I love where I live, but I wish it was in God's own county.
Scotland is a fantastic place to live and bring up a family. We live in a semi-rural village ten miles north of Glasgow. Close enough to be in the city in no time, but only an hour from the water in either direction. The cricket is good too and although the game doesn't have an especially high profile up here, there are a lot of good clubs and good players. Some clubs run four or five elevens, there are a lot of them with thriving junior sections and the main barrier is the weather.
My first game in Scotland was over 25 years ago, and however cold you've been on a cricket ground, I reckon I was colder that day. The East of Scotland in April is often dry but can be freezing and on this day I had pyjama trousers and long johns underneath my whites, while a vest, T shirt, cricket shirt, short sleeve sweater and two long sleeve sweaters made no impact except to make me look like the Michelin Man...
Of course, two hard chances came my way in the early overs and both went down. It was like trying to catch a ping pong ball between two planks of wood and I went home that evening thinking Scottish cricket was a non-starter.
Of course, years on and I'm still playing and enjoying it. I've played in balmy weather where the sun hat and cream were essential and come off with reddened arms when I forgot to apply it before going out to field for 40/50 overs.
Yet the one regret is that I've not been able to watch regular Derbyshire cricket for years. Any game on Sky is essential viewing and I usually get to two/three games every season when work/holidays/family commitments permit. I think back with a great deal of fondness to going to matches back home.
Of course, it was always sunny. We'd study the weather forecast and go when it was in any way favourable. Many's the time I'd go to bed when I was a kid and pray that the day would dawn bright and sunny, just like Michael Fish or whoever had said it would. I'd wake to a beam of sunshine between the bedroom curtains and sleep a while longer, safe in the knowledge that there'd be a game that day.
After breakfast we'd load the car. Deckchairs - check. Picnic (lunch and tea) - check. Pens and pencils for the scorecard - check. Binoculars - check. I always preferred Chesterfield when I was a youngster as you were closer to the action, but as the County Ground was developed it gained a space in my affections.
Even at that time for Championship matches it was a little like the old joke.
"What time does the game start?"
"What time can you come?"
The exception was the Yorkshire game, when there'd be a good crowd building from early on. You'd to get past the stewards first and Dad used to reckon that Derbyshire took retired SS men from Hitler's Germany. They were many things, but not helpful. Most comments were prefaced "You can't" and I've previously written about encounters with them. We used to get there early enough to be right on the boundary edge (just in case they needed a 12th man...)and we'd settle back to see who was knocking up.
Things were more leisurely then. A few took throw downs but there was little running around the boundary, loosening up or fielding practice before Eddie Barlow's time. I still smile at the thought of Fred Rumsey doing these activities.
Back in July at Chesterfield with my family, we sat on a bench across from the old scoreboard and my mind went back 40 years to my first game there. Yorkshire. We got beaten heavily. Over the years I'd guess I've seen far more defeats than wins, yet the latter are the ones that stay with me. You don't follow Derbyshire if trophies are your raison d'etre. Glory hunters need not apply. Occasionally we will rise from a morass of mediocrity to be competitive and from time to time will threaten to become something special. Under Eddie Barlow, Kim Barnett, Dean Jones and now Chris Rogers.
However many defeats there are, however many times I'll switch off the teletext or computer muttering about the "load of rubbish", I know I'll never get rid of the bug. On match days I'll still wake up and look for the sunshine, or if I'm up here I'll check the forecast to see if we're likely to get the chance to win (I know).
At all the home games, I'll imagine myself sat by the sightscreen with Dad, putting it to rights and getting frustrated when we collapse during a routine run chase.
Forty years of following Derbyshire does that for you.
But they're still MY Derbyshire.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Sunday, 9 November 2008
New contact detail
I understand one or two people have had problems with posting on Blogger with the way that it works.
I've now added an e mail contact to the "About Me" section on the left of the page. If you have any news about Derbyshire, would like to comment or have any suggestions, please feel free to get in touch. I'll reply as quickly as I can.
If you've been replying to posts via the blog, by all means carry on as you are.
For those who can't be bothered scrolling down the page, you can contact me at peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk
36? Now what could be the significance of that number..
I've now added an e mail contact to the "About Me" section on the left of the page. If you have any news about Derbyshire, would like to comment or have any suggestions, please feel free to get in touch. I'll reply as quickly as I can.
