By Farmer White et al
April 17 2022

A special day for our Somerset Player of 2021 in his first 4 day game back. In the interview at the end of Day 2 he suggested that there was more to come on Day 3 but I doubt many of us expected the reality of it. Farmer White wrote the final day report because of the special nature of it and we are printing it ahead of the rest for the same reason.   Read it and enjoy.  Then go and find the video summmary on YouTube and watch the visuals as well.  It was special.

County Championship 2022. Division 1. Somerset v Essex. 14th, 15th and 16th April 2022. Taunton.

The following were unavailable for selection by Somerset through injury. Tom Banton, George Bartlett, Josh Davey and Sonny Baker, the last of whom will be unavailable for the immediate future. Matthew Renshaw has joined the squad, Craig Overton and Jack Leach have been approved to play by the ECB and Lewis Gregory and Jack Brooks have recovered from illness.

Somerset. B.G.F. Green, T.A. Lammonby, M.T. Renshaw, J.C. Hildreth, T.B. Abell (c), L.P. Goldsworthy, S.M. Davies (w), L. Gregory, C. Overton, P.M. Siddle, J. Leach.

Essex. N.L.J. Browne, Sir A.N. Cook, T. Westley, D.W. Lawrence, A.M. Rossington, M.J.J. Critchley, A.J.A. Wheater, S.R. Harmer, S. Snater, M.T. Steketee, S.J. Cook.

Overnight. Somerset 109 and 154.  Essex 180 and 3 for 1. Essex need 81 more runs to win with nine second innings wickets standing.

Final day 16th April – Overton – a force of nature

The crowd was larger than might be expected for a final day with a foregone conclusion, namely a Somerset defeat, and little more than an hour’s play in prospect on a warm and sunny Bank Holiday Saturday. A rough count suggested in the region of 500 well spread around the ground, perhaps a few more. “You never know,” someone said as I climbed the stairs to the top of the Trescothick Pavilion. “You don’t,” I replied, “especially with Somerset!” After all, Somerset cricket is so much easier to understand if you expect the unexpected. Not that Craig Overton uprooting Sam Cook’s off stump with the second ball of the morning was entirely unexpected. Overton is a force of nature with the ball, and his first ball had flown off the edge of Alistair Cook’s bat like the proverbial bat out of hell, fallen short of slip and run down to third man in front of the Colin Atkinson Pavilion for a single.  

Peter Siddle played 67 Tests for Australia, four seasons for Essex and opened the bowling opposite Overton. He had bowled in Essex’s first innings with all the accuracy and threat suggested by such a record. Siddle is not an explosive bowler in the Overton mould, but his bustling run and pacey accuracy present a constant threat. His second ball was tightly angled in at Cook from around the wicket demanding to be played. The bat came to meet it, but only far enough for the edge to send the ball straight into Steven Davies’ gloves. This time it was the crowd that exploded, they cheered beyond anything that might reasonably have been expected from 500 people.

Three balls later, from over the wicket at the right-handed Dan Lawrence, the ball was again angled in, perfectly threatening the off stump. Again it found the edge, thicker this time, for the ball flew low and wide of Overton at third slip. Overton dived long, low and slightly forward to intercept the ball just as it was about to make contact with the grass. The scoreboard read 4 for 4, and the crowd erupted again into extended cheering and applause. The applause returned at the end of the over as Siddle made his way back to the boundary. The applause finally subsided into an animated buzz as people tried to believe the evidence of their eyes as they looked at a score most had probably never before seen on a first-class scoreboard.

While the crowd tried to come to terms with the score, Overton, no respite for Essex, raced in at Adam Wheater and let forth a resounding appeal as the ball thudded into the pads. “Craig O!” shouted Abell, but the umpire remained motionless, and half raised arms in the crowd fell back on knees. An edge short of third slip brought gasps. More followed as Siddle sent a ball rocketing past the edge of Matthew Critchley’s bat. When Wheater drove Overton through the on side to the Ondaatje Stand and Critchley drove Siddle through the off to the benches at The Gimblett Levels Abell responded by clapping his encouragement followed by, “Come on lads!” The score was 15 for 4 but those two well-struck fours had brought home to the anxious Somerset soul the razor thin margins on which the Somerset bowlers were trading, for the runs required on the scoreboard had fallen into the 60s and the buzz in the crowd fell a notch with it.

The buzz was re-ignited by applause when Overton beat Critchley twice in an over and Siddle cut a ball in so much to hit Wheater on the thigh pad the deviation was visible from the Ondaatje End of the top of the Trescothick Pavilion. “Let’s get number five boys,” demanded Abell to a chorus of encouragement from all around the field. “Bang, bang, bang lads,” someone from the inner ring shouted as Gregory took over from Siddle at the river End and the score moved into the 20s. The anxiety at the paucity of the total Somerset had to defend began to impinge on the mind again as Essex began to nudge the ball into the gaps, the score reached 27 for 4 and the runs required fell into the 50s.

Then Critchley tried to accelerate. Overton, in his seventh over of the morning from the Trescothick Pavilion End bowled a ball of perfect length for the drive, but perhaps a foot and a half wide of off stump. Critchley reached, drove and edged the ball into his off stump which was left flat on the ground. What a cheer erupted then, for now there was a chance for Somerset. Five wickets down for 27. Five wickets standing with 57 still needed. Three balls later Westley, who had come in at the fall of Sam Cook, seemingly an aeon ago, tried to keep out a ball threatening his off stump and edged it straight to Davies. The roar this time was volcanic and Overton, arm held aloft, raced in celebration, almost to the Garner Gates boundary pursued by the rest of the Somerset team until they engulfed him. Faces in the crowd were wreathed in smiles as they looked at one another wondering, wondering if this was really possible. The score was 28 for 6. The runs required 56. The applause for Overton was as intense as I have heard for a bowler at the end of an over as the looks in the faces told of hope.

“Wheater can be dangerous,” I said to the man in front of me. “He is liable to try to hit Essex out of this. With this target, it wouldn’t take much.” “Harmer too,” he replied. Adam Rossington, who had replaced Critchley as the revolving door on the Essex dressing room had creaked around another turn, edged Gregory onto his foot, “Ohh!” the reaction from the top of the Trescothick Pavilion. “C’mon, c’mon,” urged Abell as the crowd fell silent for Gregory’s next ball. True to form, Wheater cut hard, the ball flew chest high directly through where fourth slip would have stood, but there were only three. With such a small target Somerset could not afford to be without a third man as well as a fine leg. The ball evaded fine leg anyway and crossed the rope below me. A maiden followed from Overton as the Somerset fielding was as tight as the bowling and the clenched toes in the crowd, Lewis Goldsworthy neatly stopping a Rossington cut at point to applause. Gregory took up the ball. “Number seven here. C’mon,” someone shouted. Overton ran to speak with Gregory. Wheater took a single from a thick edge to third man, then Gregory beat Rossington before Rossington edged to third man for another single, every edge and every run plucking at the Somerset nerve ends.

Essex were 35 for 6, 49 short of their target. Overton though had bowled eight successive overs of sheer pace and aggression and even the best needs must rest. Abell would also need to get through the Essex innings with just his three main pace bowlers, the Essex target was too low to risk anything less. Siddle came back to replace Overton. Twice in an over he beat Wheater to gasps from the crowd. Gregory was visibly moving the ball and beating the bat, but he was slightly more expensive than Siddle and Overton, Wheater and Rossington both driving him for four. With the score on 54 for 6 and just 30 needed Abell called upon Overton to replace Gregory at the River End. It was a huge ask so soon after that extended, destructive opening spell. Before the over was out, Wheater had been struck on the pad and was walking back to the Caddick Pavilion to extended applause for Overton, for this was a bowling performance of Herculean proportions and da Vincian skill. Essex were 57 for 7 with still 24 runs needed.

Rossington had scored 13 in 12 overs at the wicket during which he had been repeatedly beaten, played and missed an rapped on the pads. Now, with the target in sight and wickets running out he went on the attack. He took seven runs from an over from the miserly Siddle, but lost Harmer to a leg before wicket appeal in the midst of it. Essex were 65 for 8 with 19 needed. The Somerset bowlers were now receiving applause at the top of their run, as well as after beating the bat, as the crowd tried to lift them. Even from the top of the Trescothick Pavilion tiredness could be detected in the faces and bodies of Siddle and Overton, but still they drove themselves on, accelerating as much as they had at the start of play as their runs approached the crease. If human endeavour could shift Essex it seemed Overton and Siddle intended that it should.

Shane Snater had joined Rossington and, like the Somerset bowlers, neither took a backward step. The singles began to come from pushes through the gaps. Rossington cut Overton through backward point to the Ondaatje boundary for four. Snater pulled him, the ball took the top edge and looped to backward point, the point fielder unable to make enough ground to catch the ball or prevent two runs, the crowd emitting a mixture of gasps and groans as he ran. Now, just ten runs were needed. Snater top edged Siddle to third man for a single and Rossington drove him towards Gimblett’s Hill for two as Essex made a dash for the line. Seven needed.

As Overton went to the top of his run the crowd applauded with a rising rhythm, willing him on. Snater swung the bat, the ball flew over mid-on and crossed the Colin Atkinson boundary. Three needed. A thick edge to fine leg. Two needed. “Keep going boys,” urged Abell. “C’mon lads!” someone added. More applause. Shouts of, “Craig O!” Rossington steered to third man to bring the scores level and keep the strike. One run. Two wickets. Siddle bowled three balls to Rossington who could not pierce the one-saving field. “Get number eleven out here boys,” demanded Abell. Again, Rossington could not score. Applause. Two more balls held him back.

Another over from the mesmeric Overton. Snater facing. Kept out. A play and a miss. Short. Hook. Top edge. The ball steeples towards the heavens, drifts towards Lammonby at mid-off. Lammonby lines it up. Adjusts position. Re-adjusts. Waits. Waits. Not a breath taken anywhere in the ground. Thunderous silence. Lammonby’s hands take the ball. The ground erupts. People on their feet applauding over their heads. Overton celebrating. Abell has his number eleven at the wicket. Mark Steketee. Overton bowls. Played to the fielder. Left. Overton bowls the final ball of the over. Cuts in sharply, hits the pad, no appeal, runs towards square leg and Rossington runs hard for the single, his bat crossing the crease as the incoming ball flies by the stumps. Overton drops to his knees, head touching the ground. Over.

Overton bowled 12 of the 30 overs bowled in the morning, all but three of the overs at his end, and all bowled with searing intensity and destructive intent. It took Somerset within one ball of a victory which should never have even been a proposition at the start of the final day. It was a Herculean effort that should go down as one of the great feats of Somerset bowling history. A force of nature indeed. Peter Siddle too, at the age of 37, bowled eleven overs of fierce accuracy, taking three key wickets and holding back the Essex score to give Overton time at the other end. In the end it was a defeat but ask anyone who was there. Not one I will wager would have missed it. And none will ever forget it. Either the morning of cricket or that force of nature performance by Craig Overton, Somerset’s Hercules.

Result. Somerset 109 (T.A. Lammonby 48, S.R. Harmer 3-14, S.J. Cook 3-17, M.T. Steketee 3-47) and 154 (S.M. Davies 51, M.T. Renshaw 45, S. Snater 6-36). Essex 180 (A.N. Cook 59, C. Overton 7-57) and 84 for 9 (C. Overton 6-30, P.M. Siddle 3-25. Essex won by one wicket. Essex 19 points. Somerset 3 points.

Craig Overton’s first innings bowling analysis of 25-6-57-7 were his career-best bowling analysis. His match analysis of 38-9-87-13 were also his career-best match analysis and the first occasion on which he had taken ten or more wickets in a match.

Day 1 and Day 2 will be found on Farmer's own website www.farmerwhite.co.uk later on this week I am sure.  But this needed to be here NOW

Craig Overton A force of Nature - Essex Championship Day 3

Discussion started by Grockles.com , 17/04/2022 21:58

Grockles.com
17/04/2022 21:58

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:22:11:28:32 by Grockle.

