By Grockle
August 18 2024

The same side as Middlesex faces the high scoring Foxes.  Kasey and James Rew are back and the sun is out.  Let's see how this one goes today.  Have a good day however you are cnsuming this one.  We'll update as the day unfolds.  Farmer has also put together a report on this game so if you want to check that out it is on his website www.farmerwhite.co.uk.  I'll put a link into the frontpage as well.

Metrobank Cup Semi v Leicestershire @ Taunton Sunday 18 August 2024

The side is tyhe same as the one that turned out at Lord's last weekend with the return on both Rew and Aldridge to the frontline.  The side is;

Umeed, Thomas G, Goldsworthy (veteran of both sides :-), Rew, Dickson, Vaughan, Green (also veteran), Davey, Leach, Aldridge, Meredith

Alfie Ogborne was on the list instead of Kasey but it seems they were a little concerned with the Foxes scoring rate and thought they might need his batting skills as well.  Depends which one turns up whether that will be a net gain.  The opposition have won the toss and will bowl first.

Somerset have sold over 3000 tickets for this game and that does not include any that Leicestershire sold so it will be a decent crowd one hopes

Ian Holland opens from the MT to George Thomas and he does his job with a maiden.  Chris Wright takes the new ball from the River end and Umeed gets off the mark and then Thomas follows suit and its 3 for 0 after the first 2.  This is a tight start from the opposition and we are in a game today as Holland only gives away a single in the third.

Umeed opens up on a rare loose ball to score the first boundary to the Caddyshack in the next Wright over and we move into double figures as a last ball streaky four takes us to 16 with most of the runs from the 'number 1' bat.

Holland is asking questions of George and the answers aren't all good though he is working hard to deal with a decent new ball attack this morning and with 5 goen we have 18 on the board.  The crowd is smaller than expected given that the club had sold 3,372 tickets locally as of yesterday Saturday (not including Leicestershire buyers it seems).  There are certainly not that number presently.

As we finish 10 overs the opening pair of bowlers have done a decent job in holding the opening pair of bats.  Both our guys are on the same score of 18 until Umeed guides the last ball of the first 'Powerplay' through the infield for a single.  42 for 0 after 10 with good fielding and bowling keeping the score in check.

Tom Scriven comes on for the 12th from the River end with Somerset still shy of 50 by 6 runs. We are still 1 run short afterwards.  Roman Walker takes over at the MT for this one.  49 bowls with the score on 49.  Thomas drives his first for a straigh boundary and the 50 partnership arrives at 53 off 73 balls with both bats on 24. 

As we move past 15 with Scriven taking the next from the River end the score moves into the 60s with the Leicestershire 'press' still in fine form but a couple of openers working hard to keep the score moving.  It will be a task to get a defendable score agianst this very good bowling attack and then keep the also excellent batting ordser in check when we get the ball in hand.   67 for 0 at he end of the 16th 

Liam Trevaskis is introduced from the MT end for the 18th. George Thomas fires 2 boundaries from Scriven's next over as Somerset target 3 firgures and the younger bat sets his sights on a 50 as his side moves into the 90s.  He doesn't get there as he misses a straight one and is out LBW to Scriven's last ball and it's 91 for 1.  In comes Lewis Goldsworthy to a load of people he knows!! 

The 100 arrives at the end of the 21st.  Walker moves to the MT with 108 on the board and Umeed takes a very rapid 2 to move him to 49.  He then takes the single for his 50 from 69 balls and 3 fours but it takes the score to NELSON for 1!!  Thank God we're past that to 112.  That is Andy's 10th 50 in his last 14 innings - not a bad completion rate really.  At the half way stage Somerset are at 113 for 1 - not enough for a competitive score but we have 9 wickets in hand for the second half of the innings.  Most people are saying we need south of 300 today to be in with a shout.  It feels that way to be honest. 

Umeed goes for broke off Walker's first ball of the 27th at 120 but he doesn't get all of it and Holland takes a tumbling catch on the boundary to dimiss the Somerset man for 57.  In comes James Rew.  He is immediately off the mark and we look to start again with Lewis on 10 and a long way to go. 

