Sorry that its all been quiet on the Blog front lately but, in short, there's been little to write about.
The club has a new look web site (nice work Crofty, looks good!) and Chris Rogers continues to score runs a-plenty in Australia.
If I was a journalist, I reckon I could save myself a lot of time each day by the pre-written
"Chris Rogers took advantage of the opposition attack in batting imperiously while scoring XXX"
During the summer, you might even add in a less obvious but often accurate
"Meanwhile his colleagues made hard work of the bowling, with wickets going down at regular intervals to a succession of rash strokes and good catching".
A banker would be
"Charl Langeveldt bowled with great skill and no little hostility in producing figures of x-xx for Derbyshire on a helpful/slow track at Derby"
In the old days of type-face preparation, there were stories that the local press kept certain phrases ready to drop in as required
"Derbyshire collapse"
"Jackson in the wickets again"
"Slow going at Chesterfield"
There was the certainty that came from the often attritional Derbyshire batting, that grafted its way to a total more often than not. Great was the day when the Carrs, Hamers, Johnsons, Worthingtons and Townsends struck form. Less obviously an attraction was it when others (no names, no packdrill) took root at the crease and ground it out.
Never mind. Soon it will be here again. I see that the Pink Panthers (Durham) have signed new Aussie sensation Dave warner for the 20/20. Brave signing - if it goes for them as Pollock and Morkel did last year they'll have few complaints.
So who will we have?
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Bits 'n' bobs
Had a call from my Dad this evening, ever so slightly concerned.
"How can Hinds play for us this summer when he's playing for the West Indies against England".
The worry was palpable but I was quickly able to calm him and let him know that it was not Wavell of this parish but Barbadian Ryan.
Good job too, as Wavell has been on fire for Jamaica in recent weeks, averaging 62 for them in four day cricket, while not playing in the shorter forms of the game. Three fifties in seven innings but a highest of 75... realistically we need The Wave to be going on to the big scores this season. Similarly Buck has continued his fine form for Victoria and Charl continues to bowl beautifully in South Africa, so all of our overseas players seem in decent fettle.
The other news is that Derbyshire are following last year's pre-season tour to the Caribbean with another to the ever-so-slightly less tropical Isle of Wight. You can read all about it by clicking the Cricket World link on the left
Hopefully they get decent weather and a chance to turn their arm over and swing the willow.
A little discussion on 606 with regard to Derbyshire's "mediocrity" for the approaching season. I'd disagree and think we have some very good players. What will make or break the year will be the contributions of the lesser lights, some of whom have to step up to the plate for us to do well. In Langeveldt, Rogers, Hinds, Wagg, Pipe and Clare we have good players, but six out of eleven leaves you exposed. On their day Smith, Redfern, Stubbings and Borrington are players of talent, but they need to move forward this year, while Tom Lungley has to stay fit or could struggle to get another deal. Jake Needham is another who can cement a place in the side and there are others (Garry Park, John Sadler, Dom Telo) who can play but simply have to show they can do so consistently.
With six players of class, the likelihood is that only half at best will fire in each game. If we can find from the many on the staff one more batsman who can approach 1,000 runs, we'll not be far away from winning division two in the Championship. We cannot leave it all to the skipper, however and we must also get at least 800 from Hinds. To be honest, I'd expect a thousand this time for him to be worth a Kolpak place, as there's plenty on the staff who'd get 750 runs given the opportunity.
Only a couple of months to go. To quote my daughter, not that many years ago, "how many sleeps is that"?
"How can Hinds play for us this summer when he's playing for the West Indies against England".
The worry was palpable but I was quickly able to calm him and let him know that it was not Wavell of this parish but Barbadian Ryan.
Good job too, as Wavell has been on fire for Jamaica in recent weeks, averaging 62 for them in four day cricket, while not playing in the shorter forms of the game. Three fifties in seven innings but a highest of 75... realistically we need The Wave to be going on to the big scores this season. Similarly Buck has continued his fine form for Victoria and Charl continues to bowl beautifully in South Africa, so all of our overseas players seem in decent fettle.
The other news is that Derbyshire are following last year's pre-season tour to the Caribbean with another to the ever-so-slightly less tropical Isle of Wight. You can read all about it by clicking the Cricket World link on the left
Hopefully they get decent weather and a chance to turn their arm over and swing the willow.
A little discussion on 606 with regard to Derbyshire's "mediocrity" for the approaching season. I'd disagree and think we have some very good players. What will make or break the year will be the contributions of the lesser lights, some of whom have to step up to the plate for us to do well. In Langeveldt, Rogers, Hinds, Wagg, Pipe and Clare we have good players, but six out of eleven leaves you exposed. On their day Smith, Redfern, Stubbings and Borrington are players of talent, but they need to move forward this year, while Tom Lungley has to stay fit or could struggle to get another deal. Jake Needham is another who can cement a place in the side and there are others (Garry Park, John Sadler, Dom Telo) who can play but simply have to show they can do so consistently.
With six players of class, the likelihood is that only half at best will fire in each game. If we can find from the many on the staff one more batsman who can approach 1,000 runs, we'll not be far away from winning division two in the Championship. We cannot leave it all to the skipper, however and we must also get at least 800 from Hinds. To be honest, I'd expect a thousand this time for him to be worth a Kolpak place, as there's plenty on the staff who'd get 750 runs given the opportunity.
Only a couple of months to go. To quote my daughter, not that many years ago, "how many sleeps is that"?
Friday, 13 February 2009
Astonishing..
Excellent news this week about the club returning a third successive surplus. There may be so-called bigger clubs in the country but Derbyshire have shown that they are as well run as any of them.
It does pose the question as to what profit we'd have posted if we'd not shelled out a fortune on the former captain. As I've previously posted, there's an imbalance in the money we must have saved on the salaries of those who have gone in the past six months and the guys who have come in. Most of the fans I know are concerned, in the nicest sense of the word, as to where the money is, especially when we're saving a few thousand on the club yearbook.
As the days and weeks pass, I'm increasingly convinced that we'll be recruiting a big name for this year's 20/20. While Buck is an outstanding player, I don't see him playing the short game and he may well take a well-earned break. There may be a few Aussies who'd fancy a "net" prior to the Ashes starting, while the likes of Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh would attract large crowds from the local ethnic population for whom they are cult heroes. The South Africans have some fine players too (Duminy, Amla, de Villiers) but they may be looking for well earned breaks after back to back series against the Aussies.
Speaking of whom - well done Middlesex. England must have their best chance of winning the Ashes in a long time after the retirement of so many of the Australian top players. With Matthew Hayden gone, they look like opening with the talented but inexperienced (in English conditions)opening batsman Phil Hughes. So good old Middlesex give him a nice six week net in our conditions so he can get off to a flyer when the series starts. Well done lads. One would have hoped that with Angus Fraser involved they may have thought long and hard about this, but not hard enough. Had Derbyshire done this the wailing and gnashing of teeth would have been heard in Sydney...
Had a look at one of the cricket magazines in the local library - sorry, WH Smith - today. Interesting to see that in a section on "Ten to Watch in 2009" we had two players, Waggy and Dan Redfern. John Morris referred to Wagg as "the most versatile all rounder in English cricket" and few would argue. Dan has a lot of expectation on him this year and I wouldn't be surprised, at 18, if it was a year of fits and starts. Still, two Derbyshire boys in there is nice to see and one in the eye for those who stupidly see us as a Kolpak county.
Finally, what a farce in Antigua. I didn't know about it till I got a text this afternoon (thanks mate!) and it is hard to believe this level of incompetence. Bet they'll never moan about a slow track at Derby again after that. No wait, of course they will...
It does pose the question as to what profit we'd have posted if we'd not shelled out a fortune on the former captain. As I've previously posted, there's an imbalance in the money we must have saved on the salaries of those who have gone in the past six months and the guys who have come in. Most of the fans I know are concerned, in the nicest sense of the word, as to where the money is, especially when we're saving a few thousand on the club yearbook.
As the days and weeks pass, I'm increasingly convinced that we'll be recruiting a big name for this year's 20/20. While Buck is an outstanding player, I don't see him playing the short game and he may well take a well-earned break. There may be a few Aussies who'd fancy a "net" prior to the Ashes starting, while the likes of Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh would attract large crowds from the local ethnic population for whom they are cult heroes. The South Africans have some fine players too (Duminy, Amla, de Villiers) but they may be looking for well earned breaks after back to back series against the Aussies.
Speaking of whom - well done Middlesex. England must have their best chance of winning the Ashes in a long time after the retirement of so many of the Australian top players. With Matthew Hayden gone, they look like opening with the talented but inexperienced (in English conditions)opening batsman Phil Hughes. So good old Middlesex give him a nice six week net in our conditions so he can get off to a flyer when the series starts. Well done lads. One would have hoped that with Angus Fraser involved they may have thought long and hard about this, but not hard enough. Had Derbyshire done this the wailing and gnashing of teeth would have been heard in Sydney...
Had a look at one of the cricket magazines in the local library - sorry, WH Smith - today. Interesting to see that in a section on "Ten to Watch in 2009" we had two players, Waggy and Dan Redfern. John Morris referred to Wagg as "the most versatile all rounder in English cricket" and few would argue. Dan has a lot of expectation on him this year and I wouldn't be surprised, at 18, if it was a year of fits and starts. Still, two Derbyshire boys in there is nice to see and one in the eye for those who stupidly see us as a Kolpak county.