If you've been replying to posts via the blog, by all means carry on as you are.
For those who can't be bothered scrolling down the page, you can contact me at peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk
36? Now what could be the significance of that number..
Academy News
Its amazing how quickly time passes. That's a full calendar month since the end of the season and we're well into November already. Winter tours are underway, Christmas shopping is upon us and there's still little more news from the County Ground about additional signings.
Even the message boards are fairly quiet across the country but I would think it likely that discussions and negotiations continue apace between players, cricket managers and agents. There are still some big names to decide where their future lies and hopefully one of them may head towards Derbyshire.
On a lesser level, but very important, the club has announced the next intake to the Academy and they sound like promising players. Having come third in he national Under 15 county competition, the younger element in the game appear to have talent and we must hope that they continue to develop apace.
Paul Borrington, Dan Redfern, Jake Needham and left-arm fast-bowler Atif Sheikh will all be part of the professional squad next year, having progressed through the system.
Eddie Ikin, 15, a seam bowling all-rounder who plays his club cricket at Ticknall CC and opening batsman Tom Hamilton, also 15, a product of Swarkestone CC join for the first time having played a starring role for the Under-15 team that performed brilliantly in the ECB Under-15 County Cup.
The full academy intake for 2008/09 includes Ben Slater, Alex Hughes, Sam van Doesdonk, Chris Durham, Georgia Elwiss, Danielle Wyatt, Ikin and Hamilton.
They will benefit from specialist coaching and development throughout the winter, which will range from lifestyle information and sports psychology through to technical work on their cricketing skills.
In addition, fellow graduates - Staffordshire based fast-bowler Ed Jones, left-arm seam bowling all-rounder Ross Whiteley and wicketkeeping prospect Tom Poynton - have all signed summer contracts for 2009.
I'm pleased to see the conveyor belt working well, but there's two names missing that seemed to have a lot to offer. Akhil Patel is presumably too old for the Academy now but hasn't earned a summer contract, while there have been many good comments over the past couple of years about Jack Ratcliffe, who I seem to recall bowled leg spin as well as being a talented batsman. Does anyone know what happened to him? Patel looks to have a lot of talent but has maybe not done enough in either discipline to warrant a contract at this stage. I hope we don't end up missing out on a mercurial talent who is perhaps a later developer.
The only other news is that the England Sixes are doing well in Hong Kong and have made it through the group stages. There's little news on major sites (or if there is it is well concealed) but I hope Waggy acquits himself well.
See you next week - or when there's more news, whichever is the sooner!
Even the message boards are fairly quiet across the country but I would think it likely that discussions and negotiations continue apace between players, cricket managers and agents. There are still some big names to decide where their future lies and hopefully one of them may head towards Derbyshire.
On a lesser level, but very important, the club has announced the next intake to the Academy and they sound like promising players. Having come third in he national Under 15 county competition, the younger element in the game appear to have talent and we must hope that they continue to develop apace.
Paul Borrington, Dan Redfern, Jake Needham and left-arm fast-bowler Atif Sheikh will all be part of the professional squad next year, having progressed through the system.
Eddie Ikin, 15, a seam bowling all-rounder who plays his club cricket at Ticknall CC and opening batsman Tom Hamilton, also 15, a product of Swarkestone CC join for the first time having played a starring role for the Under-15 team that performed brilliantly in the ECB Under-15 County Cup.
The full academy intake for 2008/09 includes Ben Slater, Alex Hughes, Sam van Doesdonk, Chris Durham, Georgia Elwiss, Danielle Wyatt, Ikin and Hamilton.
They will benefit from specialist coaching and development throughout the winter, which will range from lifestyle information and sports psychology through to technical work on their cricketing skills.
In addition, fellow graduates - Staffordshire based fast-bowler Ed Jones, left-arm seam bowling all-rounder Ross Whiteley and wicketkeeping prospect Tom Poynton - have all signed summer contracts for 2009.
I'm pleased to see the conveyor belt working well, but there's two names missing that seemed to have a lot to offer. Akhil Patel is presumably too old for the Academy now but hasn't earned a summer contract, while there have been many good comments over the past couple of years about Jack Ratcliffe, who I seem to recall bowled leg spin as well as being a talented batsman. Does anyone know what happened to him? Patel looks to have a lot of talent but has maybe not done enough in either discipline to warrant a contract at this stage. I hope we don't end up missing out on a mercurial talent who is perhaps a later developer.