With the end of the 30th over from Louis Kimber Somerset have reached 135 for 2 with Rew on 12 and Goldsworthy one better at 13.  It is not fast enough but there are 20 overs left to sort that if we can. Lewis looks to be trying to do that but there is good outfielding by the Foxes and the opinion is that the ball is not coming on at all presently.  He moves on to 24 after the 32nd as his side (for today) looks at the 150 mark coming up.  He certainly gives the impression of a 'man on a mission' today as he looks for the gaps and sprints between the wickets trying to turn ones into twos. The 150 arrives from a well struck boundary from the man to the Ondaatje stand.  155 for 2 after 33 with the bulk coming from LG.

Holland returns at the River for over 34.  But it is in the 35th from Wright that Goldsworthy hits the first six of the innings straight into the MT to bring up the 50 partnership (51 balls and mostly from Lewis Jr) between hims and James as they move to 170 for 3. 

As we move into the last 15 with Golders on 40 and Rew into the 20s we could do with a 10 an over run in.  But 200 is the first objective without losing any more wickets.  Scriven returns at the MT to try and change that plan and we all start worrying as Rew starts reverse sweeping not a good sign in his last few innings.  Lewis goes to 50 from 52 balls with 3 fours and a six at 193 for 2 and he is going for 'it' whatever 'it' is.  Well played sir!!

A Rew over the top four brings up the 199 and a single straigh after it takes us to 200 in the 39th over.  Trevaskis and slow stuff comes back for the 40th and he is greeted by our keeper moving into the 40s courtesy of a driven four.  He then reverse sweeps him for another (ahhhhhhhh!!) He hooks one to the Ondaatje for a 44 ball 7 four 50 at 213 for 2 in the 40th.  We finish the over on 215 with 10 overs to go and our target has to be to add 100 to that in the last bit.

The 100 partnership arrives at 220 for 2 from 88 balls in the 41st over.  After which Lewis puts a second six into the Botham stand.  Lewis is going for it as he moves us to 250 in the 43rd and moves himself to 66 with Rew outscoring him for the first time.   James finally dies to a very very good catch on the Caddy boundary Kimber for a very good 71 off 57 at 251 off the bowling of Wright.  In comes Sean Dickson

Lewis goes for six number 3 to the Caddy and gets it in the 45th to move Somerset to 265 off Holland.  He goes again in the same over to the same place 2 balls later to move to 86 himself and the over ends at 271 for 3 with 5 overs remaining.  That 300 target looks likely but it's not there yet though it won't be from a lack of Lewis trying as he moves to 95 in the 46th.  He almost goes to a heroic attempt at a diving catch from Kimber that saves the boundary.   He moves to 98 as his skopper gets in the six act with one into the MT car park  followed by a four to move his side to 298 with 3 to go.

Walker is back on at the River end as the last two overs went for 31.   Lewis goes to a superb 100 with 4 fours and 5 sixes in an 79 ball knock he seemed to be determined to get from ball 1.  301 for 3 and it's thanks to the small man at one end.  The 50 partnership comes up off 23 at 303 but Dickson goes from the next ball caught in the deep for 18 off 9 by Handscomb off the bowling of Walker.  The other 'Leicestershire' guy comes in to partner Lewis as we send in Ben Green with 14 balls to go. 

304 with 12 balls to go.  When has it ever happened before that 2 bats have had partnerships for two counties in the same season?  At the end of the 49th it is 315 and Lewis is 1 run from his career best List A score which he passes with a boundary with 4 balls left in the innings.

Green uses his long levers to send the ball for six with 3 balls to go and follows that with a four to move the county to 331.  The last ball goes for a well run 3 and we finish with 334 - not a score expected at the halfway point.  The Foxes need 335 to win.  Lewis finishes with 106 from 86 and has set this semi alight.