Finally, what a farce in Antigua. I didn't know about it till I got a text this afternoon (thanks mate!) and it is hard to believe this level of incompetence. Bet they'll never moan about a slow track at Derby again after that. No wait, of course they will...
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Total cobblers...
I felt ever so slightly like the class sneak last night.
I mailed the moderators on the BBC 606 site about the comments made by some creature calling itself "Flipzingy" about Derbyshire and the players.
Don't get me wrong, I can take good hearted banter and enjoy a laugh with mates about the respective merits of our sides. Given that most of my pals support Scotland, I am usually in the ascendency, although a couple support Durham which leaves me with nowhere to go...
This idiot's comments annoyed me, partly because he obviously knew little about the game, partly because he was was making blanket comments about OUR team and then because he started making comments about individuals - self included.
Considering that he claimed to have "discovered" a 17 year old bowling 94mph and a leg spinning all rounder of county class elsewhere on the site, the best you could say for this character was that he was delusional (that's my big word for "nut job"). You could have said a whole lot worse.
The moderators first of all said that there was nothing wrong with his comments as he had declared himself a fan. Yeah and I'm Donald Bradman. When I pointed out that they contravened their own very obvious guidelines on posts, they were quick to remove them.
The chap (I'm assuming he was) reckoned that you could only be a cricket fan if you played the game, which really annoyed me. I know lots of people who have played the game rarely and when they did never made any real contribution. Yet their love for the game, its literature and its standards made mine almost pale to insignificance. I've played for my school and University first elevens, played good club cricket in and around the Bassetlaw League and in the Scottish Counties. I've coached junior sides to trophy success but I've never been a great player. Not for me the dashing century, the seven wicket hauls and the like. I've been the dogged forty, the partnership breaker with the ball and the bloke who (at least when I was younger) caught more than he dropped. My best performance was an unbeaten 50 in an all out score of 91 when my team won by 30-odd runs. I've never made a century, never taken five wickets in an innings. Yet with the fifties I've made and the 2 and 3-fors I've loved every minute.
Yet its not essential. I've played cricket for years with a couple of guys who have rarely made double figures, don't really bowl and only occasionally hold a catch. Yet the club would not exist without their love for the game, their work around the place, their diligence on the ground. They're always on the teamsheet for that and always will be. We've enough good players to carry them anyway and I'd sooner lose and have them with me than do so without them.
So that's why I got annoyed with zipthingy. Thinking about my mates and how a game wouldn't be the same without willing them to make contact with another agricultural heave, or hoping that their hands are in the approximate area of the ball when a catch goes their way. Plus all the other guys who like cricket for the craic, the beer, the atmosphere and all the good things in life.
After all, if participation was the only route into being a supporter, there's not many of those naked torsoed footie fans with their manly physiques and beer bellies would qualify.
And how many would follow Formula One?
I mailed the moderators on the BBC 606 site about the comments made by some creature calling itself "Flipzingy" about Derbyshire and the players.
Don't get me wrong, I can take good hearted banter and enjoy a laugh with mates about the respective merits of our sides. Given that most of my pals support Scotland, I am usually in the ascendency, although a couple support Durham which leaves me with nowhere to go...
This idiot's comments annoyed me, partly because he obviously knew little about the game, partly because he was was making blanket comments about OUR team and then because he started making comments about individuals - self included.
Considering that he claimed to have "discovered" a 17 year old bowling 94mph and a leg spinning all rounder of county class elsewhere on the site, the best you could say for this character was that he was delusional (that's my big word for "nut job"). You could have said a whole lot worse.
The moderators first of all said that there was nothing wrong with his comments as he had declared himself a fan. Yeah and I'm Donald Bradman. When I pointed out that they contravened their own very obvious guidelines on posts, they were quick to remove them.
The chap (I'm assuming he was) reckoned that you could only be a cricket fan if you played the game, which really annoyed me. I know lots of people who have played the game rarely and when they did never made any real contribution. Yet their love for the game, its literature and its standards made mine almost pale to insignificance. I've played for my school and University first elevens, played good club cricket in and around the Bassetlaw League and in the Scottish Counties. I've coached junior sides to trophy success but I've never been a great player. Not for me the dashing century, the seven wicket hauls and the like. I've been the dogged forty, the partnership breaker with the ball and the bloke who (at least when I was younger) caught more than he dropped. My best performance was an unbeaten 50 in an all out score of 91 when my team won by 30-odd runs. I've never made a century, never taken five wickets in an innings. Yet with the fifties I've made and the 2 and 3-fors I've loved every minute.
Yet its not essential. I've played cricket for years with a couple of guys who have rarely made double figures, don't really bowl and only occasionally hold a catch. Yet the club would not exist without their love for the game, their work around the place, their diligence on the ground. They're always on the teamsheet for that and always will be. We've enough good players to carry them anyway and I'd sooner lose and have them with me than do so without them.
So that's why I got annoyed with zipthingy. Thinking about my mates and how a game wouldn't be the same without willing them to make contact with another agricultural heave, or hoping that their hands are in the approximate area of the ball when a catch goes their way. Plus all the other guys who like cricket for the craic, the beer, the atmosphere and all the good things in life.
After all, if participation was the only route into being a supporter, there's not many of those naked torsoed footie fans with their manly physiques and beer bellies would qualify.
And how many would follow Formula One?
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Australia pass on Buck
I may not be psychic but the thinking money would have to be on Chris Rogers Australian career being at an end.
After the season he has had, there were strong reasons to bring him into their touring side for South Africa, but the selectors have bypassed not only Rogers but Phil Jaques too and have gone for the precocious talents of Phil Hughes, a left hander who oozes talent and looks set for a distinguished career at just 21.
Rogers thus looks set to be one of the "nearly" men - joining the likes of Stuart Law, Martin Love and Tom Moody in not quite getting the run at the very top level that his talent has deserved. In another era Rogers would have graced the Aussie side, but his time would appear to be up from a national perspective.
Which is, of course, great news from Derbyshire's point of view, as Rogers should now be available for most of the 2009 season. One can only hope that he remains motivated and keen to prove a point - like Simon Katich did.
The surprise selection for the South African tour was Marcus North, who must be getting close to the all time record for "most counties" when he rolls up at Hampshire this coming season. After stints at Derbyshire, Durham, Gloucestershire and Lancashire, North will play down south, unless he is selected for the Ashes tour.
He is a fine player and was a wonderful short term performer for us a couple of years back, but his stint with us was at the right time from a wicket perspective and he is susceptible to the moving ball. A first class average of 44 suggests a very good, rather than outstanding player and his selection as "someone who can bowl a bit of spin" at number six in the words of their selectors smacks a little of desperation. How bare is their cupboard if North is a spinning option. He is a tidy bowler and did well for both us and Gloucestershire with the ball, especially in one day games. As a Test bowler I doubt he would frighten many though. I wish him luck and he will be remembered as an affable and committed player who gave 100% for Derbyshire in his short stay.
Rogers averages a shade under 50 in first class cricket but only 33 in one day games. It is obvious where his strengths lie but he should aim to bat an innings through in the longer one day games. Although a pacer of an innings rather than a dasher, he would still score a hundred in most matches if he was there at the end. Generally he gets out when trying to accelerate and we've plenty of dashers in the side who could do that if someone was playing Steady Eddie at the other end. If I was John Morris, I would tell him to aim to bat the innings through and see what happened. That way we'd be likely to get 200-250 rather than the 180 we're more used to. That psychological barrier often troubles sides and if Buck could do this we'd win a lot more one day matches.
That's it for now. Coming home tonight, I pulled into our drive when there was still a little light. Just over two months and we'll be back in action.
FANTASTIC!
After the season he has had, there were strong reasons to bring him into their touring side for South Africa, but the selectors have bypassed not only Rogers but Phil Jaques too and have gone for the precocious talents of Phil Hughes, a left hander who oozes talent and looks set for a distinguished career at just 21.
Rogers thus looks set to be one of the "nearly" men - joining the likes of Stuart Law, Martin Love and Tom Moody in not quite getting the run at the very top level that his talent has deserved. In another era Rogers would have graced the Aussie side, but his time would appear to be up from a national perspective.
Which is, of course, great news from Derbyshire's point of view, as Rogers should now be available for most of the 2009 season. One can only hope that he remains motivated and keen to prove a point - like Simon Katich did.
The surprise selection for the South African tour was Marcus North, who must be getting close to the all time record for "most counties" when he rolls up at Hampshire this coming season. After stints at Derbyshire, Durham, Gloucestershire and Lancashire, North will play down south, unless he is selected for the Ashes tour.
He is a fine player and was a wonderful short term performer for us a couple of years back, but his stint with us was at the right time from a wicket perspective and he is susceptible to the moving ball. A first class average of 44 suggests a very good, rather than outstanding player and his selection as "someone who can bowl a bit of spin" at number six in the words of their selectors smacks a little of desperation. How bare is their cupboard if North is a spinning option. He is a tidy bowler and did well for both us and Gloucestershire with the ball, especially in one day games. As a Test bowler I doubt he would frighten many though. I wish him luck and he will be remembered as an affable and committed player who gave 100% for Derbyshire in his short stay.
Rogers averages a shade under 50 in first class cricket but only 33 in one day games. It is obvious where his strengths lie but he should aim to bat an innings through in the longer one day games. Although a pacer of an innings rather than a dasher, he would still score a hundred in most matches if he was there at the end. Generally he gets out when trying to accelerate and we've plenty of dashers in the side who could do that if someone was playing Steady Eddie at the other end. If I was John Morris, I would tell him to aim to bat the innings through and see what happened. That way we'd be likely to get 200-250 rather than the 180 we're more used to. That psychological barrier often troubles sides and if Buck could do this we'd win a lot more one day matches.
