The man is OUT

By Grockle
April 14 2009

The Bears are here tomorrow, the weather is not being kind to us and Andrew Richard Caddick will not start the season as our first strike bowler. Baptism of fire but would we want it any other way? They've given us 14 to choose from and we should be able to cut that to 12...or even 11!

v Warwickshire @ Taunton Wednesday 15 April 2009

Scorecard 

Somerset Internet Commentary link

BBC Warwickshire (for those who want "more")

The 'Cadmeister' is injured!  He's suffering from 'stiffness' and will be scanned tomorrow. If it is minor he will probably be part of the one day side for Sunday.  However we move on...

The named side is:

Marcus Trescothick (VC) opening with Arul Suppiah (interesting).  This must be based ob Suppiah's  form during the friendlies and his two centuries.  Neil Edwards is named in the squad but is unlikely to play as these two have been officially named as the opening pair and it is unlikely that the captain will have given up the number 3 spot.

Justin Langer, James Hildreth, Zander de Bruyn, Craig Kieswetter and Peter Trego will follow as the batting lineup with Peter and Zander doubling up as part of the seam attack.

Charl Willoughby will lead that line with "Grocklee"  Mark Turner as his new ball partner while Ben Phillips is expected to be the other seamer providing a tight change and partnering Trigger and Zander as an option.

The spinning allrounder spot has been won by Omari Banks who did look the best in the spinning department during the friendlies and will be expected to show more with the bat than last year as he would be expected to be coming in at number 9 after Phillips in my team. 

COMMENTARY

It is hoped that Somerset will be offering an interneet streamed commentary on this four day match and when I know where it is I'll provide a link from here.  It will be on the official site and hopefully well signposted.  The attached thread to this story will also be live while the game is on and if you have comments please put them on here and we'll use them during the coverage here possible.

Here we go everyone. Strap yourselves in for what could be a bumpy and quite exciting ride.....More tomorrow

Tomorrow....

Started on time.  Bit of a surprise.  Both commentary teams are here but the ground has lost its internet connection completely and both don't seem to be opperating.

Anyway the cricket....

We won the toss and decided to bowl in the overcast conditions.  Charl Willoughby opened from the River end and immediately got himself into the swing of things.  Ben Phillips opened at the other end in preference to Mark Turner and looked a hell of a lot better than he did a week ago against Glamorgan.  Frost and Maddy are opening for Warwickshire and we have two threes in the first over as the scoreboard bondary is some way across the park from the wicket itself.  The strip they are using is past the Botham stand providing a short boundary on the new flats side of the ground.  Tempting.

After a couple overs of semi-bondaries and 12 runs to the visitors, Ben gets his radar sorted out a little and gets Frost in two minds over leaving a ball.  He doesn't and Craig takes his first catch of the season and Warwickshire are 12 for 1 after 4 overs.  We welcome Ian Bell to the crease and the pace slows down dramatically as our new ball boys keep both batsmen wary and quiet.  After 6 and a half overs they have moved to 18 and that short pull to the Brewhouse is probably not as tempting.

Change of Game

  Welcome to Taunton Darren

Mark Turner is introduced from the OP end for the 12th but his line isn't what we'd like it to be and he is taking some stick and they moved into the 60's by the end of the 17th.  However, as Charl  gives way to Ben at River end the game changes as he gets Maddy to misread one and takes out his off pole for 17 at 66.  Jonathan Trott comes to the crease, shoulders arms to Ben's first and gets a straight one that hits him a trifle high - but not in the eyes of Umpire Illingworth and its 66 for 3 with Mr Phillips on a hat-trick!!  It doesn't happen but Bell and Troughton face a very different route to lunch.

 And Jon Trott first ball to boot!!

After 5 overs for 20+ Mark Turner gives way at the OP to Peter Trego who starts his account at 78 for 3 in the 22nd. He nearly gets through with his first.

Bell stamps his name on a 50 after 84 balls with 9 fours coming up in the 26th.  Name on an England space?  Maybe not yet.  They go in at 101 for 3 with Troughton on 8 and Ben Phillips returning excellent figures of 33 for 3 off his 10.

Honours even?  Probably,  Well done to Mr P and let's hope I get to commentate on good stuiff from our side in the next 2 and a bit hours.  My turn to talk into the ether.  More on the game later.

So the luchtime interval gave our main bowlers a rest and they certainly worked at it straight after the break with Mark and Charl  keeping both Bell and Troughton guessing for the larger part of the next 90 minutes.  Runs as rare as hen's teeth and mostly coming from boundaries as bowlers strayed.  Good field placings with a heavy off side bias made the Warwickshire men wary and Trego was only introduced into the attack just before a small rain break.  Bell looked to get him away a little more but didn't manage to get a handle on him before the light really closed in and the rain followed at about 2:45.

An early Tea has been taken at 3:00 so there'll be no play until 3:30.  But the light has improved dramatically although we've had quite a heavy shower and the covers are on the pitch and the run-ups as I type. 

We need Bell or Troughton gone quickly with a score presently on 139 for 3 and a 73 run partnership between them.  Troughton doesn't look confident but Bell is starting to look ominous.  Hopefully we'll get the majority of the 54 overs left in because the sun is finally breaking through and we'll probably start on time after the interval.

A Bell Square cut - not that common but no less wonderful for that

Jim Troughton moving towards a well deserved studious 50

But we didn't start at 3:30, the rain and light plagued us for another hour and a half before finally relenting and letting us back onto the pitch at 10 to 5.  Almost immediately, Bell and Troughton took a more forceful approach to the jjob of scoring runs and we had little to keep them in check.  Peter saw more stroke play from Bell and Phillips was finding it difficult to keep and increaqsingly confident Troughton in check.  The two Bears were looking for runs of any kind to the leg and increasingly to the off side and Justin's attempts to keep them tied down with field placings were hampered by bowlers straying off line.  This was no run fest but it did allow Bell to go into the 80's and his partner to complete a 102 ball fifty before our skipper finally reverted to spin after trying Zander at the OP for a number of overs.

Almost immedaitely after Omari Banks was called into the attack (2 balls later to be exact), the umpires decided that the light had deteriorated and offered the light.  Mildly surprised that the Warks men took it with 20 overs to go but even though the officials stayed outside on the pitch, then chatting to old friends on the boundary and Frosty left the stumps in....at just gone six play was abandoned for the day with the visitors taking the lions' share of the spoils and leaving the pitch with 189 to their name for the loss of 3 wickets.

Bell is still making his point - but he's not fully there yet - with 84 and Troughton has 58.  But it took the English number 3 prospect 248 minutes and 160 balls for his score so the opposition did not have it all their own way (however only three real chances were offered).  Ben Philips was the pick of our bowlers with 3 for 51 and 7 maidens in his 15 overs.  All the bowlers went for less than 4 an over but were not at all penetrating in what should be expected to be bowler friendly conditions and that is a real concern.

3 days to go.....back tomorrow.  See you all then.

DAY 2

The majority of this day was going to be Warwickshires unless we broke through early.  That didn't happen and althought the first session saw roughly the same conditions as the start of Day 1, it wasn't until the Bears passed 200 and moved to 220 that we made any progress.  Bell and Troughton made Peter Trego and Mark Turner suffer from a lack of precision particularly in their first spells. 

It was Troughton who was next to go and it was to the tight bowling of Charl Willoughby who had him caught by Phillips.  This confirmed the issue about our attack during the first two days.  Sort your line and length out.....and then be consistent about it!!  It wasn;t that we didn't bowl a proper line and length.  It was that we couldn't maintain that once we had found it and therefore the Warwickshire bats could simply batten down and wait for the bowlers to lose their fix and then plunder the loose deliveries that started again.

Meanwhile, Bell was moving up a gear and towards 150 and Tim Ambrose arrived to help him in that journey.  Lunch found the partnership worth over one hundred and Langer struggling to come up with a way to stop these two.

331 at the start of the second session of the day and little in the armoury that the Somerset skipper had not tried.  Willoughby was gong for less than 3 and over buy could not bowl all day.  Phillips was working hard but did not look particularly dangerous.  Omari Banks had been tried and had fared quite well but there wasn't a lot for him and the two young seamers were pushing over 4 an over when used.

However, two things changed the afternoon.  The weather turned, the cloud cover started to move and the sun began to dry the pitch out a little.  Secondly... Phillips got lucky.  For a couple of overs, Ian ell had been looking to flip the legside deliveries that were moderately regular down to the boundary and had failed most of the time.  he did not hide this intention but the bwolers kept providing the ball for him to try.  Such a delivery came from Ben and Ian flipped it.....straight into the welcoming gloves of the keeper.  361 for 5 and the anchor had gone for 172.  Excellent innings from a good player with a mature head on his shoulders.  He was sent here to make runs and he did what was expected - probably beyond expectations.  Good on him.  It was a joy to watch.

Rikki Clarke arrived and Justin got the brain going again.  He re-introduced Mark Turner at the OP.  First ball was fast and banged in.  Rikki had to get very low to get keep the ball from his head and he is a big man.  The second ball was more of the same...past the nose.  Third ball not the yorker the batsman was expecting so it found him playing a ball thaty came up on him rather than dropping at his feet and Craig took another catch.  We were back in the match at 362 for 6. 

Ambrose was still there and the captain needed to remove him to get both ends open.  The Warwickshire captain had not looked all that comfortable and had sepnt a long time in the high 40's before he had passed the half ton. Langer had to look for variation and turned to his 6 foot plus off spinner for that variation.  Banks was up to the task and kept the right hand batsmen in check.  He didn't seem that comfortable bowling around the wicket to the left handers.  The visitors had sent in Neil Carter in who hooked his first ball for six and his second four four to almost the same postion.  It gave the impression that he had been sent out to mae big runs quickly.

Omari had other plans though and they came together as he totally fooled Ambrose at 385 with a ball that grew on the opposaing skipper, evaded his bat and took his off bail away.  Much to the delight of our Leeward Islander who went for a bit of a sprint!! 385 for 7.  We had a chance to limit this innings.  Giles had changed the order and the young number 11 Chris Woakes in to partner Carter who seemed to be determined to hit the cover off the ball. Langer  responded with Charl from the OP end and a duel between Carter and the lefty took place which could only really have one result.  Carter was on 21 when he didn't get bat on one and didn't get his leg out of the way. 399 for 8 and Ant Botha to the crease.  The shine went off it a bit and neither the spinner or the left arm man could capitalise. 

So...inspiration....Langer changes Charl for Turner who had his tail up when he was replaced and was now given the job of roughing up Botha while Woakes scratched about with Banks.

Turner has a ball.  He gives no indication it is coming, his run up doesn't vary, nothing in his manner suggests it is coming BUT.  As he delivers the ball comes out of his hand at about 3 to 5 miles faster than the ball before and more than one batsman has just not got into his shot in time.  Botha got one.  It was simply on him too fast and he spooned it up in the air.  Turner  went after it but realised that Zander had a better chance and allowed him to take the catch.  It was a fast man's wicket and it was just what we needed.

So 433 and an end in sight?  Nope.  We lost it again.  Or it was taken away from us by Chris Woakes who grew from a youngster scratching about to get the spinner away from his stumps to an established batsman stroking Banks to the boundary and taking on all the pace that Someset could put in front of him.  Getting them out before 450 trurned into trying to get them out before Tea or before they got to 500!!  Neither happened.  They went into Tea with 492 on the board and Woakes making the bulk of those runs with just over 50.  We considered the possibility of a Warwickshire declaration but they returned to the wicket after the interval and Woakes looked to pass his previous best score of 64 and take his side to the other side of 500.

He failed. Willoughby had him caught on 63 at 500 and the innings was over.  Psychological victory to the visitors and Woakes had probably put this game beyond a home victory.

19 overs to face before the close.  Warwickshire with their tails up keen to take wickets and Somerset with an opening partnership new for this year.  Arul Suppiah facing a baptism of fire with his partner Marcus Trescothick.  The objective?  Finish on something for no wicket.

19 overs later.  70 for 0.  Arul Suppiah 31 off 67 with 4 fours and four more sweetly struck shots you'll rarely see.  He looked confident and settled, he outscored his partner by 4 and both men looked in little trouble against the Bear pace attack and a couple of overs from Ant Botha.  A good start but a long long way to go.  If the weather doesn't intervene this game has a lot in it yet!

Bearing it All

Discussion started by Grockles.com , 14/04/2009 22:18

Grockles.com
14/04/2009 22:18

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:25:00:14:00 by Grockle.

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tufnell parka
15/04/2009 07:55

Despite my reservations, i'm excited, as ever, about the start of the cricket season.
Weather will play a part, maybe more Thursday than today, but fingers crossed we get off to a solid start.

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Brother Of
15/04/2009 10:08

Is omari banks the best we have as a spinner? Or is this just a case of putting in a token spinner?
Not quite sure i agree to be honest,first couple of weeks of the season i would rather have steffan in the side as i cant see a spinner being key to a game this early on in the season.
Lets hope i am wrong!!!

COACH

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 10:29

We have won the toss and will bowl.

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AGod
15/04/2009 10:46

Completely agree with Bobo. No idea why we need two spinners in the side at this stage of the season. Not buying the notion that Banks makes for a long batting side, either, until he actually does something in an SCCC shirt.

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Sloop John B
15/04/2009 11:19

Hey Guys the Link is posted on the other Site and it is Working!!

Warks are 17-1 - Frost is out caught CK bowled Phillips.

Try this address [www.cricketcommentary.co.uk]

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AGod
15/04/2009 11:22

why isn't Zander playing?

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 11:25

Great start.

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AGod
15/04/2009 11:28

Is what I am listening to (courtesy of Sloop's link, for which many thanks,) the official "Grockles," commentary?

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SheptonPaul
15/04/2009 11:28

AG, BBC and Cricinfo both think he is playing...?

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 11:31

Good to see the Sky cameras there also,they are showing updates every so often.
Quite dark there this morning,we need to exploit these conditions.

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Sloop John B
15/04/2009 11:35

AG - it is the one that Grockle will be doing his stint on. It is a Club managed resource and seems to be sponsored by Blackacre Eggs.

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 11:36

And by the RNIB.

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Sloop John B
15/04/2009 11:36

Yes FE thanks - and Zander is playing (unless he is on as a sub at the moment!)

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AGod
15/04/2009 11:42

My mistake about Zander, I was going off the Crininfo list from earlier.

His early wicket, notwithstanding, I think I'd rather like to see Mark Turner into the attack in place of Phillips now.

Mr Rose said that Turner's pre-season form was very good, so I'd like to see him given a trot.

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Grockle
15/04/2009 11:44

The team is as posted.

Omari did look the best of our spinners in the warm-ups and has been batting well for the Leeward Islands during the winter.

Being our best isn't saying a lot and his batting will have to improve massively to pass Wes Durston in that respect.

Ref the radio commentary. We aren't in the shed because the wicket is well over and it's covered by the screens. It's also in the wrong place because it is where SKY want their slip camera on Televised days. We are therefore presently in the lofty heights of Mr Gould's boundary.

Enjoy this morning with the people who seem to know what they are doing. this afternoon will be much more amateurish as hopefully Richard Walsh helps tourists from Yorkshire keep you informed of what is going on.

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 11:50

I think I'll take a break until this afternoon then.

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AGod
15/04/2009 11:50

"Being our best isn't saying a lot and his batting will have to improve massively to pass Wes Durston in that respect. "

Quite so, Grockle.

BTW... do we have you to thank for this new club service - i.e. by making representations on our behalf as to the need for four-day coverage?

If so, many, many thanks.

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Grockle
15/04/2009 11:54

No No AG. It's far more to do with the facilities offered by the RNIB and the work of Apple AM from last year. I'm just a small cog in the whole thing and I'm really not sure how much of a resource I'll be.

Julian and Richard are definitely the first team in terms of cool delivery and knowledge, some of the rest of us may have a lot to do to show the same aplomb. But it will be fun.

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 12:12

Is Julian the one who speaks like he's been on the helium?

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AGod
15/04/2009 12:16

GOOD NIGHT, Maddy.

Better position, now.

