Let's Keep this Guy!
By Grockle et al September 12 2012
Worcestershire bring a young side to Taunton to finish the season. We have a half decent side left who may finish second in the Championship in a season where we've had trouble getting 11 men on the pitch for games. It hasn't been too shoddy. On Day 1, a late success of the Rose era took 9 wickets for very little, stopped from getting 10 by the man of the season. What's in store for the batsmen today?
V WORCESTERSHIRE CC1 @ Taunton Tuesday September 11 2012
Scorecard
Commentary
Marcus and Brian come together for what may be the last time in their present positions to put a game together against the Pears and cement a runners up spot in the 2012 CC1. In this injury hit season what an achievement that would be.
Jos Buttler has been called up to the T20 squad and so Steve Snell takes the gloves onbce more and Chris Jones keeps his place after some decent performances with the bat. Craig Overton is welcomed back at the expense of a second spinner and Nick Compton returns after people expected him to be out for the rest of the season with back problems - the changes in the England setup may very well have prompted that because he needs to put in a performance to be considered for a winter berth.
The opposition won the toss and decided to bat and met Abdur Rehman on the wrong day! 9 for 65 in 24 overs 2with 8 maidens put paid to their first effort with on ly Pete Trego stopping the Pakistani meastro riping through the whole side. Superb bowling and an all out score of 212 put us in the driving seat and asked the batgsmen to show something.
Arul Suppiah and the skipper duly obliged anbd finished the day with 142 for no loss on the card. Although Arul went early n Day 2, the damage had been done and Banger was off and running. The century came in 180 balls and with Compton passing 50 Somerset passed the Worcestershire first innings with only one wicket down and the captain heading for 150. Well in control with two days to go.
The Last Hurrah
Posted by: Grockles.com (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2012 14:46
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:09:21:07:48:09 by Grockle.
Kent brought Tredwell back for the 3rd day of their game with Derbyshire,after playing for England. Maybe Somerset are going to do the same with Buttler,although Snell is not in the squad.
That makes more sense.
We were told Jos was not playing last 2, so dont expect him to be involved.
Would assume Nick will come back in at 3 for Barrow and Jones move down to 5, Pete 6, Snell 7, rest of the team as Sussex.
I would doubt it.
Barring the 40 against Sussex last week Barrow has really struggled over last month for any sort of score at all.
Jones has got a few good starts and i think has shown a little more.
Be interesting as guess top 4 are set so either/or will be at 5 i would guess with Trego 6 and Snell 7.
Couple for you Both, Ok to be going on with? Were they making hay against Tregs and co because it looks like a raging turner and it'll only get harder?
SheptonPaul ... it looks like a raging turner and it'll only get harder?
Unless you're actually at the match, SP, I have to congratulate you on your superb eyesight. You always were a remarkable chap (or so I am led to believe).
Sorry if it wasn't clear - I was posing the question, not making a statement...I have perception in all sorts of things LoL, but former teammates will testify pitch-reading may not be one of them
It certainly does seem to be turning: batting last ought to put us at a disadvantage, but Worcester's spin attack consists of one very inexperienced leggie (with an impeccable cricketing pedigree, but no first-class wickets to date), and one off-spinner who is more of a batsman, so dare we hope that Abdur will be more potent in the third innings than their young chaps in the fourth?
I see too that Sussex and Notts are both having a bit of a sticky time at present and look most unlikely to secure maximum batting points.
mikeindex Surely AGod is the omniscient one?
It certainly does seem to be turning: batting last ought to put us at a disadvantage, but Worcester's spin attack consists of one very inexperienced leggie (with an impeccable cricketing pedigree, but no first-class wickets to date), and one off-spinner who is more of a batsman, so dare we hope that Abdur will be more potent in the third innings than their young chaps in the fourth?
I see too that Sussex and Notts are both having a bit of a sticky time at present and look most unlikely to secure maximum batting points.
I think we should not only hope, but expect that that would be the case.
We need at least 9 points to pass Middlesex, while Notts will now have to beat Warks to go past us if we lose. Sussex started one point behind us, but have one more win, so they have to get one more pint than us in their match to overtake us.
What a remarkable analysis by Abdur Rehman. I am away at the moment, so don't have access to any books - could anyone who does please indicate what are the best bowling figures for Somerset.
I thought aww briefly when I saw Rehman couldn't get 10, but 9 is still his best first class haul apparently, and Trego deserves to finish the season with 50!
Loyal of Lhasa. And I can think of at least four Somerset players who have taken ten wickets in a first-class innings but are not on that list.
(Shd be on PQQ!)
A full but cold day’s cricket that’s a rarity this season and a good day for Somerset.
Day one photos.