That's it for now. Coming home tonight, I pulled into our drive when there was still a little light. Just over two months and we'll be back in action.
FANTASTIC!
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
As if further proof were needed...
Super Charl pulled a tie out of the bag for Cape Cobras tonight.
Playing against the Lions, his side made a respectable 154-6 in 20 overs, with the early contender for the "New Star of 2009" award, JP Duminy, making 56 from 71 balls to anchor the innings. Skipper Justin Ontong blasted a quick 33 but the Lions got away to a flier and at 81-1 in 11 were coasting it.
Proteas opener Neil McKenzie and new one day cap Vaughan Van Jaarsveld gave good support to opening batsman Alviro Petersen and when the last over arrived, the Lions, needing just eight to win were looking good at 147-3.
Charl had the last over and his first ball was a superb yorker - no run. Then Petersen hit him to long on where the catch was made.
Wicket keeper Dane Vilas smashed the next one over extra cover for six, then took a single to level the scores. Two balls left, one to win...
New batsman Werner Coetsee was surprised by the bouncer next ball, tried to pull, but top edged to the keeper. One ball left, one to win.
Cliff Deacon came in for his minute of glory but was yorked by Langeveldt who finished with the outstanding figures of 3-21 in four overs.
I hope that news doesn't percolate through to India...
Memo to Charl - have a word in JP Duminy's ear and tell him how beneficial a stint at Derbyshire in the 20/20 would be for his career. He might even end up a good player!
Playing against the Lions, his side made a respectable 154-6 in 20 overs, with the early contender for the "New Star of 2009" award, JP Duminy, making 56 from 71 balls to anchor the innings. Skipper Justin Ontong blasted a quick 33 but the Lions got away to a flier and at 81-1 in 11 were coasting it.
Proteas opener Neil McKenzie and new one day cap Vaughan Van Jaarsveld gave good support to opening batsman Alviro Petersen and when the last over arrived, the Lions, needing just eight to win were looking good at 147-3.
Charl had the last over and his first ball was a superb yorker - no run. Then Petersen hit him to long on where the catch was made.
Wicket keeper Dane Vilas smashed the next one over extra cover for six, then took a single to level the scores. Two balls left, one to win...
New batsman Werner Coetsee was surprised by the bouncer next ball, tried to pull, but top edged to the keeper. One ball left, one to win.
Cliff Deacon came in for his minute of glory but was yorked by Langeveldt who finished with the outstanding figures of 3-21 in four overs.
I hope that news doesn't percolate through to India...
Memo to Charl - have a word in JP Duminy's ear and tell him how beneficial a stint at Derbyshire in the 20/20 would be for his career. He might even end up a good player!
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Bit baffled but more than a little pleased
Like most of you, I was concerned to see that Charl Langeveldt was in the original list of 111 players who were available for signing in the IPL.
I was genuinely concerned that our talismanic opening bowler would be lost to us for a fair chunk at the start of the season. Depending on who signed him and how well they did, we may not have seen him for the first month or so.
So I was pleasantly surprised to see that he had not made the short list of 43 from which teams can select and bid for players. This despite his generally being regarded as one of the best new ball bowlers in the world one day game and especially at 20/20. Indeed, only last year did he win an award for his 20/20 success, where he has returned some spectacular figures. 37 wickets at just 16 in this format suggests a bloke who can play a little, but hey - their loss is definitely our gain.
The remaining concern is that those sides who had Pakistani players signed up for three years (their players have been banned from playing by their government) may sign replacements from that original list. So don't relax just yet...
I was even more surprised to see who had made the cut. Aaron Bird of New South Wales? Brett Geeves, Daniel Harris, Bryce McGain, Shane Harwood, Steven Smith? Some of these guys are possibly not famous in their own houses. McGain has flirted with national selection but, be honest, if Derbyshire signed one of them you'd be underwhelmed...
Then there's Michael Dighton and Jon Moss. Both reasonable (but only that) cricketers who have played for Derbyshire in the past and had their moments. Again though, you'd not look back on their time with us as being golden moments in the club's history. Moss was a bits and pieces man, and we need and deserve more than that from an overseas import, while Dighton could bat explosively but not for long enough. He also bowled tidy wobbly medium pace, but nothing to write home about.
Indeed, while Dighton has averaged only 14 with the bat for Tasmania this winter, Moss has yet to appear for Victoria.
For that matter, I'd not be emptying the swear box to raise the cash for Shaun "Scattergun" Tait either. In fact, looking at the short list, the English players in there look like the auction version of Harrods as compared to the Pound Shop elsewhere. Were it to be the list of options for Derbyshire to sign from for this summer's 20/20, I'd reckon there'd be a short list of:
JP Duminy
Michael Clarke
Phil Jaques
Gulam Bodi
and that's it. Duminy looked a class act in Australia, Clarke is a fine player, Jaques a top bat and Bodi a top of the innings dasher. But that's it (English players apart)
Indian audiences, prepare to be disappointed...
I was genuinely concerned that our talismanic opening bowler would be lost to us for a fair chunk at the start of the season. Depending on who signed him and how well they did, we may not have seen him for the first month or so.
So I was pleasantly surprised to see that he had not made the short list of 43 from which teams can select and bid for players. This despite his generally being regarded as one of the best new ball bowlers in the world one day game and especially at 20/20. Indeed, only last year did he win an award for his 20/20 success, where he has returned some spectacular figures. 37 wickets at just 16 in this format suggests a bloke who can play a little, but hey - their loss is definitely our gain.
The remaining concern is that those sides who had Pakistani players signed up for three years (their players have been banned from playing by their government) may sign replacements from that original list. So don't relax just yet...
I was even more surprised to see who had made the cut. Aaron Bird of New South Wales? Brett Geeves, Daniel Harris, Bryce McGain, Shane Harwood, Steven Smith? Some of these guys are possibly not famous in their own houses. McGain has flirted with national selection but, be honest, if Derbyshire signed one of them you'd be underwhelmed...
Then there's Michael Dighton and Jon Moss. Both reasonable (but only that) cricketers who have played for Derbyshire in the past and had their moments. Again though, you'd not look back on their time with us as being golden moments in the club's history. Moss was a bits and pieces man, and we need and deserve more than that from an overseas import, while Dighton could bat explosively but not for long enough. He also bowled tidy wobbly medium pace, but nothing to write home about.
Indeed, while Dighton has averaged only 14 with the bat for Tasmania this winter, Moss has yet to appear for Victoria.
For that matter, I'd not be emptying the swear box to raise the cash for Shaun "Scattergun" Tait either. In fact, looking at the short list, the English players in there look like the auction version of Harrods as compared to the Pound Shop elsewhere. Were it to be the list of options for Derbyshire to sign from for this summer's 20/20, I'd reckon there'd be a short list of:
JP Duminy
Michael Clarke
Phil Jaques
Gulam Bodi
and that's it. Duminy looked a class act in Australia, Clarke is a fine player, Jaques a top bat and Bodi a top of the innings dasher. But that's it (English players apart)
Indian audiences, prepare to be disappointed...
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Come in number three...
Your time is now
Yes, there's no pressure but the role of number three in our side this season will be crucial to our chances of success in competitions.
For starters, this is how I see the first choice Championship side line up:
1 Chris Rogers
2 Steve Stubbings/Paul Borrington
3 ?
4 Dan Redfern
5 Wavell Hinds
6 Greg Smith
7 James Pipe
8 Graham Wagg
9 Jon Clare
10 Jake Needham
11 Charl Langeveldt
There's quite a few names missing from that side, so who are the candidates for that final place. You'll notice that I've got Wavell down at 5 (where he'll avoid the new ball most of the time) and Greg Smith at 6. The latter has a big year in 2009, as he's been bracketed as a "promising" player for a few years now. He was unlucky with early injury last year, but must translate undoubted ability into fulfilled talent. While I'd perhaps push him up the order in one dayers, he has a major role in the middle order.
Dan Birch
Dan the man can hit a ball and in form can give real impetus to an innings. He can also get out early with a shot that looks careless and ill-judged. A solidly built man, he isn't the most lithe of movers in the field and at times seems to lose concentration and has put down a few sitters. The jury is still out, but there were signs last year that he was coming to terms with the County game. Another facing a big season but a contender, without doubt.
Dominic Telo
Dominic arrived on the back of a fine winter in South Africa, although not at the highest level. Great expectations preceded him and its fair to say his first year was a disaster. He would often make a start, only to find a way of getting out when he'd done the hard part. Geoff Boycott has said that only poor players get out in the 20s and 30s. There's plenty don't get that far, but the fact remains that Telo needs runs this year or may well be back in South Africa. Has he got the temperament? After a prolific school career, Dom is facing a big test of character this season.
Steve Stubbings/Paul Borrington
Once Bozza finishes University there'll be a battle royal for the opening berth to partner Chris Rogers. Perhaps the "loser" could drop down to three? I'm not so sure, as neither are fluent stroke players and the innings could lose, or fail to gain impetus. Both have great "stickability" but we can only win games by getting runs on the board and bowling teams out twice. While there will be days that their grit will be crucial as the ball moves around, I can't see us accommodating both in the same side.
John Sadler
I was genuinely surprised to see Sads struggle last year. He'd had good one day and four day years at Leicester and could play with aggression or dig in. Last year he struggled to get the ball away and occupied the crease for a long time for no obvious reward. Later in the season he returned to the one day side and made more runs than most - not that this says all that much in a poor one day season. I think he can come again, but is at an age where he simply has to.
