we can challenge the likes of Yorkshire.
Great effort again today. If we could cut out the bad sessions.....
Very well done to the Cooperman and the TauntonVettori!!!!!
Should quieten the Trolls for a short while.
Many thanks to the great Alphonso for the memories. And to Tom C for his late season form with bat and ball.
If MM can secure two or three very good players for next season perhaps next year we can challenge the likes of Yorkshire.
Spot on Grockle
Quote:Grockle Jack Leach has arrived with 11 for 180 in this game. NOW play the boy and keep him in cotton wool at the start of the season so he doesn't do something stupid OFF the cricket pitch.[/quote
Superb performance, hopefully it'll teach a few supporters not to write the boys off before the game is over.
A fine end to the season.
A fine end to the season.
Nice way to finish the season, well done lads. Always good to wait to see what happens in all sessions before posting about impending doom.
You never can tell with us what is about to unfold. Quite exciting really.
You never can tell with us what is about to unfold. Quite exciting really.
They have cotton wool here. Not just an English thing. ~He needs an off field minder
Quote:cricketharris
Fancy us ending up with the most batting points in the 1st Division.
If we could cut out the middle order collapses and habbit of not finishing off a side 6/7 down we'd go places. I live in hope.
Quote:Grockle
And I hope Dave can pop on later tonight after his obvious wifi issues over the last few days and tell us all about it.
Well done to Tom Cooper as well.
A fantastic 4 days of cricket that went one way and then the other right up until the end. I don't know what it is about Warwickshire but over the last 5 or 6 years at home particularly we have had some fantastic tense and exciting games against them. Fantastic bowling from Leach through the match and today Cooper (watching him bowl today you have to wonder if Cooper has been under used this season, particularly when you think about the trundling rubbish that we have had to put up with from Allenby and Trego). Nice for Alf to chip in with the big wicket of Bell in the first innings and then to get the breakthrough this morning and a great send of for him from the crowd at the end.
A couple negatives from the game another batting collapse ending the season how we started, yes the wicket turned and deteriorated but it was certainly not a 110 all out pitch. And the other negative was 6 dropped catches (2 from Allenby, 2 from Trescothick, 1 from Ronchi and 1 from Hildreth) in the first innings. These are two things that we have to improve on during the winter.
Finally I remember after the last game Grockle told me on here that there was no quick fix to the flat dead pitches that end in boring draws due to long term structural problems. Well the fix is prepare wickets like that as that wicket contributed to a excellent 4 days of cricket and if we play on wickets like that more often at home then we will win more games and as a result finish higher up the table.
I hope that this post is sufficient for you Grockle.
Wonderful Dave well done. There were two batting collapses however. One for both sides.
You were at Sussex (it was mentioned elsewhere)? or were you at Taunton. Just checking on whether you saw the 'catches' that were dropped. It does seem to be something you look at a lot but we have discussed your definition of a 'chance' before and found sometimes what you classify as a drop is not actually seen by many others. If you were at Sussex that goes double I suppose.
I did say there were no quick fixes to flat slow pitches. I did not however agree that Taunton suffered from that to the degree that you and others seems to think and referred people to the 8 year thread debating this issue where my views are expressed along with others so please don't take my comments out of context and look to score some kind of point with it on a good day.
Good to see you found something positive to say. Nice to see you got it in before the end of the fourth day. Hasn't been such a problem for you on the bad days... more to say I suppose,
Nevertheless... progress... something for you to work on in the winter perhaps. A better balance between ball and bat on the pitch and a better balance between damning criticism and decent praise off it
Edited after post below because I found a little more to say.
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:25:18:08:25 by Grockle.
You were at Sussex (it was mentioned elsewhere)? or were you at Taunton. Just checking on whether you saw the 'catches' that were dropped. It does seem to be something you look at a lot but we have discussed your definition of a 'chance' before and found sometimes what you classify as a drop is not actually seen by many others. If you were at Sussex that goes double I suppose.
I did say there were no quick fixes to flat slow pitches. I did not however agree that Taunton suffered from that to the degree that you and others seems to think and referred people to the 8 year thread debating this issue where my views are expressed along with others so please don't take my comments out of context and look to score some kind of point with it on a good day.
Good to see you found something positive to say. Nice to see you got it in before the end of the fourth day. Hasn't been such a problem for you on the bad days... more to say I suppose,
Nevertheless... progress... something for you to work on in the winter perhaps. A better balance between ball and bat on the pitch and a better balance between damning criticism and decent praise off it
Edited after post below because I found a little more to say.