Trott could well be a big wicket...

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Sloop John B
15/04/2009 12:17

Hey Grockle - please pass our thanks on to all those involved in this venture - Club, sponsors and commentary team All!!

It is SUPER to hear commentary from The best ground in England!

BTW - just had a heart attack as the commentary sound level went from quiet to VERY loud as Maddy was bowled. Excellent to hear enthusiasm but not TOO loud on the big events please!

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Sloop John B
15/04/2009 12:17

And Trott gets the trots!!

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AGod
15/04/2009 12:18

yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

er... perhaps I should re-consider removing Phillips from the attack.

Well done, that man!

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 12:23

The match turned within moments of the commentators beginning to hint at criticism of Langer's decision to insert.
Let's hope this commentary inherits from Grockles the power of hex and counter-hex!

Keep it up folks. As others have side, it's an absolute joy to be able to listen live to (gently?) partisan commentary from THE County Ground.

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Kentish Townie
15/04/2009 12:23

I think the side chosen is well balanced.

Arul is a nbatural top 3 player NOT a spinning allrounder and his early season form justifies selection.

You could argue Banks is fortunate to play this early in the season however we will need spin at some stage and it's a chance for him to feel his way in.

Turner subbing for Caddick is a good choice, we need an out and out attacking bowler and Phillips nicely counterweights that selection. Maybe Jones is unlucky but we need to look to the future.

Overall a strongish batting line up. I agree with Bob Willis in the Guardian that we could struggle with the ball especially at Taunton

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geordie moonraker
15/04/2009 12:28

The bonus point means that we are now top of Div 1. All we have to do is hang on until the end of September.

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AGod
15/04/2009 12:30

I agree with myself that Bob Willis is an irritating curmudgeon.

Meantime, before LoL beats me to it, I would like to point out the fact that SCCC currently sit on top of Division One, being the only county to have scored a point.

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 12:31

Here comes the finest all-rounder in England.

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 12:35

The man with three wickets counterweights the attacking bowler?
I really don't believe what I read sometimes.

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Grockle
15/04/2009 12:35

He needs to sort it out a little though. It's alright being hostile but he also has to be accurate.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 12:35

BJ's season has begun!

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 13:19

I make you right,LoL.
Trego and Bell.
Two of the finest in the land.
Watch,listen and enjoy.

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AGod
15/04/2009 13:45

Is it just me, or is there some kind of major microphone issue after lunch?

The background noise - such as the tannoy is entirely audible but the commentators are not?

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SheptonPaul
15/04/2009 13:47

Yes, I have the same AG - there's a note on the page that says "12:58pm: Apologies for the intereference. We are trying to resolve this." so I guess that's it and they are aware - I suspect Grockle is crawling under floorboards with a screwdriver even as we speak...

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 13:51

I think he's "On Air".

I reckon the interference is Loverboy's revenge!

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 13:56

Same for me - it started just before lunch. I think I can hear Grockle, but not what he is saying, which is a real pity.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 14:00

Somebody's just untied that knot in the wire - all better now.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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SheptonPaul
15/04/2009 14:00

Yep, mine too...

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AGod
15/04/2009 14:17

Yes, clearer now.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 14:19

Can hear Grockle loud and clear now and he's doing very well, except that he's not very good at taking wickets.

Whatever AGod and other detractors say, Bell is a class act and will soon be back in the Test side. (but I hope he gets to the pavilion quicker than that)

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 14:25

Predicted rain arrives - and if it rains everywhere unceasingly for the rest of the summer we've won the championship.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:14:29:11 by Loyal of Lhasa..

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 14:26

Tee hee.................they've left the mike open and are chuntering away about the PA announcements.

Good stuff Grock.

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 14:28

And now comes silence.

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AGod
15/04/2009 14:29

"Whatever AGod and other detractors say, Bell is a class act and will soon be back in the Test side."

Yes, he will be back in the team.

But I still don't see him being assertive enough to get the job done in a high-pressure series.

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Grockle
15/04/2009 14:30

Yep we've sorted that now. Sorry about that - my son in Dublin let us know as well.

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AGod
15/04/2009 14:30

I've been in some kind of commentary loop. On my commentary, play is still going on, but I'm hearing the same commentary passages that I heard earlier on....

Not sure how or why?

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 14:30

I'll bet BJ's life that Bell will triumph this summer (I'm sure he won't mind)

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 14:39

I also had some kind of commentary loop earlier this morning, the effect being that two men were talking simultaneously about two different passages of the game. How rude I thought.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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AGod
15/04/2009 14:41

"I'm sure he won't mind."

Double entendre? Or would the one meaning necessitate a comma after the 'won't.'

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 14:51

Well spotted, AGod. Who says punctuation isn't important. Knowing your views on Mr Bell, I give you the right to punctuate that sentence as it suits you (and possibly suits BJ as well).

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 14:52

Who doesn't want to stump up for a second Caddy tie, Grockle?

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Grockle
15/04/2009 15:02

One of the problems here is that we don't hear ourselves so we can't be sure what is going on. Anyway early Tea at 3 and large quantities of rain. This will be a long wait I think.

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AGod
15/04/2009 15:06

My Marcus mug has served me rather well, FE!

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 15:09

Let's all face the facts.
Ian bell is one of the most gifted batsmen in the country, his locker is full of more shots than a Taunton barman.
It was ridiculous he was dropped and then made an example of in favour of the bubble gum kid out in the Caribbean,he isn't the first world class player to have a bad run,he won't be the last.
A pretty even day so far I think,plenty to play for.
It's like the middle of Winter here.
Mind you,we do tend to get Carol singers all year round in this strange place.
And some not called Carol,too.

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Exiled Tim
15/04/2009 15:16

Has it been discussed that we may have made a bad decision to field first?

What has happened to Steffan Jones and the new boy 'Stiff'?

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Grizzers
15/04/2009 15:19

Morning all (sorry, afternoon all) from sunny but chilly Alberta.

Great to be back in the land of SCCC's 2009 season & we don't seem to be doing too badly so far. Just need to remove that chap Bell !

Can't get the commentary though ! Took ages to 'buffer', now showing as playing but no sound (yes, I do have the sound control up to its highest & the mute button off !).

Ah well, will keep on trying.

Come on lads. 2009 Champions !

Grizzzly

P.S. Happy Birthday LoL & all others concerned.

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 15:21

I think it might be off at the moment,Grizz.

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Grizzers
15/04/2009 15:26

OK - well that's good news BJ !

Can you post again when it is back on ?! That way at least I'll know whether I can get it or not !

Thanks.

Grizzzly

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Grockle
15/04/2009 15:27

Not a poor decision to field. Warwickshire would have bowled first as well. Very murky and damp conditions so you have to give your men the option and Warwickshire are not happy out there.

Would not have wanted us to be out there facing either, Woakes has a good young rep.

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AGod
15/04/2009 15:27

I don't think Stiff was ever likely to feature in the first team, Botham, unless he demonstrated remarkable pre-season form.

As for Jonah, I have no idea how Banks managed to get into the team ahead of him. But I hope that Banks will show us how that came to pass..

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SheptonPaul
15/04/2009 15:28

Given the weather, Both, I'd have thought choosing to bowl first might have been a no-brainer. At 66-3, it looked fine, and I don't see any reason to think we should have batted first.

Re Stiff and Steff, you can only play 11 at a time! Either would have played instead of Ben Phillips, who currently has all 3 to fall, or Banks, who may yet come into the game.

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 15:29

Bowling was right,no question.

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 15:35

Any chance of getting a link to the radio on the front page,Grockle?
I'm having interweb tantrums at the moment.
It would make things a little easier.

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Exiled Tim
15/04/2009 15:42

Thanks for the replies. I asked the question as I didn't know what the conditions were like. It sounds like and figures suggest that some of the bowling has been a bit wayward. Is this the case?

What's the crowd like? Is the coffee and biscuits still available in the press box?

How much is a pint of cider?

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 15:45

Turner was a bit ragged early on but has pulled his gigires back to under 3 and a half, so no-one's been profligate.

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AGod
15/04/2009 15:55

I think, perhaps, we should invent a definition for the word 'gigires," FE!

It took me ten seconds or so, to figure out what you meant!

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 16:06

I'll let you have first crack at defining the word, AG.
Shall we have three definitions, in the manner of "Call My Bluff" before I get to choose which one I like best?

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 16:12

Gigire: Rolling Stones trashing their hotel in rage after a badly received performance

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
15/04/2009 16:33

Cider £2.90 (still old barrell Blackthorn - at least in the OP)
Very quiet in the EBC and we've never had biscuits in the press box - unless the scorers leave any.

Coffee and tea bags were there this morning and the urn was warming up - though the water was probably 2008 vintage. Lots of press here to see Bell bat on a batting pitch. No cups though - not a problem for me. I bought a 'Fat Boy' thermal mug. Holds about a gallon and has been fed by Mr Gould most of the afternoon - thanks awfully.

I've thanked him on your behalf for letting his dad take on Weymouth Botham!!

The covers are being taken off. We may have play at about 5 but there's a lump of grey over the church tower that hasn't moved all day and the lightis wafting in and out.

Maximum of 24 overs at best if we do get on with close of play at 6:30 - that is if the light holds at all.

It could rain again at any moment.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 16:45

And if Hampshire take one more wicket, we plunge to second in the table. We're doomed, I say, doomed.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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AGod
15/04/2009 16:49

Game (and commentary) are back on, Grizzly.

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Grizzers
15/04/2009 17:02

Thanks AG !

Amazing - commentary from Taunton to Bragg Creek !

The wonders of technology.

Who is Traygo ? I always thought it was "Treego" ?

Grizzzly

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:04

Commentators questioning the decision to insert again. Maybe it will work the same charm as last time?

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:05

I think we will let Bobo settle that query..

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 17:05

Grockle, you might pass on to your fellow commentators the observation that the breathing of the non-speaker is often quite loud.

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 17:07

I though BoBo already had - and that it's Tree, not Tray!

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:07

It does sound rather as though there's been rather too much leg-side stuff, since the resumption.

I don't suppose this game will have a result anyway, but we really do need to get back into this to claim as many bonus points as possible.

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:09

Thanks, FE, I thought he had too but could not remember what the verdict was.

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 17:13

It is Tree.
Not Tray.
I thought the heavy breathing was part of the entertainment.
Great to be able to hear it all the same,the day seems to have flown by.

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:13

doesn't feel like we're going to take any more wickets today...

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 17:15

Get in that car,FE.
LoL,to the shop.
I'll get the little dolls out.
A man of my age playing with dolls.
Whatever next?

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:19

I think we might as well see Banks, seeing as he's on the team-sheet?

If he does not get a bowl, it would rather make a mockery of the decision to pick him?

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 17:20

I've been to the shops. I blame Grockle - I told you he's no good at taking wickets.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 17:23

I'll be in the car very shortly chaps!

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:25

Good to hear it, FE!

p.s. has Grockle really not done this before? You'd never know there was any difference in experience between him and his commentary partner.

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 17:28

Indeed. I'm extremely impressed with his debut.

Get Banks on, and I'll fire up the motor.

TTFN.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 17:32

I certainly agree about Grockle's authority the microphone. Agnew's days are numbered.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:38

Right, Banks is on.

Off you go, FE...

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AGod
15/04/2009 17:48

Oh.... why on earth do the umpires think it's a good idea to go off for the light with Banks bowling?

Sure, I know somebody else would have to bowl from the other end, but shouldn't the regulations allow the umpires to tell Langer - we're going off, unless you agree to bowl spin from both ends? We do have Arul in the side, after all.

A pretty unsatisfactory end to what sounded like a pretty ordinary performance in the field today. From the commentary it sounded as though things were a little flat and un-inspired in the field which is surely no way to start a new season?

Not sure how much play will remain to be had in this game, but I'd like to hear that we have a bit more get up and go in whatever subsequent action does occur.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 18:18

Interesting that Cricinfo announced close of play a few minutes before Grockles and the public were told.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Exiled Tim
15/04/2009 18:21

I'll pass you my empty glass, AG!

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SheptonPaul
15/04/2009 18:49

Cricinfo has a pic of Ben Phillips being congratulated on taking one of his wickets - by Suppiah and one other player, I can't tell who it is but he appears to have a fairly impressively-tattooed arm. Who is it, please, can anyone tell?

The same Cricnfo gallery has a tremendous pic of Andre Nel's alter ego Gunther bellowing his delight at his first wicket for Surrey.

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Exiled Tim
15/04/2009 19:17

Possibly Trego.

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 19:54

Yeah - I think that's Peter.

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tufnell parka
15/04/2009 20:27

couldnt get hold of the commentary at work - when i did check it out there seemed to be a constant hiss with some faint voices in the background

will try again tomorrow - rain permitting

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Exiled Tim
15/04/2009 20:44

Hissing Sid?

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 20:46

Just to reiterate how much I appreciated today's commentary, which in true TMS style continued to keep me interested even when there was no cricket.

Thanks Grockle. I think you can put your gown and mortar board in the loft.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
15/04/2009 20:57

My breathing guys and gals - all to do with headphones off ears. Will try not to do it tomorrow.

Can't put the mortar board away LoL. They ain't paying me!

it was far more tiring than I expected but it was real good fun.

Julian has never done this before either and we have to thanks Guy Wolfenden for getting this going. If you didn't notice I know it was me breathing because Julian hardly does!!

We have a couple of technical things to sort out - computer access is one of those hopefully available tomorrow for interaction and access to cricinfo.

But for a first day it went far better than I expected it to.

Cool.

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Frome Exile
15/04/2009 21:12

Apologies, Grockle. I realised almost as soon as I had posted that the breathing was yours, but didn't know how to apologise without drawing further attention and risking making you self-conscious.
Can I just reiterate that I thought the commentary was of a really professional standard, whether you are being paid or not.
I loved it.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 21:13

Looks like our next sponsorship will have to be for the commentary team. I know BJ will pledge £10K for starters.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 21:16

I think that chap Bannister on Talk Sport who covered a series in South Africa a few years back must have commentated without breathing at all, for he showed no signs of actually being alive.

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Grockle
15/04/2009 21:24

Julian would talk throughout the day with no worries and doesn't want to stop for rain.

We'll have to see although at the start of the season there is sooo much to talk about but we might run out by saturday as I seem to be doing all day for the last one!

A few more take the stage tomorrow and a few more on Friday...there may even be some surprises. Little nervous about a possibility for tomorrow!!!

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Grockle
15/04/2009 21:30

Thanks for all the kind words people I'll pass them on to the powers that be.

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Mike TA1
15/04/2009 22:00

Photos from today.



Our two umpires for this match plus one retired.
Left - Richard Illingworth
Middle – John Harris (retired)
Right – Richard Kettleborough






Maddy bld Ben Phillips.



Ian Bell getting an awkward first ball off Phillips.



We did send to many balls down the leg side today but we also did beat the bat a few times.

This is to Jim Troughton off Phillips bowling.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:22:49:43 by Mike BOS.

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Grockle
15/04/2009 22:06

A better photo of the Maddy wicket than the Empire picture provided to our sites Mike well done.

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Bobstan
15/04/2009 22:27

Lovely to see your first pictures of the new season, Mike. For those of us for whom a visit to HQ is a rarity your pictures really are the next best thing.

Richard Illingworth rather than Raymond; I'm not certain that Ray would have been temperamentally suited to umpiring!

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Mike TA1
15/04/2009 22:31

Thanks Grockle I have edited in another photo of the same wicket.

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SheptonPaul
15/04/2009 22:35

Yes, excellent work by the commentators and photographers today (though a few more wickets wouldn't go amiss). A great start to the season by all concerned - keep it up!

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Mike TA1
15/04/2009 22:40

thanks for that correction Bobstan?

On the bottom of the new scoreboard they said both umpires were Ray.

Anybody can fool me.

I think I had better correct this, I may have put the names in my book incorrectly they are both Richard.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:22:53:33 by Mike BOS.