Garry Park
Park arrives from Durham with a reputation as a fielder of Rhodes-like brilliance at point and a batsman with a fine array of strokes. While he has batted throughout the middle order for Durham, he spent most of last year scoring loads of runs at number three for their second eleven. He's billed as an all-rounder, but has only two first class wickets and can also keep wicket. I would be very surprised if he didn't have a big part to play this season and even more so if he didn't at least start in the side as first wicket down. Why else would he leave the County champions but for regular first team cricket?
So that's my call at this stage. Of course, it all depends on pre-season form, fitness and the possibility of another signing before April. There's every chance I could be wrong, but we're all entitled to an opinion!
Which brings me to a final point. I'm ever so slightly concerned about the finances (stay with me on this one)
Last year we lost/got rid of Rikki Clarke, Nayan Doshi, Wayne White and Kevin Dean. My guess is that saved us around £200K, a figure based on suggestions of the salary our erstwhile skipper commanded.
We've signed two younger players in Park and Tim Groenewald, so I'd hope that at least half and probably much more of that figure was still available. Yet we're saving five grand by chopping the yearbook and there's little sign of anyone else coming in.
Is the money going into ground improvements? Or are we keeping a sum aside to bring in a big name for the 20/20 this year? It would make sense, as the big crowds at these games have seen some pitiful cricket in the past two years. To keep them coming in we need a big name who will offer the possibility of a few wins and some electrifying batting. I'd be surprised if Buk didn't take another mid-season break and miss the form of the game in which he has had the least success. So perhaps we're bringing in a Hayden, Gayle, Symonds or Sehwag? That would be something to look forward to, but I don't think I'm alone in wondering when the club might set our minds at rest on the financial and playing fronts.
Yes, there's no pressure but the role of number three in our side this season will be crucial to our chances of success in competitions.
For starters, this is how I see the first choice Championship side line up:
1 Chris Rogers
2 Steve Stubbings/Paul Borrington
3 ?
4 Dan Redfern
5 Wavell Hinds
6 Greg Smith
7 James Pipe
8 Graham Wagg
9 Jon Clare
10 Jake Needham
11 Charl Langeveldt
There's quite a few names missing from that side, so who are the candidates for that final place. You'll notice that I've got Wavell down at 5 (where he'll avoid the new ball most of the time) and Greg Smith at 6. The latter has a big year in 2009, as he's been bracketed as a "promising" player for a few years now. He was unlucky with early injury last year, but must translate undoubted ability into fulfilled talent. While I'd perhaps push him up the order in one dayers, he has a major role in the middle order.
Dan Birch
Dan the man can hit a ball and in form can give real impetus to an innings. He can also get out early with a shot that looks careless and ill-judged. A solidly built man, he isn't the most lithe of movers in the field and at times seems to lose concentration and has put down a few sitters. The jury is still out, but there were signs last year that he was coming to terms with the County game. Another facing a big season but a contender, without doubt.
Dominic Telo
Dominic arrived on the back of a fine winter in South Africa, although not at the highest level. Great expectations preceded him and its fair to say his first year was a disaster. He would often make a start, only to find a way of getting out when he'd done the hard part. Geoff Boycott has said that only poor players get out in the 20s and 30s. There's plenty don't get that far, but the fact remains that Telo needs runs this year or may well be back in South Africa. Has he got the temperament? After a prolific school career, Dom is facing a big test of character this season.
Steve Stubbings/Paul Borrington
Once Bozza finishes University there'll be a battle royal for the opening berth to partner Chris Rogers. Perhaps the "loser" could drop down to three? I'm not so sure, as neither are fluent stroke players and the innings could lose, or fail to gain impetus. Both have great "stickability" but we can only win games by getting runs on the board and bowling teams out twice. While there will be days that their grit will be crucial as the ball moves around, I can't see us accommodating both in the same side.
John Sadler
I was genuinely surprised to see Sads struggle last year. He'd had good one day and four day years at Leicester and could play with aggression or dig in. Last year he struggled to get the ball away and occupied the crease for a long time for no obvious reward. Later in the season he returned to the one day side and made more runs than most - not that this says all that much in a poor one day season. I think he can come again, but is at an age where he simply has to.
Garry Park
Park arrives from Durham with a reputation as a fielder of Rhodes-like brilliance at point and a batsman with a fine array of strokes. While he has batted throughout the middle order for Durham, he spent most of last year scoring loads of runs at number three for their second eleven. He's billed as an all-rounder, but has only two first class wickets and can also keep wicket. I would be very surprised if he didn't have a big part to play this season and even more so if he didn't at least start in the side as first wicket down. Why else would he leave the County champions but for regular first team cricket?
So that's my call at this stage. Of course, it all depends on pre-season form, fitness and the possibility of another signing before April. There's every chance I could be wrong, but we're all entitled to an opinion!
Which brings me to a final point. I'm ever so slightly concerned about the finances (stay with me on this one)
Last year we lost/got rid of Rikki Clarke, Nayan Doshi, Wayne White and Kevin Dean. My guess is that saved us around £200K, a figure based on suggestions of the salary our erstwhile skipper commanded.
We've signed two younger players in Park and Tim Groenewald, so I'd hope that at least half and probably much more of that figure was still available. Yet we're saving five grand by chopping the yearbook and there's little sign of anyone else coming in.
Is the money going into ground improvements? Or are we keeping a sum aside to bring in a big name for the 20/20 this year? It would make sense, as the big crowds at these games have seen some pitiful cricket in the past two years. To keep them coming in we need a big name who will offer the possibility of a few wins and some electrifying batting. I'd be surprised if Buk didn't take another mid-season break and miss the form of the game in which he has had the least success. So perhaps we're bringing in a Hayden, Gayle, Symonds or Sehwag? That would be something to look forward to, but I don't think I'm alone in wondering when the club might set our minds at rest on the financial and playing fronts.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Better news from South Africa
On what would be called in this country a "sporting" wicket, Dan Redfern and Atif Sheikh have emphasised their potential in SOuth Africa against a University Sports XI
To be fair, it would be called sporting at the Oval or Chester le Street. At Derby they'd call it unplayable and be calling in the pitch inspectors...
Anyway, England Under 19s were put out for just 119 on the first day, with Redfern top scorer with 36 before he was run out. The bowlers have hit back and Sheikh reduced the opposition to 9-4 with a five over burst of 3-10. For a boy playing against youngsters two years older than himself he seems quite a talent and although there'll be mixed times ahead for him, there can be little doubt that we have unearthed a player of genuine potential - and by all accounts, pace.
Given that there have been comparatively few genuinely quick fast left arm bowlers (Wasim Akram and then...) I hope that we are ready to look after this young man and allow him to develop at the right pace, if you'll pardon the pun.
To be fair, it would be called sporting at the Oval or Chester le Street. At Derby they'd call it unplayable and be calling in the pitch inspectors...
Anyway, England Under 19s were put out for just 119 on the first day, with Redfern top scorer with 36 before he was run out. The bowlers have hit back and Sheikh reduced the opposition to 9-4 with a five over burst of 3-10. For a boy playing against youngsters two years older than himself he seems quite a talent and although there'll be mixed times ahead for him, there can be little doubt that we have unearthed a player of genuine potential - and by all accounts, pace.
Given that there have been comparatively few genuinely quick fast left arm bowlers (Wasim Akram and then...) I hope that we are ready to look after this young man and allow him to develop at the right pace, if you'll pardon the pun.
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Still around...
I've not gone into hibernation, honestly.
Its just that there's not a heck of a lot to write about just now. The lads who went to South Africa didn't tear up any trees, with Dan Redfern a little out of touch, Tom Poynton barely getting a game and Atif Sheikh injured for a good part of the tour, although he came back with a couple of wickets in the last 20/20 game.
More encouraging was the news that gate revenue at the club increased by 70% last year. Much of this must have come during the 20/20 campaign, although the usual attendances at Chesterfield will have helped. It makes you wonder what would happen if we started winning 20/20 matches...
Good news on the domestic front. Rachel, our daughter said today that she was "desperate" to go to Chesterfield when we visit my folks at Easter.
"Why's that" said her Mum, doubtless thinking that the array of shops, the crooked spire or the market were an obvious lure for her little girl.
"I'd really like to see that cricket ground again" she said, unaware of the broad smile that swept across my face as she spoke...
The realist in me accepts that it has more to do with the very tasty cobs that we had in the park while watching the groundsman go about his duties than the game itself, but lets allow a little romance into it. She's obviously smitten by the wonderful ground and has taken in all those subliminal and non-too subliminal messages I've been sending throughout her 11 years!
That's about it for now. No news of additional signings and we approach February at a fair old rate. Mind you, given that Klusener and Law have yet to sign for anyone, I daresay that conjecture will be ongoing for some time yet - although probably without any real reason.
The bottom line would appear to be that Telo, Sadler, Birch, Park, Smith and Hinds will battle it out for the number three berth as things stand. In my next piece I'll look at those players and give you my opinion on the front runner.
Its just that there's not a heck of a lot to write about just now. The lads who went to South Africa didn't tear up any trees, with Dan Redfern a little out of touch, Tom Poynton barely getting a game and Atif Sheikh injured for a good part of the tour, although he came back with a couple of wickets in the last 20/20 game.