Well they played him into form and hopefully that has put us in the driving seat.  Can we defend this and will Lewis' bowling also help us.

The Reply

Holland faces Davey from the MT at the start of the reply.  A good start is essential for what many seem to believe is a 'par' score here even though it is the highest we have ever scored in a List A game against Leicestershire.   Both he and Budinger get off the mark the second with the first boundary to the Caddyshack. It is 5 for 0 after 1.

Riley opens from the River to Holland - a significant opening spell from him would help the cause no end.  After 3 the score has moved to 16 for no loss. After the first 5 overs the Maths people will tell you that the Foxes are on target to win this with loose legside balls from both openers going for boundaries when they needed to be tight.  The score of 32 for 0 is pretty much where they need to be after 10% of the overs have been bowled.  Riley has gone for 26 off 3 as they move to 43 from 6.  It is not a promising start unfortunately

There's a conversation about the bowler of the 8th and Riley puts his cap back on and the ball goes to Ben Green at 47 for 0.  The 50 arrives in the over a parternship from 46 balls which does not bode well.  Ben goes for 6.

Josh continues from the MT and tempts Budinger to go high and handsome.  But it's not far enough and he is caught by Archie Vaughan on the Somerset stand boundary for 33 at 54 for 1.  "Things is looking up" - for a while anyway.  In comes Lewis Hill and Josh goes for no more.  Then a piece of mystifying strategy as they return the ball to Riley for the 10th over from the same end- so why did they use Ben for 1?  Has he had a rethink or is this Sean's idea of 'variation'?  Makes little sense to most of us.  54 for 0 as he takes the ball.  It's 56 for 1 after so...maybe he has had a reality check?

On comes Jack Leach at an important point in the game for the 12th at 61 for 1.  If Jack goes then we will lose this.  It seems to be in the hands of the spinners so he needs to be effective and then be supported by Vaughan (big ask for the young man) and the keen and eager Goldsworthy.  66 for 1 at the end and another change with Ben replacing Josh at the other end. This is the time for an early 'press' with some wickets thrown in for good measure.

At 15 overs the rate has slowed and the visitors are on 82 for 1 with Holland on 27 and Hill on 16.  The foxes move to 95 before Hill top edges one from Green and is caught by George Thomas who looked like he had misjudged it but leapt forward to take the catch 96 for 2 and the danger man arrives in Ajinka Rahane with a game set for him to take it if we don't work to get rid of him. 

Kasey enters the fray at the same time for the 18th and nearly has Holland with his second ball which bounces over the stumps as the bat tries to drop down on it.  A good first over by the Lion and we hold them at 97 for 2 .

The 100 arrives in Ben Green's next over (19th) just before Golden Arm takes out Holland with an absolute beauty at 101 for 3. In comes Handscombe to create the partnership we need to see the back of.  After 20 overs it's 103 for 3 and Aldridge has bowled 2 overs for 2 runs. 

Rahane takes on the Ben Green short ball fetching a ball he didn't need to chase straight to the Caddyshack boundary and into the hands of sub fielder Ned Leonard. Big wicket for Somerset at 106 as the big hitter goes for his shirt number 3.  In comes Cox to join in the fun as Jack changes ends for the 23rd with 113 on the board.

25 overs down and the visitors are 126 for 4 when Somerset were 113 for 1.  More runs scored but more wickets down... it's a 'Game On' situation one might suggest.  They need 209 at 8.4 an over to win this.  They are perfectly capable of doing that.  We need 6 wickets and we are equally capable of that on our good days.

Kasey has bowled an excellent first 5 overs for a mere 11 runs and he is now joined by George Thomas who has been given the ball for the 27th at the MT end and he nearly gets a run out as Jack hits the stumps with Cox just in his ground at the non striker's end.  A dcecent first over goes for 5 and the Foxes move on to 133 for 4 after 27.