The only other news is that the England Sixes are doing well in Hong Kong and have made it through the group stages. There's little news on major sites (or if there is it is well concealed) but I hope Waggy acquits himself well.
See you next week - or when there's more news, whichever is the sooner!
Saturday, 1 November 2008
Another quiet week
Well, just under half of those who voted think Stuart Law would be a good acquisition for next year.
Me too, but if there was a younger model out there I'd be more tempted. There's life in some of those old dogs though. Look at the impact of Shaun Udal last year and Ian Salisbury. Law may not be a whippet these days but fielding at slip and passing on the benefits of his experience would be a doddle for him. It may be inspired work too, but lets discuss that one if/when there's any news.
Elsewhere, Waggy is off to Hong Kong and the sixes so we'll wish him good luck with that. They've a good squad and could do well. I'm not normally that bothered, to be perfectly honest, but Wagg deserves his selection and could be a real asset out there.
Its the final of the Stanford series tonight. The multi-million match or however they are billing it.
Whoopy doop.
The fact that the main talking point thus far has been the WAGs and Mr Stanford tells its own story. The wickets are low and slow and the cricket singularly dull, especially so for 20/20. They have been great tracks for nurdling and for dibbly dobbly bowlers. I was left with the feeling that Wavell would have been hard to get away and Langaeveldt nigh impossible. Unless Gayle has one of his periodic blinders tonight, I expect England to win and head home with big cheques to guarantee their futures.
Outside of the players, however, who cares?
We'd our club AGM this week and first look at the stats for the year. I averaged 17 with the bat and 27 with the ball in 20/20 this year, including a strike rate of just 6 an over from my bowling. I'm less mobile in the field than I used to be (I had my 50th a couple of weeks back) but am available, if selected, for Derbyshire next year...
Mind you, I was also re-elected skipper for the ninth year in a row, so it will have to be around my club commitments!
Until next time. No poll this week. At this stage I can't think of something worthwhile, unless its "Will you be buying Christmas presents from the Club shop"?
Hopefully next week. Any ideas for a poll- let me know!
Me too, but if there was a younger model out there I'd be more tempted. There's life in some of those old dogs though. Look at the impact of Shaun Udal last year and Ian Salisbury. Law may not be a whippet these days but fielding at slip and passing on the benefits of his experience would be a doddle for him. It may be inspired work too, but lets discuss that one if/when there's any news.
Elsewhere, Waggy is off to Hong Kong and the sixes so we'll wish him good luck with that. They've a good squad and could do well. I'm not normally that bothered, to be perfectly honest, but Wagg deserves his selection and could be a real asset out there.
Its the final of the Stanford series tonight. The multi-million match or however they are billing it.
Whoopy doop.
The fact that the main talking point thus far has been the WAGs and Mr Stanford tells its own story. The wickets are low and slow and the cricket singularly dull, especially so for 20/20. They have been great tracks for nurdling and for dibbly dobbly bowlers. I was left with the feeling that Wavell would have been hard to get away and Langaeveldt nigh impossible. Unless Gayle has one of his periodic blinders tonight, I expect England to win and head home with big cheques to guarantee their futures.
Outside of the players, however, who cares?
We'd our club AGM this week and first look at the stats for the year. I averaged 17 with the bat and 27 with the ball in 20/20 this year, including a strike rate of just 6 an over from my bowling. I'm less mobile in the field than I used to be (I had my 50th a couple of weeks back) but am available, if selected, for Derbyshire next year...
Mind you, I was also re-elected skipper for the ninth year in a row, so it will have to be around my club commitments!
Until next time. No poll this week. At this stage I can't think of something worthwhile, unless its "Will you be buying Christmas presents from the Club shop"?
Hopefully next week. Any ideas for a poll- let me know!
Sunday, 26 October 2008
The joy of signings
Here we are, if not in the bleak midwinter (though yesterday felt like it)then a long way from the resumption of County cricket.
Tomorrow night we have our cricket AGM at the club and it couldn't be less like cricket weather. Then again, after last summer, maybe it is pretty close. Yesterday we had high winds and heavy rain, just like August...