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Grockle
10/04/2022 10:29

May as well start this early as news for Thursday would appear on the Hampshire thread anyway.

Renshaw in early in the week (thanks wsm) Josh taking wickets in the 2nds game. Craig & Jack? Who knows? Bartlett & Brooks over Covid? Banton not available I'd assume.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:17:07:39:39 by Grockle.

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Devonboy70
10/04/2022 15:49

I do hope we do have some changes in the line up . Let’s face it the collective sum of everyone’s contribution was very little to enthuse about against Hampshire. I accept there were a couple of notable exceptions in individual innings.

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AGod
10/04/2022 17:05

I thought Bartlett had dislocated his shoulder rather than caught COVID.

Lewis Gregory was Ill so maybe he caught Covid along with Brooks (if that was what Brooks had).

If George dislocated his shoulder then I doubt he will be able to come straight back.

I think Renshaw will be the only addition to the top six. Personally, I’d retain Green over Goldsworthy - in part because the former’s bowling is probably more likely to be of use than the latter’s.

I’d leave Green to open with Renshaw, preserving a RHB/LHB combo. This won’t be what management will do, though.

If I were picking the team then assuming the England pair can return and that they Renshaw and Gregory are available for selection, then I’d go with: (I doubt Davey will be considered fully fit just yet)

Renshaw
Green
Abell
Hildreth
Lammonby
Davies
Gregory
Overton
Siddle
Leach
Leonard

Even if well, I don’t really think Brooks will add much and would rather give Leonard another look if Josh D is not fit.

On paper the above team ought to be capable of competing with Essex. But we must start fast to try and get an immediate boost to confidence. If the first session, let alone day, goes against us then I really would fear for us.

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Ramblingsid
10/04/2022 18:02

Well I thought the effort against Hampshire was pathetic, comparable to the last few games of last season. I had persuaded myself that we were over that but obviously not. I m already beginning to think my decision to get a season ticket for this season was misplaced.

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hantssabre
10/04/2022 18:32

Well after the first round of matches at least we aren’t bottom of the table. Lancashire and Yorkshire are beneath us as they haven’t played a match yet!

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hantssabre
10/04/2022 19:01

Does the 8 points for a draw this season mean we are going to see a lot of high scoring bore draws this season (except when Somerset are playing) like most of the games in both divisions this round?

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AGod
10/04/2022 19:58

Probably.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we try to produce a road Vs Essex in a bid to avoid yet another defeat.

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Loyal of Lhasa
10/04/2022 20:25

... a "road"? Surely, Essex will make an official complaint...

LoL

Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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AGod
10/04/2022 20:28

Very good, LoL!

And such a complaint would be in keeping with their usual hypocrisy! After all, they just played Kent on just such a millpond…. So a complaint about an opponent producing a flat pitch would be very much at one with their having complained about our pitch “being unfit,” when it is they that are annually assessed by the umpires as producing the worst pitches in the land!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:10:21:17:10 by AGod.

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Somerset LaLaLa
10/04/2022 22:43

6 of the 8 matches ended in draws, not the best entertainment but that is where we need to go against Essex. Notts, who are looking good, the other victors against Sussex. Fortunately we won't have to play them.

Last season we won 4, drew 5 and lost 5. Apart from Hants away, our other wins were against Leics and Middlesex twice of Division 2 ilk. In fact I don't think we've won for almost a year

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Grockle
10/04/2022 23:54

Thought Brooks & Bartlett were out for the same thing then I remembered the post ablut ore match footy. Brooksy was out with Covid.

If he's here they have to put Renshaw in. Josh is OK in his seconds stint as far as I know. If Renshaw goes into the top 5 then Green or Lammonby or Abell move and there is no place for Goldsworthy unless Jack is back and we don't need RvdM to bowl where there may be a shot unless Gregory is back. If Leach plays so does Overton.

So we await the decisions of the person who decides these things for the ECB. It won't matter against Essex. The ECB would rather neither county got points.

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Scrumper
11/04/2022 00:42

The ECB know where you live.

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hantssabre
11/04/2022 07:11

Another bugbear of mine is why didn’t all teams play in this first round of games? With both Divisions having an even number of teams there was no logical reason why Lancashire and Yorkshire should sit out the first round of matches. With round 2 this week, we are one fixture light in both Divisions 1 and 2 which seems ridiculous as these matches span the Easter holidays. The first full round where every team plays isn’t until 21st April. I’m sure the ECB will have a perfectly good reason why but I’m afraid I’m yet to work it out!

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Grockle
11/04/2022 08:05

Quote:

Scrumper
The ECB know where you live.

They do but they still insist on sending important mail late to the County Ground.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:11:08:08:33 by Grockle.

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Grizzers
12/04/2022 02:20

Simon Harmer reportedly en-route to Taunton to play on Thursday.

(Not a late April fool unfortunately).

Grizzers

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RadstockRob
12/04/2022 13:19

George Bartlett and Josh Davey both playing for 2nd X1 today v Surrey who are captained by Jamie Overton,

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AGod
12/04/2022 13:33

Okay, a quick recovery for George, then.

I’d already assumed that they’d want Davey to get more bowling in before any first team return. I guess if he gets a decent bowl today with no adverse effects then he could still be withdrawn from that fixture and summoned to Taunton. If Overton, Gregory and Siddle are all available, though, then it probably makes more sense to play it safe with Josh.

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AGod
12/04/2022 13:42

I see MDL has also been sent to play in that seconds fixture.

Somerset coasting along, to judge from the scorecard. No wkts down at lunch.

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Grockle
12/04/2022 15:08

will welcome Josh back at any time as long as he is FULLY fit when he plays first team cricket again.

George is probably just outside the equation but if Banton is still out he is still in with a chance against Goldsworthy as the extra batsman.

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Grizzers
12/04/2022 16:51

I see Rew got a ton & Smeed an unbeaten 51, so well done to them.

Bartlett out cheaply however.

Grizzers

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AGod
12/04/2022 18:43

Surprised to see Jamie Overton batting as high as number four. And looks like Ollie Sale was glad to see him!

Early wickets for Davey and Leonard although if Jamie is at four, one wonders about the strength of the Surrey batting line-up,

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Grockle
12/04/2022 22:07

They like his batting far more than his bowling

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AGod
13/04/2022 09:25

The manner of his dismissal may prompt a reassessment of any such faith. One of the poorer dismissals you’ll ever see and the player knew it, punching his own bat in anger.

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Grockle
13/04/2022 11:35

I believe he can be a particularly useful backend batsman in an innings, especoally in short ball games. He is no technician but he connects regularly and knows which end to hold.

An Overton partnership with the bat was never ever dull.

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AGod
13/04/2022 12:34

Josh is making fairly short work of Surrey, anyway as he - presumably - moves towards being fully fit.

The timing of his recovery may not be ideal for him, though, for our next game after Essex is on the road (in both senses of this expression) at the pace bowler’s graveyard that is the Oval.

Who knows, perhaps Josh may yet be in the squad for Essex, though?

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Roger ivanhoe
13/04/2022 14:03

TEAM NEWS
Somerset welcome back Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Lewis Gregory and Jack Brooks, whilst Matt Renshaw is also available for the first time this season. However, Tom Banton (finger), Josh Davey (groin), George Bartlett (shoulder) and Sonny Baker (back) are still ruled out.

The 13-man Somerset squad for this match is: Tom Abell (c), Kasey Aldridge, Jack Brooks, Steve Davies, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ben Green, Lewis Gregory, James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Matt Renshaw and Peter Siddle.

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hantssabre
13/04/2022 14:52

I see Harmer has made the Essex squad

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Grockle
13/04/2022 16:55

All the guys not there have very good reasons not to be in a long season. Probably all good decisoons though a shame again for Tom Banton just as he seemed to be getting grips with his red ball game.

So... on the basis of that squad the certainties have to be;

Renshaw - will he open?
Abell three or five?
Hildreth four
Davies six
Gregory seven
Overton eight
Leach nine
Siddle ten

Ben Green bowled well but will he lose that opening spot?
I am assuming Lammonby will keep his
Don't think we can afford Lewis Goldsworthy
So... Brooks or Aldridge? Think they will go Brooks though Kasey was mentioned at the Press Conference.
No Ned Leonard? Are they using him sparingly? Hope he hasn't picked up an injury.

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Railboy
13/04/2022 17:20

So what do Rew and Smeed have to do to at least get a mention in dispatches?

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AGod
13/04/2022 17:34

Ned is playing in the seconds, Grockle. For reasons that I don’t really get, it seems that the powers-that-be have Aldridge slightly ahead of him.

Meantime, Sonny Baker has been given the green light to start rehab after his injury.

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Grockle
13/04/2022 19:06

Think they see Smeed as a white ball prospect this year. If Steve Davies doesn't perform he may find himself there as well. Rew strikes me as a gloveman who is better than Tom but is he in the vetran's class yet? Anyone not battinh well must be looking over their shoulders because 2 are just waiting for the chance!!

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dilly
13/04/2022 19:36

The Canal Road carpark is now closed so goodness knows where everybody will park. Canon Street park will soon overflow and there will be chaos in Canal Road with cars trying to turn round.
Pretty chaotic inside the ground too at certain times as the Club have reintroduced the stupid practice of members having to swipe-out as well as in.

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Grockle
13/04/2022 19:42

Why have they closed the car park - it was a perfect place to put a car close to the ground with the walk across the bridge. Probably going to build houses on the space so there'lll be more people and less space. Think I'll use the bus!!

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AGod
13/04/2022 20:22

I see Somerset’s highest ever score Vs Essex is less than 500.

It must be quite unusual for a highest ever total between one county and another to be below 500?

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That Bloke With The Dog
13/04/2022 22:30

I'd guess the inevitable queues to swipe out and back in again are deliberately intended to be annoying. The idea is to keep us trapped in the ground, and forced to use Gordon Hollins' cashless New Normal feeding units.

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Grizzers
13/04/2022 23:29

I’d happily settle for 499 in our first innings AG !

Grizzers

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Devonboy70
14/04/2022 00:24

Odds on Renshaw will top score in our first innings and once again we will fail to get a batting point . I have more faith in our bowling line up this time than against Hants .

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Scrumper
14/04/2022 00:46

I expect we'll be 5-70 and recover to around 250.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 07:49

Grey and from thr battlements of Bicknoller Towers. Might be a bowling morning.

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Botham
14/04/2022 09:00

Having tested Covid positive from day one of the new season, I am delighted that we have a live feed even though the first four days were to be quickly forgotten.

Good news that James Rew has been awarded an extended contract, but disappointing that he doesn’t replace Steve Davies.

The sun seems to have escaped Dorset in recent days and hopefully it will shine at Taunton.

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Roger ivanhoe
14/04/2022 09:13

Well the digital scorecard arrived in my emails, will be interesting to see if it updates with team changes ans daily updates.
Current squad as shown.

1. Ben Green (54)
2. Tom Lammonby (15)
3. Matt Renshaw (77)
4. Tom Abell (28)
5. James Hildreth (25)
6. Lewis Goldsworthy (44)
7. Steve Davies (11)
8. Lewis Gregory (24)
9. Craig Overton (7)
10. Peter Siddle (64)
11. Jack Leach (17)
12. Kasey Aldridge (5)

ESSEX
1. Alistair Cook (26)
2. Nick Browne (10)
3. Tom Westley (21)
4. Dan Lawrence (28)
5. Adam Rossington
6. Matt Critchley (20)
7. Adam Wheater (31)
8. Simon Harmer (11)
9. Mark Steketee
10. Sam Cook (16)
11. Jamie Porter (44)
12. Michael Pepper (19)

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Mike TA1
14/04/2022 09:38

Thanks Roger, that is useful to me, I have just printed that off.

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Railboy
14/04/2022 10:23

Is it confirmed that the Canal Road car park is closed. I thought the very reason for moving the vaccination centre was to reopen it for cricket parking. There is no chance that the Canon Street car park can accommodate the extra traffic of match day.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 10:39

Essex won the toss and will bowl. Somerset announced as the side above this. Sun breaking through

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Whome
14/04/2022 10:39

The wicket is hardly discernible from outfield, very green and we have been put in.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 10:59

Yep it's in the middle at the end of the Botham at the CA end and pretty green one has to admit.