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:25:18:08:25 by Grockle.
Indeed there were but as a Somerset member I am only worried about Somerset's batting collapses which have happened from the first day of the season up until the final game of the season.
What a way to finish the season, a great win by the lads, lovely weather, a real pleasure to be present today,it will help getting through the long winter, and I am already looking forward to 2016.
Well done to Jack, and Tom Cooper, and the enthusiasm from the rest of the squad today, lets see plenty of that next year.
Would have been nice to see more spectators in the ground, but there you go.
Fantastic response to Botham's posting of this morning 6.49, and AGod has not posted for 5 hours, he must be in shock at todays win.
Well done to Jack, and Tom Cooper, and the enthusiasm from the rest of the squad today, lets see plenty of that next year.
Would have been nice to see more spectators in the ground, but there you go.
Fantastic response to Botham's posting of this morning 6.49, and AGod has not posted for 5 hours, he must be in shock at todays win.
Day four and final day's cricket of the season.
When I posted my photos yesterday I did say 'We can still do it tomorrow, with a following wind' well we didn't need the wind only two spinners.
What a way to end the season on a high.
Freddie Coleman was stumped Luke Ronchi bowled Tommy Cooper, you can see the batsman foot was not grounded.
You can see the disappointment Ian Bell showed when bowled by Tommy Cooper.
Keith Barker is a big hitter, but you always feel he would give you a chance of getting him out.
Here he is winding up to hit a six.
I told you so (smile) Keith Barker stumped Luke Ronchi bowled Jack Leach.
A big celebration when the final wicket was taken of Oliver Hannon-Dalby caught Tommy Cooper bowled Jack Leach, not out batsman Mark Adair in the foreground.
Alfonso Thomas leaving the field for the last time, it almost look like he was looking towards Tractor.
The final scoreboard of the match (and season) I wonder if some people's views on Tommy Cooper has changed?
Guy Lavender and Matt Maynard gave the players and staff an end of season talk,
That's all the cricket photo for this season, I will try and keep you informed with photos with any happenings at the ground during the winter, starting with the Installation of the drainage system.
When I posted my photos yesterday I did say 'We can still do it tomorrow, with a following wind' well we didn't need the wind only two spinners.
What a way to end the season on a high.
Freddie Coleman was stumped Luke Ronchi bowled Tommy Cooper, you can see the batsman foot was not grounded.
You can see the disappointment Ian Bell showed when bowled by Tommy Cooper.
Keith Barker is a big hitter, but you always feel he would give you a chance of getting him out.
Here he is winding up to hit a six.
I told you so (smile) Keith Barker stumped Luke Ronchi bowled Jack Leach.
A big celebration when the final wicket was taken of Oliver Hannon-Dalby caught Tommy Cooper bowled Jack Leach, not out batsman Mark Adair in the foreground.
Alfonso Thomas leaving the field for the last time, it almost look like he was looking towards Tractor.
The final scoreboard of the match (and season) I wonder if some people's views on Tommy Cooper has changed?
Guy Lavender and Matt Maynard gave the players and staff an end of season talk,
That's all the cricket photo for this season, I will try and keep you informed with photos with any happenings at the ground during the winter, starting with the Installation of the drainage system.
I was at Sussex when we played there last week Grockle and I was at Taunton for all 4 days of this game (why would I have been at Sussex this week? I would not have seen a lot of cricket). And yes I saw the dropped catches and it not really something that I look out for but when you watch a game of cricket and a catch is dropped it does tend to be something that you remember and as for the definition of a catch they were all balls that were hit in the air to the fielder and put down.
Who was the last off-spinner before Tom Cooper to win a match for Somerset by taking five top-order wickets on the last day of a match?
Vic Marks? Brian Langford?
Sign him up!
Vic Marks? Brian Langford?
Sign him up!
True catches, caught and dropped are in the nature of the game but you refer to the an awful lot and I've been at games where you state x dropped y catches while myself and people around me seem to have missed a number of these vital things. Oh and you define a 'chance' not a 'catch'
Yes the player has to PUT IT DOWN. Not fail to reach it or have it bounce in front of them or other aspects. I think you get the concept of a 'chance' wrong occasionally but you do use them as reasons for players being poor even though you don't seem to go looking for them.
Really? You were there all four days, yet no comments on the game until today? Not your usual at Taunton.... but the side was doing well for some of that I suppose.