This partnership starts to move a bit as the 150 comes up in the 29th and Handscombe moves into the 30s.  So Somerset give Kasey a breather and bring back Riley Meredith for the 30th.  We need a wicket please Mr M.  So we turn to Lewis Goldsworthy for the first time at 159 for 4 with 20 overs to go. He is tight until a four ball at the end of it 165 for 4.  At the other end another loose four ball plus a single is the addition to take them to 170.

Handscombe reaches a dangerous 50 from 42 balls in the 34th and the ball keeps going to the boundary as they move towards 200.  Meredith has gone for 46 from his 7 - the short balls have gone to the boundary too often.  198 for 4 after 34 meaning there are 16 overs left and the visitors need 137 to beat us to Nottingham in September.

Ben Green is re-introduced from the MT and Handscombe puts him past the Caddyshack to move the Leicestershire score past 200.   The 100 partnership arrives from 82 balls with the next single and this all looks ominous to those who saw the Derbyshire game here.  Oooooeeerrr!!

They then bring Josh back from the River with 15 to go and 128 needed. By the 38th he has gone for 38 and Kasey is brought back to partner him at the MT.  Somerset need a wicket to feel less pressurised with Coxx moving towards a 50 and Handscombe in the 70s.  This game is still in the balance with Glkamorgan looking th likely opponents in the final.

With 10 overs to go Leicestershire need 99 runs.  This is with the Foxes to lose from here. You'd put the ball in the batting side's hands with that score.  Somerset have to take wickets or this one is a done deal with about 2 overs to spare.  Aldridge who has bowled well sees the importance and gets Cox to snick one behind for 49 off 55 with the second ball of the 41st.  The home side needed that one badly.  237 for 5 with Kimber the next man in.  Kasey has deserved that one this afternoon, he has bowled so much better in this game.  He finishes his 8th with 1 for 27 and nearly gets a wicket with his last ball.  240 for 5 with 9 to go.

Jack returns at the River to try and tie them down for an over or so.  He goes one better as Kimber tries to hit the leather off the ball and puts it straight down Kasey's throat in front of the floodlight near the Botham.  240 for 6 brings Trevaskis out with Handscombe on 85 and running out of partners to find the 95 runs his side need to win this.  244 after the 42nd and Kasey continues with the 43rd. 

Kasey gets Trevaskis to top edge and waves everyone else away to take the catch himself after running square to pouch it.  245 for 7 and Scriven comes to the crease with 90 needed.  247 for 7 at the end and 87 needed from 7.  There is a discussion at the River and it seems it has been decided to bring Riley back.  He does need to earn his wages now!!

The 250 arrives from the second ball as Handscombe drives on in the air just past Dickson for four.   It also takes the Foxes past 250 to 254.  Riley is not doing it in this game and they have moved to 260 after this over as the Overseas keeps going for 7 and over.  We will continue to bowl him though because we don't seem to learn that there are days when it doesn't work.  Kasey will bowl out at the MT ands his first ball gives Handscombe the four he needed for a very good 100 to keep his side's interest in this game.  While he is there the result is in considerable doubt.  An excellent spell from the Lion sees his 10 overs with 1 maiden and 2 for 41.  A good day from him.  Definitely his best one day performance of 2024 and possibly the best spell of accuracy from him since the Kent 4 dayer right at the start of the season.  But this game is not over yet.  Leicestershire need 65 from 5 overs and they only really need one high scoring over.  Somerset need tight sparing overs to push the scoreboard pressure up.  Is Riley up to this?

277 for 7 means they need 58 from 4 as Ben Green returns for the 47 from the MT.  This could go one of two ways as he has taken wickets as well as gone for bucketloads at this time in games this year.   He nearly gets a wicket from the last ball as Scriven wafts at it and is cuaght but the umpire calls it a no for something - height?  Not sure.  Unfortunately that is costly as the next ball goes for 6 so it is 289 for 7 with 3 to go and the visitors need 46.

Josh takes the 48th and goes for four off the first as the score moves towards 300.  But Handscombe 'hoicks' one to the safe hands of Andy Umeed and goes for 111 off Davey at 293 for 8.  The wicket they wanted but is it enough?  298 for 8 with 37 needed from 2 overs.  Josh finishes with 2 for 54 from his allocation.