When you're a fan of a team, each winter brings hope that you will make signings to galvanise the side and change fortunes, when the reality is that the following season brings the same old, age old problems to the fore.
I really feel that we are not too far away from a very good Derbyshire side, but it has not always been so. Winters have brought news of Derbyshire signings, potential and otherwise. Some have been met with interest (Garry Park recently), some with astonishment (James Graham-Brown - why?) and a few with unbelievable excitement.
I remember when we were set to sign Dennis Lillee back in the 1970's. The best young quick bowler in the world was coming to Derbyshire and we anticipated him destroying teams as he had done England.
Then he did his back and we ended up with (I think) Venkat...
There have been signings that resulted from a scouring of the Professional Cricketers Rest Home for the Elderly. Phil Sharpe, Ron Headley, Fred Rumsey, Fred Trueman - at one point you could have been forgiven for thinking the club was sponsored by SAGA.
Some were exciting but never materialised. Nathan Astle, Mohammad Yousuf and Mahela Jayawardene were all set to sign and pulled out for varying reasons. Jacques Rudolph was another (why didn't we check if he fancied playing as a Kolpak, instead of letting Yorkshire benefit?)
Geoff Boycott too. In the days of his disputes with Yorkshire, there were strong suggestions that he was set to move across the border to us and discussions were held, yet it never materialised.
There have been plenty of strange signings. Shahid Afridi was signed for April and May when he had built a reputation for being a flat track slogger. The results were predictable. He barely made a run (nor a defensive stroke) and his leggies hardly turned on early season wickets. Mohammad Kaif was signed as an up and coming Indian batsman but found the County grind difficult. Travis Birt was retained in place of the soon-to-be European player Michael Di Venuto and we all know how that turned out.
I would love to have been a fly on the wall at some of these discussions, just as long as I could have landed on the table and told the participants that they were mad. I'll defer to professionals on grounds of knowledge in many cases, but the logic of these decisions baffles me now as it did then.
The same with the signing of Peter Kirsten over Allan Lamb. No problem with the former, one of our finest-ever batsmen, but we could have had them both. No one gets it right every time, but we are looking for decisions that illustrate common sense has been applied.
In both of the winter signings so far, the signs are good in that respect. Garry Park was wanted by Durham, has good averages yet needed regular cricket that they could not offer. We signed him - result. Tim Groenewald is signed as a replacement for Wayne White. Is he a better player? Definitely, so again - result.
Whoever else comes in this winter, all that we as fans can ask for is that an obvious, logical thought process has been applied. As long as they appear an improvement on what we already have, were respected by their former employers and are not yet in a bath chair in the field I'm prepared to give them the benefit.
Yet it's difficult. John Sadler looked a sound signing last year after good seasons with Leicestershire, yet did poorly for us. Dom Telo had a good record in South African cricket (albeit at not quite top level) and also struggled. Nayan Doshi had bowled well in one day cricket for Surrey and did so for us, but rarely looked like bowling out sides who were happy to nudge him around for ones and twos. Then there was Rikki Clarke. Less said the better, I suppose, but most of us were excited by his signing last winter and hoped for a lot better than what later transpired.
So, with a few days of October to go, let's all hope that John Morris has something lined up that will get us through the winter months, anticipating better things when April comes round once more.
On my way home from the AGM tomorrow night I'll probably think of April, looking at a scoreboard that reads Derbyshire 375-2 and global dominance. As always, I'll settle for competitiveness and a few wins here and there.
Enough for a trophy, of course.
Tomorrow night we have our cricket AGM at the club and it couldn't be less like cricket weather. Then again, after last summer, maybe it is pretty close. Yesterday we had high winds and heavy rain, just like August...
When you're a fan of a team, each winter brings hope that you will make signings to galvanise the side and change fortunes, when the reality is that the following season brings the same old, age old problems to the fore.
I really feel that we are not too far away from a very good Derbyshire side, but it has not always been so. Winters have brought news of Derbyshire signings, potential and otherwise. Some have been met with interest (Garry Park recently), some with astonishment (James Graham-Brown - why?) and a few with unbelievable excitement.
I remember when we were set to sign Dennis Lillee back in the 1970's. The best young quick bowler in the world was coming to Derbyshire and we anticipated him destroying teams as he had done England.