Steve Snell did his best today but we think he may have missed two today, this could have been one of them. Moeen Ali got an edge off Abdur Rehman Marcus tried to get the rebound but couldn’t grab hold of it.
Marcus at his best today playing some delightful shots and not playing any risky shots, like leaving this leg side ball.
Arul Suppiah had a careful start and then he also played some good shots like this four.
Steve Snell appealing for an lbw against Alexei Kervezee and getting it off Abdur Rehman’s bowling.
Steve Snell removed Alexei Kervezee bails hoping for a stumping off Abdur Rehman but he never lifted his foot.
Steve from BEP interviews him after the days play.Said that Somerset had asked him about next year and he was looking forward to Pakistan games but if free he would love to come back. Im warming to this bloke by the second. Kind of guy you want in your team. I maybe wrong but I didn't get same feeling with philander!!
I have horrible visions of Sussex and Notts both just managing to win tight low-scoring matches, while we play Worcester off the park but they just scrape a weather-assisted draw.
I'm expressing these fears in the hope that this will make them less likely to happen.
Fantastic knock by the skipper, we need to accelerate a bit here to get full bonus points -we've got the wickets spare to still have a decent lead with a few risky shots
mikeindex Would anyone else have felt inclined to send Trego in ahead of Jones?
Absolutely, swing the bat for 5 overs and those last 2 bonus points could be had quite easily. Not having a go at NRC or CJ but neither are particularly fast scorers. Need to go at 6 an over.
We missed a trick. Pete definitely before Jones but I woude in the circumstances have been tempted to put him in before James.I don't suppose one point matters but it's annoying.
I don't think the extra batting point will matter. With 4 batting points a draw will ensure we are above Middx.
If Notts and Sussex do win then we need to win to finish above them and the batting points gained/not gained are irrelevant as Sussex gained only one batting point and Notts none.
That's four good CC days in succession; one more tomorrow and we should finish second. This reflects splendid stamina and resilience on the part of our side, some of whom, like Trego, seem to have been playing almost every hour of the summer.
I'm not sure we want to be batting long enough for NRDC to make another 50 runs, but what a wonderfully consistent season of concentration and character by our man.
Lovely to read Mr Hurry's comments on Abdurrrr and the very positive influence he is in the dressing room.
Not a very exciting days cricket until Peter Trego came in then it was fun to watch, he should have been in earlier to go for max. batting points.
It looked like the aim was to get as many runs on the board as possible but the Worcester bowlers didn’t make it easy to bat, Richardson was the best bowler he was hard to score off of.
I thought we were going to see a good innings from James Hildreth and get his 1000 runs but it was not to be.
Another great innings from Marcus Trescothick this shot was for his hundred.
Nick Compton is getting better and better with some attacking shots when needed.
This four runs from Nick making the close fielder dump for safety.
Peter Trego keeping a careful eye on this leg side ball that bounced up off the slow bowler.
A very good day at Taunton today amongst the showers. I thought we batted well and that the pitch is still giving lots of potential to all bowlers. Richardson was magnificent and to bowl 35 overs so economically, beat the bat so frequently, he well merited his wickets starting with Marcus with a beauty!!!
To get to 451 today shows how well we batted on a difficult pitch. If only we had applied ourselves equally in so many of our other first innings this season, we would have wrapped up our first championship easily!!!
We should finish it off after tea tomorrow and justly earn a well-merited 2nd place.
But we must now plan for next season. Surely Compton has played himself today as the banker to replace Strauss. He will do well in India and be put on a central contract upon his return. Jos came of age today and that will surely give England a great boost before going to SL tomorrow. I expect he may get an incremental contract!!!
What this means is that we have joined the test counties like Notts/Warwick/and "cheating" Surrey who have to plan playing staffs minus lots of their key players. Brian's replacement will have a massive job handling this. But no other county has such a great depth of "Academy" talent like us.
I am already looking forward to next season when the Overtons/Meschede and Irish George bring us our first ever Championship - provided that our "weather-gods" have been well appeased!!!
Compton's obviously done himself more of a favour by scoring a ton than not. BUT, Richardson apart I suspect the quality of the Worcs attack will be frowned upon by any watching selector. So I wouldn't read too much into it.
On TMS last night while waiting for 20 20 to start, Alec Stewart ( yes that well known defender of all things Kartik) was saying that he would have Morgan in the test party for India over others including Compo.
As in the Kartik matter the evidence looks rather different; Compo scored more CC runs yesterday (114) than Morgan has all season (109 at an average of 18).
It's the men with the names in the heads of the selecetors that get the nod. Not sure Nick's name is in there but I do wonder how a man who has had such a season with the bat cannot be a real contender for a position on a tour, expecially to the batting zone that is India.