Fun fun fun fun. But at least most of the mist has burned off.

Hamer is playing

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 11:02

Looking a tad green out there today, it could be an eventful morning.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 11:02

Sam Cook opening from the MT end. Tom Lammonby facing





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:11:08:26 by Grockle.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 11:04

Sorry Tom L facing! Far too interested in my bacon sandwich to take any notce of the right factual info in front of me!!

Mark Steketee starting from the River End





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:11:10:06 by Grockle.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 11:23

Drive and a miss and we're 1 down for 15.

Leave the wide half thingies outside off Ben!!





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:11:25:15 by Grockle.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 11:38

Matt Renshaw bowled by Cook and James Hildreth in at number 4 before the 10th over once more.......

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 11:38

Very difficult batting out there this morning, Cook has looked unplayable at times.

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Botham
14/04/2022 11:42

Quote:

Owain Glyndwr
Very difficult batting out there this morning, Cook has looked unplayable at times.

The live feed shows just how good the bowling is, you’ve still got to put the ball in the right place and I like think we would do the same. 😉

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Grockle
14/04/2022 12:08

Another headband wearing bowler - the Brooksey/Sale fashion statement by Mr Snater!!

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AGod
14/04/2022 12:11

Looks like the usual top six story, then, thus far.

I thought we’d go with a flat track but it seems we went green top and hope for luck with the toss?

We’d better hope this isn’t one of those start green and then get better and better for batting on tracks because, if it is? We’’d already be in a big hole.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 12:11

And Tom, batting at 5 is STILL in before lunch 32 for 3 by 12:10

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Grockle
14/04/2022 12:14

The question in the press box is

"If we are going to provide a green top for the first game then why did we play all the friendlies on a brown well used wicket?"

No idea from this seat.

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hantssabre
14/04/2022 12:15

Why do the stream commentators commentate pretty much ball by ball as though it’s on the radio. Don’t they realise we can see what they are describing!

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AGod
14/04/2022 12:27

Yes, indeed, Grockle. Some flat brown things may have given some batsmen false reassurance in pre season.

Lammonby dropped now.

We can only pray this track retains most / all of its moisture throughout the Essex innings.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:12:30:14 by AGod.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 12:32

Cook back on and immediately unplayable by our skipper 49 for 4 with half an hour before lunch on Day 1

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AGod
14/04/2022 12:34

A poor dismissal from Abell.

We’ll have to bowl very well or this will be another abject defeat in pretty quick time.

Before we bowl then, as Stephen says, the lower order will - as is almost always the case - have to bail out our inept top six (inept being my word, not Stephen’s)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:12:53:00 by AGod.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 12:36

oh dear

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 12:40

50 up, we're on our way.

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Hayseed
14/04/2022 12:47

Ben Green will be unplayable on this.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 12:48

Quote:

Owain Glyndwr
50 up, we're on our way.

".... to nowhere come on inside. Taking that ride to nowhere We'll take that ride."





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:12:57:19 by Grockle.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 13:07

Lunch without further loss.

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 13:19

Quote:

Grockle

Quote:

Owain Glyndwr
50 up, we're on our way.

".... to nowhere come on inside. Taking that ride to nowhere We'll take that ride."

Sums the morning up perfectly

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Botham
14/04/2022 13:25

Quote:

Grockle
The question in the press box is
"If we are going to provide a green top for the first game then why did we play all the friendlies on a brown well used wicket?"

No idea from this seat.

A question I have also asked before, especially when they do their preseason trip to admittedly beautiful weather, but it doesn’t plan for our pitches.

Also, I know we were desperate to play Renshaw, but you have to wonder if such a long flight would’ve left him being ideally prepared. Perhaps more net practice would’ve helped.

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Whome
14/04/2022 13:29

It’s not just the cricket that’s on the slide, seats are not in place, scoreboard not working, all winter to play around with Gimblett Hill and then start work as soon as season starts, membership packs late arriving and to cap it all that dirty old rag of a sight screen is a disgrace.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 13:38

All identified in a lunchtime conversation I have just had with someone else here. This is not looking like a first division ground ready for a new season. The impression is not good and then the cricket could be better on top of it.... not the way to keep your membership one would suggest.

Will it look the same by the Vitality? Do members of our management have the same view as their ECB counterparts that the 'reaL' season has not started yet so there's no real hurry.

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 13:41

I agree about the sightscreen Whome - I think we at least had better sheets there in the 70s.

Matt Renshaw sat in the Stragglers after he was out, looking fed up - or possibly jetlagged.

Looks tough out there - we’re facing another quality Div One bowling unit, and we’ve not seen Harmer yet - on a green top. Full credit to Lammonby for battling it out. But, long term, does anyone really think Ben and Tom are CC opening batsmen? I still contend, as I gave for a few years, that we have a team full of batsmen suited to bat in positions 4-8, Bartlett being the only obvious exception.

Well done Scrumper on your 70-5 prediction - I hope the 250 is correct too.

SP, reporting from the Stragglers on my first visit to the ground in 3 years. Great to be here, even if I can’t do a full perambulation of the ground.

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Mike K
14/04/2022 13:42

It looks like the benches from Gimblett Hill have been moved next to the only working scoreboard on the opposite side of the ground

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 13:43

…and it took ages to get in - queued to get in paying on the gate - no card machines!

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Grockle
14/04/2022 13:46

From what I understand SOME of the Gimblett benches are there - others have been moved to Taunton Vale I believe because there will not be a need for as many on the Hill when the work has been completed. No info on how decisions were made on which went where - I know there was some concern about Pat's (the old barman of the Straggler's for the uninitiated) bench being kept on the ground but I have no idea how that has ended up either.

Awful shot from Steve Davies at a time when all we needed him to do was STAY THERE!!





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:13:50:27 by Grockle.

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AGod
14/04/2022 13:50

Poor from Davies.

Really poor.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 13:53

You are always going to be on a hiding to nothing when you gift at least 3 wickets to a side contending for the title.

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Hayseed
14/04/2022 13:57

A lazy waft at at a ball he could have left. Not what you want at 70 for 5...

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Grockle
14/04/2022 14:00

Not the only 'lazy waft' we have seen today I'm afraid.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 14:00

Not the only 'lazy waft' we have seen today I'm afraid.

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AGod
14/04/2022 14:03

Lammonby dropped again.

He simply must go on to a decent score, now.

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RadstockRob
14/04/2022 14:07

BBC given a box at ground level at cow corner.
As Anthony has just said there's no view of the Quantocks.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 14:08

Tom L is on his third life.....

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Grockle
14/04/2022 14:19

Harmer strikes 79 for 7

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 14:19

Gregory gone, time for a bit of the agricultural stuff

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AGod
14/04/2022 14:22

Not remotely good enough for the sixth successive match, with the bat, and the twelfth successive innings (the second innings at the Oval, last July, was also hopeless and was the first in this specific sequence).

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Botham
14/04/2022 14:31

Quote:

RadstockRob
BBC given a box at ground level at cow corner.
As Anthony has just said there's no view of the Quantocks.

I can’t find the BBC commentary. Please could you point me in the right direction and then maybe I can watch YouTube and listen to the radio commentary.

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hantssabre
14/04/2022 14:37

It’s on the cricket page of the BBC website

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Grockle
14/04/2022 14:38

Craig bowled

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Mike K
14/04/2022 14:40

At least they made 3 figures

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Mike K
14/04/2022 14:42

What a shame Tom was starting to look good

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Grockle
14/04/2022 14:43

Lammonby looks to take it on and then reverse sweeps a catch to the only slip. Well played to stay in during this mess but really people - reverse sweeping in a red ball game at 108 for 8..... Lachlen has his work cut out I'm afraid.

No batting points in another game. Another first innings under 200........ not a lot more to say to be hinest

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 14:43

Well played Tom

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Whome
14/04/2022 14:44

Can members who paid by credit card claim a refund for buying unsatisfactory goods?

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Nailsea_Fizz
14/04/2022 14:47

Just a very odd mindset for the last two wickets, can't really see the need to suddenly play wild shots at 7 down. Im sure 9 and 10 could have stuck around for a little while.

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Rod1883
14/04/2022 14:48

I really wanted my first post this season to be a positive one, but.....
This really is poor, and as others have said is just a continuation from the second phase of last season.
There are some real problems in the club/squad/team it seems, and it can't be good for all our young batsmen without a steadying influence from somewhere

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Grockle
14/04/2022 14:49

All out for 109..... ho hum

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Grockle
14/04/2022 14:52

Now taking odds at the ground on Alistair Cook scoring our total on his own....

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Botham
14/04/2022 14:52

Who makes the employment decisions?

Kerr and Davies with renewed contracts, which have to be questioned.

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Mike K
14/04/2022 14:55

At least we’ve got a better bowling attack than last week

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Grockle
14/04/2022 15:00

Quote:

Botham
Who makes the employment decisions?
Kerr and Davies with renewed contracts, which have to be questioned.

Table your question for the AGM... it hasn't happened yet.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 15:04

Gregory opening from the MT Pavilion to Browne

Siddle opening from the River

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Grockle
14/04/2022 15:25

Nope people no one up here has any idea why Craig did not open the bowling. Does Siddle know something about Cook or something?

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Whome
14/04/2022 15:35

Never have so many been so deflated so soon.

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Devonboy70
14/04/2022 15:44

Does anyone want to take a guess as to which month we will get our first batting point ?

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Rod1883
14/04/2022 15:49

Sadly a second heavy defeat by an innings plus what - 50, 100, 150 runs, is looking on the cards already before Tea on day one.
What on earth is going on with coaching, preparation etc. etc?

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Grockle
14/04/2022 15:51

It suggests that it isn't going all that well at the moment

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 16:17

It's difficult to find anything positive to say at the moment. I suppose we might take a wicket before the end of play. Here's hoping.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 16:32

Must be damned hard if this is the way you make your living and it is going this pear shaped I would imagine.

The trouble is, as we well know, morale is a major part of this game winning sides keep winning and the same can be said for those struggling.

Before you start to rise you have to stop the rot and it looks like it is going to be harder than some people expected.

As someone said here today, there is an "awful lot of fire fighting to do" and it is more than just the stuff going on ON the pitch, member disgruntlement is everywhere as you walk around the place I am sorry to report. It can't be easy for frontline staff at the moment so if you are here keep that in mind and cut them some slack.

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 16:48

Some tidy bowling after tea, the chances just not going our way. Got to keep plugging away, it only takes one wicket...

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 16:53

Quite right Owain - and at least we’ve made them play rather than bowled wide. Bowled pretty well I’d say (Green’s first over a bit wide), but it’s noticeably brighter now and nothing going our way, yet.

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 16:56

Back of he net

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Grockle
14/04/2022 17:02

Craig was quite pumped about that one. Quite a few coming off the leading edge in this spell.

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AGod
14/04/2022 17:16

Re: The comments about member disgruntlement, ground not ready etc… is this what happens when an Execrable Cricket Board guy is hired to run us, one wonders?

Jason Kerr must be thanking his lucky stars that - after the diabolical end to last season - the club didn’t wait to see how things went this season, before handing out a new deal.

Nowhere near good enough today. Conditions were far from unplayable and far too many wickets were thrown away in utterly feckless fashion.

And why did we gamble on a green top - surely we must know by now that our top six cannot cope if it nibbles around?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:17:18:13 by AGod.

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AGod
14/04/2022 17:19

I quite like “Greener,” as a bowler.

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 17:27

I don’t recall a single lbw shout in our innings, while we’ve had three or four good ones. And they’ve played and missed all the way through while we edged or left so much. Fine margins.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:17:29:15 by Shepton Paul 2.

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AGod
14/04/2022 17:32

We played and missed plenty too! And they gave Lammonby three lives.

There’s no hard luck story here.

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 17:38

Yes, Tom had lives but I dont recall as much playing and missing. Three more in that Siddle over.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 17:44

Lots of leading edges earlier as well. Expecting the ball to go ne way and it shooting off another.