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thorns06
16/04/2009 03:34

I have not posted here for a while (And am Australian) so bear with me, but Somerset are a joke! 4 years ago when I was living and playing in Somerset, Brian Rose came in and promoted the youth and lo and behold, Somerset turned it around. 4 years on, they are playing divy 1, but at what cost to the county and English Cricket!

5 players who are ineligible to play for England, one that is, but has visa issues (suppiah who has given great service to the county, and should of got more of a go), meanwhile local Somerset Cricketers flounder year after year, doing a job everytime they are asked, yet get no reward.

Langer, Willoughby, De Bruyn, Kieswetter, Banks!

I have no problem with Willoughby who has given good service, and Craig, who will be eligible for England soon enough, but how players like Banks, gets a game over Durston is an absolute travesty. When Langer, Caddick, Charl all retire, where are the wickets and runs coming from.

No wonder players like Blackwell, Wood, Andrew move on and succeed. If I was Jos Butler, Robin Lett, i would be asking for a transfer now, rather than be left rotting in the seconds, while Brian Rose goes and buys more Overseas and Kolpak players.

Dont be surprised if some of those players missing out on todays game, leave either middle of the year or at the end...I know of at least 2 already.

end Rant!

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Grizzers
16/04/2009 04:29

Well that outburst came out of the blue t06 !

Some interesting points nontheless. I think everyone is concerned re our wicket taking abilities this year & time will tell if the mix is right.

To be fair to the Club however (which is not something I have been accused of recently !), we have to remember a few years ago when youth was given it's head & we suffered dreadfully on the field. It got to the stage where no-one even wanted to be Captain, with Mike Burns reluctantly cajoled into doing so.

Having said that, I do feel uncomfortable re Durston/Banks & am really unclear as to the reasoning behind this. No doubt others far closer to the Count Ground will be able to respond in a far more knowledgeable manner !

Meantime, I thought CK was now English qualified ?

Grizzzly

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thorns06
16/04/2009 04:44

Craig may be, and good luck to him he is a great guy and a very good cricketer, but agian his inclusion has led to the departure of Sam Spurway and relegation of Carl Gazzard both local products.

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Grizzers
16/04/2009 05:14

Studying at Millfield & holding a British Passport, so whatever the validity of your general point re 'overseas' players, I do think you're being unduly harsh on CK.

Anyway, with his abilities seemingly potentially of Test standard, we may see CG back in the team anyway idc..

From what I read of Spurway, he simply wasn't up to it.

Grizzzly

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thorns06
16/04/2009 07:03

If he stays around that Long..........

My point with CK maybe a bit harsh, and I know CK quite well, but it seems to be a road Somerset seem to be travelling. I guess if he was the only one in the team, I wouldn't have a problem, I guess my rant was aimed more at Banks and De Bruyn (McKenzie the year before etc.).

I thought Sam did very well when required for Somerset.

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Mike TA1
16/04/2009 07:33

Mr Rose can’t go out and buy more Kolpak players when he wishes, the rules are changing next year.

Unfortunately Mathew Wood as yet not succeeded since leaving Somerset, I really hope he does, this will I imaging be a very crucial year for him.

The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]

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Grockle
16/04/2009 09:17

Have to agree with you about Zander Thorn. Not because he doesn't do his job or isn't fully on the game when he plays (and the same would go for Neil M) but because he wasn't really required.

I may have been wrong about Matt Wood who sin't yet showing that promise I hoped for but if the decision is now that Arul is good enough to open for us in a Championship game then he was good enough to be in the top 5 last year when Neil Edwards was more on song and would be Marcus' partner (which may well happen later this month as well). What happens if NE comes into form? Will ZdB be the one we drop?

We said yesterday on air that Omari's inclusion has to be on the basis of his pre-season bowling form because he has tom improve very considerably to be a batsmen of better quality than Wes (who I firmly believe should be a candidate for this side irrespective of his bowling option and may give James Hildreth a run for his place if he cannot find the form of more than a season ago).

However, Omari isn't a kolpak and we've had the discussion about his inclusion. He's a man looking for a first class place in the UK who is eligible to do so and has to be competed out of the side by better players - local or not.

Carl's loyalty to the county has been commendable but he is up against a real diamond in gloves. He may be happy with that position. Some have suggested he should put his hat in the batting ring as well. To be honest though he will only play first team cricket behind the stumps if Craig is injured, or picked for higher things because Kieswetter is a true batsman/keeper of very high quality and will probably eclipse the hopes of people on this site for Hildreth and Trego.

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tufnell parka
16/04/2009 09:17

Hi

Vic Marks thoughts on the Guardian County Cricket blog from the first day.

As I work for the guardian, I'm doing my bit to promote this excellent service which is a nice balance to the commentary from Grockle and some of the excellent photos.

PS : It also does reports from other games - below are the edited Somerset bits.

[www.guardian.co.uk]

11.40am The Quantocks are not visible and clouds hang over the County Ground but play starts on time, writes Vic Marks. Not surprisingly Warwickshire are put into bat amid the murk. The wicket looks true, as usual, but maybe there's a glimmer of swing. Ben Phillips finds the inside edge of Tony Frost's bat in the fourth over and Somerset are on their way. Enter Ian Bell, who looks polished at the start of his innings. But what does that mean nowadays? Gimblett's Hill, just in front of St James Church, opened to the public for the first time, is almost full. But the crowd are all wrapped in their anoraks.

1.45pm So there is a difference between Test and county cricket, writes Vic Marks at the County Ground. Ian Bell has looked a class apart in the morning and was 56 not out at lunch. He has sent a "clear message" to the Team Director or "fired a riposte" to the national selectors or "unleashed his fury" at being snubbed in the Caribbean on the hapless Somerset bowlers. You know the sort of thing.

In fact he has batted serenely, guiding the ball to the short cover boundary and pulling a long hop from Ben Phillips to mid-wicket to reach his half-century. Phillips has been Somerset's man of the morning, taking all three wickets: Tony Frost was caught behind from an inside edge. Then there were two in two balls. Darren Maddy lost his off-stump and Jonathan Trott declined to play a shot at his first ball and was lbw.

Otherwise the highlight has been a cracking carvery in the Old Pavilion and the prospect of Bell bellowing metaphorically from his county comfort zone throughout the afternoon, "Omit me at your peril, Dusty".

4.10pm It's raining at Taunton, writes Vic Marks. Only the builders of the "club hub" are visible or audible. There's only a small chance of more play today.

5.25pm Just about finished writing my match report when the covers are removed and they start playing in the gloom, writes Vic Marks at the County Ground. Bad light for the batsmen? Not likely. Warwickshire are scoring more freely than at any stage of the day. Ian Bell keeps gliding the ball behind square for four, Jim Troughton looks more assured, the wicket looks flat. Pitch monitor Peter Walker pops up to the press box to confirm that there are no concerns there. Mind you, pitch inspectors should consider docking points for surfaces that favour the batsmen too heavily. The builders have gone home; so have some of the spectators. So Bell heads for his hundred in an eerie silence.

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Grockle
16/04/2009 09:24

It just shows how close we are to providing what everyone wants at the ground Tuffers. And nearly all for free!!. Vic does write with a real style. I never hear or read him without it bringing a smile to may face.

He came into the press box yesterday at about 11:30 to annouce that he had already 'blogged' that morning!! I always get my 'blog' in before breakfast. Clears me for the day ahead!!

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thorns06
16/04/2009 09:35

Quote:

Grockle
Have to agree with you about Zander Thorn. Not because he doesn't do his job or isn't fully on the game when he plays (and the same would go for Neil M) but because he wasn't really required.

I guess this was the crux of my Argument Grockle, Excellent response to my rant as well :-)

Banks playing eligibility aside, surely he is excess to Somersets needs, especially when you had Blackwell, Durston, Suppiah, Waller etc in the wings and then you have De Bruyn? either Develop Munday as your front line spinner, or use the superior batting of Durston and Suppiah and there part time spin.

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Grockle
16/04/2009 10:00

I think they had an inflated view of his batting ability Thorn. I do believe that they had this vision of Omari and Blackie taking an attack apart with bat and ball in one day mayhem simply because Mr banks is a very tall West Indian.

Didn't work out like that and to be honest, unless his batting has improved out all recognition from last year I don't see how he can keep his place on his bowling alone. Which doesn't say much for our slow attack because he was the best of the slow men in the pre-season.

Oh and rant away mate that's what it's here for....and you are Australian so it's partly forgiven anyway :-)





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:16:10:04:05 by Grockle.

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thorns06
16/04/2009 10:04

Will keep great interest in the season ahead Grockle and am actually visiting in 3 weeks, so I may even get to a game :-) once I have settled down!

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Grockle
16/04/2009 10:06

And please don't take this the wrong way but quite a lot of us will be hoping that you are ranting at Australia like there is no tomorrow a little later in this season..... we can but hope!

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thorns06
16/04/2009 10:11

Quote:

Grockle
And please don't take this the wrong way but quite a lot of us will be hoping that you are ranting at Australia like there is no tomorrow a little later in this season..... we can but hope!

No offence taken, I have been ranting at them of late, but I am quietly confident. They are not as strong as they once were, but still got great systems in place and good players coming through. Hence my rant at Somerset and English cricket in general. I cant believe teams like Leicester, Derby etc. can be doing your cricket any good at all. The world needs English cricket to be strong.

Should be a tight series and hope it gets to the heights of 2005...with a different result of course ;-)

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Clarence Parker
16/04/2009 10:46

I couldn't agree more with you thorns06.

Omari Banks (who I believe wasn't wanted by Leicestershire) played once for Somerset Seconds in 2007. Brian Rose watched that match against Hampshire Seconds at Taunton, and on the basis of Banks scoring a hundred and taking 5 wickets in the match, signed him up.

Two days ago I asked 'Old Frazer' down the road if he was going down to Taunton to watch yesterday's play. Probably the earliness in the season and uncertain weather forecast deterred him from going (along with me) but he did make (to me anyway) one telling observation.

He said the trouble is that there is no one in the side, with the possible exception of Kieswetter [who I thought I had read qualifies as English in 2010], who oozes any class.

I tend to agree with the old boy, and sometimes I think that the opinions of the fans and supporters are more valid and truly representative than those of the people who run the club.

Quote thorns06

"Don’t be surprised if some of those players missing out on today’s game, leave either middle of the year or at the end...I know of at least 2 already."

Well, that is something that I do not know anything about, thorns06, but all I can say is that I wouldn't be at all surprised if your prediction is true.

Wes Durston has never let Somerset down whenever I have seen him play. Then there are Edwards, Munday and others who have not been included. OK, there are only 11 places in the side, but I wonder if the 3-man selection panel (if that is still indeed the case - Messrs. Langer, Rose and Hurry) all carry an equal vote when it comes to team selection?

We're only one day into the season and there is a very long way to go yet, but being a natural grumbler or 'misery', I do have very serious concerns about the immediate future of Somerset CCC.

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 10:53

Trescothick - no class that lad.
Caddick - rubbish.
Langer - 8000 Tests runs @ 45 scratched out despite his inadequacies.

Really Clarence, if you expect your valid criticisms to be taken seriously (and yes there are some) you do yourself no favours by peddling such hyperbole.

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 10:57

One point re. the commentary, Grockle.
The Blackacre promos are sgnificantly louder than the commentary - painfully so when listening on headphones.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
16/04/2009 10:59

Hildreth also exhibits great class, though I am willing to accept that he has performed below our expectations so far. (the same could be said of Bell).

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
16/04/2009 11:01

I enjoy the sponsor's song but it is FAR TOO LOUD.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
16/04/2009 11:03

Horrible morning here in London. Any chance of play at Taunton?

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
16/04/2009 11:10

Thanks FE will remedy today hopefully.

Clarence Clarence Clarence. Why do you let your dislike of the management colour your view of the players?

If Omari isn't good enough then let Wes play him out of his position.

If Zander isn't needed then let Neil get his place back and Arul take Zanders

If Michael is so vital to our team then when conditions are right for a spinner let him make his play for the number 8 spot on the basis of his ability to take wickets

OR....become such a great spinner (in the mould of Mushy - that "local lad" from a while ago) become so indispensible that you take wickets on anything.

We've had this argument with others before. In a team picking on merit your place of birth and age should make NO difference, If you're good enough then you play.

Players have to FORCE themselves into the reckoning. If that isn't happening they'll be off on mass if they are good enough to get a berth in any first class unit. People keep suggesting this is going to happen but very few who make the move make a go elsewhere. Ian may very well be the first for a very long time.

We aren't Yorkshire of the pre Tendulkar days and we can't afford to be. You think the managers aren't going to play the strongest side they can? Where is the sense in that as a strategy? Don't you think they've learned anything from last year?

(Probably a daft question to ask you because the answer seems to be obvious from your recent posts)

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 11:26

Well done Willo.
Push on now lads!

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 12:47

New ball not taken, I assume.
Straight after lunch?

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 12:50

Or perhaps just before.

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Kentish Townie
16/04/2009 13:06

Vic Marks:

"pitch inspectors should consider docking points for surfaces that favour the batsmen too heavily.".

Yes please!

Re the debate about players I'm afraid I agree with much of what Thorn says and even Grockle acknowledges Zander simply should not have been signed as there is a wider implication for the game of cricket.

However to a certain extent if Banks is not good enough he won't keep his place in the team.

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tufnell parka
16/04/2009 13:18

Grockle - the commentary is a brilliant service. Just need to get it work now! Great to sit in my office in North London but mentally sit in Taunton sipping a cider watching the cricket,

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Grockle
16/04/2009 13:32

I've always stated that Zander was a kolpak too far KT as was Neil McKenzie.

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AGod
16/04/2009 13:37

Certainly no getting away from the fact that 331/4, having inserted, is about as unwelcome as it can get.

Even more so than usual, we have to pray that Caddy's injury is not serious and that he can return to 2007 form.

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 13:53

Quote:

I've always stated that Zander was a kolpak too far KT as was Neil McKenzie.

As have I.

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AGod
16/04/2009 14:17

Though he isn't a Kolpak, I continue to have more of a problem with the presence of Banks. Just because Banks is not a Kolpak, does not mean that he isn't taking a place that could be occupied by a home-grown player (which seems to be the major criticism of having Kolpaks around).

At least Zander was pretty productive last season.

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AGod
16/04/2009 14:30

Need a couple more wickets, quickly, to pick up the bonus points.

Ben Phillips must be delighted with four wickets, but I'm sure the rest are considerably less than gruntled with two between the lot of them.

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North of the Border
16/04/2009 14:52

It could be argued that there are only 3 'homegrown' players in the XI at the moment. Not sure we should single out any of the other 8 for blame in that...

We are what we are... for right or wrong...

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AGod
16/04/2009 15:49

All of a sudden the forecast for the remainder of the game looks reasonable, with most of the bad weather forecast to be in Gloucs (regionally speaking.)

It could be an uphill battle to save this one if no further time is lost to the weather...

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 15:54

Deleted



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:16:15:55:12 by Frome Exile.

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Trevor Gard's Box
16/04/2009 16:08

56 extras and 24 in byes seems a bit strange ?

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 16:17

I think some of the byes came when Turner was struggling a bit and could just as easily have been called wides.

And within seconds of me posting it, Grockle and his co-commentator have said the same.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:16:16:19:09 by Frome Exile.

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AGod
16/04/2009 16:20

The Extras tally certainly seems far too many, TGB.

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AGod
16/04/2009 16:22

A result at Southampton (probably in favour of the home side,) seems all but certain.

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Grockle
16/04/2009 13:27

This is for comment on the day either the commentary or for questions to the commentators. Please let us know if you are having any difficulty or issues about volume and please ask us anything you like or comment on the play....we'll use what we can when we can.

Thanks in advance

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 13:52

We can currently only hear one half of the conversation, guys!

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Ww
16/04/2009 14:21

The Somerset players should be lined up and shot for letting Bell regain his England place for the Ashes. If we have him at No 3 we might aswell let the Aussies stay at home.

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AGod
16/04/2009 14:26

I suspect that, in the past, England selectors have not greatly valued runs made on our Taunton strip. I think that is part of the reason that Pete's claims have been ignored. If the same standard was maintained, they would not read much into Bell's score on our track, either.