Then he did his back and we ended up with (I think) Venkat...
There have been signings that resulted from a scouring of the Professional Cricketers Rest Home for the Elderly. Phil Sharpe, Ron Headley, Fred Rumsey, Fred Trueman - at one point you could have been forgiven for thinking the club was sponsored by SAGA.
Some were exciting but never materialised. Nathan Astle, Mohammad Yousuf and Mahela Jayawardene were all set to sign and pulled out for varying reasons. Jacques Rudolph was another (why didn't we check if he fancied playing as a Kolpak, instead of letting Yorkshire benefit?)
Geoff Boycott too. In the days of his disputes with Yorkshire, there were strong suggestions that he was set to move across the border to us and discussions were held, yet it never materialised.
There have been plenty of strange signings. Shahid Afridi was signed for April and May when he had built a reputation for being a flat track slogger. The results were predictable. He barely made a run (nor a defensive stroke) and his leggies hardly turned on early season wickets. Mohammad Kaif was signed as an up and coming Indian batsman but found the County grind difficult. Travis Birt was retained in place of the soon-to-be European player Michael Di Venuto and we all know how that turned out.
I would love to have been a fly on the wall at some of these discussions, just as long as I could have landed on the table and told the participants that they were mad. I'll defer to professionals on grounds of knowledge in many cases, but the logic of these decisions baffles me now as it did then.
The same with the signing of Peter Kirsten over Allan Lamb. No problem with the former, one of our finest-ever batsmen, but we could have had them both. No one gets it right every time, but we are looking for decisions that illustrate common sense has been applied.
In both of the winter signings so far, the signs are good in that respect. Garry Park was wanted by Durham, has good averages yet needed regular cricket that they could not offer. We signed him - result. Tim Groenewald is signed as a replacement for Wayne White. Is he a better player? Definitely, so again - result.
Whoever else comes in this winter, all that we as fans can ask for is that an obvious, logical thought process has been applied. As long as they appear an improvement on what we already have, were respected by their former employers and are not yet in a bath chair in the field I'm prepared to give them the benefit.
Yet it's difficult. John Sadler looked a sound signing last year after good seasons with Leicestershire, yet did poorly for us. Dom Telo had a good record in South African cricket (albeit at not quite top level) and also struggled. Nayan Doshi had bowled well in one day cricket for Surrey and did so for us, but rarely looked like bowling out sides who were happy to nudge him around for ones and twos. Then there was Rikki Clarke. Less said the better, I suppose, but most of us were excited by his signing last winter and hoped for a lot better than what later transpired.
So, with a few days of October to go, let's all hope that John Morris has something lined up that will get us through the winter months, anticipating better things when April comes round once more.
On my way home from the AGM tomorrow night I'll probably think of April, looking at a scoreboard that reads Derbyshire 375-2 and global dominance. As always, I'll settle for competitiveness and a few wins here and there.
Enough for a trophy, of course.
Friday, 24 October 2008
New poll
The news that Stuart Law was being released by Lancashire came as a surprise, despite a poorer season last year.
Would you want him as a close season signing for Derbyshire, or is he past it?
Alternatively, should we go the Kolpak route and sign Lance Klusener?
Those who read this blog regularly will know that a couple of weeks ago I suggested that we might go for Deon Kruis of Yorkshire, who has now agreed to return to the club on a new deal. I'd have to say that the Yorkies don't handle these contractual negotiations too well and never have. Still, at least they have their man for next year while we have signed Tim Groenewald who could be an interesting signing.
I'll be interested to see how this one goes.
Around half of you felt that Garry Park may well turn out to be a very astute signing, while 40% thought they would wait and see.
I'm in the first camp. He appears a good signing and I'm looking forward to seeing him in our colours.
Would you want him as a close season signing for Derbyshire, or is he past it?
Alternatively, should we go the Kolpak route and sign Lance Klusener?
Those who read this blog regularly will know that a couple of weeks ago I suggested that we might go for Deon Kruis of Yorkshire, who has now agreed to return to the club on a new deal. I'd have to say that the Yorkies don't handle these contractual negotiations too well and never have. Still, at least they have their man for next year while we have signed Tim Groenewald who could be an interesting signing.
I'll be interested to see how this one goes.