Not been the luckiest spells I've watched

What was wrong with the Siddle one when he thought he'd got him?

They seem to think it hit the back pad rather than anything in front of that.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:17:48:56 by Grockle.

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 17:48

I guess it was a play and miss - prob flicked a pad.

Not a hard luck story, just a game of fine margins.

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AGod
14/04/2022 17:50

Siddle has bowled very well, but Cook could easily have had more wickets, too.

Few Somerset batsmen could count themselves unfortunate and many “deserved to be out,” as Boycott would say, due to essaying poor shots.

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Owain Glyndwr
14/04/2022 18:02

Well deserved wicket, well bowled Craig.

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 18:02

About time. Westley may not have been dropped but he had enough edges and shouts for ten innings - in his 13. I predict he’ll be in the squad for the First Test

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AGod
14/04/2022 18:20

Not close to Test standard, so I’m sure you’re right!

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Grizzers
14/04/2022 18:55

So much talent on paper.

So much disappointment and lack of conviction on the field.

Further cements my opinion that pre-season stuff is utterly meaningless.

We need to get the basics right on & off the field. And a much harder edge as well, perhaps alongside a little less focus on virtue signalling.

Depressing stuff.

Grizzers

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Devonboy70
14/04/2022 19:10

The 2 overall performances are so far away from the standard needed that relegation must already be odds on . This club rewards poor performance far too easily when it comes to handing out new contracts.

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AGod
14/04/2022 19:15

Only a few weeks short of 12 months without a red ball win now. Going to have very few points on the board after 2 games this season and going to be 6 straight defeats by either an innings or ten wickets. So, yep, there’s no doubt we’re in the box seat for last place, right now.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 19:56

And at the other end of the spectrum you have no idea how many points we will have on the board at the end of this game.

You have no idea whether we will lose this game by an innings or 10 wickets and we are 12 (sorry) and a half games from the end of the Championship season

All things are possible and everything else is just alternative future scenarios no matter how dark or light you paint the picture.

It presently is not wonderful but we do have a bowling attack at least that will be luckier this season than they have been today. Suprised not to see Jack Leach today but Craig looks sharp.


The batting..... is is still an issue and the progress of Renshaw is fundamental to changing that trend. Not sure Ben Green is an opener but am becoming more of a believer in the application of Tom Lammonby - there is progress there despite the reverse sweep.

James has to establish - we all know that. The questions is what happens if he doesn't?

Who bats at 5? Is George Bartlett a first team red ball option?

If Steve Davies cannot establish, does he keep his place based on glovework alone?

Lewis Gregory has to farm the tail

If these people don't stand? Are Smeed, Rew and Thomas options before it goes too far? Will we go there if it needs to be done?

The issue of Cove and Jack going to England and options then are secondary to the issues we have at the moment.

Gotta get back to winning and we have to do it before this part of the Championship ends.

Uphilll climb presently but by no means impossible





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:20:18:08 by Grockle.

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Goonie goo goo
14/04/2022 20:04

And just how do you know brooks was out with covid . He was reported as being out with illness only . Good knock by Marcus Harris today too. He’d have been useful I think!! 😉

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Whome
14/04/2022 20:08

What we have seen from our batsmen is not professional and certainly not first class standard in most cases.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 20:10

Brooks was bowling at lunchtime today.

Wasn't he out with Covid for the Hampshire game? If so isn't it a logical assumption that if he is ill it is Covid related - though it may be post covid tiredness or whatever rather than still being positive.

No idea - my Covid experience was asymptomatic so I have no idea what the 'flu version ' symptoms are





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:21:14:58 by Grockle.

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Shepton Paul 2
14/04/2022 20:14

I largely agree Grockle - except I’d be a little more understanding of Tom’s reverse sweep as he was on 48, he had no. 10 at the other end and there was an easy two there IF he’d connected properly. Yes he got it wrong so it’s a mistake - but to some extent understandable.

I thought we bowled very well, especially Cove and Siddle. But yep, we’re in trouble.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 20:17

Quote:

Whome
What we have seen from our batsmen is not professional and certainly not first class standard in most cases.

No argument in a number of cases Whome but what is the way forward? We have 12 4 day games after this and we have to field a team.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 20:23

Quote:

Shepton Paul 2
I largely agree Grockle - except I’d be a little more understanding of Tom’s reverse sweep as he was on 48, he had no. 10 at the other end and there was an easy two there IF he’d connected properly. Yes he got it wrong so it’s a mistake - but to some extent understandable.
I thought we bowled very well, especially Cove and Siddle. But yep, we’re in trouble.

No argument with Tom for pushing it on, we thought he ought to have done it early

BUT it is a statement of the nature of the beast that the way he thought he could get the score moving is using white ball shots. I am old enough to remember Justin Langer storming down the wicket to Pete Trego to tell him to play straight when we were chasing Yorkshire down and he tried two of these shots and missed both. Straight after that he hit two straight sixes and went on to glory.

Very much of the opinion that if you can play the reverse sweep, you can hit the ball back over the bowlers head. If you are trying to be a red ball player ONE of those shots is the one to choose. If you are gambling then the other is an option you may want to try.

The innings was a move forward as we were criticising him last game for improving his defence but losing his wicket the moment he pushed on. Today was another step in the learning curve and I hope the way he got out is a bit of experiential learning that takes him another step on the journey to being a long format batsman of considerable quality.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:20:25:53 by Grockle.

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Somerset LaLaLa
14/04/2022 20:37

On holiday away, would rather have been in Taunton, but late publishing of schedules stopped that. Not surprised by scorecard and feel some pity for these guys. Can't put all the blame on the bowlers either, when the batsmen can't start by mustering a decent score

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That Bloke With The Dog
14/04/2022 20:38

Except for Green and Goldsworthy, everyone playing today has shown in the past that they fully deserve their place in a Division 1 batting line up. All of them, from1 to 11.

The fact that all of them, from 1 to 11, are now embarrassing themselves, with no plan at all as to how to play an innings, suggests the problems are off the field.

So, to answer Grockle's question (what is the way forward?), you'd be looking at clearing out the management and the coaches. The lot of them - Kerr, Hurry, Hollins - because all three have just degenerated into identical, management-speak caricatures. From their public utterances each one of them is a joke, with nothing to offer in the way of expertise or inspiration.

Oh wait, you might say. How do I know what goes on behind closed doors? I can't make a sweeping judgement like that. Well, I can. Because I've been watching the evidence, out there in public, for game after game after game now.

But of course, identifying the answer (sack the coaches and management) and implementing that are two different things. In a commercial company the shareholders are the ones who force that issue. In the case of Somerset CCC, I don't know how it can be done. Unfortunately I've paid my membership, and can't withdraw it. I wish I could. If nothing else because the place itself is a tip. That's just the result of shocking planning and a who-cares? attitude. Just like the batting line-up really.

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Goonie goo goo
14/04/2022 20:40

Wow . Things are really bad if you are saying this TBWTD .

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hantssabre
14/04/2022 20:42

Well I see that James Taylor and Marcus were up on the balcony chatting with Hurry and Kerr. Perhaps we need Marcus back in his spiritual home to sort things out!

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Whome
14/04/2022 20:46

The stats do not support the view that our top six deserve a place in division 1 I’m afraid.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:20:48:45 by Whome.

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Mike TA1
14/04/2022 20:52

Somerset v Essex first day photos.

No improvement in Somerset first innings batting. Remind me who is our batting coach?



Peter Siddle, It may have been out off reach of the wicketkeeper but not of Alistair Cook, bld by Simon Harmer.



Nick Browne ct Tom Abell bld Craig Overton



Lewis Groldsworthy ct Alistair Cook bld Sam Cook



Craig Overton bld Mark Steketee.



No way was Ben Green going to touch that ball.



Ben Green getting an edge to Adam Wheater bld Mark Steketee

In our defence, I will say we beat the bat so many times without getting an edge on their bats.

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That Bloke With The Dog
14/04/2022 20:54

That's the problem, Whome. The stats NOW show that our batting line-up is not a Division One line-up. But they were at one time. They've all done it BS (Before September).

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Whome
14/04/2022 21:01

They haven’t though, our bowlers have won matches in the last few years with bat and ball. The stats are there for all to see.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 21:11

Sorry Marcus is definitely NOT the solution. Far too close to this lot. A lot of discussions today from some coming back for the first time today.

Questions (all recorded during the day) like

"Hasn't Jason really been here too long?"

"Where is Andy Hurry? We hear little from him presently"

"Who is running this place now the central administrators we all know have gone?:

"Why is the place looking so run down?"

"Why is there building work all over DURING the season?"

"Do the management see this as their pre season because they see white ball as the money games"

"Does Mr Hollins understand his clients - the supporters - his plans and theirs don't seem to match"

"Where is Mr Hollins?"

"Where did they get the shabby sight screen sheets from?"

"Is the new chair going to say hello to the Press?" (The new Chair did a tour of the media floor but distinctly avoided the press box moving through and back without saying hello to anyone) It waa noticed and may be mentioned in copy... oh it has been!!

2022 is not starting well I am afraid.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:21:12:55 by Grockle.

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That Bloke With The Dog
14/04/2022 21:13

Well, I have plenty of memories of Lammonby, Renshaw, Abell, Hildreth, Davies, Gregory, C Overton and Leach thrilling me and winning games for Somerset with the bat.

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Mike TA1
14/04/2022 21:33

Add to that Grockle, why did it take ten minutes to get into the ground, I will tell you why the scanner were not working, so we were all waiting outside the gates.

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Whome
14/04/2022 21:44

There’s none so blind as those who will not see.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:21:48:28 by Whome.

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Devonboy70
14/04/2022 21:44

Why would any club start ground works at the start of a season ? Perhaps the coaching staff are in charge of that as well 😂

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Goonie goo goo
14/04/2022 21:54

It’s all worse than I thought . Great . Hurry Kerr and Hollins - bravo !!!

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Somerset LaLaLa
14/04/2022 21:58

TBWTD If you want to replace Kerr and Hurry, who would you put in their place that could do better?

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Goonie goo goo
14/04/2022 22:12

Anyone !! Can it be worse ?

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AGod
14/04/2022 22:24

Their averages have, generally, been poor for years, our top six, Bloke with Dog. Generally speaking, we have been five down for less than 100 about 50% of the time.

They haven’t suddenly dropped off a cliff. It’s just that we used to bowl people out for very, very low totals. And, usually, our bowlers and all-rounders score runs to bail out the top six.

For the 5 games before this one (indeed 6 going back to Surrey at the Oval) we’ve had bowlers missing and so not been able to overcome the ineptitude of our top six.

Today? Well the “batsmen,” performed as one has come to expect them to but, unusually, there was no rally from the all-rounders and bowlers. Accordingly, the team total was significantly lower than would be expected, even though we most of us expect to be 70 for 5, by now.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:22:32:32 by AGod.

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AGod
14/04/2022 22:33

Quite right about Marcus, Grockle. Best pals with Jason Kerr, is he not?

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That Bloke With The Dog
14/04/2022 22:52

A lot of the time our batsmen have been playing on pitches which attract points deductions. And if our bowlers then bowl the opposition out for less, to what extent is that 'bailing out' our batsmen, and not just demonstrating that the other team's batsmen are in fact worse than ours?

As to who should replace Kerr, Hurry and Hollins, that's a good question. What's Lee Cooper doing these days? That's the Taunton lad who threatened to get his legal retaliation in first when it came to fighting the ECB over points deductions. I liked his style.

As regards the coaching, how the hell did a county like Derbyshire get someone as good technically and motivationally as Mickey Arthur, while we, in Div. One, have Jason Kerr? And then there's the cricketing contacts of someone like Arthur - you can't put a price on those. That's how Derbyshire have got Shan Masood, while Hurry gave us Azhar Ali. Twice.

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Grizzers
14/04/2022 23:18

Can anyone shed any light on why Craig wasn’t given the new ball ? Are we trying to @#$%& him off as well ?