But I think we all know that the England selectors have their favoured coterie of batsmen and they are absolutely desperate for an excuse to pick them. The only question, in terms of Bell, will be whether Michael Vaughan is more of a blue-eyed boy than he is.

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 14:32

Come on Banksie!
First of many.

(And well done Turner too, but I was in a meeting and missed it! )

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 14:39

Can I just be the first to observe (in the hope that others might agree) that Grockle's commentary puts me in mind of the stylings of Foxy Fowler. Most enjoyable.

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Big Jim
16/04/2009 14:41

I can only get the BBC commentary,very frustrating.
They are saying that batting has become much more difficult,conditions seem to have changed.
This will make our knock interesting.

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AGod
16/04/2009 14:50

Not so sure I like the sound of that, Jim.

Then again, I would guess that if conditions have become 'more difficult,' that that might mean that inclement weather is imminent?

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 16:26

Just to let you know Grockle; the balance between commentary and sponsors promos is now much better. Cheers.

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 16:53

And now I can't get anything after tea.

All out 500, eh?

Over to the batters.

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Big Jim
16/04/2009 17:01

Some quick runs now with no wickets being lost and this one is in the bag,they'll be rattled.



I'm off for a lie down.
In a dark room.

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AGod
16/04/2009 17:02

Thank God that innings is over!

That was like water torture.

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Grockle
16/04/2009 17:06

are we on now?

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 17:06

Quite right, Jim.

650 by lunchtime on Saturday and two sessions to bowl them out a second time!

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 17:07

Yes, Grockle. Just back at the start of Carter's second over.

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Big Jim
16/04/2009 17:08

I can't get it.
Broken a few things today I can tell you.

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AGod
16/04/2009 17:12

We got full bowling points, at least, according to CrinInfo.

I have to say, though, one does have to wonder about a bonus based system in which a team can get full points despite their inserted opposition making 500!

Still, I'll happily take the points!

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 17:14

Keeps re-attempting to buffer, Grockle, which is a pain.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
16/04/2009 17:15

Please don't compare the estimable Grockle with Fowler, whose recurrent sexual innuendo I have found offensive.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
16/04/2009 17:23

Nothing I can do I'm afraid BJ nowt to do with me that bit.

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Frome Exile
16/04/2009 17:23

That's not something I'd noticed, LoL. I simply heard the same cheekiness and enthusiasm.

Grockle: any chance you could ascertain whether the Listen "In your browser (press 'play' on left)" options has been removed or whether I've just lost it?
That seemed to hold up more reliably than the direct stream.

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AGod
16/04/2009 17:31

FE - that button occurred only intemittently for me yesterday and it did seem, yesterday, that that stream did hold up better too.

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AGod
16/04/2009 17:34

"Please don't compare the estimable Grockle with Fowler, whose recurrent sexual innuendo I have found offensive."

I loved Grockle's stint but have never taken to Fowler, whom I have always found irksome.

I did not see the similarity, myself.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
16/04/2009 18:06

I have to admit that my prejudice against Fowler (the man who allegedly sent a fax to his wife to say he was divorcing her) is based on listening to him several years ago - and I have always tried to avoid listening to him since then.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Streeter
16/04/2009 19:27

Is BJ a welsh innuendo ??? Sorry bout that, couldn't resist.

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Big Jim
16/04/2009 19:49

It may have been mentioned once or twice before.
I of course,can't answer.

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Grockle
16/04/2009 19:55

Fowler lost his place on TMS because of his non too serious manner on the radio....I can live with that aspect!!

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Loyal of Lhasa.
16/04/2009 20:05

I didn't realise there were specific reasons for his losing his place - but I'm glad to hear it.

Give me straight talking Grockles any day (though I was not at home to listen to any commentary today).

On a more important point, how many bowling points did we earn today?

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
16/04/2009 20:15

Loads LoL

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Loyal of Lhasa.
16/04/2009 20:38

Thanks Grockle.

Don't forget to tell us tomorrow that we've scored loads of runs and secured loadser batting points.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Mike TA1
16/04/2009 22:06

An embarrassing moment for our captain.

We have all seen the slip fielder trying to anticipate the batsman sweeping the ball and moving to leg side to stop it. Unfortunately for the captain the batsman missed the ball and it went for byes.

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Mike TA1
16/04/2009 22:20

This is Ambrose bowled by Banks the ball getting between bat/pad.



Carter getting himself off balance and giving out lbw Willoughby.



Anyon avoiding a short ball by Turner.



Ian Bell after a good innings being caught down the leg side by Kieswetter off Phillips.

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Mike TA1
16/04/2009 22:37

Thoughts of the day.

Hard day in the field ending with a good finish with the bat.

Turner looked fast and the only way he is going to improve is to give him a long run in the first team.

Arul Suppiah doesn’t seem to suffer from nerves and look a good partner for Trescothick apart from a few edges he looked a good opener. I haven’t got a clue about his bowling because he didn’t.

Lets get all those batting points tomorrow.

It is hard to see us getting a win out of this, but you never know.

The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]

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Big Jim
17/04/2009 01:00

Brilliant pictures,Mike.
Amazingly they seem to get better each season,they are superb.
I think there are plenty of positives to be taken from the game so far.
All of them had a good bowl and will have benefited hugely from a proper blow out.
We batted well in difficult circumstances and can push on tomorrow and get the bonus points.
After that who knows what will happen.
A contrived result?
I wouldn't have thought so.
Nobody wants to lose the first game of the season.

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RadstockRob
17/04/2009 05:28

It seemed strange as to why Arul was not given a bowl.I thought Omari looked good at times and spun the ball at times.

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tufnell parka
17/04/2009 08:52

looking at the forecast doubt there will be a lot of play today so the only way there is going to be a result is warwickshire setting us 375 on the last day.
which is not going to happen.
draw it is with a battle for bonus points.

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Grockle
17/04/2009 08:58

Not predicting anything about the weather Tuffers. The last two mornings I've looked out and said there'll be no play and been proved wrong. Yesterday afyernoon was amazing looking at how it was at even 1 in the afternoon.

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tufnell parka
17/04/2009 20:24

Absolutely right Grockle. I should leave the weather forecasting well alone! I
Had my first proper listen to the commentary today and it's a magnificent service. I listened to Hildreth get his 100 - I think a guy called Richard/Robert was on who was excellent. Not quite sure on Julian Wyatt (was it him?) seemed to ramble a little and be a little too clever for his own good but I suppose you need a balance of voices/tone. It's brilliant though to sit at the desk and listen to it. Thanks.

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Grockle
17/04/2009 20:35

Glad you got it at work TP. It wasn't Julian Wyatt although we did have Roy Kerslake on for the after tea session for an hour.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:17:20:37:40 by Grockle.

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Frome Exile
17/04/2009 21:04

I think you are deprecating too much, Grockle.
Weren't you on when Hildreth brought up his ton?
You must be Richard/Robert.
Who was on with you in the middle session?
I heard the name Julian and assumed Wyatt.

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Grockle
17/04/2009 21:12

Of course it was. Julian (I'll have check his surname it is a strange spelling) has a level of enthusiasm that it is hard to stay with. That afternoon session just flew

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andycricket
10/04/2009 18:28

For all of the people who write on here ,what team do you think will play against Warwickshire on wednesday ?

My team would be:
Marcus Trescothick
Neil Edwards or Arul Suppiah
Justin Langer
James Hildreth
Zander De Bruyn
Wes Durston
Craig Kieswetter
Peter Trego
Steffan Jones or Alfonso Thomas
Andrew Caddick
Charl Willoughby

Really looking forward to the 1st game .



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:11:47:59 by Grockle.

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Mike TA1
10/04/2009 18:48

Andy the list is what I would expect the team will be picked from.

From what I have seen so far Suppiah over Edwards (on pre-season form).

Jones or Thomas is harder none of the bowlers so far stand out above the other. It will be on playing conditions I believe.

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wsm fan
10/04/2009 19:08

Mine would be,

MT, NE, JL, JH, ZB, PT, CK, AT, BP, AC, CW.

No spin option i know but if we dont have one we are confident of taking wickets on our track in mid april why play one.

Possibility we could play arul instead of ben but that would need trego to be used properly as 4th seamer, zander there as an option too as 5th seamer and gives us a spin option in arul.
Certainly would make a long batting line up with Arul, Craig and Pete at 6, 7, 8...

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Grockle
10/04/2009 19:17

Mike you aren't the only one who has suggested that Arul has played himself into contention for an opening spot while Neil has scratched about a bit.

AS 'Curious' has pointed out elsewhere, the bowling options are a nightmare - where to get 20 wickets on a regular basis? No-one is saying pick me! Pick me! So we have to go with what we know.

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Mike TA1
10/04/2009 19:30

I take pride in knowing that I agree with another great poster.

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Grockle
10/04/2009 19:49

and who is that Mike?

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Mike TA1
10/04/2009 19:58

I’ve no idea.

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Grockle
10/04/2009 20:26

bad bad bad bad taste my friend!

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Mike TA1
10/04/2009 20:37

It wasn’t meant to be, I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere . Sorry.

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Grizzers
10/04/2009 20:44

Lost me anyway !

Grizzzly

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Brother Of
11/04/2009 16:01

Surely after averaging 45 and over for the past 2 seasons its time for pete to be tried at 6 and give him the responsibility of being the number 1 all rounder now blackie has gone,that would then for me free up room in the side for another bowler or batsmen in the team depending on the wicket etc etc.
Also pete picked up enough wickets last year to be our first change bowler.

COACH

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Loyal of Lhasa.
11/04/2009 16:06

Family bias is not only entirely understandable but also entirely justified in my view. Come on Trego Junior.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
11/04/2009 18:07

Well you've got to put your faith in him and give him the chance to show what he can do.

Let's hope that faith is more evident at the start of this season than it was at the end of last.

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Big Jim
11/04/2009 18:19

Bo has got it completely right again.
This is going to be a special season for Pete and he'll finally win over all the doubters.
That'll be the International place sorted.
Once he's done that he'll have to get to work on some of the home supporters too.


Peter Trego-Somerset and England's Premier All-rounder.

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Grockle
11/04/2009 18:41

Well we're gonna need him because the bookies don't give us much chance and expect Durham to retain the Championship.

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Big Jim
11/04/2009 18:50

Don't listen to the bookies,they haven't a clue.
Liabilities are titchy at the moment,they're guessing like the rest of us.
Durham are 4's,Notts 5's and we're joint third jollies with Lancashire at 7's.
On one large exchange less than 1K has been gambled on Division One of the CC.
On the same firms golf exchange nearly £10 million has been gambled on the US Masters alone.
It would take less than fifty quid to make us favourites.
The bookies,like I said,haven't a clue who will win it.

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Kentish Townie
13/04/2009 22:51

I do think Arul is pushing hard to open and that is where his future really lies.

Trego must bat at six and his role as allrounder will be even more vital now Blackwell is gobe I just hope he gets the bowling opportunities.

I don't like going in without a spinner. However neither Banks or Munday are pushing for a place at this stage of the season. Neither is Durston as a batsman.

My choice of fourth seamer along with Caddick, Willo and Thomas is Jones on the basis he is more likely to take wickets despite often being expensive.

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Grockle
13/04/2009 23:13

If Neil plays and the weather suggests an all seam attack then we may not have space for a spinner of any kind.

MT,NE,JL,ZdB,JH,PT,CW and four seamers leaves no space for Arul or Wes (agrre with assessment of Banks and Munday presently).

Either Justin expects to go in with three main seamers and back up from Peter and Zander so that either Arul or Wes come in at number 8 or Arul takes Neil's place in the first three. Then there's where we play Craig Kieswetter who is wasted at number 7!

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VictheFish
13/04/2009 23:14

Arul's more a four / five. Once ZdB's out of the equation and we agree that that we have three LHB's in the top three (if you see what I'm getting at ...).

He's just better suited to it, even though he's gone anywhere he's been asked to over the last few years.

VtF.

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Grockle
13/04/2009 23:21

The plan has to be for 2010 and Zander isn't part of that. Maybe this is the season to decide he is the kolpak too far and rely on others to make the grade.

Not a gamble I expect Langer to take early in the campaign though and Zander is a reliable man to have in your side.

That argument also goes, of course, for Alfonso - should we be giving the resposibility to Mark Turner, Steffan Jones and Stiff and our slows?

They are next year's attack unless something alters because Andy can't go to 41 while Charl......?

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VictheFish
13/04/2009 23:32

Nor I. That's why I said 'once ZdB's out of the equation.'

Contractual closures may alter the balance next year. Steff and BP at the last chance saloon? Tina either made the grade or running towards the end of 'potential' terminology.

ARC for another last hurrah, or CW for another season? Stiff, Burke or Dibble for a long-lasting breakthrough? Haggett bowling as he once promised?

Lots of 'perhaps' and 'may be' - but that's next season. Let's get through this one and consolidate or seek glory first.

The future's bright, it might be maroon ...

VtF.

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Kentish Townie
14/04/2009 00:10

I just don't think we can afford to go in with three main seamers given our challenges in the bowling department.

Having say Arul at 8 is excessively defensive given he is never going to be a force with the ball.

Much better to go with an attacking bowler at 8, say Jones, given Thomas and Willo will provide the reliability.

If Suppiah plays it should be as a top 3 bat.

Re Zander if I had my way neither he now Thomas would be here, but his steadiness is useful in between Hildreth and Trego.

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Kentish Townie
14/04/2009 00:49

Vic on what grounds to you say Arul is more of a four or five?

From what I've seen he's a studious player with a good sticking power, not the flamboyant attacker you'd want in the middle order.

I never supported ZtB's signing, howerver he does represent solidity at 5 in between Hildreth and Trego.

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cricketjerry-mouse
13/04/2009 23:48

Warwickshire`s new captain, Ian Westwood,is injured and misses this week`s opening match at Taunton, as does new overseas player, New Zealand spinner Jeetan Patel, who can`t for the time being obtain a work visa.

The side will be selected from 13 players:

Tim Ambrose (capt), Darren Maddy, Tony Frost, Ian Bell, Jonathon Trott, Jim Troughton, Riki Clarke, Ant Botha, Chris Woakes, Neil Carter, Jimmy Anyon, Keith Baker and Naqaash Tahir.

The batting looks strong, but the bowling a bit iffy.

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Big Jim
14/04/2009 01:33

Yes,I've heard that the Warwickshire fans are up in arms about the weakness of their bowling attack.
Angry Bill the Belligerent Brummie from Aston wrote on their fans website;

"Our lack of bowlers is a shambles,skip.
We need to be able to bowl sides out twice or we aint got no hope".
What is it with this County that we can't seem to produce world class pace bowlers?"

It seems that all is not well with the Midland team.
One angry member was heard to say that this is the weakest Warwickshire side since the war.

And he was talking about the War of the Roses.


All will be well.
Ian Bell can play himself back into the England number 3 spot whilst we demolish the rest for peanuts.
It should be great.

What's the forecast?

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Clarence Parker
14/04/2009 08:06

Quote:

Big Jim
Yes,I've heard that the Warwickshire fans are up in arms about the weakness of their bowling attack.
Angry Bill the Belligerent Brummie from Aston wrote on their fans website;

"Our lack of bowlers is a shambles,skip.
We need to be able to bowl sides out twice or we aint got no hope".
What is it with this County that we can't seem to produce world class pace bowlers?"

It seems that all is not well with the Midland team.
One angry member was heard to say that this is the weakest Warwickshire side since the war.

And he was talking about the War of the Roses.

Ian Bell can play himself back into the England number 3 spot whilst we demolish the rest for peanuts.

Funny that. I've been reading similar thoughts to those above expressed on this site.

"Can't bowl sides out twice."
"Can't produce any home grown bowlers"
"Worst attack since the War."

Perhaps Somerset and Warwickshire should merge.
I am sure anyway that there isn't a future for 18 First Class counties, despite what Giles Clarke has said.

Great chance for Ian Bell to plunder runs on the Taunton track.

Why are so many talking on here about 2010 anyway?

2009 hasn't started yet, although it seems to have been ongoing for a long time.