Hope he goes. If he doesn't then I can't see what more the man can do to get selected but I remember Mr Stewart himself being selected over the obvious wicket keeper batsman of the season a few years ago now. They took the out of form Stewart and the youngster Read and sent the absolutely totally in form Rob Turner on the A tour with the best all rounder in the country as his captain - Mark Alleyne.
It was a travesty then and it still rankles me now!
I don't think Richardson is a serious choice, but what a good bowler he is. One of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year let's not forget, along with the likes of Cook and Sangakkara.
F Gurney On TMS last night while waiting for 20 20 to start, Alec Stewart ( yes that well known defender of all things Kartik) was saying that he would have Morgan in the test party for India over others including Compo.
As in the Kartik matter the evidence looks rather different; Compo scored more CC runs yesterday (114) than Morgan has all season (109 at an average of 18).
Morgan is a waste of space in first-class cricket, IMO, and his contempt for the County game seems obvious.
Oh, that Richardson - I thought you meant the young keeper-batsman at Durham. AlanR is a sterling bowler, a proper county cricketer - but nearly as old as me!
It will be interesting to see what role he plays with the ball next season... will he now be used as a new ball bowler, regardless of the fitness situation of other SCCC pacemen?
What an achievement. In the two recent Sussex matches which I watched, he went past the bat on innumerable occasions and was very unlucky not to pick up wickets. I was worried that he would miss out on the 50 wicket landmark (Oh me of little faith) and am so pleased that he is achieved it in the final innings of the season.
As to SP's question, if the declaration was timed to get Compton an average of 100 for the season, then someone got the calculation slightly wrong (at least as regards the County Championship). But what an achievement by him too. I hope that the selectors will have noted that (even if the Worcestershire bowling is not particularly strong) he showed the ability to score heavily on his first innings after several weeks' absence (England tourists need to be able to find form more or less immediately, given how few warm-up matches they play) and when he must have felt under particular scrutiny, with the touring party about to be picked.
Yes, I think the point about being able to find form at the drop of a hat is an excellent one and one that the England people would do well to bear in mind.
Mike Atherton has just said on Sky Sports that he expects Trott to be moved up the order and Root to be taken as the extra batsman. Charles Colville challenged him, making particular reference to Compo's "magnificent season", to which Ather's response was that his feeling was based on having discussed the matter with Lions coach, Graham Thorpe. He knows that Thorpe's opinion will carry weight, and that Thorpe rates Root extremely highly.
Wonderful!! The English team is sorted out by some bloke's feeling about a player.... you'd hope it would be a little more analytical than that wouldn't you.
A gut feeling is always to be encouraged but is there any batsman who has Nick's record and consistency this season...Anyone?
Frome Exile Mike Atherton has just said on Sky Sports that he expects Trott to be moved up the order and Root to be taken as the extra batsman. Charles Colville challenged him, making particular reference to Compo's "magnificent season", to which Ather's response was that his feeling was based on having discussed the matter with Lions coach, Graham Thorpe. He knows that Thorpe's opinion will carry weight, and that Thorpe rates Root extremely highly.
Still think they'll bring the wonderful Morgan back as cannot believe they'd give somebody a full Central Contract ( as opposed to an incremental one) if only intending to play them in short cricket.
Root has been playing in the Lions, though, and did score a ton at Northampton vs Windies for them.
What year was it that the leading fastbowler in the county championship with 100 wickets was left out? His name excapes me but wasn't Stewart A involved in that travesty?
Oh yes, Stewart was running scared of picking Caddick. Probably had no idea how to deal with it if/when Caddick blurted out what he really thought rather than hiding behind mealy-mouthed speak.
Just to clarify, Grockle; what I meant was that it was Atherton's "feeling" that the views of the Lions coach, who has worked intensively with both players, would carry weight.
Not quite selection based on a feeling: more a feeling about how the selection would be made.
Well done Abdur, another fifer. You are always welcome back at Taunton.
2nd place despite all our injuries is a fantastic achievement. With a tad more luck with the weather we could have been raising the pennant. Here's hoping for an injury free, sunny 2013.
What a shame that the commentary signal broke up in the last overs and I for one had to switch to the BBC to hear the death knell.
They really do have to sort this out for next year.
Volunteers give up their time (including Bagpuss at the end of this) and half the time they either can't be heard properly or are plagued by problems from poor equipment!!
A good end to a good season. So much nearer to this than was predicted, or I think expected even by the most avid supporter in mid April.
All the teams had weather issues but none had our injury problems and for that this season has to be seen as a real triumph even though there is no silverware in the cabinet once again.