More encouraging was the news that gate revenue at the club increased by 70% last year. Much of this must have come during the 20/20 campaign, although the usual attendances at Chesterfield will have helped. It makes you wonder what would happen if we started winning 20/20 matches...
Good news on the domestic front. Rachel, our daughter said today that she was "desperate" to go to Chesterfield when we visit my folks at Easter.
"Why's that" said her Mum, doubtless thinking that the array of shops, the crooked spire or the market were an obvious lure for her little girl.
"I'd really like to see that cricket ground again" she said, unaware of the broad smile that swept across my face as she spoke...
The realist in me accepts that it has more to do with the very tasty cobs that we had in the park while watching the groundsman go about his duties than the game itself, but lets allow a little romance into it. She's obviously smitten by the wonderful ground and has taken in all those subliminal and non-too subliminal messages I've been sending throughout her 11 years!
That's about it for now. No news of additional signings and we approach February at a fair old rate. Mind you, given that Klusener and Law have yet to sign for anyone, I daresay that conjecture will be ongoing for some time yet - although probably without any real reason.
The bottom line would appear to be that Telo, Sadler, Birch, Park, Smith and Hinds will battle it out for the number three berth as things stand. In my next piece I'll look at those players and give you my opinion on the front runner.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
They had me worried there...
Had a quick look at the club site today
"Maynard back at Queens Park" said the headline and I broke out in a cold sweat...
Matthew Maynard? Surely we weren't signing the former Glamorgan batsman on as the batsman we have all been anticipating?
Thankfully, the answer was no and he was just a guest of the Cricket Society at Chesterfield.
Strange as it seems, we've done dafter things at Derbyshire. Some will recall the signing of Clive Inman on a short contract after he left Leicestershire, a team he served well for years.
An apposite word, as I remember reading the newspaper headline "Derbyshire sign Inman" and thinking that John Inman, of "Are You Being Served" fame, had changed career...
I'd never heard of Clive at that point (hey, I was young) but I could visualise the skipper asking who fancied opening and Inman skipping gaily down the dressing room saying "I'm free..."
Truth be told, Clive in his Derbyshire appearances was only marginally more effective than John would have been, and less entertaining. Our rest home for the elderly then went on to offer accommodation to an assortment of lags in varying levels of fitness. Fred Rumsey, Fred Trueman, Ron Headley, Phil Sharpe...to be fair, some gave decent service, but it sent out strange signals and they were very short-sighted signings.
Nottinghamshire will be hoping for good value from Ally Brown and if he matches the deeds of Mark Ealham they'll have no complaints. They don't seem short of batting at Trent Bridge though and one wonders what the younger batsman are thinking after that one. The same could be said if we, or anyone else signed Stuart Law, or Lance Klusener. As a huge fan of pre-war cricket and players, I know that many players went on until nearer 50 than 40, but that is impossible today. The amount of cricket and the requirement to be a whippet in the field legislates against it.
So no Maynard at Derby - but we keep our eyes fixed on the County Ground and hope that news will be forthcoming of an additional batsman for 2009.
"Maynard back at Queens Park" said the headline and I broke out in a cold sweat...
Matthew Maynard? Surely we weren't signing the former Glamorgan batsman on as the batsman we have all been anticipating?
Thankfully, the answer was no and he was just a guest of the Cricket Society at Chesterfield.
Strange as it seems, we've done dafter things at Derbyshire. Some will recall the signing of Clive Inman on a short contract after he left Leicestershire, a team he served well for years.
An apposite word, as I remember reading the newspaper headline "Derbyshire sign Inman" and thinking that John Inman, of "Are You Being Served" fame, had changed career...
I'd never heard of Clive at that point (hey, I was young) but I could visualise the skipper asking who fancied opening and Inman skipping gaily down the dressing room saying "I'm free..."
Truth be told, Clive in his Derbyshire appearances was only marginally more effective than John would have been, and less entertaining. Our rest home for the elderly then went on to offer accommodation to an assortment of lags in varying levels of fitness. Fred Rumsey, Fred Trueman, Ron Headley, Phil Sharpe...to be fair, some gave decent service, but it sent out strange signals and they were very short-sighted signings.
Nottinghamshire will be hoping for good value from Ally Brown and if he matches the deeds of Mark Ealham they'll have no complaints. They don't seem short of batting at Trent Bridge though and one wonders what the younger batsman are thinking after that one. The same could be said if we, or anyone else signed Stuart Law, or Lance Klusener. As a huge fan of pre-war cricket and players, I know that many players went on until nearer 50 than 40, but that is impossible today. The amount of cricket and the requirement to be a whippet in the field legislates against it.
So no Maynard at Derby - but we keep our eyes fixed on the County Ground and hope that news will be forthcoming of an additional batsman for 2009.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Hayden set to retire, so...
The thinking money has to be on Chris Rogers being in the frame to tour South Africa as his replacement as opening batsman.
If he doesn't, the genial left hander should realise his Test hopes are gone, as he could have done no more this year than he has to stake a claim.
His rivals would be Phil Jacques, Phil Hughes and Shaun Marsh. One would expect that Dave Warner's credentials lie in the short forms of the game, at least for now, and Marsh has had an up and down summer, averaging just 24 in the Sheffield Shield, while Jacques has hardly played after a serious injury, from which he is close to recovery.
Hughes has batted well in all forms of the game and at 21 looks a certain Test bat of the future. Michael Klinger could also have his fans, but has had several poorer seasons before averaging 90 this year.
Rogers is second in the State averages, with just under 83 an innings. If he made the South African tour and batted well, perhaps the Aussies may not want him playing County cricket and risking injury (although he may find fine form).
If Matt Hayden retires tomorrow morning Aussie time, I'd see if he fancied one more crack at the County game, just like his erstwhile opening partner Justin Langer. At 37 his anticipated retirement is only from Test cricket and he is still a very fine player. I suspect he'd love Chesterfield, with a quicker track and short boundaries and would give a great start in 20/20, as well as being an astute skipper.
Yes, Hayden would be my choice if we lost Buck. I hope we don't, but I fail to see how anyone could fail to be impressed by his form this season...
If he doesn't, the genial left hander should realise his Test hopes are gone, as he could have done no more this year than he has to stake a claim.
His rivals would be Phil Jacques, Phil Hughes and Shaun Marsh. One would expect that Dave Warner's credentials lie in the short forms of the game, at least for now, and Marsh has had an up and down summer, averaging just 24 in the Sheffield Shield, while Jacques has hardly played after a serious injury, from which he is close to recovery.
Hughes has batted well in all forms of the game and at 21 looks a certain Test bat of the future. Michael Klinger could also have his fans, but has had several poorer seasons before averaging 90 this year.
Rogers is second in the State averages, with just under 83 an innings. If he made the South African tour and batted well, perhaps the Aussies may not want him playing County cricket and risking injury (although he may find fine form).
If Matt Hayden retires tomorrow morning Aussie time, I'd see if he fancied one more crack at the County game, just like his erstwhile opening partner Justin Langer. At 37 his anticipated retirement is only from Test cricket and he is still a very fine player. I suspect he'd love Chesterfield, with a quicker track and short boundaries and would give a great start in 20/20, as well as being an astute skipper.
Yes, Hayden would be my choice if we lost Buck. I hope we don't, but I fail to see how anyone could fail to be impressed by his form this season...
New features
Couple of new features on the blog this week.
There's some links to Derbyshire cricket entries on Youtube, which are quite entertaining, but please let me know if this causes delays in the loading of the page for you, or if you don't like it. In fact, use the poll on the left to let me know. Your wish is my command...
You can also sign up as a fan or follower of the blog if you wish. The instructions are easy enough, just click on the link and follow them. Be open or bashful - whichever you prefer.
There's some links to Derbyshire cricket entries on Youtube, which are quite entertaining, but please let me know if this causes delays in the loading of the page for you, or if you don't like it. In fact, use the poll on the left to let me know. Your wish is my command...
You can also sign up as a fan or follower of the blog if you wish. The instructions are easy enough, just click on the link and follow them. Be open or bashful - whichever you prefer.
New signing?
Interesting question posed by "Anon" as a reply to my last article:
"Who do you think Derbyshire should get this summer for the 2009 season?
Also I think John Morris should try to pursue Lance Klusener because he is a world class all-rounder
Also Derbyshire try and attempt to get Saqlain Mushtaq instead of Mark Lawson because Saqlain is a world class spinner and help Jake Needham
Plus I am not impressed with signing of John Morris has made Garry Park and Tim Groenwald".
Well, the options are running out! Klusener is still on the market, but rumour suggests that this is primarily because he is asking funny money for another county stint and may well need to be realistic to return to the County game. I've heard up to £150K being quoted and cannot think anyone would bite at that sort of price. Glamorgan were rumoured to be interested, but that level of money rules us out of it. Same goes for Stuart Law, another fine (but aging) batsman who would be a good signing but only if, to quote dear old Brucie, "the price is right".
To be fair, Klusener struggles to justify the term "all-rounder" these days and sightings of him with a ball in his hand last year were a tad infrequent. His batting has probably improved, so he is still a force to be reckoned with but not as an all-rounder.
As for Saqlain, the same applies. His agent appears to be pricing him out of the game and I would go back to when we signed Venkat in the 1970's with a cautionary tale. His signing was ostensibly to help the young off-spinners Bob Swindell and Geoff Miller, but Venkat got choice of ends and Miller never got a game while the Indian was with Derbyshire. Swindell also lacked opportunities as we never played two off-spinners (Fred Swarbrook being his regular partner) and drifted from the game, an unfulfilled talent.