Sorry, but I am just so utterly hacked off right now. We performed absolutely dismally in the second half of last year and nothing seems to have changed.

All we get from Hollins & Hurry (& Kerr to a slightly lesser extent), is a load of glib platitudes and politically correct bs.

Grizzers

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Railboy
14/04/2022 23:19

I am rarely critical, but we have become the Cricketing version of Man Utd. When you think things can’t get any worse they do, where a bunch of talented young men have become physiologically damaged and have no idea of how to at least get a toehold, where the playing management have no clue how to get anything better out of their charges and where the off field management are happy with the status quo and are merely concerned with counting the beans.
As many have said, it really feels like management don’t see this part of the season as important. the ground is a shambles, the sight screens utterly embarrassing, ques at the gates absurd, the list goes on and on. Saw my first game 65 years ago and have never felt more despondent, even when we were bottom of the old CC I at least felt I was valued as a member.
And who the hell thought that a wicket indistinguishable from the outfield was a good idea in the situation we are in at the moment? I fear messrs H & K have lost the plot and risk dragging others down with them

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AGod
14/04/2022 23:33

Generally speaking, when you’re in the kind of mire that we are, you have to stop losing before you can eventually expect to start winning. In that context, the green top might seem a curious call.

On the other hand? Management might have reasoned that we may not have our first-choice bowling attack available very often this season, and so decided that we had to gamble on the type of pitch that would give our bowlers the best chance of winning the game.

The big problem, now, is not only that the scores are level with them only two down, but also that this track is likely to just get steadily flatter for the rest of the game. So even if we managed an amazing fighback tomorrow, bowling them out for 200 and then somehow made 350? They’d still be strong favourites on what, by then, would be the pitch at its flattest.

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Scrumper
14/04/2022 23:35

Regarding the wicket, I was surprised we flogged the same wicket for all 3 pre-season games. Not ideal preparation for today's croquet lawn.

Anyway, this is all just a distraction from war, partygate, covid and the B word.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 23:36

Quote:

AGod
Quite right about Marcus, Grockle. Best pals with Jason Kerr, is he not?

No idea

Never been a fan of managers who used to be foot soldiers with the people they then have to manage.

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AGod
14/04/2022 23:36

Grockle - You say I have no idea how many points we’ll get from this match..

Would you really put any money at all on it not being 3!?

It is overwhelmingly likely that that will be our final points haul, in my view.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:14:23:55:27 by AGod.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 23:38

Quote:

Devonboy70
Why would any club start ground works at the start of a season ? Perhaps the coaching staff are in charge of that as well 😂

Think it has to do with the time sensitivity of funding but surely they had some flexibility and there's been very little information for fans as far as I am aware.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:06:34:19 by Grockle.

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Grockle
14/04/2022 23:46

What your view is after day 1 and what our points score will be at the end of Day 4 are two different things. Your view is no more 'overwhelmingly' likely than a number of other options.

I'm not particularly interested in what you think it will be because your view is always slanted towards the worst scenario possible these days although you try to make it look like it's inescapable logic... it rarely is.

I'll wait thanks and assess the result when it actually exists and then go from there

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Devonboy70
14/04/2022 23:49

Unless things improve dramatically on the pitch then I shan’t bother wasting my money this season . Watching Somerset live always used to be an enjoyable and relaxing experience, now it’s anything but . It’s ironic that with the red ball you now know the almost inevitable outcome before the first ball is bowled , namely defeat and a heavy one at that .

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AGod
15/04/2022 00:03

Yeah, the bowlers papered over the cracks in the batting. The club has been found thoroughly wanting when it comes to either ensuring that its chosen young batsmen are developed successfully or in recruiting batsmen good enough from without to fill holes that aren’t filled by the successful development of the younger players.

We appear to me to have the appearance of a rudderless ship, just drifting without conviction or purpose.

This could be the final season in which SCCC are even permitted to play in first class cricket in the U.K. (If the ECB gets its way and franchises take over)… and this is most certainly not the way to go out….

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Grockle
15/04/2022 06:52

Are you including Chris Rogers, Dean Elgar, Devon Conway Babar Azam and even Matt Renshaw (I assume on the basis of 1 possibly jet lagged innings of 7) to that assessment of international batsmen being recruited who 'aren't good enough' or is it just your usual go.to example of poor old Azhar you are going back to?

I'm not sure if Matt Renshaw is the right man for Somerset this year yet coz I've hardly seen him but they haven't exactly pulled him from Wogga Wogga CC on a free transfer and Cricket Oz seem quite interested in his quality which we have actually experienced before....

Will he more useful than the Glos snd GGG 'Golden Child' Marcus Harris? No idea yet let's let them both play a bit first maybe?

One has to hope that Lachlan Stevens who does have a bit of a rep is a move towards something more clear and focussed.. Change takes time. He probably needed to be here earlier but one assumes.that wasn't possible because of other Aussie commitments. The problem is time is not on Somerset's side but unless you have a Tardis to go with the AG crystal ball that never makes bad predictions (🤣🤣🤪) we are all going to have to see where this goes while our speculation changes Sweet Faith Arkwright.

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AGod
15/04/2022 07:30

I wasn’t talking about overseas locums parachuted in for a few months at a time. By “Without,” I simply meant from outside our existing ranks, not overseas specifically.

You have to put a viable top six on the field as a county. This county has nailed its colours to the mast of a group of young players who have not, collectively, developed into successful players. One single overseas batsman parachuted in for a few months in any given season doesn’t do enough to address that.

Either your young top six players have to develop or you have to make some long-term signings from other counties. If you do neither? You get years of serial top six failure.

A single overseas player doesn’t fix a top six - not even if they sign for a whole season or multiple seasons and certainly not when they sign for only a few months, as was the case with all bar Rogers from your list.

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AGod
15/04/2022 07:34

Of course it also doesn’t help that Abell, Hildreth and Davies have not really produced collective returns that are adequate, either, over the past 3-4 seasons, with Hildreth being especially found wanting over this period.

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AGod
15/04/2022 07:55

If we’re honest? Trying to bring through multiple young players more or less at the same time to occupy top six positions is a strategy fraught with risk and not easy to pull off successfully.

But, at the end of the day:

A) You have to get the best out of your young players.

Have we done so?

C) if this is the best of which they are capable, then they are not good enough!

D) If we have not got the best out of our young players, why not? Is the coaching inadequate?

E) Ergo.. either you think this is the best of which they are capable, in which case you need to recruit from without, or you think we’ve done a poor job of helping them to develop, in which case management has to go.

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Nailsea_Fizz
15/04/2022 07:56

So any solutions on offer for this coming season, seeing as it might be our last ever as a 1st class county. Any recommendations of players who could, would, should have wanted to join a doomed county for 4 day stuff.

Surely your database of available players to transfer from another country must be endless. No one from Div 2 obviously as those stats don't count as its against cannon fodder bowling.

I await the list with interest.

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AGod
15/04/2022 08:28

Not my job. That’s what SCCC pays Andy Hurry for. But, suffice to say that since our top six have been a liability for years, it’s not a case of just what should have been done last winter. We may very well have looked - to outsiders - like a county on the slide at the end of last season, and that may have put off any potential recruits, that is true. However, before that - when winning in spite of our top six - there’s no logical reason why that should have applied.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 08:55

You have loadsa criticism but no alternatives? Hmmm how constructive. Who have we 'parachuted' in for Championship stuff? Well except for AA of course...

There are no instant solutions - though if it carries on I'm sure we'll soon be told to tap the pretty non-existent loan market we keep being told we don't use enough.

The young tranche is a benefit if it works and a curse if it doesn't. The problem is as pointed out that our mid card professionals are not hitting their straps at the same time that those heading into the twilight are becoming less effective. What do you hang your success on if everyone lacks form at the same time?

It's why we needed an international batsman and its important that he stamps himself on the season. Otherwise our only solution seems to be bringing in more young guys and hoping one or 2 click. In the short/medium term there is little else available. That does not mean that the winter plan was faulty in the first place.

Where are the non international players we could have bolstered the order with. The critics were very quiet during the winter because there was little on offer.

The question of whether our other option should have been a 37 year old seamer is a different discussion for another day.

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AGod
15/04/2022 09:06

[www.bbc.com]

[www.bbc.com]

[www.bbc.com]

[www.bbc.com]

[www.bbc.com]

Above are county ins and outs for the past five years, a period in which - with the exception of Steve Davies coming in as keeper/batsman, we’ve managed to bring very few players through the door on the top six side of things.

Other than the guys who did move (all of whom, by definition, were amenable to moving) there may well have been others who could have been tempted to move. We don’t know who the club did or didn’t try to sign over this period, we just know that one of two things must be true: either they didn’t try or they did try, but they did not succeed.

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Nailsea_Fizz
15/04/2022 09:35

So next question, did any of the players on offer move from div 1 to div 1 non test ground counties and improve the teams they joined.

Is that a thing, do players actually do it and are they successful. Does your crystal ball state your position if we'd turfed out the young uns for journeymen and they'd failed. Another few years criticising that decision no doubt.
.
Also, by my reckoning you dissed the last three sets of management, any recommendations.

Always a reason to criticise the club no matter what IMHO.

Still, hope to be in Taunton tomorrow

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Goonie goo goo
15/04/2022 09:54

So a jet lagged renshaw scored 7 did he. ? Question is why did we allow him to be jet lagged . Could we not have insisted he came after the Pakistan tour last week ( like labauschgne did) rather than go back home for a few days . All he did was watch masters golf back home as far as I can see . And he was of course originally due to be in for Hants game.

Anyway hope hurry’s getting his usual vitamin D and Jason has players trembling for their futures as usual.

Marcus Harris’s army ( allegedly ) !!! 😉🤣👍😂

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Grockle
15/04/2022 10:12

Don't know mate. Reports came through that he look wrecked in the Straggler's after his stint but they are only reports but he isn't the first player who has played his first game in that condition and won't be the last. He looked OK to me during his interview and net the day before but that was short.

I don't know maybe he just wanted to do a job for his side and underestimated how much the travel took out of him?
Maybe he would have got a second wind had he reached lunch?
Maybe they wouldn't have played him if Banton and Bartlett had been fit?
Maybe the fact he got bundled onto a plane to Pakistan on short notice and then had to re-organise his plans to travel to the UK from Covid suspicious Australia meant he hadn't made such advance travel plans as Marnus?

So many maybes. Sorry I don't have the massive certainty that you have about the inner workings of things I have no personal contact with.

Hey you talk about Marcus Harris no one else presently does except the Glos fans... hope it keeps going well for him because they are as unforgiving as many others when that stops.

As I mentioned to others who are disgruntled and members. Table your questions for the AGM... it hasn't happened yet. You may not get answers but they are the only ones who can give them to you.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:10:18:17 by Grockle.

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Angell
15/04/2022 10:17

I thought that I was a member of a club which had been in the top division of the County Championship for longer than any other county and, until the latter part of last season, was up there with the best of them, in recent years under the guidance of Messrs Hurrey and Kerr. I now learn that I have been supporting a bunch of no hopers with a totally useless management and coaching team. I must have missed something - no doubt AGod will tell me what it is that I've overlooked.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 10:29

One of those posts you would like a 'like' button for Angell.

There have been underlying issues as we all know but the club's record has been there for people to see. Criticising everything and giving credit for nothing while offering unrealistic or no suggestions for dealing with the matters is part and parcel of internet fora unfortunately.

Major batting issue. Telling us why a poster thinks it has happened is an absolute waste of posting time unless that is building to a short/medium/long term solution that is realistic.

Using 'whataboutism' and retrospective analysis are the other tools of the internet 'solver of problems'. Again totally useless unless it builds to lessons learned and suggested realistic ways forwad.

You'll probably get both in answer to your question but anything positive to take forward? Good luck.

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AGod
15/04/2022 10:43

It doesn’t matter, Nailsea, unless you seriously believe that it’s theoretically impossible for CC1 counties to sign batsmen that would help them.

It is obvious that it is not theoretically impossible. Nobody is saying that it’s a magic bullet BUT if what you are doing isn’t working? You must try something else.