To comein second (if that is confirmed) with a decimate squad and the help of a bunch of players having their first real taste of first class cricket is remarkable and anyone who wore a Somerset shirt this year can be truly proud of that.
Reflection at leisure is the job of the next few days and I'm sure we'll have lots of it. I welcome the posters who come on here to lessen this season. Bring it on boys and girls because you'll get short shrift on here in the next month I can assure you. There has been nothing 'average' about the summer of 2012
Thanks to everyone for your contributions. It's the first absentee season and it hasn't been too onerous to do it.
I promised myself that I would assess the future of Grockles at the end of the season being away form the action for about half of it and I will do that in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks to Mike once again for the wonderful pictures that greatly enhance this site along with the majority of the debates that take place.
Thats a good measure Ron. If you can end one season looking forward to the next then there has to have been something worth having in the one that has gone.
I don't have the feeling of depression or things left undone this year that I've personally had in past years. There is more to look forward to than there is to look back on.
Agreed Grockle!! No regrets this year. It was wet and we hardly had a team at some junctures of the season. Only disappointment would be Cardiff I guess.
We have 2 guys hammering it in internationals and one knocking on the door. We have 2 great youngsters in the Overtons and Dockers and Meschede are talents too. A shrewd signing here and there and hopefully Manny for a bit of next year and I think it looks really promising.
Only lost one CC game all season and even that one we could have won. Cant wait for it to start again really so I'll need to reign myself in a bit.
A great way to end the season.. delighted that Trego got his 50 wickets, what a star. And Rehman is superb, very pleased to hear he would like to come back if it can be worked in.
Excellent to see Compton bat well after a break although on teh radio yesterday they were saying he looked as if he was in a bit of pain - was that the case? Criminal that he gets overlooked and I hope it doesn't prompt him to move elsewhere.
Unbeaten since Brian Rose resigned - wish he'd announced it the day before the T20 final instead In all seriousness, it's a nice way to bow out, leaving the club much better off than when he came in - can't ask for much more than that, & leaving a legacy of a good core of promising young players rather than fading stars for the next person to work with
I still can't see why Compo should get any better joy at another county - if the other counties are so great, surely they should hold better measure by the fact he's playing against the best bowlers at Somerset than in the same team as them?
Wonderful effort by everybody involved at every level. 2013 must be so full of promise, it is sad that Brian has decided to step back.
Would have been better if he could have decided to give early notice that 2013 would be his last season in charge. As he is, apparently still going to be involved in negotiating contracts and talent spotting, I would have thought that if his successor is going to be worth anything he would want to do that himself.
Perhaps the idea might be to give Andy H more authority taking on some of Brian's office work, and delaying any new appointment until the autumn of 2013. Just an idea which I would have thought might mean a smoother handover eventually.
Brilliant end to a season of great perseverance against mighty odds.
Only the third time we have been championship runners-up in our history.
Andy Murray took five shots at a major title before he won one. Perhaps we should appoint Ivan Lendl as our new coach/motivator. He could keep everyone cheerful into the bargain.
So glad I managed to make it to the County Ground today. A wonderful send-off to one of our finest seasons overall, despite the odd bad day and whatever certain people who love to see every bad day as evidence of some deep malaise may think.
I wish I knew more Grockles by sight as I'm sure several were there and I'd have liked to say hello. However I did have the pleasure of a very nice chat with a lady from Devon called Sarah (a supporter for even longer than me), a meeting with a very old, indeed ancient, friend who skippered Milverton 1st XI when I skippered their under-15s, and a word of congratulation with both Mr Rose and Mr Kerslake at the post-match jingo.
Not to mention a first meeting with the immortal Tractor in The Plough, when I should have been drinking coffee to ready myself for this evening's bridge tourney.
Must confess I got quite misty-eyed at Brian's presentation - I watched his county debut (Gillette 1st rd v, I think, Derby, 1969 - we lost a tight low-scorer despite Brian's valuable 28 from no.9, why he was at no.9 God knows) and it was quite strange watching his departure too. Also appreciated seeing Kenny Palmer and Merv Kitchen having a chat behind the Old Pav.
Championship runners-up for the third time in 12 years (or rather, for the second time plus one equal first), T20 semi-finalists and a respectable 3rd/7 in our CB40 group - all this despite an almost incredible run of injuries, several international calls and the odd contractual letdown. I'd rate this one of our best and above all most resilient seasons ever.
No doubt others will still be saying, What a disaster, change the captain, change the team, change the management, etc. It'd be a very dull world if we all agreed.
Though if we all agreed with me it'd be a much better one.
Must now go and drink coffee. (If Roger Sweet is reading - anticipate some extravagant bidding from me tonight Rog).
Quite brilliant, they are all heroes.