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Grockle
14/04/2009 09:31

Surely one aspect of producing the right side is the continuity of that side Clarence. Everything suggests that two present players in contention are not available next year and another post will be open to negotiation and probably not present and that doesn't even include replacing Caddick!

Doesn't that mean that part of this year has to include developing the structure for next year?

If our probable choice for number four/five next year is available now and in form, why use a kolpak player in that position? Rather than suggest Arul should replace Neil we ought to be accepting Edwards is one of our openers and using Arul in the top 5 rather than Zander. We probably have a number 3 issue for 2010 as well and Arul playing in the top 5 is more important than where he plays presently - if that is the plan.

In the same way, Mark Turner has to be used if he is a viable member of the attack next year along with Jones and Phillips and Stiff. Phillips is not looking very tight this year but he maybe needs to bowl himself in like Caddick. Alfonso should be our backup if we can afford it

2010 starts here and those introductions ought to be made where possible if the form of players allows. The problem is that it should only take place where our form players really have to play and Zander and Alfonso may not be that easy to displace on that basis.

Their selection tells us something about next year's prospects on that basis.

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Exiled Tim
14/04/2009 09:38

Just like Bobby Gould being named the new Weymouth manager, I'm sure there will a couple of surprises in our team.

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Mike TA1
14/04/2009 09:55

I always think it is difficult this time of the year to know who to pick.

You can ignore what happened last year. It is now six months since we have seen them in a competitive game, last year a player who was inconsistent, erratic, injury prone or any such word, may have over the winter have sorted it all out.

Apart from the some of the Kolpak players missing next year there may be some of the other players missing, I believe there are several contracts up for renewal the end of this season who to say who will be retained on the books.

I have been told we have 28 players in the squad that is to many.

The future is with the youth so it is up to the club to use them in the first team without weakening the team to much before next year.

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AGod
14/04/2009 10:54

Forecast is beyond dreadful for the first two days.

Could be a one-innings farce in between the showers on Fri/Sat.

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Grockle
14/04/2009 13:00

So no radio coverage then - hope we're not doing it for 15 minutes here and there between showers.

Though then again the practice would be useful as the kit will be being tested for the first time.

If it is up and running please be patient with the streaming and the commentary teams - many doing it for the first time.

Any useful comments from those who get to listen would, of course be very welcome.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:14:16:23:51 by Grockle.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
14/04/2009 13:09

Tell us the score at least every three balls.

I'm sure you'll do brilliantly.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Clarence Parker
14/04/2009 13:21

I too am sure that you will do brilliantly.

Don't forget to mention the pigeons, the buses going over the bridge and the pretty ladies passing by, when you can describe whatever attire they are wearing.

And whenever Somerset are batting, and we lose a wicket please play over the soundwaves - "Always look on the bright side of life."

I don't know why, but there it is. Who said that - Harry Worth?

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Grockle
14/04/2009 13:36

Can't see the buses, they'll be behind us as we seem to be commentating from a position sort of in front of the Botham stand.

It'll be church towers and clouds over Taunton I'm afraid.

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AGod
14/04/2009 13:48

I've a feeling, Clarence, that pretty ladies might be in short supply on a wet, not very warm April day for a CC fixture at Taunton. Then again, you did say 'passing ladies,' so I suppose that may be different.

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Sloop John B
14/04/2009 16:17

Grockle - don't forget to post the Link for this wonderful narration of SCCC's exploits!

You won't be able to see the Quantocks either. Now who was it.... 'If it is raining....'

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Loyal of Lhasa.
14/04/2009 16:28

And if Tractor is in good voice, congratulate him and turn the effects mike up.

And I would love to hear the sound of a steam engine if the wind is blowing from the station.

And don't dare mention that Langer seems to have put a bit of weight on over the winter.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
14/04/2009 16:31

The link will be through the official site guys and gals - not sure where but once I find it we'll post on the match thread.

We're also hoping to use the match thread as other teams use e-mail unless Guy has set up an official e-mail link. So you can comment on things and we can discuss them during the commentary - that is if we have wi-fi access in the 'shed'. Maybe we should sponsor that as well!!

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Mike TA1
14/04/2009 17:50

Mark Turner in tomorrow for Andy Caddick (injured).

Others in the team Willoughby, Phillips, Trego, Suppiah (opener) with Trescothick, Banks.

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Grockle
14/04/2009 17:59

Hmmm - what's up with Andrew then?

Banks? Has to be based on bowling in friendlies

Though Arul might find himself in the game.

And the day before Warwickshire start their campaign, what is the main info on the Edgbaston site?

They are hosting the 20/20 Finals....who the hell cares as a supporter at the start of the season!!

Thank God we are not a Test match ground where the county club are secondary to the marketing of the international and national fixtures!!





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:14:18:08:46 by Grockle.

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andycricket
14/04/2009 18:13

No Steffan Jones in the team ? did he play in any of the pre -season games ?

Omari banks batting at 9 means we have a long batting line up .

Looking forward to seeing Ian Bell play as well .

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Streeter
14/04/2009 18:26

Here's a link for an interview with Justin (today).
[news.bbc.co.uk]
Sounds nice and relaxed.

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wsm fan
14/04/2009 18:31

Still dont see it with Banks, i'd have been tempted to play Neil instead, Arul at 6, Treg 7, CK 8.
Surprised BP in ahead of Thomas too.
Hope Caddy injury is nothing serious

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Mike TA1
14/04/2009 18:48

I feel the same way about Banks, I hope he proves me wrong.

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Clarence Parker
14/04/2009 19:01

Well, what do I know about it all?

The season hasn't started, we have the usual pre season hype about how well we are going to do in all competitions, and our leading bowler is out injured.

Team selection? Influenced by Langer's perceptions?

Deja vu, I suppose.

I really wish I could (but I can't) take it all seriously.

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Grockle
14/04/2009 19:19

And what are Langer's perceptions Clarence?

Surprised at Phillips - saw him in one friendly and he wasn't our most incisive bowler at the death against Glamorgan.

Banks can only be playing because he looked the 'best' in the spin department in the games I saw.

Not sure he elongates our batting and I'd be surprised if he batted as far up as that. Watching him in the one dayers last season I'd put him 10th....just

Maybe I'd have done the same. Played both Neil and Arul but Eddy was scratching around in the early games and didn't look happy.

Worried about Andy. We were here last season and a minor injury saw him out for the majority of the season. He seemed confident in the interview on BBC Sport today. But maybe it's a good thing because they have to believe that they can do it without him. He's been a talisman for us for so long and these are the end of days in that sense.

Hope to see him out there soon.

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Grizzers
14/04/2009 19:35

Maybe he has an engagement in the Cricket Museum ........as a living exhibit !

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wsm fan
14/04/2009 19:51

Banks has got reputation for batting a bit, we just have never seen it.
Its his bowling that worries me, i know many spinners in England fail to get big wickets but Arul and Wes can be token spinners if you like to provide variation.
Our formula of playing Blacky as spin option in top 6 has worked well for years, until Banks or Munday prove they are worth their place as wicket taking bowlers id prefer Arul at 6, just my personal view, very much hope Omari proves me wrong over coming weeks.

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Grockle
14/04/2009 21:24

I think Arul is a bit the same way with his bowling.

We know he can bat but I've only seen his bowling in its true form by accident at Surrey two years ago when he was unplayable and took three wickets in a session through sheer guile.

Maybe we'll see Omari's batting more frequently this year. At the end of last year he was like a rabbit in the headlights.

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Exiled Tim
14/04/2009 22:04

It's all academic as rain will stop play, so theyll be a desperate struggle for bonus points.

Yours, glass empty!

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Grockle
14/04/2009 22:30

Then at least you don't have to come up to Taunton to fill it Botham.

You can stay in Dorset and joust on the Durham site and we'll keep you informed of the game you already know the result of.

Certainty....don't ya just love it.

Positive points

You'll be saving money
You'll be at home
We'll be drawing with a major rival so they will be on a par with us rather than ahead and we go into the next round on an equal footing against Durham.
Caddick will be fit for that one





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:14:23:00:33 by Grockle.

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Mike TA1
14/04/2009 22:39

Look what happen to the weather forecast last week for the first day of the Derby match.

They said rain by mid-day so I didn’t go, and what happened it didn’t rain until 5 o/clock. It could be better than what they forecast.

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Scrumper
14/04/2009 23:46

Weather v Cricket. The eternal battle.

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Exiled Tim
15/04/2009 09:42

I wish you all a very pleasant day. I really would have been there, but my relief worker, Luke, needs an operation and can't cover for me, so I'm stuck, but rabbit holes, etc permitting, this could be an excellent season.

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SheptonPaul
15/04/2009 09:55

All the best to Luke for his op, Both - trust it's nothing serious.

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AGod
15/04/2009 10:37

What on earth is wrong with Caddy?

anything official?

awful to hear that he is not playing.

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AGod
15/04/2009 10:43

To answer my own question, he has 'experienced some stiffness,' (location unspecified) and is being 'sent for a precautionary scan,' according to Mr Rose.

Mr Rose also says;

"We face a pretty difficult start in the CC and it will be interesting to see where we are after the first few games."

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SheptonPaul
15/04/2009 11:13

Well, the season's started on the BBC - I have Warks 12-1.

No news at all on Cricinfo...

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Loyal of Lhasa.
15/04/2009 11:25

Cricinfo has caught up now and it is already clear, with the early loss of Frost, that Frost is ensuring that Taunton will not kill cricket this summer.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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AGod
15/04/2009 11:29

hee hee hee

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Exiled Tim
15/04/2009 11:30

He has a hernia, SP and and some fluid around his testes, which will hopefully be operated on very soon. Every time he coughs he has to hold his groin!

I'm listening to the match on here [www.cricketcommentary.co.uk]

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Big Jim
15/04/2009 11:32

That really is a little too much information,Both.

OUCH - hope he's OK quickly. I've closed this thread down now guys and gals as the main match thread is up and running. Good to hear the commentary is on and working. Like the idea that you can stop it and pick it up later if you want to.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:15:11:50:14 by Grockle.

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Grockles.com
19/04/2009 13:50

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 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:25:00:17:59 by Grockle.

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wsm fan
19/04/2009 13:57

zander strikes again, right back in it now

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wsm fan
19/04/2009 14:25

zander 10-1-30-3. good stuff

appears that marcus is bowling now! does JL know something we dont, i havent sen him bowl for Somerset (properly) for about 8-10 years, pre england days

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Exiled Tim
19/04/2009 14:26

I wouldn't have played Zander or Banks, still what do I know?

No bowling from Trigger, strange.

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wsm fan
19/04/2009 14:28

cant understand why no trego or suppiah, still im not there so sure JL knows best...

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Mike TA1
19/04/2009 14:29

Trescothick bowl a few overs yesterday, perhaps he was getting practice in for today.

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wsm fan
19/04/2009 14:33

well he only got the 1 over, still need 4 overs from somewhere if phillips, charl and thomas are to bowl out, dont want to leave banks too close to the end

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Grockle
19/04/2009 14:44

The Warwickshire reporters are talking about PT's line in the county game. He didn't get much look in and others were not bowling well but he still doesn't seem to have the faith of his team as a immediate 'turn to' man. Hopefully that will come in the next coupleof games.

Banger did bowl in his England years and we were talking about the fact that he has one Test wicket and four one day ones to his name. But he stopped completely about 4/5 years ago.

Good to see him confident of doing it though. The Bears batsmen certainly gave him respect yesterday afternoon. There was also the sight of Test batsmen (Bell) versus Test bowler (Trescothick)!

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wsm fan
19/04/2009 14:50

id be happy if tresco stuck to his batting and we put faith in trego, 8 balls for 4 runs so far...

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Brother Of
19/04/2009 15:18

Im gonna have my little rant now!!!
As far as i can see and from the few games i have watched over the past couple of years Somerset only have 2 genuine swing bowlers.One being Charl and the other being Pete.
They are attacking bowlers and the format of 1 day cricket nowadays is that you have to have 2 catchers in the first 15 overs and after that except for the power play players can sweep on either side.
Surely then you would use your attacking swing bowlers first up and try and nip a couple out,not use one of them after 36 overs.
I remember a game 2 years ago at lords and Middlesex were 4 down in the first 15 and Charl and Pete had shared the wickets.
Maybe i have got this wrong but as far as i can see this would surely be the best for the team in one day cricket.
Thats my rant over now!!

COACH

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wsm fan
19/04/2009 15:20

dont disagree, id open with charl and pete and use thomas and phillips at the end.
middle overs can be shared between debruyn, banks, suppiah etc.
One for trego there, lets polish them for sub 250 now

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Exiled Tim
19/04/2009 15:22

I quite agree BO. Langer is an excellent player, but the jury is still out re his one day captaincy tactics.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
19/04/2009 16:24

When Trescothick has 24 (23 as I write) that will be 10,000 one-day runs.

With the benefit of WiFi I've been able to follow this match, including the commentary, in my sunny garden. Very pleasing indeed.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
19/04/2009 17:35

Yep Bro. (Nice rant by the way)

We mentioned yesterday that PT hadn't been used as much as the other bowlers had. You only had to look at how warwickshire toiled with a bowler down (Neil Carter) to keep any kind of competitive edge. You can't bowl to show your worth if you don't get the ball to bowl.

Although they did let him go today and he was getting plaudits from the commentators. It'll get there.

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Mike TA1
19/04/2009 18:28

Well done Kieswetter 100 up, keep going.

The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]

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Mike TA1
19/04/2009 18:29

They are hugging again Jim.

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Bobstan
19/04/2009 18:29

We really may lose this lad before too long.

Good for him; bad for us.

I expect the huggers are practising in the hope of becoming professional footballers. Plenty of hugging at Portman Road today.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:19:20:00:22 by Bobstan.

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RadstockRob
19/04/2009 18:38

I've been listening in my sunny garden too Lol and pottering a bit.

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Exiled Tim
19/04/2009 18:55

It's just as well I didn't pick the team as Zander has confounded me and the statisticians.

Well done boys, you've cheered a misery up.

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Mike TA1
19/04/2009 18:56

1st win of the season.


Well done Somerset.

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Slow left
19/04/2009 19:03

Can't get the commentary to work

Have to disagree - I think PT should be bowling his lot, but I wouldn't give him the new ball, I just don't think he's quite quick enough (or incredibly accurate a la Willoughby to make up for it) to stop himself getting tanked with the fielders in.

Well played CK - incredible form!

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Sloop John B
19/04/2009 19:09

Superb win! Very well done Craig - a rich vein of form already this season!!

Is Cricinfo becoming redundant?? It is WAY behind and Craig has just got his ton!

Perhaps some of the doubters will start to believe again!

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Slow left
19/04/2009 19:09

We've won?! Well that explains the lack of commentary. BBC has us 190/2 and cricinfo is only slightly better at 234/2...

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SheptonPaul
19/04/2009 19:13

Obviously problems today - I was following the score (and the other FPT games, and the Bath rugby score) while watching the Cup Semi-final on ITV - their ceefax was hours behind and not changing for ages. Really hopeless - I didn't know we'd won over an hour ago until I read it a few moments ago on this thread.

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RadstockRob
19/04/2009 19:16

I listened on the Midlands radio station with no problems.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
19/04/2009 19:17

Edgbaston has killed cricket and we are dancing on the grave!

Another magnificent performance from Kieswetter; if his final score was 134 or more (Cricinfo is no help at all) he has now scored 1000 one-day runs, only 9000 behind the mighty Marcus.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
19/04/2009 19:21

I liked the Warwickshire commenators and young Rachel (the Grockles of the future) made a very promising start after being hugely nervous when she started. She knows her cricket and a few other things as well and was very objective about the respective performances of the sides.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
19/04/2009 19:30

The pigeon has just flown in from Cricinfo. Somerset, it seems, have won and Kieswetter now has his 1000 one-day runs (and an average of 40).

And an excellent result from Portman Road. You must have had a good day, Bobstan.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Clarence Parker
19/04/2009 19:39

Well played Somerset - have only just learnt the news due to the problems of Cricinfo and BBC teletext.