Ben takes the penultimate one against Walker and Scriven who bring up the 300 from the second ball.  He bowls out with 3 for 63 and Leicestershire need 31 from 6 balls.

Riley is to bowl the last one.  Ball 1 Scriven on strike 2 runs.  Ball 2 dot. Ball 3 single.  Ball 4 GT misses the catch and then kicks it for four. Ball 5 fast yorker takes out Walker for 12.  Out comes Wright needing 24 from 1 ball.  Ball 6 is a single and we win by 23 runs!!  We are in the Final!!

The Bats did that one plus excellent spells from Kasey and Jack and wickets from Ben Green but the performance of the game was Lewis Goldsworthy!!

The excitement got the better of him and Farmer has also penned his view of this game so you can also find that here

Metrobank Semi - A little Fox Hunting or Hunt Sabotage?

Discussion started by Grockles.com , 18/08/2024 10:47

Grockles.com
18/08/2024 10:47

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024:08:22:12:54:33 by Grockle.

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
17/08/2024 08:14

The mucked up ECB attempts to disrupt their franchise competition by putting the Metrobank quarters & semis on the same weekend & adding in the 💯 knockout to directly compete seem to have come to nothing.

2 excellent 50 over games overshadowed the franchise evening stuff and we have a big crowd & LEICESTERSHIRE on Sunday. The other attempt to take away the best 50 over players by calling a Lions game at the same time also hasn't worked too well as they'll get past Sri Lanka today so both Kasey and Janes will be available for selection tomorrow

#wearesomerset and despite the 'best' efforts of our own national governing body we are still competing for ALL the relevant titles in 2024

#MetrobankFever





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:08:17:21:32:28 by Grockle.

Reply Quote Report

Somerset LaLaLa
17/08/2024 09:13

Leics have generally been high scorers in this competition, apart from against Warks

Reply Quote Report

Farmer White
17/08/2024 11:36

Squad for semi-final:

Sean Dickson (c), George Thomas, Andy Umeed, Lewis Goldsworthy, James Rew, Josh Thomas, Archie Vaughan, Ben Green, Kasey Aldridge, Josh Davey, Alfie Ogborne, Ned Leonard, Jack Leach, Riley Meredith and Charlie Cassell.

[somersetcountycc.co.uk]

Farmer

Reply Quote Report

cricketjerry-mouse
17/08/2024 12:50

United States international Ian Holland, who is on loan to Leicestershire from Hampshire for the rest of the season, didn`t play in their quarter-final as it was against Hampshire.

He was replaced by 39-year-old pace bowler Chris Wright, but it will be interesting to see what they do tomorrow as Holland has been both opening the bowling and the batting in Leicestershire`s Metro Bank Cup campaign.

Reply Quote Report

Wiltshire55
17/08/2024 13:54

The BBC shares some of the blame for the lack of information about the Metro Bank. On this morning’s sports bulletin on R4 there was no mention whatsoever of yesterday’s excellent matches or the semis tomorrow. It was all about the Franchise. I suppose you can see why they promote one of the few live events which they televise but completely ignoring what used to be the premier one day competition is a dereliction of duty from a public service broadcaster.

Reply Quote Report

Wiltshire55
17/08/2024 14:00

As for tomorrow’s team, I would lean towards such experience we have available and leave out Charlie, Josh T, Archie and Ned. Hard lines on those who have performed so well in the group games, but from here it’s all about winning.

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
18/08/2024 10:24

The cloud has broken in Taunton and it is a blue sky with high cloud at 10:15 am. The side on the scorecard suggests few changes from the one that beat Middlesex last week. The only change seems to be Alfie Ogborne in for Kasey Aldridge... we'll see how that pans out nearer the start time.

The crowd is 'staggered' presently but that is always the way until about 10:45... no big queues at the Jack White entrances as of yesterday the tickets sold was 3.372 and that doesn't include any Fox fans it seems.