Next year is our time, make no mistake about that....I'd even go as far as saying that if we don't win the CC I'm fully prepared to cut the outfield with a pair of rusty shears and be nice to Clarence Parker.
I know, I know, almost impossible...but I can try.
Let's man up and shake hands Clarence..a new year looms, let's embrace it as one...and share our love for the finest cricket team in the world...the mighty Somerset.
I'm still slightly perplexed that Tres declared with Nick 6 short both of 1500 runs and an average of 100 for the season. There was about an hour till lunch, we were 300 ahead - neither was especially requiring of an urgent declaration - and there were still 2 sessions left in the day and 5 in the match.
I can't believe Tres and the players didn't know what he needed for the milestones - seems odd to me...
When you get days like this you wish it could go on longer.
Day three and final day of the season photos.
I must start off with this photo, Peter Trego taking 50 CC wickets for the season when he had Phil Hughes caught by Steve Snell, and was he pleased!!!!!!, the other batsman looked bemused wonder what the excitement was all about.
Nick Harrison lucky not to given out lbw he must have had an inside edge.
Moeen Ali, Marcus just hanging on to this ball off the bowling of Craig Overton.
Daryl Mitchell ct James Hildreth bld Abdur Rehman, the only problem was Peter Trego gets to hug Abdur first.
Daryl Mitchell, It’s a good job Steve Snell wears a helmet stood up even Abdur Rehman was getting the odd ball to bounce.
I thought Craig Overton was going to do Arul Suppiah some damage giving Arul Suppiah such a squeeze after he caught Ben Cox off Steve Kirby, it was a good catch.
One of Abdur Rehman’s wickets when he bowled Aneesh Kapil.
Alfonso Thomas hitting Alexei Kervezee on the hand from a lifting ball.
The biggest laugh of the day was when Steve Kirby tried to stop a ball hitting the boundary boards.
I didn’t see what happened I was writing photos details in my book at the time, I looked up when I heard cheers from the crowd Alfonso Thomas was laughing his head off fielding in front me, and when Steve looked our way Alfonso clapped him.
I was privileged to be able to take quite a few photos with the rest of the photographer of Brain Rose’s presentation, I will sort them out tomorrow and post a few.
Yes, today's pictures are superb, Mike. Thanks for all your work through the season. As I have said before it brings it all to life for us exiles who can only get to a few games each season.
The exact timing of the declaration does seem odd, Shep.
However Nicholas's average of 99.?? obviously proves he is virtually as good as Bradman was.
What an end to the season.
So glad BoBo snaffled the all-important 50th scalp.
What a season he's had.
Second winkie notwithstanding, all those of us who matter know that Luke Wright is not worthy to lick your boots, let alone lace them!
A brilliant end to the season - a well-merited 2nd in the CC - and a very big "thank-you" to our ground-staff team for producing yet again some excellent 4 day cricket pitches. For those of us who remember the P.F.days when we replied to M'sex 600-4dec with 851-7dec, our success in the CC has coincided with us producing every match a 4th day result pitch (weather permitting!!!).
There were a number of us in the Tres stand who were shocked when Tres declared when the lead had reached 300 with Nick only needing another 6 runs to reach an average of 100 for the season. This is so rare that in my long cricketing support life, I am only aware of it happening twice with Boycott & Ramprakesh.
Even if Tres had told Nick at the start of play that he would be declaring once the lead reached 300, surely he could have allowed another 15 minutes for what would have been a piece of history not only for Nick but more importantly for Somerset's record history.
It reminded me of Atherton's decision to declare on the 4th day afternoon of a test in Australia when Hick was on 98*. Atherton has subsequently regretted that decision probably more because he is now considered by many to be a very poor man manager!!!Which we all know that he is!!!
Some of us in the Tres stand do now wonder whether there is more to the story of Nick leaving us at the end of the season. If he does, he goes with my blessing and thanks for what he has done for us in the last 4 years. Should a conspiracy of Thorpe/Stewart persuade the ECB to go with Root rather than Compton to India, then I hope that our ex-Chairman will initiate an investigation into the corruption in the ECB selection system!!!
Runs in the 1st Division are worth so much more than the 2nd. There is one glaring piece of evidence - Trent Bridge in April - bonus points Notts 0- Somerset 8 - why? sure we were the better team but Nick's 200+ not out was exceptional. But this was only one of so many great batting performances by Nick and so many of them were on bowler-friendly wickets.
I am already prepared to lose you next year - not to cheating Surrey but as England's new test opener!!!
Great photos as ever Mike and thanks for all of them throughout the season. Being naive here but why are the young uns in first shot wearing black caps?
