Middlesex Prediction game 2006 Starting Position


Top Ranking
By Ged
April 30 2006

This year there are 12 punters playing for glory. As last year, Ged will also track 3 computed entries by way of a benchmark. Ged assesses the runners and riders. Periodically during the season, Ged will report on how the contestants are doing so far.

Name

The Middlesex 2006 prediction competition is now closed.  This year there are 12 punters playing for glory.  As last year, Ged will also track 3 computed entries by way of a benchmark.  Ged assesses the runners and riders.  He also publishes some pre season rankings for the contestants based on the benchmarks.  Periodically during the season, Ged will report on how the contestants are doing so far.

 

The competition has now gone live.  There are twelve punters playing for glory:

 

 

NAME

 

COMMENT

GED LADD

 

 

This contestant needs no introduction

 

 

KWIKLIMEY

 

 

A Surrey supporter and regular contributor to VTCB, whom I managed to tempt into having a go

HIPPITY THE GREEN BUNNY

 

The voice of optimism, Hippity’s entry seems to track last year’s Middlesex averages, but with an optimistic slant

WARREN LADD

 

 

Warren is not related to my nom-de-plume (how could he be?); like many people he reads but does not contribute to the board

LORD OF THE

CHAIRS

 

Another familiar name to us all, His Lordship is gracing us with his presence in this contest this year

CRUSADER

 

 

A regular and thoughtful contributor to the Board, many followers of MTWD will watch Crusader’s progress with interest

AKAASH PATEL

 

 

A relatively new and often vocal contributor to MTWD, Akaash’s entry to this game looks very well thought through.  Welcome.

JANET DAVIS

 

 

If Middlesex’s youngsters do consistently well this year, punters will need to watch out for Janet’s score, for sure.

ALAN EDGAR

 

 

Kwiklimey’s nemesis on VTCB, Alan is Middlesex for sure, but not so much MTWD.  A wise, dark horse in the race.

PERCIVAL4

 

 

An entry from somewhat out of the blue, some interesting choices and therefore another dark horse entry.

PISTOL PETE

 

 

Pistol Pete has a great track record, having swept the Cric.Lit. Quiz.  But this is his first go at the players’ prediction game.

BARMY KEV

 

 

Last entry to arrive, clearly using every piece of information to inform his punts, right up to the last minute

 

There are also three computed entries, by way of benchmarks:

 

 

NAME

 

COMMENT

1st CLASS AVERAGE

 

 

 

 

Based on the players’ lifetime 1st class averages.  Players that don’t yet have sufficient 1st class experience have standardised predictions: batsman 40/60, all-rounder 30/30, bowler 10/25.

MIDDLESEX 2005

 

 

 

 

Based on the players’ average in the 2005 season for Middlesex.  Those who did not play for Middlesex 2005 have standardised

predictions: batsman 40/60, all-rounder 30/30, bowler 10/25.

“POLL OF POLLS”

 

 

 

The twelve real entries are averaged into a “poll of polls” to see if the combined brains of the contestants do better, worse or about the same as the individual contestants

 

 

Ged took a more pessimistic line this year and many contestants (perhaps armed with Ged’s entry for guidance) followed that lead.  Akaash Patel’s entry tracked Ged’s entry more closely than anyone else’s.  If the average of our punts (“Poll of Polls”) is right, only Silverwood will have a sub 30 bowling average (29), with Richardson and Louw showing 30 and Styris 31.  For the batsmen, Joyce would top average with 54, Shah 52, Smith 47, Rymps 42 and Styris 40.

 

Ged’s entry tracked the players first class averages more closely than anyone elses and to the same extent as the “Poll of Polls” tracked those averages.  Despite his untrammelled optimism, Hippity’s entry seems closer to Middlesex 2005 averages than anyone else’s. 

 

If anyone wants to see the spreadsheet model that includes all the predictions and the formulae for computing the winners, you are very welcome to do so.  Please e-mail Ged at gedladd@hotmail.co.uk and he’ll e-mail you the spreadsheet.

 

Ged will periodically publish some current standings on the contestants and benchmarks.  For those who like this sort of thing, it should be a bit of fun.  And for those who don’t like this sort of thing – you don’t have to watch.

 

Good luck everyone.