For the second day running from me, congratulations to Craig Kieswetter.

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cricketjerry-mouse
19/04/2009 19:53

That Langer, he hasn`t a clue as a one-day captain, you know.

Fancy bringing on de Bruyn as second change, when Warwickshire have just put on 100 for the second wicket, and then batting him at No.4

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Grockle
19/04/2009 19:53

30 March 2010 boys and girls. Put it in your diary. That is the day England's wicket-keeper batsman problems disappear!!

289 not out after three days at the crease. Hell of an average for the season up until now but not the county's best!! He's still behind James H

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Bobstan
19/04/2009 20:06

Yes thanks, LoL. What a good day, a win for both the sporting loves of my life.

Er, yes. Good point, cjm. We can't have it both ways; if we cricise JL when we lose then he must surely be praised when decisions that we might not have taken are vindicated.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
19/04/2009 20:39

Quote:

Grockle
30 March 2010 boys and girls. Put it in your diary. That is the day England's wicket-keeper batsman problems disappear!!

I bet the date is already in Carl Gazzard's diary.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Exiled Tim
19/04/2009 20:42

Well cjm, one swallow doesn't make a summer, but your brand of sarcasm is a worthy equal to my doom and gloom.

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mama mia
19/04/2009 20:50

What a great weekend Somerset win, and the 'Gas' score four goals

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Loyal of Lhasa.
19/04/2009 20:53

And what on earth was Langer thinking of in asking Warwickshire to bat first?

Now here's a one for the stattos (which I can fairly easily verify in Wisden):

Has any county side (or any side for that matter) enjoyed the scoring of four triple centuries within five seasons?

(and we can assume Trescothick, Langer and Hildreth are queuing up to score more this season as well)

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Grockle
19/04/2009 20:59

On that 'road' we play on? Surely not LoL.

(and while we're at it. Where does that phrase come from? has anyone on here every tried playing cricekt on the road with a hard ball? You never know where the hell it's going to come at you from! Or at what height. Flaming stuoid analogy)





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:19:21:01:33 by Grockle.

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wsm fan
19/04/2009 21:09

What a day...

My team everton crushes man u at wembley
Then to top it off somerset crush warwicks with craig and zander on top form...

Lets hope last weekend of May is as good, i'll accepet a crushing win v Glos in 20-20 on the 29th followed bt an FA Cup win for the toffees on the 30th, bring it on...

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Big Jim
19/04/2009 21:35

Just able to get back online,what an afternoon to have interweb problems.
Dew,we're good.
Come on now everyone,time to forget those grievances you may have and applaud the lads.
This was a brilliant performance against a very good side.
Craig must now be very close to getting the nod,what a week he has had.
To win with such ease must show that we're close to being the finished article,I'm convinced that we're going to have a very special season.

Get in my beauties.
I suddenly feel a lot better.

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Grizzers
19/04/2009 22:15

Back in after morning out !

Tremendous result. Good to see & will undoubtedly bolster morale further (not that Kieswetter needs anything bolstering at the moment !).

Grizzzly

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Big Jim
19/04/2009 22:21

And when Mr Caddick is fit we'll be firing on all cylinders.
I could get excited.

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Grockle
19/04/2009 22:45

Just don't get too carried away boys and girls. Neil Carter was out and two of the twelfth men from the CC game were playing for the opposition. Now they may be one day specialists but this is NOT the best bowling attack we will play against.

However, good to see ZdB in the wickets. Good to win games and not have to ask the bowlers to do it. Our batting is firing and we are not at full strength in terms of our bowling resources.

Caddy won't play one day games but Alfonso was in the wickets. If you're gonna go for 6 an over take 3! Mark T was getting better yesterday and Steff will come back sharper

We need to tighten up our economy rates and learn to bowl the Zander line and length. What will happen when we have to USE Justin, Peter T and Ben with the bat?

Positive stuff but now we kep that maintained and concentrate on the weaker aspects so that when Kent arrive they get wellied and Durham are uncertain about what hit them at the end of the month.

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Tractor
19/04/2009 23:53

Peeps, please don't get too carried away.
I can exclusively reveal there is real dissention in the ranks as some have reported on here.
Opening with Tres and Craig, first wicket down should have been Langer, or maybe Suppiah, but Hilders came in and scored some (okay bit more than that) runs. Hilders goes, surely Langer next; no, ZDB next and we dont see any more wickets.
We can only assume therefore that Langer has fallen out with himself and is moving on to Durham or on loan to Kent (which means permanent doesn't it?). I knew, and some posters on here knew also, there was something afoot.
Bloomin marvellous day. Upset a few Brummies, had a few Pedigrees and watched what was one outstanding game for our county. Don't forget Zander's contribution with the ball as well as the bat! Fantastic stuff. Saw Phil Tottle there - was he doing Somerset commentary, Warwickshire commentary, neither, or both?

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Grizzers
20/04/2009 00:05

Maybe he was to bat instead of JL !

Grizzzly

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Big Jim
20/04/2009 01:58

Sounds great,Tractor.
Superb win,surely the doom and gloomers can't find fault in this one.

I know Caddick won't be concentrating on the one dayers.
I was just stating that he'll be back soon.
Hopefully.

I think there's nothing wrong in getting carried away every so often.
A win up North is always great.

Well done boys.

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Exiled Tim
20/04/2009 07:07

I doubt that Caddick is in the one day plans, Jim.

If i change my signature, will Wes get a chance?

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Exiled Tim
20/04/2009 07:10

One thing I was very pleased with was how few extras we gave the opposition. I'm sure I heard the commentary team mention Suppiah's batting!

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Clarence Parker
20/04/2009 09:17

The match report in my newspaper today reads:-

"There were shouts of "rubbish" from disgruntled (Warwickshire) spectators on the terraces - a little early in the season even for Warwickshire's notoriously fickle supporters - as Kieswetter and De Bruyn pummelled some spiritless bowling."

Now be fair Mister Tractor, that would never happen at Taunton even on a bad day for Somerset would it? Unless of course you know something that I don't, and even if you do, you would have my approval to eject such hobbledehoy from the ground.

As I said on this thread yesterday, "Well played Somerset."

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Grockle
20/04/2009 09:23

No Phil on the BBC and no Somerset coverage that I know of. Maybe he was doing inserts into the coverage of whatever was happening at Yeovil, Bristol R or C, Swindon, Forest Green. I hear Taunton had a big game...of rugby. Were Gloucester playing or Clifton or Old Reds out at Brislington or maybe there was a kindergarden 5 a side down the local Rec?

Were the Gladdiolis(?) or whatever they are called now playing? No indication of anything with Phil's dulcit tones on it I'm afraid.

Seems that the Warwickshire people were dong the same as us with reference to access to commentary around the ground but they were also linked in with the local radio station as far as the link was concerned. Though it wasn't...of course on the radio.

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AGod
20/04/2009 09:48

Magnificent all-round display by Zander. And tremendous effort by Craig. I mentioned before the season started that I thought he was probably already our best one-day batsman, save for Marcus. Admittedly, I also said I'd bat Craig at four so that we had one of our two best in the middle order, rather than both opening.

After today, you have to wonder just how feared this one-day limited overs opening tandem will be this season?

As BobStan mentioned, it will only be this season because Craig will definitely be in the England one-day side, this time next year.

Bowling wise, I think there remains work to do.

Was anyone else astonished that Jos Buttler was named as cover for Langer, rather than Wes?

Has Wes been in poor form, or is it rather a vote of confidence for Buttler?

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Sloop John B
20/04/2009 09:50

Sorry Grockle - don't understand? 'not on the radio'??

I was listening on 1566am and Radio Bristol/Somerset were swapping between the two matches - Gloucs and Somerset. So there was some radio coverage. And I think I may have heard Phil's dulcet tones.

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Slow left
20/04/2009 10:18

I'd have thought it's because they knew JL would likely make it and Jos hasn't perfected his drink carrying yet.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
20/04/2009 10:38

For me one of the most pleasing aspects of yesterday's match was that we took nine Warwickshire wickets.

Langer is obviously worried by his expanding waistline and is about to loan himself to Rutland.

And according to Cricinfo Bell is so threatened by being upstaged by Kieswetter that he has taken to intravenous drugs: Craig Kieswetter's outstanding start to the season continued with his unbeaten 138 enabling Somerset to stroll to victory against Warwickshire at Edgbaston and meaning Ian Bell's own eye-catching contribution went in vein.

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Big Jim
20/04/2009 10:39

Am I going barmy?

Where have I said Caddick will feature in the one day plans?

I just said he'll be back soon.

LoL.

Help me.

Please.

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Slow left
20/04/2009 10:53

Exactly - "soon Caddick will be back into the One day team"

:p

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Big Jim
20/04/2009 10:55

Confused?

Me?

I'm off to the toilet,the best place in the world to read.

Apart from a library.

And I haven't got one of those.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
20/04/2009 10:56

Fight it out for yourself, boys. I'm too busy correcing my own typos and chortling over those I find on official sites.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Frome Exile
20/04/2009 11:08

Quote:

Was anyone else astonished that Jos Buttler was named as cover for Langer, rather than Wes?
Has Wes been in poor form, or is it rather a vote of confidence for Buttler?

Wes was in the squad, too, AG, and the official site stated in the squad announcement something along the lines that if Langer didn't make it Butler might play, althougfh Durston was another possibility.
So in all, I'd suggest Butler's addition was a "vote of confidence/exposure to the first team environment" type scenario.
I was busy playing the game yesterday, so missed all the fun; but what an excellent start to our one-day season.
Well done all.

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AGod
20/04/2009 11:10

ah, local paper down in Brixham, where I was holidaying, listed only Turner and Buttler as being in the squad (other, of course, than those that actually played.)

Did you get a response to your question about Lloyd Alley, FE?

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Frome Exile
20/04/2009 11:10

Quote:

correcing my own typos

Priceless!

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Frome Exile
20/04/2009 11:12

No - nothing about Alley as yet.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
20/04/2009 11:30

falibbility is the name of the game, FE.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Frome Exile
20/04/2009 11:35

Yes. LoL: whenever I'm caught out I try and have my falibi prepared!

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Grockle
20/04/2009 15:31

Did they start at 2 then Sloop because I was an hour late getting to any coverage of the game, could find nothing on Radio Bristol AM except some request show and went to the BBC sport site to find only Radio Warwickshire and the fact that I had to deal with the BBC's obsession with Realplayer which always manages to stuff up my machine once I get it down onto the falming thing!!

I'm glad to hear that Phil was working but it wasn't even indicated on the BBC site that they were doing anything

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Exiled Tim
20/04/2009 15:42

Good falming tips on Country File.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
20/04/2009 17:05

I went to the BBC site recommended somewhere here and had good and clear commentary from the start of play.

Did anyone else listen to and approve of the debut made by young Clare?

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Mike TA1
20/04/2009 17:12

I was trying to think who here voice reminded me of, what impressed me was she knew about photography.

I did have trouble with my own link I posted, every time it caused an error with Internet explorer and close down and restarted.

after trying it about four times I managed to get the link to work.

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RadstockRob
20/04/2009 17:23

I had no problems.

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Bobstan
20/04/2009 20:56

Yes, I had BBC/RealPlayer problems, Grock.

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Grockle
21/04/2009 09:22

No problems Bob I just don't understand why some things are available in both formats and then, for no apparent reason, they decide to only offer other services on Realplayer only which has to be downloaded!

It's most apparent in their 'Listen Again' services usually and stopped us using the service entirely in college because the college network managers would not allow Realplayer to be used when Media player was already there!

Daft for the national broadcaster but what's new?

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Bobstan
21/04/2009 09:38

Oh, right.

I obviously have RealPlayer on the computer, but on Sunday it did not want to play the BBC cricket broadcast.

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Grockle
21/04/2009 11:35

Only one thing Clare needs to watch (says the expert after 4 days of doing the job!)

She was taking her photos too close to the effect mic and you could hear the working of the camera!!

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Grizzers
18/04/2009 20:42

From afar would seem to be as follows:

1) Our batting was magnificent.

2) Our bowling wasn't.

3) The Taunton pitch continues to present a tough challenge to bowlers (Cricinfo - quote: "Meanwhile, if Somerset are to have serious championship aspirations, they will need to improve their bowling and produce pitches to give them a little more assistance. As things stand, they will not bowl many, if any, teams out twice at Taunton").

4) Contributors to Grockles, are passionate, caring & can be a trifle prickly at times !

Not sure what we have learnt from the game that we didn't know already.

At least we are a stronger 'mental' team these days. Facing an opposition first innings of 500, it wasn't so long ago that we would have folded to an innings defeat !

Hopefully those in attendance will be able to pass much more erudite conclusions !

Grizzzly

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Grockle
18/04/2009 21:11

Looks about right to me Grizz. We need a "Caddick" and less loose stuff. I fyou think our bowling was limited it had nothing on the Bears! They didn't even look like getting a side out once!!

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Bobstan
18/04/2009 22:05

We need a Mushie, whom we have not yet managed to replace.
He was able to get rid of tail-enders so well. A "Caddick" certainly.

Not a constructive comment, I know, but nonetheless true.

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Kentish Townie
18/04/2009 22:20

Grizzly above makes exactly the points I have been making for some time now.

The worrying thing is that on the basis of the the first (and the only the first) match we have exactly the problems that were predicted.

I'm thrilled about James Hildreth's triple ton. But it didn't come close to winning us the game, which tells it's own story.

In total 1250 runs were scored for the loss of 15 wickets. There was never any result in prospect. Taunton IS killing cricket at least the four day game which is becoming an uneven contest between bat and ball.

Just look at aggregate totals from the past to see how the game has changed out of all recognition - and they used to play over three days!

Of course the bowling on both sides wasn't up to much. But then I doubt even a Durham or a Worcestershore would have got 20 wickets.

And it's not as if we didn't know what the problems were. To seasons ago both teams got 800 - 800! in the first game.

There must be serious questions asked of Phil Frost as to why he hasn't done more to make the pitches more sporting. Players must justify their places, so must groundsmen. Vic Marks is right, points should be deducted for pitches that are too batter friendly.

No wonder Steffan Jones has gone to Kent, who in their right mind would bowl at Taunton?

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Mike TA1
18/04/2009 22:39

We are not allowed to make personal attacks on players on here; it should also apply to other employees of the club.

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Grockle
18/04/2009 22:56

Yawn
Snore

Steffan has NOT 'gone' to Kent KT PLEASE read the information and try and understand it.

Steffan, in case you haven't noticed, left Somerset and then spent three years trying to get back here.

There is one place Mr Jones wants to bowl and that is Taunton

Which is it? Do we have an inferior/under performing bowling attack or a great attack being destroyed by the strip they are forced kicking and screaming to bowl on?

When were we out of the Championship last year? Aftyer the first draw at Taunton?

Have you actually analysed the figures or are you just assuming that is what the facts will show?

In 2007

Gloucestershire by 8 wickets
Leics by an innings and 259 runs
Northants by 9 wickets
Glamorgan by 299 runs
Notts by an innings and 121 runs

In 2008
Yorks beat us by 40 runs
Kent by 246 runs
Lancashire by 8 wickets


Yep you just can't get a result at Taunton!! Just a shame they aren't all ours.

Yes points ought to be docked for batter friendly pitches BUT not where it's the deficienceis of the bowling attacks that allow the score to mount!

Again I'll say it. I know it's repetition but that is the nature of this argument

Two poor bowling attacks fought each other over the last four days on a pitch that allowed their much stronger batting line-ups to punish poor line and length.

Andy Caddick, Mushtaq Ahmed, Graham Rose, Charl Willoughby, Ian Blackwell, Richard Johnson all chose to bowl here

The examples you give Steffan Jones is going to sharpen up for Kent IN ORDER to bowl at Taunton.

Peter Trego also chose to return TO BOWL at Taunton

We've asked before let's try that repetition again. Name the bowlers who have been forced away by the Taunton strip and have made a name for themsleves anywhere else on the more 'sporting' strips (I assume you mean tailored for the needs of the team).

I think I've asked this for the last three years. I've yet to hear or read an answer.