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
18/08/2024 10:49

Usual setup. The frontpage will cover the game but will not be open for comment until the end of the game so mobile users don't get frustrated.

Main comments if any on the game while in progress here please. Thanks

Reply Quote Report

Somerset LaLaLa
18/08/2024 11:42

Somerset innings and crowd building steadily. Need at least 300 imo. Has the makings of a great match with our bowling machine to come, 50 over cricket at it's best. Plenty of free seats and decent weather, if you're undecided. Forget the franchise rubbish

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
18/08/2024 12:01

We need a batting masterclass from Andy, Lewis and James to be competitive in this one. They are a damn good side and we will do a very good job to get past them

Reply Quote Report

Somerset LaLaLa
18/08/2024 12:58

Our score will be between the ones we got for the Hampshire and Derbyshire games... we need to bowl as we did against Durham

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
18/08/2024 13:08

Lewis is looking like a man with a plan to push it on. Hope it works because we need nearer 350 than 250 to be in this one.

Reply Quote Report

Somerset LaLaLa
18/08/2024 14:47

Faultless batting. Wickets were catches pushing on the scoring. Bowlers and fielders now need to do their bit. Crowd is our 12th man, not many visible from Leics

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
18/08/2024 15:30

Lewis and Ben both played at Leicestershire in at least one game. Does anyone know if they batted together? If so has there ever been a situation before where 2 players have had 2 partnerships for 2 different counties in the same season?

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
18/08/2024 18:31

I would have been happy to have lost to this unit. They were very very commendable opponents.

Reply Quote Report

cricketjerry-mouse
18/08/2024 18:39

Somerset should pawn every last piece of the family silver, if necessary, to keep Lewis Goldsworthy on the staff next summer.

Reply Quote Report

Loyal of Lhasa
18/08/2024 18:41

Leicestershire were indeed very fine opponents, making the Somerset win all the more magnificent. Goldsworthy is a marvel and Aldridge's bowling and fielding were outstanding.

Pity that visitors seem to have got their kit muddled with that of another side...

LoL

Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Reply Quote Report

Rod1883
18/08/2024 19:52

Fantastic performance. Been out all day at a couple of car shows so wasn't able to keep up with things and so was really pleased to get home and find the commentary on 5 Live extra and hear Leach take his wicket followed quickly by the c&b by Aldrirdge. I was settling down to listen to a fantastic end to the game whilst lighting the BBQ only for the BBC to announce how exciting that finish would be, and at Cardiff too, and then switch to the franchise! My language lit the BBQ without the aid of firelighters!

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
18/08/2024 20:08

Well that was fun. Really proud of this side and they have to take this to Trent Bridge. Hope Glamorgan feel the same way!

Reply Quote Report

Devonboy70
18/08/2024 20:46

Tremendous match , not being a member, I was fortunate enough to sit in the lower tier of the Colin Atkinson for the first time . A super view of a really exciting match . The only complaint was the the more that half empty Somerset stand . I would have thought a virtual full house would have been in order . Those that usually go and weren’t there missed a treat !

Reply Quote Report

Mike TA1
18/08/2024 23:01

I had a mystery why it happened, but both my camera batteries run out of power during the match, I was unable to download today's photos to my computer until I charged one of them up. I will have to sort today's photos out tomorrow.

Reply Quote Report

Grizzers
18/08/2024 23:30

After a stodgy start we batted superbly. James Rew and Lewis were simply phenomenal, including the latter’s greyhound like running, which helped us to a very competitive score. This despite some excellent disciplined bowling by Leicester in the first half of our innings.

An ill timed family get together meant I had to leave after six overs of the Leics. response, but having previously been heavily critical of Kasey for bowling too short, it was a real pleasure to see that he did so well today.

The size of the crowd was disappointing, but in no way detracts from a superb performance, as many of our ODC games have been this year.

Hope we can wrap it up on 22nd September. And wrap up Lewis’s contract renewal meantime.