Taunton's wicket is certainly a result track now, and Brian Rose was very much behind that move. However I do think that the biggest change in county cricket over the last 3? years, which is not always appreciated, was the banning of the heavy roller AFTER the match had started. It has certainly had the biggest effect on games since we last had uncovered pitches IMO.
Did I miss out on much at the Brian Rose do after the game?
Was there much drunken-ness?
Was there any loose talk by Nash and his merry men?
Were there any arrests?
When I left Kirbs and some of the coaching staff were conducting a "warm down" on the pitch with some of the younger players in the squad and some "fruit" drinks delivered from the bar.....
Very well deserved and this has been a real squad effort this year.
Thinking about the best way to describe the team's response to it's great seaason, even without any silverware? Infectious joy springs to mind, particularly illustrated by the way Pete's 50 wickets was greeted.
Whatever is happening and however it happened the Taunton pitch gives us games to watch that put the urban myth about motorways to bed and let's us watch excellent cricket in excellent conditions.
Not at all, that's why we're sitting silently with smug "I told you so" smiles on our faces.
Simply responding to a quote from Ob.
That's the beauty of debate.
Steve Kirby chased a ball all the way to the boundary, dived, seemed to have made a great stop only for it to rill into the boards. It was a great effort for a player not known for his fielding and the irony of it amused many - including me. Steve, of course, also saw the funny side!
I think that perhaps, either I didn't make my point clear enough, or there is some mischief making here. My remarks re the heavy roller really relate to ALL the pitches used in CC over the last 2/3 years. Brian's actions clearly bought into that change. Even with the wettest summer for over 100 years, there was no need for many contrived finishes like the bad old days!
There was only ONE season between 2000 and 2010 where Taunton was seriously out of kilter with other Southern grounds in terms of runs per wicket.
That was 2009, when the heavy roller was still being used and when April was hot and sunny.
The "motorway," argument was always a myth other than, perhaps, in 2009 and even in 2009 the averages per wicket were greatly affected by the first couple of games which featured azure skies, warm sun and (drum roll please) a heavy roller.
When I have checked my figures, I shall do my usual posting about home and away scoring this season, but I can already reveal that this season there has been only fractional difference between runs per wicket at Taunton and elsewhere. In fact it was in the away matches that the slightly higher figures are to be found.
Which only goes to prove that Taunton is killing cricket but that elsewhere is murdering it.
As for the magnificent season that has passed, ending as it did with five consecutive days of total domination, I feel hugely proud to have even the smallest association with the finest county and the finest county side in England.
We lost only one CC match, by the very narrow margin of two wickets. Had the result gone the other way, sixteen points would have gone to SCCC and not to Warwickshire - and we would be champions.
If and buts... the inference has to be, as many have said, we need to make better starts to the season than we have in recent years (and that applies to the CB40 this year as well).
But of course others might decide that this old chestnut needs another outing.....
Please please please take this to the
"Taunton's killing cricket" or the "Phil Frost" thread if you are desperaste to re-open it. It has all been said before again and again and again.
Isn't this done? Whatever Simon is now overseeing is fine by me and gives me all the evidence I personally need for when people say Taunton is a batsman's paradise, a bowler's graveyard or a motorway. Phil has another life and even KT has moved on to other bees in other bonnets.
"If and buts... the inference has to be, as many have said, we need to make better starts to the season than we have in recent years (and that applies to the CB40 this year as well)."
Do we know, yet, whether Alf will again be away at the IPL?
When will we know?
Having him available to start the season may be helpful.
I am reliably informed that Alf's offer of a contract extension (2 years) is only offered on the understanding of no IPL for him and that point is non negotiable.
If it's true, I think it odd that Brian did not mention it, though, when saying that we had re-signed Alf?
i.e.
"Not only have we re-engaged Alf to make sure he stays here for a least another couple of years BUT he will also be available from the start of the season."
Alf's 2 year cntract with Pune will have finished at the end of the last IPL unless it was extended. If they offer him an extension I doubt he'd take it seeing as he hardly played in the 2012 version.
Next season's start might just be becoming a little more promising.
I shall look forward to seeing your wonderful stats, LoL.
I usually detest numbers with a passion, but for some reason yours make a lot of sense.
It's the way you tell em.
I'm sure.
By the sound of things, it appears that nobody on this site, other than myself, thinks that the heavy roller ban has made any difference. That may well be correct, in which case I know nothing AND presumably the ban could now be lifted and no one would notice?? Fair enough!
Well OB the present situation is a good situation and whatever caused it needs to keep on causing it so I'd personally suggest nothing gets changed, repealed or stopped and we all look forward to the same next year.
I think, old boy, that you are misreading the "smug smile" posts. Thay are not disagreeing with you about the effects of the roller ban.