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Clarence Parker
18/04/2009 23:15

Both Grizzzly and Kentish Townie are absolutely correct in condemning the Taunton pitches.

Good for James Hildreth - an innings of 300 is one which he will long remember, but as KT said, it didn't get us anywhere near to winning the game.

Isn't winning games what any sport is about? I personally don't go in for this 'Fortress Taunton' opinion where it is considered that we must not lose at home. No side can expect to win all their games away from home and draw (and muster maximum points from) those games played at home.

For too many years the club has relied on Andy Caddick to spearhead their bowling attack, and this is simply not a feasible option.

There are in my opinion many things that the club could do (and should have done in the past) better. I am not going to repeat them here, save to say that Taunton is killing cricket of the type that I love and understand. There is nowhere near an even contest between bat and ball, and the pitches are simply not good 'cricket pitches'.

Batting pitches - Yes.
Good cricket pitches - No.

However, I would not wish to be seen jumping on a bandwagon to criticise Phil Frost. For a start I recognise all his and his team's endeavours, and I do not have the knowledge of the geology of the County Ground to say what should or should not be done.

Work was done on the square a couple of years ago to try to even the balance, but it doesn't appear to have had much of a beneficial effect. Something needs to be done, even if it involves digging the square up and filling it up again with sand from Weston beach. That should make the ball turn, and I will even bring down a few barrow loads myself.

Ian Blackwell hailed Durham as a forward looking and progressive club. I wouldn't regard Somerset as that.

Steffan would I am sure always be prepared to bowl on 'roads' at Taunton, but I doubt that is the reason why he has decided to go to Kent on loan. I hope we see him again bowling his heart out for Somerset in either 4 day or 1 day cricket, but in my heart of hearts, doubt that he ever will.

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Grockle
18/04/2009 23:25

I refer my learned friend to the answer I gave a few moments ago.

But while we are there. Maybe you could therefore explain the fact that 50% of the matches at Taunton in the last two seasons have ended in results for one side or the other.

How many result matches would you and Mr Townie expect from a strip NOT destroying this great game of ours? (all Somerset victories of course once you've manipulated the pitch to make up for the deficiencies of the team)

Have you and your friend ever looked at the actual figures LoL has produced to show you exactly how exaggerated your view of the actuality is?

If you don't know where they are they are on a thread about 'killing cricket'....you may haave seen it floating about the forum.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:18:23:32:59 by Grockle.

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VictheFish
19/04/2009 00:22

Why is it that so few lately 'prolific' posters come on
here in so short a space of time to tell us (not backed with facts nor figures) how pointless Somerset's existence really is?

We can't bowl, we can only bat on a featherbed ...

After a winter when numerous posters have vented all manner of spleen about what may or may not have happened at the club, the organ that we hold so dear is attacked late-in-the-day by a couple of erudite yet unsupportive individuals.

For God's sake, don't we ALL want the county to do well?

Thank God we have a good pitch, Does anyone prefer games to be over in two days instead? Good bowlers EARN their wickets, they don't get them through reputation.

Any other county would love to have Mr.Frost producing pitches. Why is it that he is so under-rated and unloved in the county that he provides pitches to instruction for?

If this was a 'Test' ground he'd be awarded pludits, not slagged off ...

Ungrateful bug*ers the lot of you doubters,

VtF.

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Mike TA1
19/04/2009 00:28

Well said VtF

Nothing to add.

The link to my Photos on Photobucket - [s1152.photobucket.com]

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Grockle
19/04/2009 01:17

Don't worry Vic. They only post for a while at the start of a season and once the reality doesn't fit their 'facts' they stop. It's a minority and they are transient.

We'll have to wait for the Durham game I'm afraid because they are hoping that the Angel of the North East will swoop down with his willow wand of justice and his ball of truth to smite the Langerites.

Then we'll all walk hand in hand in a new land of cricket where the bouncy ball friendly pitches will offer the gift of wickets to our young who will suddenly be able to learn the art of Caddick where they couldn't before because of the Frosty strips. The batsmen that have plagued us during the Langerite era will be banished to the house of ducks and the old school of supporters will return dancing and rejoicing to once more feed on the milk and honey and silverware that was theirs in the days before the Frost.

Can't wait personally for the scales to be taken from my eyes and the light of truth to shine on my unbelieving soul.

(not being serious by the way :-)

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Grizzers
19/04/2009 06:51

Just a point of clarification. In my opening post on this thread, I did not 'condemn' the Taunton pitch. I merely quoted from Cricinfo to indicate the continuing challenges we face there.

Also, whilst accepting the bulk of your points Grockle, I do feel the degree of cyniscism towards any sort of questioning that is made re the Taunton wicket, sits somewhat peculiarly with stated facts (I choose the word advisedly on this occasion !):

1) JL & BR have both gone on record in 2007/8 saying the pitch is too batter friendly.

2) The Club chose the spend 25K on trying to equalise things a bit, by relaying the square in the close season 2007/8.

(If there was/is no such issue with the pitch, then why on earth did we go through that expensive exercise ?).

3) The Ground (as reported by the Times/Telegraph etc.., which I assume are reliable sources), was often watered to a semi green-top on day 1 of Championship games last year.

I am not saying that we don't get good results if we bowl well, but the extent of the batsman friendly conditions at Taunton seems to get treated with contempt that seems strangley at odds with the Clubs own position on the matter.

I'm also not sure that referring to posters opinions as 'idiocy' helps the general standard of debate on here ? Nor does referring to Phil Frost as being 'slagged off' !

I don't really see what can be done here re the pitch. Phil Frost is an undoubted expert in his trade & if he can't do what the Captain wants then I'm not sure anyone can.

Just trying to bring/maintain a bit of friendly balance here !

Grizzzly

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Will the Exile
19/04/2009 09:14

Question. What was the grass on the wicket like? I didn't get to any home matches last year but the year before the more competitive matches seemed to have a little more grass on the wicket. Now my guess is that there is not enough grass around this early in the season to give a really thick sward and hopefully this will come. The excellent groundsman can only work with what he's got. Its great that some of our batsmen are in form. I'm sure the rest will follow.

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Clarence Parker
19/04/2009 10:08

Quote:

Grockle
I refer my learned friend to the answer I gave a few moments ago.

Thank you for your acknowledgment, Grockle.

Quote: Grockle
Date: 19 April, 2009 00:17

Don't worry Vic. They only post for a while at the start of a season and once the reality doesn't fit their 'facts' they stop. It's a minority and they are transient.

We'll have to wait for the Durham game I'm afraid because they are hoping that the Angel of the North East will swoop down with his willow wand of justice and his ball of truth to smite the Langerites.

Then we'll all walk hand in hand in a new land of cricket where the bouncy ball friendly pitches will offer the gift of wickets to our young who will suddenly be able to learn the art of Caddick where they couldn't before because of the Frosty strips. The batsmen that have plagued us during the Langerite era will be banished to the house of ducks and the old school of supporters will return dancing and rejoicing to once more feed on the milk and honey and silverware that was theirs in the days before the Frost.

Can't wait personally for the scales to be taken from my eyes and the light of truth to shine on my unbelieving soul.

(not being serious by the way :-)

Struck through as being irrelevant

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Grockle
19/04/2009 10:11

Fair points Grizz.

I personally have issues with the way the pitch is used as an excuse for everything at the ground by some posters and as a "leg" to beat the management and the groundstaff with as if it's some kind of campaign that the South West has to murder the four day game by doing nothing about the issue.

Meanwhile this great squad of ours toils manfully without their key player of last year who was forced to leave his beloved team against his wishes because of their intransigence even though he was working tirelessly to do what ever was required of him but all to no avail.

Taunton can be bat heavy and Phil will work to maintain the balance (as is his job - a job he has been awarded the top honour for on many many occasions)

BUT - we are not yet a consistent team. This game was absolutely laced with legside wide balls that more than one player on both side smashed to the boundary. A lot of left handers peppered the short South Stand boundary (we were a long way across) but you can't pepper the leg side unless the bowler lets you.

It was slow by the fourth day, It is slow by the fourth day - live with it people. The slow guys asked NO questions for most of the match. We have never replace Mushy and we need a wicket taking spinner.

If anything. Pray this batting performance allpows us to play Munday and he does the stuff we hope he can,

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Grockle
19/04/2009 11:39

Well of course it's irrelevant to YOU Clarence it was meant to be humourous - didn't you notice the bit in brackets while you were striking the rest through?

Your one sided view of the situation has been answered with ample alternative comment from more than me. As I said my job is done in that respect for the moment. I'll keep an eye open though just in case you come up with something new and hopefully factually relevant.

There are others with a much more balanced view who identify the issues the county need to deal with BUT the distinct difference is that they also discuss the positive aspects of games we play because they seem to have a stronger desire to see Somerset succeed rather than descend into the unavoidable chaos you predict.

There was possible progress yesterday when you were the first to congratulate Craig and James on their achievements. Thanks for that.

Although I'm not completely sure that wasn't just a setup for the next dig at the Steffan Jones situation that followed hot foot.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
19/04/2009 11:43

Just to let you know, Grockle, I thoroughly enjoyed your purple passage of prose - and when was relevance ever one of the criteria for contributions to this site?

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Mike TA1
19/04/2009 12:01

This is my own none expert view on the Taunton square from my own observation over the years and by watching the ground staff working before and after play each day of a match

In dry weather the square is watered after the end of each day’s play before the covers are put on. The only pitch that isn’t watered is the one in use.

I remember from years ago Somerset 2nd’s were due to play at an out ground (it will be nameless) when I arrived I was told the game for that day (could have been the complete match I can’t remember) was abandoned because somebody had watered the pitch the night before and the umpires ruled it unfit to play on.

We have never played there again.

The square.

The square was not relayed a few years ago, there was a (for want of a better word) layer removed from the top. Judge for yourself if it was money wasted.

I was at the county ground just after it was done; I went to the back of the stand on the west side to have a look from higher up.

From my untrained eye what I saw did surprise me the white crease markings at each end look like they were disappearing and reappearing along the length of the square (I wish I took a photo at the time), it gave the impression of the square being very uneven.

Because this hasn’t had the desired effect on the pitches that the club wanted, my view is that no matter how much is done on top of the ground the nature of the square will not change until all the sub-soil is removed and replaced. The nature of the pitches may also have a connected with the ground being quick draining.

This is not an option on a working ground because it wound be not usable for cricket for several years.

Will this make all those other grounds that are having drainage put in more batter friendly only time will tell?


End of part one.

To state again this is just my own unprofessional view.

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Clarence Parker
19/04/2009 12:01

Quote:

Grockle

There was possible progress yesterday when you were the first to congratulate Craig and James on their achievements. Thanks for that.

Although I'm not completely sure that wasn't just a setup for the next dig at the Steffan Jones situation that followed hot foot.

Well, thanks for that anyway, Grockle. As far as the second paragraph above is concerned, I had absolutely no intention at the time I congratulated James and Craig yesterday, of mentioning Steffan's loan to Kent. As your co - commentator (Julian) made a reference to the fact that he couldn't imagine anyone wanting to leave Somerset to go to another county on loan, I considered that you might consider giving a 'balanced' opinion on the situation (whilst you were in the 'hot seat') in view of your expressed opinions on here the previous evening. And this of course you did, as all listeners at the time will recall.

Anyway, I don't expect you to believe me for one minute.

Such is life.

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Grockle
19/04/2009 13:59

If that is what you say then I apologise for suggesting anything else. I wasn't present at exactly the time Julian stated the loan thing and I did bring it up with him as you suggested.

I did say I wasn't sure and I'm quite happy to take your word for it.

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Clarence Parker
19/04/2009 17:40

There really is no need to apologise, Grockle, but thank you anyway.

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AGod
20/04/2009 10:03

"There must be serious questions asked of Phil Frost as to why he hasn't done more to make the pitches more sporting. Players must justify their places, so must groundsmen. Vic Marks is right, points should be deducted for pitches that are too batter friendly."

Perhaps it's just me but did not last season's experiences suggest that we are not good enough with the bat to cope when sent in if the pitch has deliberately been soaked before the game?

Whilst you repeatedly say that the pitch is bad for our bowlers, KT, I take the exact opposite view - namely that, as Caddy said in the Sunday Times yesterday, all England bowlers should be forced to bowl at Taunton to help them learn how to bowl properly on Test type wickets.

I think that the true effect of our pitch is that too many SCCC batsmen get into 'bad,' habits, e.g. hitting through the line with little in the way of foot movemement - a technique which tends to fare less well when the ball seams around.

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SheptonPaul
20/04/2009 12:04

Hitting through the line with little foot movement didn't do Banger any harm in his Test career!

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Loyal of Lhasa.
20/04/2009 16:56

... or you in yours either, SP, I would imagine.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:21:11:06:26 by Loyal of Lhasa..

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SheptonPaul
20/04/2009 20:16

You've obviously seen me bat, LoL, though unfortunately it wasn't quite as high as Test level.

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Frome Exile
20/04/2009 17:02

It's lovely to have access to these highlights packages, but if the Club are going to endorse them by providing links and facilities etc, should it be possible for them to insist that the commentator refrain from referring to Craig Kieswetter as "the young Kolpak keeper"?

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Loyal of Lhasa.
20/04/2009 17:20

That jarred with me, too.

The camera angles are not very exciting, but the static position DOES show how many bowlers run straight down the wicket after delivering the ball. Warwickshire's No 81 was especially naughty, but maybe he was in Phil Frost or Langer's employ... in the hope that our bowlers could bowl on a rougher track.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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wsm fan
20/04/2009 20:30

could someone provide a link please?

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Mike TA1
20/04/2009 20:36

If you go to the Somerset web site you will find the links on the news page contained within the stories.

This will give a taster for the forth day. [">www.youtube.com]

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wsm fan
20/04/2009 20:41

oh my mistake, i thought there were highlights of yesterdays FPT game but it appears not, as yet...

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Grockle
17/04/2009 10:51

As the Day One and Two thread is getting a little long I thought we could put anything related to the match, commentary and other things on a new thread which will link into second half match report for this one.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:19:13:53:03 by Grockle.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 13:13

An absolutely splendid morning. Another 200 before tea, please.

The Emperor is Awesome.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Frome Exile
17/04/2009 13:16

Hear! Hear!

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Big Jim
17/04/2009 13:20

And little Justin is not bad either.

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Grockle
17/04/2009 13:31

We're on this afternoon so internet access will be on again so comments will be read out.

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Big Jim
17/04/2009 13:34

Can I advertise my tipping service?

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Frome Exile
17/04/2009 13:43

Looks like Hants will top the table tonight.

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Frome Exile
17/04/2009 13:49

Nixon is from St. Vincent, which is anindependent nation.

Omari was the first Anguillan to playe Test Cricket for the West Indies.

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Frome Exile
17/04/2009 14:02

I told you Grockle.............650 by lunch tomorrow and Omari will spin them out.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 14:29

Quote:

Frome Exile
Looks like Hants will top the table tonight.

and Someset will be on top tomorrow night.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Frome Exile
17/04/2009 14:32

Devon Malcolm to open the bowling for the Bespectacled XI

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bloke
17/04/2009 14:39

Boycott wore glasses when he started out

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 14:48

Thanks for the mention, Grockle, though I think it was our Bloke who firts came up with "Emperor". Earlier today I added the adjective "Awesome", as indeed he did.

The experts and the press may have come to look at Bell, but it is the memory of The Awesome Emperor they will take away with them.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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bloke
17/04/2009 14:49

I just heard an (un-named) commentator say: "Rob Turner was the best batsman/wicket-keeper in the country by an absolute metric mile".

Grockle - could you ask this chap what is a 'metric mile' is please? Think we must be told.

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bloke
17/04/2009 14:50

Quote:

Loyal of Lhasa.
Thanks for the mention, Grockle, though I think it was our Bloke who firts came up with "Emperor".

LoL's right I'm afraid. Some money needs to be in the post.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 14:54

From Grockle to you and not from me, surely. I was immediately honest about it. (but I'll buy you a pint for every Test that The Awesome Emperor plays)

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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bloke
17/04/2009 15:07

Grockle to me I think, but your kind offer is also warmly recieved.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 15:09

He is AWESOME!