Saqlain has had chronic knee problems and he no longer seems able to pivot as he once did, which is crucial for an off-spinner and his wicket-taking has reduced as a result. So in short - thanks, but no thanks!
As for the younger signings, I'm more optimistic. Park could be an inspired bit of work. We have some fine fielders, but Park will up the ante considerably and is apparently in the Jonty Rhodes class in the covers. As a batsman his record in Durham Seconds, as well as in occasional first team games, suggests a player of some ability. I think he brings something different and may be a shrewd bit of work. He can also keep wicket and bowl medium pace, so if we want to save a bob or two, we could always send him and Waggy to away matches in a Smart car and there's enough versatility to keep things going...
Groenewald I'm less sure about but he was well rated in South Africa and can both hit a ball and the deck hard. Maybe he'll flourish on increased opportunity and he has a tough act to follow. The last two all-rounders we have signed from Warwickshire were Messrs Welch and Wagg - more of the same would do nicely, thank you.
We should still have some money in the coffers after the release of Clarke, Doshi, Dean and White. Unless we pick up a good number three, my guess is that Morris may augment the 20/20 ranks with an explosive batsman or all rounder. James Hopes would be a good signing and new kid on the block David Warner will have opened a few eyes with his heroics against South Africa at the weekend. I wouldn't say no to JP Duminy either, but much depends on whether Chris Rogers plays 20/20, or indeed is with us from June onwards. Buck may well find himself on the Ashes tour if he continues in his current form, especially if Matt Hayden falls from grace. I can't see them blooding a youngster in an Ashes series, but you never can tell.
Until the next time - farewell!
"Who do you think Derbyshire should get this summer for the 2009 season?
Also I think John Morris should try to pursue Lance Klusener because he is a world class all-rounder
Also Derbyshire try and attempt to get Saqlain Mushtaq instead of Mark Lawson because Saqlain is a world class spinner and help Jake Needham
Plus I am not impressed with signing of John Morris has made Garry Park and Tim Groenwald".
Well, the options are running out! Klusener is still on the market, but rumour suggests that this is primarily because he is asking funny money for another county stint and may well need to be realistic to return to the County game. I've heard up to £150K being quoted and cannot think anyone would bite at that sort of price. Glamorgan were rumoured to be interested, but that level of money rules us out of it. Same goes for Stuart Law, another fine (but aging) batsman who would be a good signing but only if, to quote dear old Brucie, "the price is right".
To be fair, Klusener struggles to justify the term "all-rounder" these days and sightings of him with a ball in his hand last year were a tad infrequent. His batting has probably improved, so he is still a force to be reckoned with but not as an all-rounder.
As for Saqlain, the same applies. His agent appears to be pricing him out of the game and I would go back to when we signed Venkat in the 1970's with a cautionary tale. His signing was ostensibly to help the young off-spinners Bob Swindell and Geoff Miller, but Venkat got choice of ends and Miller never got a game while the Indian was with Derbyshire. Swindell also lacked opportunities as we never played two off-spinners (Fred Swarbrook being his regular partner) and drifted from the game, an unfulfilled talent.
Saqlain has had chronic knee problems and he no longer seems able to pivot as he once did, which is crucial for an off-spinner and his wicket-taking has reduced as a result. So in short - thanks, but no thanks!
As for the younger signings, I'm more optimistic. Park could be an inspired bit of work. We have some fine fielders, but Park will up the ante considerably and is apparently in the Jonty Rhodes class in the covers. As a batsman his record in Durham Seconds, as well as in occasional first team games, suggests a player of some ability. I think he brings something different and may be a shrewd bit of work. He can also keep wicket and bowl medium pace, so if we want to save a bob or two, we could always send him and Waggy to away matches in a Smart car and there's enough versatility to keep things going...
Groenewald I'm less sure about but he was well rated in South Africa and can both hit a ball and the deck hard. Maybe he'll flourish on increased opportunity and he has a tough act to follow. The last two all-rounders we have signed from Warwickshire were Messrs Welch and Wagg - more of the same would do nicely, thank you.
We should still have some money in the coffers after the release of Clarke, Doshi, Dean and White. Unless we pick up a good number three, my guess is that Morris may augment the 20/20 ranks with an explosive batsman or all rounder. James Hopes would be a good signing and new kid on the block David Warner will have opened a few eyes with his heroics against South Africa at the weekend. I wouldn't say no to JP Duminy either, but much depends on whether Chris Rogers plays 20/20, or indeed is with us from June onwards. Buck may well find himself on the Ashes tour if he continues in his current form, especially if Matt Hayden falls from grace. I can't see them blooding a youngster in an Ashes series, but you never can tell.
Until the next time - farewell!
Friday, 9 January 2009
News at last!
Three lots of news emanating from the County Ground this week, the first for a while.
First up was that the talented triumvirate that is Dan Redfern, Tom Poynton and Atif Sheikh headed off with England Under 19s to South Africa. Talented cricketers all, I hope they will all make a good impression. Redfern looks a certainty to play, while Poynton should get his share of games. Sheikh at just 17 sounds a great prospect as a left arm quickie, playing two years ahead of himself if you will.
After being awarded a contract for next season, Sheikh was described by John Morris as being his "project bowler". Strange then that we now find ourselves short of a bowling coach with the season just over three months away. I would hope that Morris has this in hand, as I'm a little baffled as to how "consultants" can help a young lad finding his way in the game. Mind you, maybe that's where Langeveldt may come into his own...
Then came the news that the square has to be turned at Derby, which seems an eminently sensible solution. I have to say that the temporary solution of a screen on a cherry picker didn't strike me as the safest of solutions if there was any wind about. I'd certainly not have fancied sitting in its vicinity, that's for sure.
Jake Needham must have got excited if he saw the heading "wicket to turn at Derby" but seriously, the club have made the right decision and I just hope that in the relaying of wickets they manage to get some life into them. A few last year were dreadfully slow and made stroke playing and getting people out equally difficult. Keeping them quiet was easier (except Ravi Bopara...) but a little more pace would be enjoyed by batsmen and bowlers alike.
Finally "Lungley in hospital" didn't bode well after the affable Tom's injury-hit 2008. Closer inspection revealed a visit by Don Amott, Lungley, Graham Wagg and James Pipe to Derby Children's Hospital, where they handed out club goodies. A nice gesture by the club, but I just hope that the youngster pictured on the club site playing air hockey with Tom didn't get too vigorous...
I'd love to see Lungley back to full fitness this season. With him, Jon Clare, Wagg and Langeveldt all fit, few sides would fancy batting against us.
Here's to a good (and healthy) pre-season!
First up was that the talented triumvirate that is Dan Redfern, Tom Poynton and Atif Sheikh headed off with England Under 19s to South Africa. Talented cricketers all, I hope they will all make a good impression. Redfern looks a certainty to play, while Poynton should get his share of games. Sheikh at just 17 sounds a great prospect as a left arm quickie, playing two years ahead of himself if you will.
After being awarded a contract for next season, Sheikh was described by John Morris as being his "project bowler". Strange then that we now find ourselves short of a bowling coach with the season just over three months away. I would hope that Morris has this in hand, as I'm a little baffled as to how "consultants" can help a young lad finding his way in the game. Mind you, maybe that's where Langeveldt may come into his own...
Then came the news that the square has to be turned at Derby, which seems an eminently sensible solution. I have to say that the temporary solution of a screen on a cherry picker didn't strike me as the safest of solutions if there was any wind about. I'd certainly not have fancied sitting in its vicinity, that's for sure.
Jake Needham must have got excited if he saw the heading "wicket to turn at Derby" but seriously, the club have made the right decision and I just hope that in the relaying of wickets they manage to get some life into them. A few last year were dreadfully slow and made stroke playing and getting people out equally difficult. Keeping them quiet was easier (except Ravi Bopara...) but a little more pace would be enjoyed by batsmen and bowlers alike.
Finally "Lungley in hospital" didn't bode well after the affable Tom's injury-hit 2008. Closer inspection revealed a visit by Don Amott, Lungley, Graham Wagg and James Pipe to Derby Children's Hospital, where they handed out club goodies. A nice gesture by the club, but I just hope that the youngster pictured on the club site playing air hockey with Tom didn't get too vigorous...
I'd love to see Lungley back to full fitness this season. With him, Jon Clare, Wagg and Langeveldt all fit, few sides would fancy batting against us.
Here's to a good (and healthy) pre-season!
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Happy New Year everyone!
I'd like to be the first to wish all Derbyshire fans a happy 2009.
I hope the celebrations are enjoyable for you all and a mere precursor for those that will take place when we bring home some silverware next season.
Optimistic? Maybe, but also realistic. In my opinion, we need to sign a good batsman from somewhere to bat three this year. If not, we need someone to step up to the plate and make the place their own. Dan Birch, Dom Telo, John Sadler and Garry Park will all aim to do just that in April and much will depend on their pre-season work.
I hope (call it my first New Year wish if you will) that Dan Redfern bats four and Wavell five next year, which gives us a solid order, especially with Greg Smith at six. With all rounders Wagg, Clare, Groenewald and wicket keeper Pipe for the lower order, we bat a long way down ON PAPER.
Last year the lower order bailed us out regularly, but the top order has to support Chris Rogers, assuming he's not with the touring Aussies, and there will be key roles for Steve Stubbings and Paul Borrington, who will battle for the other opening slot, though we're unlikely to see the latter until June as he has his finals at University.