The point is that Phil Frost had been a long-time proponent of, and even something of a lobbyist for, the ban which came (some might say) a couple of years too late to save his job.
Yes FE - I see it all now!! Many thanks. It is either my GSOH has gone or I have been caught with the first signs of the "ageing process!!". I was, of course well aware that Phil was ahead of the game as far as the heavy roller banning idea was concerned! It's a shame that he wasn't able to receive some official credit for that idea.
Yes, a few of us had been saying for a long time that prohibiting the use of the heavy roller after the first innings would make a huge difference to the Taunton track.
I think the proof of the pudding is there for all to see.
"Peter Trego claimed 50 championship wickets for the first time in his career in the final match of the season against Worcestershire at the County Ground, Taunton on Thursday.
To mark this special achievement, the all rounder was presented with a bottle of champagne and a suitably numbered cricket ball by Somerset captain Marcus Trescothick on behalf of LV= who sponsor the County Championship.
What a wonderful couple of days I have just experienced watching our final game of the season at HQ. Good compelling cricket played on a good cricket pitch, and Somerset looking well and truly animated in every dimension of the game. Add to this, the most enjoyable of company, reasonable weather, good food and ale, and one is bound to ponder - why does the season have to end so soon?
It was a match in which every true Somerset member and supporter could justifiably feel very proud by the team’s clinical execution of their opponents.
But spare a thought for Worcestershire. They are a lovely and hospitable group of people at New Road, and they have suffered yet another relegation and (according to their Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes) they have a considerable way to go before they can hope to reach the higher echelons again.
After the match, President Roy Kerslake gave a very fine tribute to Brian Rose, who responded in a very honourable and sincere way, giving praise to the players, officials, coaches, ground staff and supporters alike.
To cap the day, I attended the function held in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion, but was disappointed to see only one Grockleite there that I knew – namely Bagpuss straight from the commentary box and wearing a glamorous pink ‘Somerset La La La’ top.
However, it was good to see former players Ken Palmer, Vic Marks, John Harris and a very fit – looking Brian Langford who, at the age of 76, looked as if he could wheel away for 20 overs from the River end.
Just before I left, Pete Trego and Steve Kirby joined in after their post – match ‘warm down’ or whatever name is attributed to it, on the outfield. Maybe some other Somerset players came in later.
And so, for Somerset CCC ends another season. In my opinion, a successful season, and one in which I feel a massive sense of pride for the club.
“Farewell, and I hope you winter well” were oft spoken words at the end of yesterday’s play. I hope that I see many old friends at the ground next season, but age inevitably takes its toll, and at the start of every season I discover that there are one or two friends and acquaintances that I will sadly not see at the ground again, for whatever reason.
At least one other Grockleite was there Clarence, but unfortunately I don't know any of the rest of you by sight. We'll have to do something about that for next year.
Clarence Parker What a wonderful couple of days I have just experienced watching our final game of the season at HQ. Good compelling cricket played on a good cricket pitch, and Somerset looking well and truly animated in every dimension of the game. Add to this, the most enjoyable of company, reasonable weather, good food and ale, and one is bound to ponder - why does the season have to end so soon?
It was a match in which every true Somerset member and supporter could justifiably feel very proud by the team’s clinical execution of their opponents.
But spare a thought for Worcestershire. They are a lovely and hospitable group of people at New Road, and they have suffered yet another relegation and (according to their Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes) they have a considerable way to go before they can hope to reach the higher echelons again.
After the match, President Roy Kerslake gave a very fine tribute to Brian Rose, who responded in a very honourable and sincere way, giving praise to the players, officials, coaches, ground staff and supporters alike.
To cap the day, I attended the function held in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion, but was disappointed to see only one Grockleite there that I knew – namely Bagpuss straight from the commentary box and wearing a glamorous pink ‘Somerset La La La’ top.
However, it was good to see former players Ken Palmer, Vic Marks, John Harris and a very fit – looking Brian Langford who, at the age of 76, looked as if he could wheel away for 20 overs from the River end.
Just before I left, Pete Trego and Steve Kirby joined in after their post – match ‘warm down’ or whatever name is attributed to it, on the outfield. Maybe some other Somerset players came in later.
And so, for Somerset CCC ends another season. In my opinion, a successful season, and one in which I feel a massive sense of pride for the club.
“Farewell, and I hope you winter well” were oft spoken words at the end of yesterday’s play. I hope that I see many old friends at the ground next season, but age inevitably takes its toll, and at the start of every season I discover that there are one or two friends and acquaintances that I will sadly not see at the ground again, for whatever reason.
Thank you CP for an excellent summary. I couldn't be there at the finish, so your descriptive piece is most welcome!
I notice that Steve Cotton's column in the WDP today speaks of 2012 being a great success despite the lack of silverware. My opinion exactly.