I have the bizarre situation of listening to commentary that is several minutes behind actuality as evidenced from Cricinfo.

Grockle: please quietly mention to your mate that those are towers and not spires.

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Exiled Tim
17/04/2009 15:14

What a jolly little forum this has become. Isn't it strange hearing Paul commentating? Are the students going to lose out to the media moguls?

Do the commentators get a biscuit allowance? If not, I'll send some in, but I'll leave the cake baking to Janet.

Has Tractor been heard or mentioned, or both?

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Exiled Tim
17/04/2009 15:17

This 4 day stuff can be quite exciting, but don't tell anyone I said so! Let's keep it to ourselves.

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bloke
17/04/2009 15:43

Quote:

Loyal of Lhasa.
He is AWESOME!
I have the bizarre situation of listening to commentary that is several minutes behind actuality as evidenced from Cricinfo.

Strange that, because my cricinfo is behind Grockle/pal. There must be some strange kind of time-warp thing going on somewhere.

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Grizzers
17/04/2009 15:50

Morning from Aberta chaps. Nice to hear you chortling away re biscuits etc. Blowers would be proud of you !

So how long before we hear 'The Emporer for England' ? do you think ?

Grizzzly

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 15:51

I spent an inordinate time buffering, whatever that means. It hurts a bit and I'll have to ask BJ's [physio to pop round.

Langer really should have retired hurt half an hour again. just not fit enough, these Australian lads, not like burly blokes from Durham.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
17/04/2009 15:58

We also had problems here so you're not alone. Welcome Grizzly - what timeis it in Alberta?

Oh and Mr B - wrong about the weathr dude!!

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 16:02

I was so wrong about the weather that I denied myself the pleasure of watching what has clearly been a quite outstanding innings, the first of many this season one hopes, vindicating all the hopeful things we have been been saying about the AE for the past four or five years.

Could somebody ask Tractor to speak up. I can't hear him at all.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grizzers
17/04/2009 16:04

It's 9.00 a.m. Grockle, so plenty of time to walk the dog before play starts again after tea !

Nice being able to listen on line, as wel as catching up with the video highlights of yesterdays play.

Question: How much of this is superb batting all round, how much is nondescript bowling & how much is it the batting friendly wicket ?

Now that should keep you going until close of play !

Grizzzly

P.S. Contrary to LoL's experience,I didn't have to buffer at all this morning. Just clicked on the arrow & you came through straight away. Maybe MI5 have finally caught up with you LoL ?

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Ronnie Sabre
17/04/2009 16:22

Anyone know what Langer's injury is and if it is "bad"

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Exiled Tim
17/04/2009 16:28

I'm glad for all of you who could get there, that I along with the forecasters, got it wrong.

The commentating has gone downhill since tea, Grockle. It sounds like they have biscuit crumbs stuck in their throats.

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Exiled Tim
17/04/2009 16:31

One of the commentators keeps brushing the mike, making muffled and tapping sounds, which is very irritating.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 16:41

I've been buffering or being buffered ever since tea and still can't pick up anything.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Bobstan
17/04/2009 16:46

Silly old buffer.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
17/04/2009 16:49

... or bufferee perhaps. And now I've got to go out and will miss the rest of today's fun.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Exiled Tim
17/04/2009 17:30

Grockle seems to have finished his biscuits, but appears that the sun has got to his brain. 'thought shower'?

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Exiled Tim
17/04/2009 17:37

Apparently Tractor doesn't get out much!

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Exiled Tim
17/04/2009 17:45

There's much joviality coming from somewhere near to the commentators. Where is the commentary position?

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mr_paulee
17/04/2009 17:59

What is the best site to pick up commentary for Somerset games?

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Bobstan
17/04/2009 18:05

Go to the official Somerset site and follow the links.

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bloke
17/04/2009 19:07

Quote:

mr_paulee
What is the best site to pick up commentary for Somerset games?

Somerset Cricket Commentary

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Frome Exile
17/04/2009 19:22

You don't need to wait for the stream to buffer, LoL.
Simply hit play a second time.

Having said that, though, listening in a Java enabled browser (as per Grizzzly, above: the arrow appears to be only available if one's browser is Java-enabled, whatever that is!) does seem much more reliable than the direct stream.

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Mike TA1
17/04/2009 21:50

Here are two faces to put to the commentary team.



Who is clever enough to say which one is Grockle?

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Mike TA1
17/04/2009 21:54

This is a bit of a worry Justin Langer injured and having to use a runner.

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wsm fan
17/04/2009 22:10

hopefully good night rest and he'll be ok, assume he wont field so fingers crossed he's of for sunday.

if not a week off next week may come at a good time for him.

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Grockle
17/04/2009 22:18

He suffered towards the end but he was more uncomfortable than anything else at the start.

He did bat for most of the lunch to tea session so I think it was a simple muscle strain rather than anything more serious.

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Mike TA1
17/04/2009 22:23

Anyway back to the cricket.

What an entertaining day’s cricket seeing Hildreth playing all the different shots we know he can play.

I can’t remember him playing a false shot. (I expect he did but I can’t remember it).



A leg glance for four.



This shot to bring up his hundred.



And a straight drive for a four..

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Grockle
17/04/2009 22:26

God he was good today!!!

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wsm fan
17/04/2009 22:55

prospect of many more tomorrow too!

lets hope we dont have issue if declaration vs personal records tomorrow, could be tricky

i know i know, speaking too soon...

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Grockle
17/04/2009 23:11

It needs both Warwickhshire and us to agree to go for a result.

What is actually in it for the opposition? They can lose but they really can't win

If they keep us out there they possibly can increase their bonus points while we cannot increase ours

I think the best Justin can get from tomorrow is to have a look at all his batsmen under competitive opposition. He ought to let James get his double ton and then either

Declare and put them in



Give everyone their head and go for big numbers. Craig and Pete T looking to score at 20/20 levels being given their heads could be interesting and James may still see the ball as big as a balloon after some sleep and 15 minutes to get his eye back in. He could do with sometime at the crease

I'd like to see Omari bat to a target of some kind. Ben Phillips can be really difficult in a run rush.

Who knows? 650? Put them in?

Unfortunately I've seen no-one on either side who can make that quick 5 wicket in-road into a side in a single session to break the back of an innings.

Too much to get done really. Bonus points and the draw probably.

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Mike TA1
17/04/2009 23:12

It would be nice to see him get his 200 before declaring.

If personal records did come into it, his highest first class score is 227 out not.

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Mike TA1
17/04/2009 23:34

Here is a Question to remember for the future.

Who was the fist batsman to hit a six well over the Gimblett Wall into the church yard?

Answers on a postcard to ......

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Grockle
17/04/2009 23:38

I was asking this one earlier in my commmentary role. Has nayone beaten Ian Harvey and actually put one over the Ian Botham? Harvey put one off the roof.

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Slow left
17/04/2009 23:42

I saw Ally Brown tee one miles over the ITB a few years ago...

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Grockle
18/04/2009 00:01

Sure it wasn't the River Stand SLC There's been a few of them but it would be a mighty hit to put it 'miles' over the SIBS

It would have to be hit from the OP end and still be rising as it came to the roof. It cewrtainly wouldn't drop into the River that is for sure.

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geordie moonraker
18/04/2009 00:11

Can we possibly be very bold tomorrow. Look for 8 an over for 25 overs which gives us 660 and 70 overs to bowl them out for under 200. We can't lose from here but to bat on at 20/20 pace is the only way we can force a win. If we are all out quickly then we've lost nothing. Go for it!!!

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Big Jim
18/04/2009 00:22

Regardless of what we do I can't see them letting us back in with a sniff,they rightly will want every point they can get and will not contemplate losing.
Great to see not so young James in suvh fantastic form,when he's good he is an amazing player.
The cobwebs have been blown away.
Now it's time to rip this division up.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
18/04/2009 12:17

Just heard about last night's dinner for former players and would love to hear who was there.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Big Jim
18/04/2009 12:33

Will James be breaking any records today,no result possible after all?

I have a few discs here I could do with getting rid of.

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Frome Exile
18/04/2009 12:45

Grockle. While you and Richard are discussing the youngsters, could you ask about whether Lloyd Alley is still around, and whether he is progressing?

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Loyal of Lhasa.
18/04/2009 12:52

5000 first-class runs for Hildreth according to Cricinfo.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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bloke
18/04/2009 12:52

When the Emperor reaches 264, he will have 5,000 first class runs to his name.

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bloke
18/04/2009 12:53

And there he is...

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Big Jim
18/04/2009 13:07

Well done James,this is just the start though we hope.
And well done Craig,a keeper who can bat.
Who'd have thought it?

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Loyal of Lhasa.
18/04/2009 13:51

It's time we groomed some new middle order batsmen, for JH and CK will soon be off to higher things.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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bloke
18/04/2009 14:14

Given that the Emperor now has 300, I can only assume that LoL is at the ground.

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Clarence Parker
18/04/2009 14:18

Congratulations James Hildreth and Craig Kieswetter.

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Clarence Parker
18/04/2009 14:22

Re your comment on Somerset's triple centurions - Wasn't Harold Gimblett English?

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Loyal of Lhasa.
18/04/2009 14:25

This is absolutely outrageous! How dare the Awesome Emperor score a triple century when I am in London, only because the weather forecast was so bad that I chose not to risk four wet days in Taunton.

And then Bloke gets the credit for announcing Hildreth's 5000th run, when I announced it first - AND I gave Bloke credit for also coming up with The Emperor.

Massive congratulations to the two heroes of today (so far) and has there ever been a first class innings when three former pupils of the same school have scored 491 between them?

Now let's win this one, by 5.15.

I've just heard a very unfortunate announcement that JH is the first Englishman to score a triple century for Somerset. There is a certain eponymous hero of a hill at the ground who once scored 310 at Eastbourne.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Loyal of Lhasa.
18/04/2009 14:36

Thanks Grockle. I'm really enjoying these conversations in which we write and you talk and then we write again and so on.

All so much more rewarding than the time when I was in a hotel room in Beijing listening to you blowing my secret service cover and I had no right of instant reply. The world has n been a more dangerous place ever since ...

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Demon of Frome
18/04/2009 14:39

Grockle

Re your query on Scott Boswell:

Boswell currently coaches Stoughton and Thurnby in the Leicestershire Premier League and plays for Kibworth. He also coaches at Loughborough University and started his teaching career at the Beauchamp College, in Oadby, Leicestershire, where he also coached the school's cricket teams and the sixth form rugby team. He is currently the Director of Cricket at Nottingham High School.

Scott recently made his return to Lord's as a player, fielding for several overs as twelfth man during Kibworth Cricket Club's rain-abandoned 2008 Cockspur Cup final match.

NB This does come from Wikipedia but it seems authentic.

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bloke
18/04/2009 14:42

enjoyed 'that game', played apple cricket in the garden afterwards..



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:18:14:49:40 by bloke.

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Eric Cole
18/04/2009 15:02

Hello Paul,

Very much enjoying the commentary this afternoon,the two of you are excellent entertainment together. I just wish I could have been there yesterday & today to see Somerset's magnificent innings.

Thanks for the recent mention, when you talked about the baseball. For info I am COLE not COLES!!

Reception loud & clear by the way.

Cheers,

Eric.

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Frome Exile
18/04/2009 15:02

Sorry Julian; but I was at Antigua between April 10th and 14th 2004 when Lara made his 400. He got there on the 12th.
I know this reliably, as I got married in Antigua the day after the game!

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Loyal of Lhasa.
18/04/2009 15:06

... had the honeymoon first, then?

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Clarence Parker
18/04/2009 15:15

Grockle, why don't you inform your co - commentator (Julian) that Steffan Jones is going to Kent on loan?

He's just said that he couldn't imagine any Somerset player wanting to leave the club to play for another on loan.

How strange. I think that you should put him right.

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Big Jim
18/04/2009 15:30

Fantastic innings from not so young James,an amazing feat.
If I offer the Warwickshire lads some nice leather jackets if they lose do you think they'll oblige?

They are nice mind.
All sizes available too.
I got them off some Irish bloke playing twenty quid turnovers.
You should see his wife.
I didn't realise she was part of the bet too.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
18/04/2009 15:38

FE is right as ever. Wisden confirms that Lara reached his 400 on 12th April 2004.

18th April 1995 was indeed the date when Lara reached 375.

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:18:15:42:06 by Loyal of Lhasa..

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Big Jim
18/04/2009 15:50

Stat geek.

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Grizzers
18/04/2009 16:12

Magnificent performance Hilders & Kiewswetter !

Bodes well for our batting point accumulations this year !

Whatever the ease of the pitch & any benign bowling that may have featured, to score 300+ must have been a fantastic feat of concentration, skill & endurance.

Tremendous.

Grizzzly

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geordie moonraker
18/04/2009 16:42

Now that MT is bowling does that mean that JL is off with his back or is he still fielding and therefore captaining. I can't remember Mt getting a bowl at all last season, although the memory is not waht it was.

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mdgb-vienna
18/04/2009 17:01

MT's only Test Wicket was Imran Nazir c Giles b Trescothick 20 - in Karachi in Dec 2000

[content.cricinfo.com]

Greetings from Vienna!

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Big Jim
18/04/2009 17:05

Great song that,Vienna.
Ultravox of course.
Which sounds like a washing powder.
But isn't.

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Loyal of Lhasa.
18/04/2009 17:07

Thanks ever so, Grockles, and congratulations on doing an extra job. Can you arrange for Hildreth to score a triple century every time you're on the air, please?

LoL

Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Grockle
18/04/2009 18:51

Thanks everyone especially Vienna! I'll send it to Richard so he can get his stats up to date for next time.

The interaction is great from both points of view LoL. Pity we didn't get stable internet access until later on in the session.

I'll try and get james to do it again. wasn't that cool for the first time out?

Sorry Eric about the surname I'll get it right next time. Hope to work with you again - we have the levels sorted a little more now I think.

Now I need to do all the work I haven't done yet.

Report for Day 3 and 4 to come.

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Frome Exile
18/04/2009 20:33

Couldn't keep the contributions coming this afternoon, as I decided to paint the living room, and Quick-Dry Satin and computer keyboards don't mix. But it was most enjoyable.....and "the Missus" enjoyed it too, Grockle!

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Mike TA1
18/04/2009 20:37

Kieswetter getting a hug from Hildreth for his 150

The fielder is thinking we don’t go in for this hugging in Warwickshire.



Then he thinks I’ve seen enough of that I’m off.

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Big Jim
18/04/2009 20:42

He's not the only one.
Put him down for Evans sake.

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RadstockRob
18/04/2009 20:52

Who'd be stupid enough to hug a bear Mike?

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Mike TA1
18/04/2009 21:09

This shot pasted Hildreth’s previous best of 227




This gave him his 300.

I believe if you put 50 photos on a page of Hildreth batting, you wouldn’t see two of the same shot played.





It wasn’t all Hildreth, Kieswetter joined in on the act with batting like this to bring up his 100.

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Grockle
18/04/2009 21:17

He tried that shot to get him to 100 Mike but got it wrong and mishit it for 2. He then produced the right one next ball!!

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Mike TA1
18/04/2009 21:23

It’s right what they say Grockle the picture don’t always tell the complete story.

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Grockle
18/04/2009 21:25

Looks good though dun't it?

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Mike TA1
18/04/2009 21:29

It certainly did.

If it wasn’t so cold (I was wearing gloves) I would have enjoy it even more.

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Will the Exile
19/04/2009 09:33

Well I thought we done all right. Fantastic batting performances by the youngsters. Lots of records. And we got more points than they did. We seem to be 2nd in the table only a few points behind Hants who won.

Well done to the commentarry team. It looks like I'll be working dilligently at my computer all summer. The broadcasting team did a very proffesional job and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you all. Very impressed how you can keep it up all day. Well done.

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Grockle
19/04/2009 10:13

We just open our gobs and the stuff pours out Will!!! Now what you say about that is up to you

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