My second New Year wish is that our seamers stay fit. If Clare and Wagg do so, Tom Lungley returns to the form of 2007 and Charl Langeveldt keeps going, I'd back that quartet against most sides. Worryingly, Charl could not bat in the Cape Cobras weekend game after he picked up an ankle injury. It was a game that highlighted why Champagne Charl joined Derbyshire as his side were bowled out for just 39... Compared to that, Chris Rogers must seem like Bradman. Hopefully the innings isn't too serious, but if it affords him a rest, then we shouldn't complain.
I'm baffled as to why the Aussies have given Matt Hayden another game against South Africa, after the Proteas hammered them last night. He looked in decent nick in the second innings before being suckered out by good field placing and bowling, but surely with the rubber dead from an Aussie perspective, it was an opportunity to try someone new? While their bowling resources look pretty thin at present, their batting conveyor belt looks full of talent, with Phil Hughes, Michael Klinger and Shaun Marsh all scoring well and worth a shout, even if the likes of Chris Rogers were overlooked. It suggests (good news from our viewpoint) that Hayden is regarded as an essential for the Ashes, when one would expect, irrespective of the result, that Hayden would retire from Test cricket.
I wouldn't be surprised if a number of Aussies, mindful of the jump start it might give them in the event of injuries, were up for some 20/20 in England next summer and Derbyshire simply must have an overseas player this time. Greg Smith and Wavell apart, our 20 over batting last year was shocking and a clean hitting, fast running Aussie, ideally one who can also bowl a few overs, would be a good acquisition. No one seems to know if Chris Rogers will play 20/20 in 2009, but if not a signing is imperative to remain competitive. Like it or not, 20/20 draws the crowds and if those coming in see consistently poor performances every time they are unlikely to transfer their interest to the longer, better forms of the game.
Which brings me neatly to my third and final New Year wish - that we approach one day batting like a 1500 metre race and not a 100 metre dash. Dashing strokes are all well and good, but too often last year we got to ten overs and were something like 50-6 and nowhere to go. If we aim for five singles an over and a four here and there, we'll make scores that will win more games than not. 60-1 off ten is a good springboard and doesn't require manic batting. It's common sense stuff and I would love to see a little more of that applied to our batting next year.
I hope the celebrations are enjoyable for you all and a mere precursor for those that will take place when we bring home some silverware next season.
Optimistic? Maybe, but also realistic. In my opinion, we need to sign a good batsman from somewhere to bat three this year. If not, we need someone to step up to the plate and make the place their own. Dan Birch, Dom Telo, John Sadler and Garry Park will all aim to do just that in April and much will depend on their pre-season work.
I hope (call it my first New Year wish if you will) that Dan Redfern bats four and Wavell five next year, which gives us a solid order, especially with Greg Smith at six. With all rounders Wagg, Clare, Groenewald and wicket keeper Pipe for the lower order, we bat a long way down ON PAPER.
Last year the lower order bailed us out regularly, but the top order has to support Chris Rogers, assuming he's not with the touring Aussies, and there will be key roles for Steve Stubbings and Paul Borrington, who will battle for the other opening slot, though we're unlikely to see the latter until June as he has his finals at University.
My second New Year wish is that our seamers stay fit. If Clare and Wagg do so, Tom Lungley returns to the form of 2007 and Charl Langeveldt keeps going, I'd back that quartet against most sides. Worryingly, Charl could not bat in the Cape Cobras weekend game after he picked up an ankle injury. It was a game that highlighted why Champagne Charl joined Derbyshire as his side were bowled out for just 39... Compared to that, Chris Rogers must seem like Bradman. Hopefully the innings isn't too serious, but if it affords him a rest, then we shouldn't complain.
I'm baffled as to why the Aussies have given Matt Hayden another game against South Africa, after the Proteas hammered them last night. He looked in decent nick in the second innings before being suckered out by good field placing and bowling, but surely with the rubber dead from an Aussie perspective, it was an opportunity to try someone new? While their bowling resources look pretty thin at present, their batting conveyor belt looks full of talent, with Phil Hughes, Michael Klinger and Shaun Marsh all scoring well and worth a shout, even if the likes of Chris Rogers were overlooked. It suggests (good news from our viewpoint) that Hayden is regarded as an essential for the Ashes, when one would expect, irrespective of the result, that Hayden would retire from Test cricket.
I wouldn't be surprised if a number of Aussies, mindful of the jump start it might give them in the event of injuries, were up for some 20/20 in England next summer and Derbyshire simply must have an overseas player this time. Greg Smith and Wavell apart, our 20 over batting last year was shocking and a clean hitting, fast running Aussie, ideally one who can also bowl a few overs, would be a good acquisition. No one seems to know if Chris Rogers will play 20/20 in 2009, but if not a signing is imperative to remain competitive. Like it or not, 20/20 draws the crowds and if those coming in see consistently poor performances every time they are unlikely to transfer their interest to the longer, better forms of the game.
Which brings me neatly to my third and final New Year wish - that we approach one day batting like a 1500 metre race and not a 100 metre dash. Dashing strokes are all well and good, but too often last year we got to ten overs and were something like 50-6 and nowhere to go. If we aim for five singles an over and a four here and there, we'll make scores that will win more games than not. 60-1 off ten is a good springboard and doesn't require manic batting. It's common sense stuff and I would love to see a little more of that applied to our batting next year.
Sunday, 28 December 2008
Derbyshire cricket on ebay
I regularly have a look on ebay to see if anyone is selling Derbyshire memorabilia and have bought some good things in the past.
There's quite a lot on at the moment, but a lot of items seem to be up there in perpetuity. A picture of the 1936 Championship winning side is still selling for £9.99 plus postage and must have been up for around six months now. It would be quite nice to have, but I wouldn't pay that much for it, especially when the same picture has been in several yearbooks and club histories in the past.
There are other team groups there at the same price, with some of them autographed. I may be in a minority of one, but some of the autographs on those of as more recent vintage probably detract from the item...no names of course!
You can buy a Derbyshire County flag (just the thing to get your windows put in round here, I would have thought) or various pictures, signed and otherwise of players from our past. Incredibly, one of William Chatterton, a Wills card from 1896 is available for £74.99 plus postage. Don't think I'll be in for that one somehow, and can't think there'll be many takers, to be fair. I'm sure that must be grounds for divorce...
You could buy club cufflinks, or maybe a pocket watch, perhaps even a teaspoon. Nice items all, but not really to my taste, thanks. Though maybe your tea would taste all the finer with a stir from the Derbyshire teaspoon. And no, its not wooden...
One thing that is evident is that there's no real market at present for the old club yearbooks. There are a number of them out there, but no takers. Perhaps all the genuine collectors have them and there's little doubt that the Holy Grail of yearbooks (1954) would still get its buyers and earns a fair price when it comes up from time to time.
On that very subject, I still feel really disappointed that the club will cease the yearbook from next season. Handing out to members an extended annual report is neither here nor there, and I can't understand why we're chopping it to save £5,000. I know that advertising money is tight in the recession, but this is the club's history being produced and the value of that cannot be measured in financial terms alone. Maybe an edition with less photographs might prove more cost-effective, like the ones produced by Peach and Dawn for many years. As I've written before, the yearbook was at its peak under the late Stan Tacey and people are more likely to buy something that is "a good read" than anything else. There has to be people out there who'd contribute an article without charge? I did it for Stan over the years and got a free copy of the book in exchange. Surely the local contributors could do the same, or am I being optimistic?
Back to ebay and the most surprising item is a "Simon Katich" long sleeve shirt, with the explanation:
Front: CAN HE HIT IT?
Back name: KATICH (Or choose your own player)
Back number: 6 (Because he hits so many but please choose squad number if prefered)
Back: YES HE CAN!
Katich was a fine player in his year with us, but I won't look back on his time and think of a huge hitter. However, the back might look a little silly if it read "On occasion, perhaps, but overall he's a steady accumulator who times the ball well and relies on placement more than power"
Methinks Wagg might be the name of choice for many, or maybe Hinds. Presumably those who bought this last year and had "Clarke" on the back also had the wording - "Er...not very often".
Finally, there is, for a piffling £275, a signed bat in a display case signed by "stars" such as Simon Katich, Ant Botha, Graeme Welch, Ian Harvey (OK so far) Boyd Rankin and Phil Weston...
It was all going so well to the brackets. I'm not sure if the performances of Rankin and Weston in Derbyshire colours merit the term "star" and I'm even less sure that I'd pay that sort of money, but hey - if that's your fancy, go for it!
There's quite a lot on at the moment, but a lot of items seem to be up there in perpetuity. A picture of the 1936 Championship winning side is still selling for £9.99 plus postage and must have been up for around six months now. It would be quite nice to have, but I wouldn't pay that much for it, especially when the same picture has been in several yearbooks and club histories in the past.
There are other team groups there at the same price, with some of them autographed. I may be in a minority of one, but some of the autographs on those of as more recent vintage probably detract from the item...no names of course!
You can buy a Derbyshire County flag (just the thing to get your windows put in round here, I would have thought) or various pictures, signed and otherwise of players from our past. Incredibly, one of William Chatterton, a Wills card from 1896 is available for £74.99 plus postage. Don't think I'll be in for that one somehow, and can't think there'll be many takers, to be fair. I'm sure that must be grounds for divorce...
You could buy club cufflinks, or maybe a pocket watch, perhaps even a teaspoon. Nice items all, but not really to my taste, thanks. Though maybe your tea would taste all the finer with a stir from the Derbyshire teaspoon. And no, its not wooden...