Anyway your greatest fears weren't realised so you must be happier. Enjoy the bleak midwinter Dave and hopefully there'll be a better summer next year when you will have much more to say on a positive vein or less to say... whichever you choose.
Edited to point out definition in first paragraph.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:25:20:02:15 by Grockle.
Yes the player has to PUT IT DOWN. Not fail to reach it or have it bounce in front of them or other aspects. I think you get the concept of a 'chance' wrong occasionally but you do use them as reasons for players being poor even though you don't seem to go looking for them.
Really? You were there all four days, yet no comments on the game until today? Not your usual at Taunton.... but the side was doing well for some of that I suppose.
Anyway your greatest fears weren't realised so you must be happier. Enjoy the bleak midwinter Dave and hopefully there'll be a better summer next year when you will have much more to say on a positive vein or less to say... whichever you choose.
Edited to point out definition in first paragraph.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:25:20:02:15 by Grockle.
You say Grockle that I only post when we are not doing well but I did also not post yesterday evening when we had, had a bad day so your little jib falls straight down there.
As for the drops Trescothick dropped 2 at short leg (I don't know why he puts himself in there) Allenby dropped 2 at slip, Ronchi dropped 1 standing up to Leach and Hildreth dropped a skyer at deep mid on but if you had a better view than me that suggests that they were not dropped catches then fair enough.
As for the drops Trescothick dropped 2 at short leg (I don't know why he puts himself in there) Allenby dropped 2 at slip, Ronchi dropped 1 standing up to Leach and Hildreth dropped a skyer at deep mid on but if you had a better view than me that suggests that they were not dropped catches then fair enough.
Ha ha ha..... priceless
He puts himself there because he catches there - have you a record of how many he has held... I think someone did give you the details a couple of games ago.
Have you never seen a catch dropped at slip before this game Dave? Did Allenby hit any boundaries? Did he go past the bat? Did he field well other wise? Hildreth did he make any runs in this game?
You see the problem is you only tell us what the players didn't do well. The contribution of a player to a game can be very good but you'll tell us how many things you identified as chances were put down or other things they didn't do - and only that mostly..
I don't care when you post but I'll bet you if I went back I could tell you about all the time you posted on bad days... I'd struggle to balance that out with good day posts.
Even though there were less of them I could almost guarantee that the percentage of days when you posted positive aspects in relation to good performances was significantly less and probably not in anyway positive but rather grudging in their praise if praise at all
The makes your contribution to this site so much less relevant' But that is your issue rather than ours.
People who want a balanced debate don't go to your posts to find it. It simply isn't there. And eventually your posts go un-noticed because they are irrelevant due to their negative bias.
Work on it, don't work on it. I'd hope to be surprised... others here have learned the lesson. No one is asking for only one side be it light or dark. For most of us yours is a pointless exercise but if it keeps you off the streets you tell us the worst.
He puts himself there because he catches there - have you a record of how many he has held... I think someone did give you the details a couple of games ago.
Have you never seen a catch dropped at slip before this game Dave? Did Allenby hit any boundaries? Did he go past the bat? Did he field well other wise? Hildreth did he make any runs in this game?
You see the problem is you only tell us what the players didn't do well. The contribution of a player to a game can be very good but you'll tell us how many things you identified as chances were put down or other things they didn't do - and only that mostly..
I don't care when you post but I'll bet you if I went back I could tell you about all the time you posted on bad days... I'd struggle to balance that out with good day posts.
Even though there were less of them I could almost guarantee that the percentage of days when you posted positive aspects in relation to good performances was significantly less and probably not in anyway positive but rather grudging in their praise if praise at all
The makes your contribution to this site so much less relevant' But that is your issue rather than ours.
People who want a balanced debate don't go to your posts to find it. It simply isn't there. And eventually your posts go un-noticed because they are irrelevant due to their negative bias.
Work on it, don't work on it. I'd hope to be surprised... others here have learned the lesson. No one is asking for only one side be it light or dark. For most of us yours is a pointless exercise but if it keeps you off the streets you tell us the worst.
Grockle-
Please stop poking and prodding Dave.
He hasn't said anything out of order.
If I get bored I might start poking and prodding you for my own amusement.
Please stop poking and prodding Dave.
He hasn't said anything out of order.
If I get bored I might start poking and prodding you for my own amusement.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone Chunky. It wouldn't be you.
I can simply choose not to reply and you can poke and prod yourself to your hearts content.