Grizzers

Reply Quote Report

AGod
19/08/2024 06:38

Today, Aldridge maintained a sensible length for us, whilst others, at times, dropped short. Aldridge was much our best bowler and was really the only guy to keep them in check during their big stand - as such, Kasey was probably the ultimate difference between victory and defeat.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:08:19:07:54:52 by AGod.

Reply Quote Report

Wickham
19/08/2024 07:04

I was out with friends yesterday. But after I returned, I was able to watch the denouement on the excellent live stream and to rewind it to watch the end of our innings.

It is heartening to see how much our young players - including those such as Ogborne, Thomas and Leonard who didn’t play yesterday - have come on over the past twelve months. Once again, we beat a team which had a nucleus of very experienced players. And we won by playing very good cricket. Getting to the final is an absolute triumph, given how many of our players we lost to the 100.

Reply Quote Report

Mike TA1
19/08/2024 08:23

I said yesterday's match was the most entertaining of the season, and we have seen some good matches this year. It reminded me of the John Player League matches,
Somerset would bat slowly at the start to keep their wickets intact until the last ten overs, then hit-out to get a good total.
It worked most of the time, not always.

Reply Quote Report

Somerset LaLaLa
19/08/2024 09:55

I would agree, it was one of the best contests for a very long time. Credit to Leicestershire for providing excellent opposition. The batters did their bit, the bowlers just had to defend a big total as a unit. They did it perfectly, keeping the economy and chipping in with crucial wickets. The crowd clapping every dot ball with many overs left and cheering the bowler when he returned to field on the boundary. No Somerset fan was left wanting for more

Reply Quote Report

Grockle
19/08/2024 10:07

For the older residents here. "Bagpuss" got to her first full game since the 2019 Essex CC game for this one... along with lemon drizzle cake for tge Press Box. She did however forget her knitting though we were still good enough to get past the excellent opposition.

The press guys from tge Midlands were very cimplimentary of both Lewis Jr and Greener as professionals and people.

Reply Quote Report

Mike TA1
19/08/2024 11:45

A great win by Somerset, amazing batting,bowling and fielding.

Taking photos didn't last to the end of the match.



Ian Holland bowled by Ben Green.



George Thomas lbw Tom Scriven



this was a wide ball, I included it because it was a good stop by James Rew.



George Thomas playing good shots, this was 4 runs.



Andy Umeed bring up his 50 runs.



After a good innings James Rew was caught by Louis Kimber bowled by Chris Wright.



Lewis Goldsworthy hitting 6 runs.



James Rew hitting 4 runs.

On to the final.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:08:19:11:48:52 by Mike TA1.

Reply Quote Report

cricketjerry-mouse
19/08/2024 13:03

Worth paying a `guest` visit to the Leicestershire fans forum today. It is obviously full of praise for the match, the team and head coach (one Alfonso Thomas, once of this parish).

But there a host of favourable comments also about both the Somerset team and The County Ground - "a really good place to watch cricket. They get so many things right down there."

And throw in for good measure, identical views to ours` about the ECB and the Hundred - "if it wasn`t for the BBC, the Hundred would be dead on its a**e already."

Reply Quote Report

ColinNo11
19/08/2024 17:40

Alfonso got a good round of applause from those around where I was sitting - in the Beefy stand - when he strolled around the ground.

I agree with all that has been said about the game - one of the best I've seen - and the two teams. I noted that both centurions were applauded by the opposition players which is not always the case these days.

I thought we deserved the win, but I wasn't quite so impressed with the bowling as some. The tactic of banging the ball in half way down the pitch allowing the batter to belt it to the boundary didn't seem to be overly sensible and lasted too long. Meredith came in for a fair bit of criticism from those around me as he seemed to be the worst culprit. I thought the opening Leicester bowlers showed admirable control and our opening pair did well to keep them at bay.

I'm not sure how many Leicestershire supporters made it to the game. Well done to any who did make it given they had only two days notice of the match. Well done, too, to SCCC for putting arrangements in place with only 4 days notice! Ludicrous scheduling, but then you knew that.