And this doesn’t have to be about “non Test ground,” counties. It’s about resourcing and, for many years, we were told we were top two or top three in annual playing wage bill - therefore, we should have had the wherewithal to compete with TMCs for players. For example, Brooks left Yorks to come here as we were offering one more year than they were.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:11:14:12 by AGod.

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hantssabre
15/04/2022 11:09

We’ve now doubled our points tally for the season!

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Owain Glyndwr
15/04/2022 11:12

A great start to the day, we've got them on the ropes now.

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AGod
15/04/2022 11:12

Top six have been poor for years, AF, as well you know. That’s what we’re talking about.

The statistical evidence on top six batting performance is there for all to see. And as I’ve already explained to you, no batting bonus points accrued by the XI are not a measure of top-six specific performance, before you trot out that favourite stat of yours.

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AGod
15/04/2022 11:16

Well done to Peter S, anyway. Well deserved reward.

Bowlers striving manfully to dig the team out of the huge hole created, as so often, by the top six.

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Nailsea_Fizz
15/04/2022 11:19

Nice start team.

We didn't sign Brooks as a top six batsmen did we!?

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Grockle
15/04/2022 11:22

Got in though I missed Cook's removal - probably relates to the reason they opened with Siddle yesterday.

The other Cook has also gone as Overton's third victim. The sun is out, the sky is threaded with fluffy cloud and it all seems a little 'lighter' today

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AGod
15/04/2022 11:24

No, Nailsea, we did not.

Is there a logical reason why players might consider coming here to bowl but which make it theoretically impossible for us to persuade batsmen to come?

No.

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Owain Glyndwr
15/04/2022 11:27

Are the umpires banned from giving us LBW decisions?

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Grockle
15/04/2022 11:43

You possibly need to add the term 'as a batting unit' to your statement that our top six have been 'poor for years'

This is the generalisation that plagues these catch all statements

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Owain Glyndwr
15/04/2022 11:52

Superb bowling from Siddle

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AGod
15/04/2022 12:00

Extremely good from Peter, yes.

If we manage to get shot of Essex for a lead of less than 100, maybe we should invert the batting order, just for the hell of it!

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Hayseed
15/04/2022 12:06

4 wickets down this morning. The sun's out. Enthusiastic bank holiday crowd. All of a sudden the ground's looking a lot better.

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Owain Glyndwr
15/04/2022 12:09

Top class bowling from eveeryone this morning. Outstanding.

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Angell
15/04/2022 12:26

AGod, I entirely accept the our top six have been poor over the past few years. I'm not sure that they have been quite as bad as you sometimes imply. But , to be serious for a moment, the problem I have with some of the posters on this site, is the lack of any sense of proportion. We are not a poor team. We are going through a bad spell. Devonboy , for example, has written off the season on the basis of one and a quarter matches. That seems to me to be odd for a Somerset "supporter". Let's wait for at least a few weeks before we make a judgment on the season.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 12:30

And it keeps on coming

Just for reference

Alviro Pietersen 13 and 14
Tom Cooper 15
Chris Rogers 16
Dean Elgar 17
Renshaw 18 & 22
Ali 19
Covid 20
Ali 21





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:12:38:58 by Grockle.

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Owain Glyndwr
15/04/2022 12:31

Well said Angell, I like your style.

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AGod
15/04/2022 12:31

Craig on the rampage, now.

Grizz - maybe we did indeed hack Craig off by giving LG the new ball ahead of him! Maybe it worked in our favour!?

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Botham
15/04/2022 12:32

The ECB saved Hants from Craig O last week.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 12:44

Overton's career best 7 for 45

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Grockle
15/04/2022 13:13

That old adage "you don't really know until both sides have batted"

Question

Was Somerset's performance just under cooked or do we just have much better bowlers than Essex?

Suppose we'll see quite soon

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Nailsea_Fizz
15/04/2022 13:25

4 out of this essex top 5 cant surely be Div 1 standard can they.

Crystal Ball warming up for 70-5 prediction

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Shepton Paul 2
15/04/2022 13:36

Two things from me:

1. Hear hear Angell, absolutely right.

2. I'm glad we sacked the whole management and coaching team last night - immediate results in this morning's performance.

Yes, we have to bat again now... but I still maintain we bowled really well yesterday afternoon/evening, and the margins are fine.

I'd also say that, if the amount of noise in the field and mutual encouragement is anything to go by (and I know it's not the be-all and end-all of everything), I don't think there's much wrong in the camp or any sense of wheels having come off under Tom's leadership. Successive batting collapses and losses will take a lot out of any team, especially one with a lot of inexperienced players - most of all, confidence, and for me it's very much a priority to get that confidence back. Any sort of mass clearout of players or coaches won't do that. We've got a very good young team, on the whole, led by an admirable captain who's out of form. Supporting them now is critical.

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dilly
15/04/2022 13:38

I just wonder that given the higher costs of membership, entrance fees and refreshments, hassle with parking, restriction of some more popular seating, will more spectators stay at home and watch the now really good broadcasting of the game on youtube. Is the club shooting itself in the foot? (If only the commentators would pronounce Steve Davies’s name properly and also say “three…” instead of “free”).

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Whome
15/04/2022 13:39

Never been a problem when our first choice bowlers are playing but can we, hand on heart, rely on our batsmen. I would dearly love them to prove me wrong in 2nd innings and if they do I will buy a hat and eat it. 70 first innings lead will probably mean at least five wickets but I live in hope and some dread because I don’t really fancy a hat dinner tonight.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 13:50

And we are back in the room

We possibly can't rely on our batsmen Whome ( I don't think I'd choose any of them to bat for my life) but we can expect them to work harder and get better

Whether that will have any effect is for the future and we can only hope for that 'better'





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:14:01:23 by Grockle.

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AGod
15/04/2022 14:02

We did, indeed, bowl well yesterday, SP, and better still today.

In % terms, they have a very significant lead, though.

More discipline and fewer lazy wafts yesterday and, perhaps, we’d have eeked out 150/-175?

Grockle - Yes, I think our pace attack is better than theirs. BUT the match-ups that count are Essex bowlers Vs SCCC batsmen and SCCC bowlers Vs Essex batsmen. Because of Chef’s presence, we probably don’t have as much of a bowling advantage over their batsmen, as they do ours. On paper, our 7-11 batting is probably stronger than theirs. And if we’re to have any chance here, I fancy 7-11 will need to net a minimum of 100 runs.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:14:18:35 by AGod.

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AGod
15/04/2022 14:21

To put numbers on it?

SCCC pace attack 9-8 Essex.

Spin attack: 9-9.5 Essex

Batting: Essex 7-5 Somerset

Top six batting: Essex 7-3 Somerset, obviously Chef accounts for a significant portion of the difference. But not all of it.

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AGod
15/04/2022 14:31

Quote:

Nailsea_Fizz
4 out of this essex top 5 cant surely be Div 1 standard can they.
Crystal Ball warming up for 70-5 prediction

You duly got that prediction, but not from me.

Right now? It would look unduly optimistic.. 50 for 5 arguably at least as likely..

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Grockle
15/04/2022 14:31

Need to identify the rhetorical question more often AG and save yourself wasted time in the stats webpages

I'll work out an icon or something to let you know

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AGod
15/04/2022 14:41

Get Renshaw to open, promote Rew to keep and get Davies back to opening where he really did rather well?

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Grockle
15/04/2022 14:46

Sorted then

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AGod
15/04/2022 14:49

Well,,there was a reason I put a question mark on the end..

Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, though is the definition of…

That said, whoever we choose to open next week has a fair chance of success, if it’s the usual Oval road. But going forward…



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:14:55:25 by AGod.

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Nailsea_Fizz
15/04/2022 15:09

Quote:

AGod
Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, though is the definition of…

Is it only me - oh the irony

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AGod
15/04/2022 15:15

Difference is: I’m not expecting a different result.

Management, however, presumably are…

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Grockle
15/04/2022 15:22

50 up....... 3 down

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AGod
15/04/2022 15:47

Quote:

AGod

Quote:

Nailsea_Fizz
4 out of this essex top 5 cant surely be Div 1 standard can they.
Crystal Ball warming up for 70-5 prediction

You duly got that prediction, but not from me.

Right now? It would look unduly optimistic.. 50 for 5 arguably at least as likely..

Bet settled at 60, so we split the difference between the two scenarios that I saw as equally likely.

Numbers 7-11 “only,” need to help Renshaw add about 175, now, to give us any sniff at all.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 16:04

75 for 5 at Tea

Renshaw 36 Davies 5

We lead by 4 and won't lose by an innings

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AGod
15/04/2022 16:06

Baby steps…

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Grockle
15/04/2022 16:12

Set the next target Move on.

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Grizzers
15/04/2022 16:41

Craig’s immense performance simply highlights the paucity of contribution by virtually everyone else.

He must feel horribly let down by his teammates.

Still maybe, just maybe, he’ll be viewed as having done just enough the be given the new ball next time.

I’m a long way away of course, but what possible reason was he made to wait yesterday. I can’t see how it makes any sense at all. Did we not lose Jamie for the very same reason ?

As for my rant about Hurry & Kerr yesterday,yes we have done fantastically well to stay in Division one over the years but we've won precious little silverware and never the Championship.

On the basis that management/coaching staff are supposed to get the very best out of their players we have failed badly. The talent we have is scarily good, but our conversion rate to actually winning competitions is dreadful.

Would anyone count Man United, Liverpool or Chelsea as great football teams if they’d never won the Premiership ?

And can anyone imagine the likes of Ferguson, Clough, Shankley, or Jurgen Klopp, repeatedly talking complete and utter twaddle ?

Or perhaps everything is just fine and dandy.

Meantime, at least we now have a small lead. May it grow voluminously.

Grizzers

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AGod
15/04/2022 16:43

More than 100 for the first 5 wickets. That would be a good target. And if they can’t manage that at the Oval, then God help them…

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Grockle
15/04/2022 16:56

I'm sure Peter Siddle will appreciate your assessment of his work as 'not supporting Craig Overton'. Wonder if Craig shunned him because he felt 'horribly let down'

Was this (TIC) Grizzz?

It was suggested yesterday that there had been some conversation and that Pete Siddle got the new ball for a few overs to see if his association with Alistair Cook might give him a chance of getting him early and it had nothing to do with whether Lewis Gregory was opening or not. Gave them two bites if the plan didn't work seemed to be the theory





Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:17:12:47 by Grockle.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 17:01

100 up lead is nearly 30

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Grockle
15/04/2022 17:04

A Renshaw 50 is not to be unfortunately but as AG quite rightly pointed out - "baby steps"





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:17:13:55 by Grockle.

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AGod
15/04/2022 17:22

Realistically? Siddle opening with knowledge of Cook seems reasonable. Lewis opening over Craig seems strange, to me. It’s something you only do - logically - if expecting major swing.

Anyway, all 3 did well, especially Craig and Peter but I can’t see how anyone could seriously disagree with the notion that our bowlers must be tired of the serial batting failures by those who come in ahead of them.

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AGod
15/04/2022 17:25

Commentators feeling optimistic - just announced that the difference between good and great players is not being happy with 70, but “going on to 170,” and “hoping that Davies is in that mood.”

Erm.. I’d vote for Steve to be knighted if he made 170 from here!

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Grockle
15/04/2022 17:33

Well the rule in the press box is you don't talk about Steve's batting until he is past 38.... that rule has not been required as often as one would have hoped.....

it's a Davies innings. "Sublime shot, waft, nurdle, sublime shot, defence, sublime shot, nurdle, waft"

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AGod
15/04/2022 17:39

One good thing to mention here: At least it’s not been a track that starts green and then loses all colour and movement by day two. When we get that type of pitch? Losing the toss is a disaster.

If we’re going to gamble on green tops this season, then hopefully they’ll all do the same.

I suggest, however, that we only gamble on said green top when 3 of 4 of Cove, Peter, LG and Josh are actually available.