I'm prodding no-one I have an opinion and I am expressing it to another poster. If he wishes to reply I have that same right as you do. He isn't crying as far as I know and is quite capable of fighting his own battles without your interference.
I think I've said all I need to say anyway, To Dave and certainly to you. But I reserve the right to reply to anything else you want to prod my way.... if I feel like it.
I can simply choose not to reply and you can poke and prod yourself to your hearts content.
I'm prodding no-one I have an opinion and I am expressing it to another poster. If he wishes to reply I have that same right as you do. He isn't crying as far as I know and is quite capable of fighting his own battles without your interference.
I think I've said all I need to say anyway, To Dave and certainly to you. But I reserve the right to reply to anything else you want to prod my way.... if I feel like it.
Great to geta win today. Great after yesterday which was the only day I saw of this match. I've never seen Cooper bowl. What kind of a bowler is he and more to the point, why didn't he bowl yesterday.
A rare visit to Taunton to see my son today. After lunch, took advantage of the free admission to pop in for half an hour. First thing I saw was Bell playing on - Mike, to say he was disappointed is an understatement!
The next ten overs were the best cricket I've seen for ages , yes even better than last Saturday 😉 and even better for being unexpected. Great to be there for such a great victory, to see some good spin bowling (always more interesting than pace) and to witness Alfonso's last moments as a Somerset player - he definitely had a smirk at something Tractor shouted near the end. A few small observations based on the ten overs I saw, when pretty much every ball was four, six or out:
- Ronchi looked perfectly good against both spinners - the stumping were straightforward, but anyone can panic in the moment.
- there were no visible signs of regret at not picking GD or MW.
- dropped catches are never good and do stick in the memory. However, we rarely get comment on particularly good ones. Gregory's to dismiss Ambrose was apparently excellent, before I showed up, while Cooper's to win the game was very low, diving forward, never easy.
- Alfie led the team off, clearly emotional, while Tres and others applauded the spectators as they followed him.
Loved it, a real bonus to be there for half an hour or so.
Edited due to idiotic spellcheck.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:25:21:52:42 by Shepton Paul 2.
The next ten overs were the best cricket I've seen for ages , yes even better than last Saturday 😉 and even better for being unexpected. Great to be there for such a great victory, to see some good spin bowling (always more interesting than pace) and to witness Alfonso's last moments as a Somerset player - he definitely had a smirk at something Tractor shouted near the end. A few small observations based on the ten overs I saw, when pretty much every ball was four, six or out:
- Ronchi looked perfectly good against both spinners - the stumping were straightforward, but anyone can panic in the moment.
- there were no visible signs of regret at not picking GD or MW.
- dropped catches are never good and do stick in the memory. However, we rarely get comment on particularly good ones. Gregory's to dismiss Ambrose was apparently excellent, before I showed up, while Cooper's to win the game was very low, diving forward, never easy.
- Alfie led the team off, clearly emotional, while Tres and others applauded the spectators as they followed him.
Loved it, a real bonus to be there for half an hour or so.
Edited due to idiotic spellcheck.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:25:21:52:42 by Shepton Paul 2.
I like Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays (for one week only) and am absolutely delighted that the season has ended in such style. Warmest congratulations to all concerned.
The only snag is that as we can't win the CC from Div 2 and as I am not allowed to die before we win it I am now at greater risk of dying in a year from now than it looked quite recently.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
The only snag is that as we can't win the CC from Div 2 and as I am not allowed to die before we win it I am now at greater risk of dying in a year from now than it looked quite recently.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
You will live forever when the ECB do away with champion cricket altogether.
Mind you life wouldn't be worth living then anyway.
Mind you life wouldn't be worth living then anyway.
How very right your second sentence is, Mike.
Many thanks for all your splendid photos this summer - and for the witty captions. I am already looking forward to seeing you next summer.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Many thanks for all your splendid photos this summer - and for the witty captions. I am already looking forward to seeing you next summer.
LoL
Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Quote:Grockle
......It'll be a good party tonight. Jack Leach has arrived with 11 for 180 in this game. NOW play the boy and keep him in cotton wool at the start of the season so he doesn't do something stupid OFF the cricket pitch.
Not sure if 'something stupid,' was somehow meant to allude to the previous incident, but it wasn't remotely 'stupid,' the guy simply fainted in his bathroom due to it being really hot in his flat - or at least that's my understanding.
He's not going to be in cotton wool over the winter because he's going to be playing Down Under - in Western Australia, I believe.