As an aside, I sat near a couple who came along thinking Somerset were playing Hertfordshire. This led to a rather confusing start to our conversation, but they eventually accepted that Leicestershire were the opposition and much enjoyed the game anyway. This said volumes to me for the way the 50 over game now is advertised - ie not much!

Reply Quote Report

Farmer White
20/08/2024 21:29

That was a match for the ages if ever there was one. So, I have cobbled together this report which tries to capture the sheer intensity of the play and the tremendous engagement of the crowd:

[farmerwhite.co.uk]

Farmer

Reply Quote Report

Kilmainham
21/08/2024 00:55

I did wonder after the match just how Mr Farmer was going to do justice, in his match report, to such a gripping, evocative and eventful game of cricket. A match, and a semi-final let's not forget, which was at times breathtaking, at times awe-inspiring and at all times never less than emotionally captivating.

I need not have wondered at all. Now that Mr Farmer has posted it, the report, just like the match itself, does not disappoint.

It may also be worth pointing out the impact that such a remarkable match can have on other people. I was sitting a few seats away, and within earshot, of a husband and wife. Their initial conversation upon arrival at their seats was to voice concern and worry about being bored during the long afternoon, they ended the match utterly enthralled and were speaking enthusiastically about becoming members next season!

Reply Quote Report

Rod1883
21/08/2024 08:56

Beautifully written Farmer thank you, especially for/from those of us that were not there.

Reply Quote Report

dilly
21/08/2024 10:48

Yes, thank you, Farmer, for your beautiful prose. Reading it does make me feel that I was actually there.

Reply Quote Report

Farmer White
21/08/2024 13:20

Thank you all, and to anyone else who took the time to read the report. I simply wrote what I saw, heard and experienced. It was a match which captured the imagination and the heart. Cricket at its best.

Farmer

Reply Quote Report

sfwithers
21/08/2024 15:48

I have my ticket to the final - the Radcliffe Road stand - and I'm going with a friend who lives a bus-journey away with whom I'm staying. Huzzah!

I have my train tickets, going Saturday, coming back Monday that cost a total of £42 with my senior railcard. Result!

Reply Quote Report

Wickham
21/08/2024 16:28

As others have said, the quality of the report measured up to the quality of the match.

Reply Quote Report

Loyal of Lhasa
21/08/2024 18:21

Farmer White: I admit that I don't always read your match reports, for there is always so much else to read, but your report on Sunday's superb match, which I was lucky enough to follow on the livestream while deceiving myself that I was reading the paper, captured the ebb and flow of the match quite brilliantly. Would it be appropriate were you to ask the Leicestershire website if they would consider posting a link to your report? I think many of the county's supporters would enjoy reading it despite the result of the match.

Many thanks for all the work you put into your reports.

And now for some even better news. It is reported that an ancient ocean of Magnum has been found close to the Moon's South Pole. I am expecting Farmer and Bobstan to pass some of that to me...

LoL

Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter

Reply Quote Report

Sloop John B
21/08/2024 19:37

Another fine piece of writing Paul.

It was a fine match and a great advert for the 50 over format.

Reply Quote Report

Somerset LaLaLa
21/08/2024 20:20

Reference trains for the final... the first one arrives in Nottingham at 12.21pm. Sighs

Reply Quote Report

Farmer White
21/08/2024 21:50

Further thanks to those who have added their comments on my report.

LoL, I posted the link to my report on the Leicestershire fans forum yesterday. As to the magnum, it is ready for you to collect. From the Moon's south pole.

Farmer

Reply Quote Report

Des Platt
22/08/2024 10:29

Although I haven’t read the report yet, I look forward to doing so later with such glowing crits . I also echo my thanks to Farmer who is always worth reading.

Much to be optimistic about at present at Somerset as far as any real cricket lovers can be hopeful with the game having so many enemies within. Do people think the new Chief Exec has had a positive influence down through the cricket too?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:08:22:10:31:21 by Des Platt.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net