One thing that is evident is that there's no real market at present for the old club yearbooks. There are a number of them out there, but no takers. Perhaps all the genuine collectors have them and there's little doubt that the Holy Grail of yearbooks (1954) would still get its buyers and earns a fair price when it comes up from time to time.
On that very subject, I still feel really disappointed that the club will cease the yearbook from next season. Handing out to members an extended annual report is neither here nor there, and I can't understand why we're chopping it to save £5,000. I know that advertising money is tight in the recession, but this is the club's history being produced and the value of that cannot be measured in financial terms alone. Maybe an edition with less photographs might prove more cost-effective, like the ones produced by Peach and Dawn for many years. As I've written before, the yearbook was at its peak under the late Stan Tacey and people are more likely to buy something that is "a good read" than anything else. There has to be people out there who'd contribute an article without charge? I did it for Stan over the years and got a free copy of the book in exchange. Surely the local contributors could do the same, or am I being optimistic?
Back to ebay and the most surprising item is a "Simon Katich" long sleeve shirt, with the explanation:
Front: CAN HE HIT IT?
Back name: KATICH (Or choose your own player)
Back number: 6 (Because he hits so many but please choose squad number if prefered)
Back: YES HE CAN!
Katich was a fine player in his year with us, but I won't look back on his time and think of a huge hitter. However, the back might look a little silly if it read "On occasion, perhaps, but overall he's a steady accumulator who times the ball well and relies on placement more than power"
Methinks Wagg might be the name of choice for many, or maybe Hinds. Presumably those who bought this last year and had "Clarke" on the back also had the wording - "Er...not very often".
Finally, there is, for a piffling £275, a signed bat in a display case signed by "stars" such as Simon Katich, Ant Botha, Graeme Welch, Ian Harvey (OK so far) Boyd Rankin and Phil Weston...
It was all going so well to the brackets. I'm not sure if the performances of Rankin and Weston in Derbyshire colours merit the term "star" and I'm even less sure that I'd pay that sort of money, but hey - if that's your fancy, go for it!
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Done and dusted
So how was it for you?
Christmas, I mean. We'd a great time here up in the frozen north and the traditional turkey and trimmings was followed by the traditional dessert of Christmas Pudding and the even more traditional glass of Andrews later in the evening as the realisation hit that I'd overdone the eating yet again (despite vowing not to).
I'd a lovely clutch of presents including "The Derbyshire Chronicles" by Edward Giles which I'm enjoying becaise he's done his research and isn't just regurgitating the same old stuff. I even got a nice, home made cricket bookmark from my daughter to go with it.
I've spent a little time, as I'm off till early January, watching the Test from Melbourne and Matt Hayden's time as an Aussie opener seems to be coming to a close. Where that leaves us is a moot point, as Chris Rogers excellent form suggests that he may be next in line for an opening slot. Katich and Rogers, Derbyshire past and present, as opening batsmen would give us all something to be proud of.
Of course, it might also mean that we could be looking elsewhere for an overseas batsman/skipper next year if Rogers played and made a good fist of things. An Ashes tour may then be on the cards and we'd be back to that annual game we know and love, called "Replace the Overseas Pro".
It has happened with monotonous regularity of late, albeit through no fault of the club. They either get injured (Nathan Astle, Jacques Rudolph) or have commitments thrust upon them that they were unaware of (Mahela Jayawardene, Mohammad Yousuf) when they put pen to paper.
If Rogers did get an Ashes place, might an option be Matt Hayden, perhaps doing a similar job to Justin Langer (another we had for a short spell!) at Somerset? At 37 I suspect he'd retire from international cricket, but might just fancy a spell in the county game and one last payday. I've no doubt he wouldn't come cheap, but he's still a fine player, despite his recent Test problems. One only has to look at his average to see that and I'd be thrilled to see him in our colours next season if Buck was elevated to the national side.
His opposition would likely be either Shaun Marsh (son of ex-Aussie opener Geoff) or Phil Hughes, who has scored a lot of runs as an opener for New South Wales this year and is only 21. They may also consider playing Shane Watson as an opener/all rounder to get him in the side, and the Aussies certainly don't lack batting depth.
One that Derbyshire, like other counties, might keep an eye on, is Moises Henriques, a young all rounder, also from New South Wales, who has a Portuguese passport. At 21 he has precocious talent and bowls lively fast medium as well as being an aggressive middle order bat. At this stage I suspect he'll fancy his chances of making the national side as he's been called up for various training camps, but I hope we keep tabs on the youngster as his passport will certainly make him a target for counties in the future if national selection passes him by. Having said that, Jason Krejza was also linked with a county switch, with a Czech father and Polish mother. His recent Test call up knocked that for six, but I think his tendency to bowl a four ball every over might legislate against him unless he can eliminate this flaw in his game.
Anyway, that's it for now. I keep scouring the Internet and cricket sites for any club news and hope that we get something to be excited about in the near future. January is coming fast and then its full steam ahead to another season!
Christmas, I mean. We'd a great time here up in the frozen north and the traditional turkey and trimmings was followed by the traditional dessert of Christmas Pudding and the even more traditional glass of Andrews later in the evening as the realisation hit that I'd overdone the eating yet again (despite vowing not to).
I'd a lovely clutch of presents including "The Derbyshire Chronicles" by Edward Giles which I'm enjoying becaise he's done his research and isn't just regurgitating the same old stuff. I even got a nice, home made cricket bookmark from my daughter to go with it.
I've spent a little time, as I'm off till early January, watching the Test from Melbourne and Matt Hayden's time as an Aussie opener seems to be coming to a close. Where that leaves us is a moot point, as Chris Rogers excellent form suggests that he may be next in line for an opening slot. Katich and Rogers, Derbyshire past and present, as opening batsmen would give us all something to be proud of.
Of course, it might also mean that we could be looking elsewhere for an overseas batsman/skipper next year if Rogers played and made a good fist of things. An Ashes tour may then be on the cards and we'd be back to that annual game we know and love, called "Replace the Overseas Pro".
It has happened with monotonous regularity of late, albeit through no fault of the club. They either get injured (Nathan Astle, Jacques Rudolph) or have commitments thrust upon them that they were unaware of (Mahela Jayawardene, Mohammad Yousuf) when they put pen to paper.
If Rogers did get an Ashes place, might an option be Matt Hayden, perhaps doing a similar job to Justin Langer (another we had for a short spell!) at Somerset? At 37 I suspect he'd retire from international cricket, but might just fancy a spell in the county game and one last payday. I've no doubt he wouldn't come cheap, but he's still a fine player, despite his recent Test problems. One only has to look at his average to see that and I'd be thrilled to see him in our colours next season if Buck was elevated to the national side.
His opposition would likely be either Shaun Marsh (son of ex-Aussie opener Geoff) or Phil Hughes, who has scored a lot of runs as an opener for New South Wales this year and is only 21. They may also consider playing Shane Watson as an opener/all rounder to get him in the side, and the Aussies certainly don't lack batting depth.
One that Derbyshire, like other counties, might keep an eye on, is Moises Henriques, a young all rounder, also from New South Wales, who has a Portuguese passport. At 21 he has precocious talent and bowls lively fast medium as well as being an aggressive middle order bat. At this stage I suspect he'll fancy his chances of making the national side as he's been called up for various training camps, but I hope we keep tabs on the youngster as his passport will certainly make him a target for counties in the future if national selection passes him by. Having said that, Jason Krejza was also linked with a county switch, with a Czech father and Polish mother. His recent Test call up knocked that for six, but I think his tendency to bowl a four ball every over might legislate against him unless he can eliminate this flaw in his game.
Anyway, that's it for now. I keep scouring the Internet and cricket sites for any club news and hope that we get something to be excited about in the near future. January is coming fast and then its full steam ahead to another season!
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
One final piece...
I noted with interest earlier today a piece in which Rikki Clarke, erstwhile of this parish, claimed he is on a diet to aid his return to the big time of English cricket...
Sigh. Been there, heard it, bought the T shirt and put it through the washing machine on too high a wash, thereby wrecking it.
The nearest Rikki will get to the England team is when the Bears play a friendly against them next season. I will realise we are really down among the dead men if tricky Rikki ever makes the national side again. Should he do so ahead of the far more worthy Graham Wagg it will be an outright disgrace.
I can only assume that he got the idea after hearing Derbyshire fans refer to him as a "waist" of space...
I'll get me coat!
Sigh. Been there, heard it, bought the T shirt and put it through the washing machine on too high a wash, thereby wrecking it.
The nearest Rikki will get to the England team is when the Bears play a friendly against them next season. I will realise we are really down among the dead men if tricky Rikki ever makes the national side again. Should he do so ahead of the far more worthy Graham Wagg it will be an outright disgrace.
I can only assume that he got the idea after hearing Derbyshire fans refer to him as a "waist" of space...
I'll get me coat!
Happy Christmas!
Well, I started this blog back in April and if you'd have told me then that I'd have reached 20,000 hits by Christmas I'd have laughed.
I'm absolutely thrilled to have reached this milestone and it encourages me to continue, as do the many kind words expressed by people in e mails over the past few months.
I really appreciate your comments, either on the blog or to my e mail address at peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk
I hope you all have a great Christmas and look forward to renewing our acquaintance in the very near future.
Cheers!
I'm absolutely thrilled to have reached this milestone and it encourages me to continue, as do the many kind words expressed by people in e mails over the past few months.
I really appreciate your comments, either on the blog or to my e mail address at peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk
I hope you all have a great Christmas and look forward to renewing our acquaintance in the very near future.
Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)