Quote edited... and as I'm here. No it wasn't meant to "allude" to anything except he seems accident prone (the faint was the second event) and cotton wool is available in Western Australia and he only has to be in it when OFF the pitch.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:26:05:44:55 by Grockle.
Quote:cricketjerry-mouse
Who was the last off-spinner before Tom Cooper to win a match for Somerset by taking five top-order wickets on the last day of a match?
Vic Marks? Brian Langford?
Sign him up!
Harvey Trump took 7-52 in each innings of a game vs Gloucestershire. I think it may have been at Cheltenham. I don't recall the exact distribution of wickets but if you are taking 14 in the match, there must be a very high chance that a large number of top-order wickets were involved in at least one of the innings.
Does anyone else think it utterly daft that the winners of Div Two collect more than £100,000 in prize money?
Why should a team receive more money for being the 10th best team in the country than teams finishing 5th, 6th and 7th in the land?
Why should a team receive more money for being the 10th best team in the country than teams finishing 5th, 6th and 7th in the land?
Somerset have taken some blinders this year especially in one day cricket. Naturally they deserve credit for that. Where I agree with Dave65 is that it is an issue we must address to improve and is therefore worthy of mention. Dropped catches have really hurt us this season (including Patel in this match). As much as praising good play is important and worthwhile, it is not something which Somerset should overly focus on. They need to address their problems rather than congratulating themselves on finishing sixth by highlighting what they did do well as if that's the going to fix everything. I'm not saying that to be a curmudgeon but its a fact that unless they improve fielding standards which is eminently achieveable we will experience similar problems next year. And dropped catches on a batting pitch are magnified.
The collapses will be greatly addressed by having a stable top 4 and an overseas batsman. Squad depth and a rejigging of the order especially 5 and 6 could completely alter the way we perceive the batting line-up. And we are far from the only team to collapse. Twice in 2 matches warks have lost 5 wickets for 0 runs. Even in their second innings they lost several in a row and damningly (with the best will in the world) to our part time spinner. Dougie Brown was seriously miffed about that in interview. Its so easy to be fixated by Somerset, but Notts lost at home to Hants, Middlesex were trounced by Worcs Warks lost 3 and drew 2 of their last 5, and Durham had a nightmare second half of the season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:26:04:33:18 by ChenorTom.
The collapses will be greatly addressed by having a stable top 4 and an overseas batsman. Squad depth and a rejigging of the order especially 5 and 6 could completely alter the way we perceive the batting line-up. And we are far from the only team to collapse. Twice in 2 matches warks have lost 5 wickets for 0 runs. Even in their second innings they lost several in a row and damningly (with the best will in the world) to our part time spinner. Dougie Brown was seriously miffed about that in interview. Its so easy to be fixated by Somerset, but Notts lost at home to Hants, Middlesex were trounced by Worcs Warks lost 3 and drew 2 of their last 5, and Durham had a nightmare second half of the season.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:26:04:33:18 by ChenorTom.
Agreed Tom. It was part of the point was trying to make to Dave.
From experience on this site. If a poster simply criticises all the time, even in times of decent play then their posts become irrelevant because people read the first couple of lines and then move on.
Sometimes the debates are worth having but they don't come from purely negative posts but from your kind of posting style because the constant critic a) can't get out of the blinkers and find themselves looking almost constantly for something bad to talk about and b) they marginalise themselves on site.
As I say some have realised the folly of one sided posting. Some never will I'm sorry to say.
From experience on this site. If a poster simply criticises all the time, even in times of decent play then their posts become irrelevant because people read the first couple of lines and then move on.
Sometimes the debates are worth having but they don't come from purely negative posts but from your kind of posting style because the constant critic a) can't get out of the blinkers and find themselves looking almost constantly for something bad to talk about and b) they marginalise themselves on site.
As I say some have realised the folly of one sided posting. Some never will I'm sorry to say.
LoL you will always be immortalised here while the internet exists and these pages can be accessed.
Where was this when Rehman was having such problems one asks oneself.
"Some days you eat the Bear and some days the Bear eats you"
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:26:08:46:53 by Grockle.
"Some days you eat the Bear and some days the Bear eats you"
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:26:08:46:53 by Grockle.
Quote:ChenorTom
....... And we are far from the only team to collapse......
Well said CT. I believe overall we have been as well as most and better than some. Its a game called CRICKET!
Old Boy!
Grockle
I thoroughly subscribe to your comments about balance in postings. This site has been the poorer this season for all the very negative postings and I , and I am sure , others have switched off to some subscribers and wish there was Hide button!