Otherwise? Produce something flat and hope for bonus points.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 17:46

Dogged and gratefully received 50 from Steve Davies lead of 69

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AGod
15/04/2022 17:49

Tried to pull it from too far outside the line, with the result that often obtains in that situation.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 17:53

And just when you think it is safe to go back in the water

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AGod
15/04/2022 17:53

And now fat lady beginning to warm up the vocal chords, I’m afraid.

Can’t make 109 batting first and expect any other outcome.

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AGod
15/04/2022 18:00

Six double figure scores in the match for SCCC, three of them between 10-20.

It doesn’t get much poorer than that.

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Grizzers
15/04/2022 18:00

No, it most definitely wasn't 'tic' Grockle, albeit my comments were aimed primarily at the batting.

Notwithstanding Siddle's knowledge of AC, for the life of me I can't see why Craig didn't open the bowling.

Maybe I've just got cabin fever. It's still snowing over here !

Good effort by Steve, but Lewis, oh Lewis. Doesn't that shot just about sum things up ?

Grizzers

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AGod
15/04/2022 18:03

It wasn’t a great shot, Grizz.. but we saw worse from guys higher in the order in our first innings..

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Grockle
15/04/2022 18:07

150 up

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Grizzers
15/04/2022 18:08

Given the match circumstances, with our still having a small chance of eking out a three figure lead, I would suggest it was an absolutely ridiculous & grossly irresponsible shot AG !

Or at least it looked that way on the live stream.

Grizzers

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Grockle
15/04/2022 18:11

154 done and dusted

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AGod
15/04/2022 18:12

Kemar Roach very unlikely to play against us next week, having had to be carried off injured Vs Hants, apparently.

I think a draw is the best we can hope for if it’s the usual road, nevertheless.

Should Surrey gamble on a green top instead (they did that Vs Hants last season) then that might give us some hope If we win the toss and send them in.

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AGod
15/04/2022 18:17

P.s - knowing Surrey, they will probably have a replacement overseas quick in situ by next Thursday anyway.

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AGod
15/04/2022 18:20

Grizz - I see we’re not going with repeating the folly of not having Cove open! And he very nearly cleaned Chef up!

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AGod
15/04/2022 18:22

Browne gone.

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AGod
15/04/2022 18:28

We can see, here, why Cove and Siddle should have been the first innings tandem, really.

Equally, assuming both are available, I think they should do the same at the Oval. Yes, Josh has a case for being restored to the role, but Peter is bowling so well that I would vote for easing Josh back in.

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Hamez
15/04/2022 19:30

In our desperation to put out a track that seems to overwhelmingly favour our bowlers (whether that's spin a couple of years ago or seam these days) are we ruining the careers of our batters?

Overton, Davey, Gregory and Siddle will no doubt all finish the season with averages well under 25 but at this rate so will Abell, Lammonby, Green and Goldsworthy.

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Devonboy70
15/04/2022 20:07

Against Hants we managed a culminating batting average of 15 per wicket across the 2 innings . Against Essex we managed a culminating batting average of 13 per wicket across the 2 innings.
Do we have batting practice any more because if we do I suggest we stop ! Replace the top 6 now ( with the exception of Renshaw ) because frankly they aren’t up to the standard required in red ball cricket at this level .

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AGod
15/04/2022 20:27

Quote:

Hamez
In our desperation to put out a track that seems to overwhelmingly favour our bowlers (whether that's spin a couple of years ago or seam these days) are we ruining the careers of our batters?
Overton, Davey, Gregory and Siddle will no doubt all finish the season with averages well under 25 but at this rate so will Abell, Lammonby, Green and Goldsworthy.

Some thoughts:

1) The tracks aren’t that bad - certainly not since the Essex fine.

2) We play half our games away from home and our top six generally can’t bat there, either, whether it’s at Edgbaston,, or North Marine Road, to name but two from last season. They did manage 1/2 professional innings at the Oval and some runs at Grace Road (Vs a CC2 calibre attack)

3) I expect if you looked at the split of averages, then our main bowlers would have good averages away as well as at home, and I know our top six have poor averages away as well as at home.

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Mike TA1
15/04/2022 20:34

Somerset v Essex 2nd day photos.

What a day for taking photos

The first two is a double of the same wicket.


A short ball from Craig Overton that Snater couldn't avoid, the ball went straight up into the air off something.



A very easy catch for James Hildreth.



Sam Cook bld by Craig Overton



Matt Critchley ct Matt Renshaw bld Craig Overton



Lewis Goldsworthy ct Adam Wheater bld Snater



Dan Lawrence lbw Petter Siddle, the ball travelled up after hitting the pad.


Alistair Cook ct James Hildreth bld Peter Siddle.



Alan Wheater ct Steve Davies bld Craig Overton.

What ever happen tomorrow it will be an early finish, can I dream.

Don't look at the sight-screen in my photos.

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Mike TA1
15/04/2022 20:40

Quote - The tracks aren’t that bad - certainly not since the Essex fine.

Although Agod, I did wonder why the pitch was so wet, the Essex bowler ask for sawdust after bowling the first ball of the match.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 20:53

Excellent Devonboy. Replace 5 of the top six. With who?

Like it or not these are what the county have gone into the season with. As far as I am aware we have 4 other batsmen with first team experience, not necessarily in first class games, who may be available for the Oval. George Bartlett, James Rew, George Thomas and Will Smeed.

Tom Banton is the only other one and he is not going to be playing that one..

I can see a case for moving the order around to create a jopefully more stable unit but we have what we have and what we hsve has to learn to perform the job it is employed for.

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Devonboy70
15/04/2022 21:03

In answer to your question Grockle , I would definitely give Will Smeed at go . The powers that be don’t appear to rate him at red ball cricket.

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AGod
15/04/2022 21:30

The fact that he was unable to buy a red ball run, even at second XI level, last season might suggest that management are right on that score.

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That Bloke With The Dog
15/04/2022 21:53

MikeTa1: Dan Lawrence lbw Petter Siddle, the ball travelled up after hitting the pad.

Judging by his reaction to the decision, I don't think Lawrence agrees with you, Mike!

What a glorious day of cricket it was in the Taunton sun! Loved it, despite the loss of so much of what once made our ground the best in the world. Who but an ECB loon like Gordon Hollins could spend a day at the County Ground and think that what it needs for the Bank Holiday is a huge blank scoreboard, an adjacent building site, and a refusal to sell cider for cash ever again?

But we've all got to be there at 11 am tomorrow, haven't we? Craig Overton really has got the bit between his teeth. The sort of fast bowler who decides games.

And my obligatory comment on the batting line-up? Well, four innings in, and four of them (Hildreth, Lammonby, Renshaw and Davies) have produced one decent innings each. This is the frustration. The talent is there. They can do it. But mostly they don't. Which is why I'm less inclined to have a go at the batsmen themselves than I am the management, and how they're managing the talent they've been given.

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Grockle
15/04/2022 22:03

Will Smeed is a powerful bat but there seems to be a view that he is keen to pin himself to white ball primarily and with his opportunities presently who can blame him. He's on the franchise belt and probably keen to stay there.

A number of voices seem to think that Rew is the real deal in red ball but there is less certainty about his keeping experience or capability.

I really enjoyed the confidence shown by George Thomas in his partnership with Bartlett last year. If he's worth a go there may be a reason to give him one before the end of this part of the season.

Big season for George Bartlett if he gets the chance to show his value





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:15:22:06:28 by Grockle.

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AGod
15/04/2022 22:19

Bartlett will be back at the Oval , I believe, and.. if it’s the normal Oval track, then he will count himself fortunate to have missed the first two and then got to come back into the side in Kennington.

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Grizzers
15/04/2022 23:21

Reckon that sums things up pretty well TBWTD.

As for Will Smeed, I’m sure I read an article on him over the winter where he expressed his form wish to excel in the longer form of the game. Based on our collective efforts recently he’s hardly got much to beat. What’s to lose in giving him a try ?

He’s surely too young & talented to be pigeonholed just for the bash and crash version.

Isn’t he ?

Grizzers

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Grockle
15/04/2022 23:57

The impression seemed to be from the player... but these are only bits you pick up as conversations float past so who knows. Certainly with the money from Quetta and his franchise work he'll be a busy boy at the start or end of any season presently.

If we need him as a utility player in all formats I assume his contract says he will provide





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:16:04:28:45 by Grockle.

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AGod
16/04/2022 06:55

Quote:

Hamez
In our desperation to put out a track that seems to overwhelmingly favour our bowlers (whether that's spin a couple of years ago or seam these days) are we ruining the careers of our batters?
Overton, Davey, Gregory and Siddle will no doubt all finish the season with averages well under 25 but at this rate so will Abell, Lammonby, Green and Goldsworthy.

Another observation here, Hamez.

I have yet to take delivery of my Wisden for this year.

But the umpires grade each pitch and these grades are reported in Wisden.

For the last full year for which such grades are available, consider the following figures (which apply to the 2019 season):

Somerset: Average home pitch grade : 4.89 (where 4 is average and 5 good)

Essex: Average home pitch grade: 4.00

Hampshire: Average home pitch grade: 4.38

Averages:

Useless Somerset batting? The top 3 averages were, in turn,

31, 31 and 29

Essex batting? The top 3 averages were:

45, 39 and 38. Five players - including Peter Siddle! - averaged more than any Somerset player.

Hants batting averages?

The top 3 averages were: 51, 51 and 40

Seven Hants players averaged more than any Somerset batsman!

Conclusion? Should any Somerset batsman actually seek to blame our pitches (I know that here it was you making the suggestion, not them) then this would be a case of *very, very poor* workmen blaming their tools unjustly.

We have to face it: The batting group is not close to being good enough.

I read, on here, people describing them as “really talented,” but I do not agree. The fact they might occasionally make a good score does not prove that they are particularly talented. Far from it. In life, you’re not what you do occasionally, you are what you do regularly. And what our batsmen do is fail at red ball cricket, ergo they are red ball failures.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:16:07:23:55 by AGod.

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AGod
16/04/2022 07:04

A couple of years prior - in the Ciderabad years? It’s true that SCCC pitches did score relatively badly, compared to most counties… this year (2017) only Essex were worse (though Gloucs were as bad)

Somerset: 4.63

BUT:

Essex: 4.56

Averages?

Somerset:

Elgar averaged 47. Next best (min 5 games) 35 and 30.

Essex:

5 guys averaged 41+

Gloucs (whose pitches were rated by the umps as being as bad as ours):

5 Gloucs batsmen averaged more than our second highest averaging batsman.

Yeah, they faced CC2 bowlers, of course, but then they are only CC2 calibre batsmen so it’s still a fair comparison in that CC1 level batsmen should be able to deal with CC1 level bowlers, and CC2 level batsmen with CC2 level bowlers. The comparison is fair in terms of relative performance at their respective levels on equally bad surfaces. (It doesn’t mean Gloucs batsmen were better than ours in absolute terms because they were in the lower league).



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:16:07:11:51 by AGod.

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Owain Glyndwr
16/04/2022 09:28

I' ve just woken up from a fevered dream where we beat Essex by 6 runs, Wales won the world cup and Boris Johnson was sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against humanity. Thinks I'm going to pop along to Joe Corals and have a sneaky little treble.

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AGod
16/04/2022 10:19

Teflon Boris would only get a fine even if convicted of Crimes Against Humanity!

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Grockle
16/04/2022 11:12

So I thought why not, it's only and hour of the day... go and have a look

Essex 4 for 4 in the third over with both Cook's out and Craig steaming in!!





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:16:11:14:39 by Grockle.

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Owain Glyndwr
16/04/2022 11:15

Stunning

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somexile
16/04/2022 11:22

I am worried that if we pull off a win we will be deducted points for a poor pitch.

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Des Platt
16/04/2022 11:24

Quote:

somexile
I am worried that if we pull off a win we will be deducted points for a poor pitch.

You beat me to it somexile. Not allowed to do this to Essex.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 11:54

First Overton 10 fer!!

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Grockle
16/04/2022 11:56

Craig's first eleven-fer

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:08

Wow… Craig.

I guess he, perhaps, has a New England Head Honcho, selectors and Captain in his mind and is making the strongest possible statement.