Straying slightly off subject, if Hants win today, I wonder whether they would have swapped winning T20 and CB40 for promotion?? I have a feeling that some of them certainly would prefer to be plying their trade against the strongest in the country!
mikeindex At least one other Grockleite was there Clarence, but unfortunately I don't know any of the rest of you by sight. We'll have to do something about that for next year.
One of the best way to meet a few of the other posters is to ask somebody you do know like Tractor and he will point a few of us that sit on the Gimblett’s hill.
I have known there to be up to nine posters that sit in that area of the ground at some of the matches.
This is some of them, I am sure I will miss some.
Grockle
Tractor.
Myself.
BristolRob.
LoL.
Wickham
old boy
Sloop John B
Bobstan
Some can’t manage many matches some are there at every match.
I didn’t stay for the Somerset Room gathering because of all the camera bags I have to carry about with me.
It's good that we could see you again at Taunton, we will have to make sure LoL is there at the same time.
I keep trying to persuade BJ to be at Taunton when I expect to be there, but he always finds some reason not to be there; the fact is that he owes me 153 pints...
Next year, please, as I actually quite enjoy his company.
I should have mentioned in my previous posting how much I appreciated CP's posting. The season, to be ranked among our best in my opinion, seems to have come and gone at remarkable speed and hibernation would be a very attractive option until the excitement starts once again.
It is indeed sad that each year a few of us do not report back for duty; county cricket seems rather better at longevity, possibility at immortality, than mere humans. But I am confident there will be good people on Gimblett's Hill for at least as many years as I can spend time there myself.
LoL, I know it's a pain in the harris, but until I get this spinal cord sorted I'm not going to be able to do long journeys on my own.
Hopefully the operation will be done before Christmas.
What happens after that remains to be seen, though I have every intention of being on Gimblett's Hill next season.....and there's every chance it'll coincide with some exciting news about the poetry and play.
Fingers crossed, old bean.
BJ: don't ever mistake my flippancy for lack of concern. I am aware that things are tough and that you have serious instructions for the surgeons. Gimblett's Hill will be even more congenial when you are back with us.
Mike, many thanks for your recommendations, which I really appreciate - not that they'd have helped on Thursday, as I didn't even know Tractor until I ran into him and a bunch of merry fellows in the Plough after close of play. I had got the impression that Gimblett's Hill was a bit of a meeting-point, but couldn't quite summon up the nerve to stand up there and shout, 'Is there a Grockle in the house?'
Anyway, all anyone has to do to recognise me is dig out their DVDs of 'Lark Rise to Candleford' and spot the umpire.
Clarence, as I should have said sooner, a beautiful summing-up, much better than mine possibly due in part to your being (I presume) sober at the time. And I quite agree with your comments about Worcester. Incidentally I thought Kervezee batted quite superbly, and I do hope I see him bat again, possibly in sone future World Cup - if there ever is another where the word 'World' actually means something.
Even more incidentally, I'm convinced that all the commentators who call him cur-VAY-zee have got it wrong, and the correct pronunciation is (approximately) CURver-TSAY. 'Curtain-rail' would be a reasonable equivalent.
Half wishing I hadn't said that, but still looking forward to next year's comments on Alex Curtain-Rail
Grockle I'm looking at the possibility of some form of identification as an option for next year. More as it becomes available.
Nick Smyth, if you still read the site please PM me - you had an option a couple of years ago and I would like to pick your brain about it.
As I am now infamous, I try to keep a low profile, so my Blackwell and Botham shirts stay in my wardrobe.
Coming home this evening it is lovely to read this thread.
I'd like to associate myself with the comments on Clarence's piece, and I think BJ knows that I would reiterate all the good wishes to him from various contributors.
Cheers me dears, as some of you will know only, I've been waiting far too long for this operation...if it works I'll be putting my name down for the captaincy this coming season...if it goes pear shaped then I leave my Hornby train set to the one with the fastest car.
At this time of year, it is good to be able to be able to look forward to the next season (only 7 months to go). I echo the good wishes to BJ for his operation - and very much look forward to catching up with a restored BJ, and other Grocklites, on Gimblett's Hill next season, dv.
Good luck BJ. I'm sure everything will go fine for you.
Interesting thought! Will they stick your bed next to Marcus when he has his ankle done?? You could chat about all sorts of things!!!
Good luck anyway!!
You little tinkers.
I've always believed that Marcus is one of the finest English batsmen ever, I could watch him bat all day.
I just think he's too nice....I was always a good captain in my rugby days for some reason.
Thanks to you all, I'll let you know when I have to go under the knife, got the first one which is not related to the spinal cord in the second week of October.
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