Thanks for your work on this site this season, to Mike the Lens and to positive posters like Lol, Wickham et al. Winter well all!
I thoroughly subscribe to your comments about balance in postings. This site has been the poorer this season for all the very negative postings and I , and I am sure , others have switched off to some subscribers and wish there was Hide button!
Thanks for your work on this site this season, to Mike the Lens and to positive posters like Lol, Wickham et al. Winter well all!
I share your frustration Sloop and thanks to you and many others for maintaining the faith throughout the year. I have to say I struggled myself at times but there was always something that kept the flame alive.
Today is a thank you and goodbye day on Twitter for many nice people to say things directly to many other nice people or talk about third party nice people.
I will make my usual apology. I get frustrated, I say the wrong thing, I wind people up. Apologies to those third parties who have suffered in silence while those little excerpts have gone on.
Thank you very much this year FOR suffering in silence. The amount of criticism of each other's little foibles of style has been significantly lower this year and whole threads have not been hijacked by people complaining about their own sensibilities.
The almost total lack of official complaints seems to confirm my assertion that if you leave people alone they will find their own way out of these things without it blowing up into a site wide free for all.
I don't apologise for LoL's definition of my style as 'combative'. It is the nature of this place as is Mike's style, )AG's style. Rodders style, Goonie's style, LoL's style, Shepton's, Sloops, Wickhams, Georgie's, WSM's, Dave's, brt's, Rob.s, Old Boy!, Clarence's and many many more (sorry if I didn't get your specific monicker down but you know who you are.
You don't have to like them but you may very well have to talk to them and the blood may boil and the keyboard may tap loudly and the reference sites may be hit for detail and you may or may not count to ten before you hit enter.
However, we float through the year, we debate the things that need debating, we inform each other and we fail marvellously to solve the question "What is the state of Somerset cricket?" to any satisfactory level while loads of readers pop on and off to see what is being said in silent appreciation.
Those who winter elsewhere be safe... those who stay we'll be continuing through the dark winter months with some insights hopefully into the England tour of "Pakistan" (globally known as the UAE) and maybe even the glory of Oman in T20 India. Any other articles for frontpages gratefully received by me.
See you all clutching your shiney new membership cards next wet and windy April for another ride on the Somerset Rollercoaster.
Today is a thank you and goodbye day on Twitter for many nice people to say things directly to many other nice people or talk about third party nice people.
I will make my usual apology. I get frustrated, I say the wrong thing, I wind people up. Apologies to those third parties who have suffered in silence while those little excerpts have gone on.
Thank you very much this year FOR suffering in silence. The amount of criticism of each other's little foibles of style has been significantly lower this year and whole threads have not been hijacked by people complaining about their own sensibilities.
The almost total lack of official complaints seems to confirm my assertion that if you leave people alone they will find their own way out of these things without it blowing up into a site wide free for all.
I don't apologise for LoL's definition of my style as 'combative'. It is the nature of this place as is Mike's style, )AG's style. Rodders style, Goonie's style, LoL's style, Shepton's, Sloops, Wickhams, Georgie's, WSM's, Dave's, brt's, Rob.s, Old Boy!, Clarence's and many many more (sorry if I didn't get your specific monicker down but you know who you are.
You don't have to like them but you may very well have to talk to them and the blood may boil and the keyboard may tap loudly and the reference sites may be hit for detail and you may or may not count to ten before you hit enter.
However, we float through the year, we debate the things that need debating, we inform each other and we fail marvellously to solve the question "What is the state of Somerset cricket?" to any satisfactory level while loads of readers pop on and off to see what is being said in silent appreciation.
Those who winter elsewhere be safe... those who stay we'll be continuing through the dark winter months with some insights hopefully into the England tour of "Pakistan" (globally known as the UAE) and maybe even the glory of Oman in T20 India. Any other articles for frontpages gratefully received by me.
See you all clutching your shiney new membership cards next wet and windy April for another ride on the Somerset Rollercoaster.
Quote:Grockle
I will make my usual apology. I get frustrated, I say the wrong thing, I wind people up. Apologies to those third parties who have suffered in silence while those little excerpts have gone on.
Yep Chunky that's the way we roll here
Pop by anytime
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:26:09:53:02 by Grockle.
Pop by anytime
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:09:26:09:53:02 by Grockle.
Grockle Post 9.26!
Well said Sir!! I've always I thought you WERE human!
Old Boy!
Well said Sir!! I've always I thought you WERE human!
Old Boy!
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