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:14

Quote:

somexile
I am worried that if we pull off a win we will be deducted points for a poor pitch.

u
No. Last time we were penalised for excessive uneven bounce.

There is no case for sanctioning this pitch. Pitches are sanctioned for one of three reasons:

A) Excessively uneven bounce at any point in the game.

Excessive seam movement throughout the game.

C) Excessive turn on day one.

None of the above apply. The ball has consistently nibbled about, but that’s it. The clearest sign of excessive seam movement is numerous players bowled, shouldering arms etc off balls that seam in miles etc. Steve Davies’s dismissal *at Hants* occurred in that manner and arguably moved much more than any ball on this deck.

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:15

Swing for Lewis, a beautiful outswinger.

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:19

Swing for Peter too.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 12:21

It's calmed down and possibly flattened out a but now. Keep the pressure on guys. Don't let them score - it has now become a bit of a waiting game with a pair who are bit more in.

I'm going to have to go and move my car... my faith in this happening wasn't absolute so it's in Morrison's

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:27

We could do with slowing the overrate so that we don’t have any need to resort to change seamers before lunch. Tom A tends to bowl too many four balls and we have very few runs with which to play. If we have to bowl a seamer other than the top three, I’d rather see Green, personally.

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:30

We’re in that situation now where IF Peter gambles and pushes the ball up another half a yard then he is much more likely to get the edge. Of course, it would also mean more risk of a half volley.

Saying that, that last one was exactly the right length and Rossington still missed it. Annoying.

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:39

Let’s just hope the New England boss is NOT A Jj Stewart!

If it is and gets announced before Thursday -I’m sure Cove would then be rested for the Oval!

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:41

Nailed on LBW!!!

Peter T will have to stay on commentary all season!!

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Grockle
16/04/2022 12:46

Well the dash to move the car worked then!!
Essex 60 for 8

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:47

Thank you Peters, S and T!!

Another lbw that even H D Bird would have given.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 12:49

Into the teens!!! Exciting this is. Rossington is on borrowed time but is riding his luck well.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 12:51

Down to 10!!

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AGod
16/04/2022 12:53

A magnificent effort, in terms of skill , stamina and heart from our bowlers. Truly tremendous.

Only 11 runs left to play with now.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 12:57

8 after a Snater swipe

Followed by 7 off a Rossington dash

6 from another Snater slog he is living dangerously

4 from a decent Rossington cover drive

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Grockle
16/04/2022 12:58

Can't see it now but you have to say we have made them work damn hard for this one!!

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AGod
16/04/2022 13:00

Well, Caddick did it once: Lancs 72 a/o chasing 88, but it would have been a miracle!

Basically, I would imagine the win %, since we moved to covered wkts for teams making less than 120 in the first innings of the match is considerably less than 1%

Our bowlers did the very best they could possibly do and one can’t help but feel desperately sorry for them.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 13:01

When you are tipping the usual on the batting line -up after this please remember what a phenomenal bowling performance this has been in both innings to make this into any kind of game.

Scores level and Craig still not giving anything at all to the opposition

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Grockle
16/04/2022 13:05

Peter not giving them anything wither and Rossington still playing and missing like a good 'un

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Grockle
16/04/2022 13:07

Snater caught off Craig batting like a loon..

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AGod
16/04/2022 13:10

Poor Craig. He looks bereft.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 13:13

Steketee scrambles through for a leg bye as we miss the stumps.

12.5/ 6/ 6 for 30 for Craig Overton

13 for 87!!

Peter Siddle 3 for 25 - we'll have him

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Grockle
16/04/2022 13:18

Quote:

AGod
Poor Craig. He looks bereft.

Disappointed Yes

'bereft' with career best figures? Maybe not

Seems to be a time for 'old adages' again.

If you are going to lose at least go down fighting and we certainly did that today.

Bowlers showed some back bone at least

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Loyal of Lhasa
16/04/2022 13:19

I was unable to follow any of the cricket on days one and two but was well rewarded by a couple of hours this morning. What a pity we just fell short.

I have decided not to read the first 250 postings on this thread for I think I can safely guess at the prevailing mood. I can also guess who made the most contributions.

Onwards to The Oval, where I expect to be in attendance on Days Two, Three and Four.

LoL

Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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wsm fan
16/04/2022 13:25

Your guess would be right LOL!!!

See you at the Oval 💪

(Unless we have lost that one already 😜)

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Grockle
16/04/2022 13:30

. Enjoy gentlemen. With more batting improvement and the same guts in the bowling you'll have some good days with a little bit of luck.

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Botham
16/04/2022 13:38

Great effort today, but sadly not quite enough. I think we missed a trick when Essex changed their approach. I think we should’ve brought Jack on. Simon Harmer caused quite a few problems and I’m sure Jack would’ve done the same and made it more difficult for them when they were slogging.

Apparently, 6000 watching the live feed.

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Goonie goo goo
16/04/2022 13:42

Quote:

wsm fan
Your guess would be right LOL!!!
See you at the Oval 💪

(Unless we have lost that one already 😜)

What team you supporting next week ?

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AGod
16/04/2022 13:56

The best we can hope for at the Oval, WSM - unless they gamble on a green top as they did Vs Hants last year - is probably a draw.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen us win a CC match at the Oval. I’ve also only seen us lose once.

If it’s the default slow flat thing then there will be no excuses whatsoever for our “batsmen.”

At least, this time, given our already dire position in the league, we can be reasonably assured that IF the opportunity to try for a win presents itself, we will actually at least *try* to win the game, unlike last year’s pathetic decision making on the ground.

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Mike TA1
16/04/2022 14:08

A very enjoyable last two day's cricket. The result disappointing.

1. more runs needed.
2. We could have done with a third bowler taking wickets.

Peter Siddle looked very tired at the end of play.
Craig Overton devastated at the end. One of the batsmen (not batter) tap him on the back when Craig was on his knees at the end, I thought it was a nice gesture.

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AGod
16/04/2022 14:09

Quote:

Grockle

Quote:

AGod
Poor Craig. He looks bereft.

Disappointed Yes

'bereft' with career best figures? Maybe not

Seems to be a time for 'old adages' again.

If you are going to lose at least go down fighting and we certainly did that today.

Bowlers showed some back bone at least

Well, at the precise moment that I typed it, Craig was on his knees, face down in the dirt. Perhaps “gutted,” would have been a better word but that very clearly hurt the man.

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AGod
16/04/2022 14:15

Mike - I agree about Peter - I thought exactly the same thing.

If Josh is fit, then Peter might, possibly, get a breather at the Oval, I fancy.

If not? I think we’ll have to play him anyway because Jack Brooks, on a slow flat Oval strip is not an inspiring thought. Ditto MDL.

As to a third bowler Vs Essex today, I thought LG bowled very well today and was unlucky.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:16:14:40:04 by AGod.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 14:43

Yeah AG I'd go with 'gutted'. Massive effort for his first one back.

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wsm fan
16/04/2022 14:47

Quote:

Goonie goo goo

Quote:

wsm fan
Your guess would be right LOL!!!
See you at the Oval 💪

(Unless we have lost that one already 😜)

What team you supporting next week ?

The same one I did this week at Taunton.
The same one I did last week at Ageas.
And at Edgbaston last September.
And at finals day the week before that.....

I'll leave others to revel in any failures watching the stream posting on a forum.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:16:15:26:42 by Grockle.

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AGod
16/04/2022 15:15

Anyone any views on Peter Trego’s take on the game?

Peter said that, much as he admired the bowling, neither set of batsmen deserved to be on the winning side because both sets of batsmen were guilty of a meek and submissive attitude, almost throughout.

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AGod
16/04/2022 15:24

Should Jamie Overton (and I note that he took 5 wkts in the Hants first innings which would seem - based solely on the scorecard - to be a quantum improvement on anything he did last year) run through our inept batting line-up, you will be ecstatic, in full “I told you so,” mode.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:04:16:15:29:12 by AGod.

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AGod
16/04/2022 15:28

Have you been watching that Surrey game, WSM ?

Have Surrey actually managed to get a bit of pace and bounce into the track?

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Grizzers
16/04/2022 16:15

''I'll leave others to revel in any failures watching the stream posting on a forum''.

Not sure who that was aimed at in particular wsm, but that's a pretty ridiculous & borderline offensive comment.

I haven't seen anyone ''revel'' in failure. It's precisely because people care so much about the Club that repeated under performance causes hurt.

Absolutely magnificent effort from Craig today, well supported by Peter Siddle. But does it tell us anything we don't already know ?

Regrettably not.

Grizzers

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wsm fan
16/04/2022 16:20

Some care Grizzers, many I suspect.

Several sadly get more pleasure from moaning.
I get there are frustrations but there we go.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 16:35

If posters don't like the perpetually negative - and we all know who they are - then don't read em and if they don't want to experience their pleasure in some cases don't give them a response.

I'll take action against any who post to simply provoke but there are opinions and as long as the discussion is about the cricket and within the rules I can only ask people to be sensitive of making generalisations and manage their own use of an open forum.

We are what we've always been and we'll continue to be that.

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Mike TA1
16/04/2022 16:55

Somerset v Essex day three and final day's photos.



I thought we had a chance when the scoreboard read 4 for 4, it was not to be.



Sam Cook bld Craig Overton, one of many.

Two Photos next same wicket.


Matt Critchley about to be bowled by Craig Overton



Matt Critchley now know Craig has completed the job.



Dan Lawrence ct Craig Overton bld Peter Siddle.
Credit must also go to Peter Siddle for his good bowling, I can't remember him bowling a bad ball.



Alistair Cook ct Steve Davies bld Peter Siddle.



Craig Overton down on his knees at the end of the match.
All that effort and not get the end result he wanted, Well done Craig Overton, and Peter Siddle.

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AGod
16/04/2022 16:56

That’s right, Grizz - we are what we know ourselves to be… a team with a really good bowling unit (when at or close to full-strength) but with a top six that leaves said bowlers of ours with zero margin for error… I.e the bowlers must be perfect for us to win.

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Grockle
16/04/2022 16:57

Stekertee went over and patted him on the back. Nice gesture but probably exactly what he didn't need at that exact moment.

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Whome
16/04/2022 18:21

Fantastic bowling in both innings but we all know we did not deserve to win that game. That being said it was very small margins and batsmen on both side seemed incapable of dealing with a ball that did enough. They call it nibbling I think and Essex just about coped with it better.

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Devonboy70
16/04/2022 18:28

Hats off for a fabulous bowling performance. It would have interesting to know the coaches take on half the team performing superbly and the other half abjectly failing .

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AGod
16/04/2022 18:38

Jason complained that the “pitch did more than we expected,” whilst praising the bowling and making the unavoidable admission about the batting.

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Loyal of Lhasa
16/04/2022 20:24

Have Essex lodged their complaint about the pitch yet?

LoL

Seventy-eight Seasons a Somerset Supporter

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Bobstan
16/04/2022 20:41

LoL, I have a message for you from Captain Mainwaring.

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Owain Glyndwr
16/04/2022 22:04

We were one wicket away from beating the favourites for the County Championship. Doom and gloom? Far from it for me, we're back in business. Superb performance from the lads, very proud of each and every one of them.

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Farmer White
17/04/2022 13:06

Despite the result, the final morning provided memories that will last a lifetime. Unforgettable. And a performance from Craig Overton that should rank alongside the immortal performances in Somerset's history. I have tried to capture some of the intensity of the cricket and the atmosphere in my report on the last day entitled: Overton - force of nature:

[farmerwhite.co.uk]

The reports on the first two days will be added to this post when I am able to complete them, but tbis day, I thought should take precedence.

Day 1 report - Eyeball-to-eyeball cricket - link here:

[farmerwhite.co.uk]

Day 2 report: A day of Vesuvian roars

Link: [farmerwhite.co.uk]

Farmer



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:02:11:21:17:29 by Farmer White.

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Farmer White
19/04/2022 13:01

For the record - First and second day reports on Essex match added above.

Farmer



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023:02:11:21:18:28 by Farmer White.

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