Around half of you felt that Garry Park may well turn out to be a very astute signing, while 40% thought they would wait and see.
I'm in the first camp. He appears a good signing and I'm looking forward to seeing him in our colours.
Back in business
In the words of that old classic by Willie Nelson - well hello there, my it's been a long, long time.
Having lost internet connection for a couple of weeks when my laptop went away to hospital, I'm now back online and in possession of a much healthier and repaired machine.
So what's been happening? The answer to that is - not a lot.
After the signings of Messrs Park and Groenewald, we're all champing at the bit for more.
Of course, we don't know for sure that there will be much more, but it's a widely held assumption if one does the Maths of the departed. Given that Clarke was on a lot of money, Doshi would have been on a fair salary and Kevin Dean was an experienced professional, there must have been a fair amount on wages for that little lot. Throw in Wayne White's money and it's a fair chunk of the playing budget available.
Of course, Chris Rogers as overseas player would earn less than Rogers the overseas star and skipper, while Graham Wagg has deservedly got an improved deal. My guess, however, would be that we may have 70-80K left for team improvements.
Like most fans, I'd like to see this go on another batsman, ideally one of experience and reputation. A Law, Klusener or Blackwell if you will, though they may all be out of our league and compass. If we sign one of these, I still feel that there is a great need for someone to be our lynchpin in the 20/20 next year. Perhaps Chris Rogers is going to play the full season next year and that would give us an improved batting line-up, but we must have more from the top-order batting next year. Rogers apart, the early order was brittle and it is in need of an old and experienced head. Maybe Law is too old at 40, but his erstwhile team mates and supporters reckoned him the best batsman at the club. Given Hick had some good years post-40, Law might have something to offer the young talent coming through.
As for the new players, I think that Park could be a real gem. In recent seasons for the Durham seconds he has averaged between 50 and 70, while doing pretty well on the occasional first team appearance. His fielding should be worth a few runs before he goes out, so well worth a watch, that one.
Groenewald doesn't appear to have been a huge favourite with Bears fans, but interestingly his bowling average has come down every season. His batting is explosive and he definitely offers more than White, the man he replaced. Whether he is a regular in the four day side, only time will tell, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him in there.
I fancy us to do well next year in the Championship, though I'm wary of using the "P" word. With this side in April, I think we'd be a match for most sides:
Chris Rogers
Steve Stubbings
Wavell Hinds
Stuart Law
Dan Redfern
Garry Park
Greg Smith
James Pipe
Graham Wagg
Jonathan Clare
Charl Langeveldt
We'll need to fit Jake Needham in somewhere when it turns, and there's also Mark Lawson. Throw in Tom Lungley and Ian Hunter as reserve seamers with Groenewald and we've good competition.
Batting competition too.
Pipe at 8, Clare at 10. Good line-up eh?
Having lost internet connection for a couple of weeks when my laptop went away to hospital, I'm now back online and in possession of a much healthier and repaired machine.
So what's been happening? The answer to that is - not a lot.
After the signings of Messrs Park and Groenewald, we're all champing at the bit for more.
Of course, we don't know for sure that there will be much more, but it's a widely held assumption if one does the Maths of the departed. Given that Clarke was on a lot of money, Doshi would have been on a fair salary and Kevin Dean was an experienced professional, there must have been a fair amount on wages for that little lot. Throw in Wayne White's money and it's a fair chunk of the playing budget available.
Of course, Chris Rogers as overseas player would earn less than Rogers the overseas star and skipper, while Graham Wagg has deservedly got an improved deal. My guess, however, would be that we may have 70-80K left for team improvements.
Like most fans, I'd like to see this go on another batsman, ideally one of experience and reputation. A Law, Klusener or Blackwell if you will, though they may all be out of our league and compass. If we sign one of these, I still feel that there is a great need for someone to be our lynchpin in the 20/20 next year. Perhaps Chris Rogers is going to play the full season next year and that would give us an improved batting line-up, but we must have more from the top-order batting next year. Rogers apart, the early order was brittle and it is in need of an old and experienced head. Maybe Law is too old at 40, but his erstwhile team mates and supporters reckoned him the best batsman at the club. Given Hick had some good years post-40, Law might have something to offer the young talent coming through.
As for the new players, I think that Park could be a real gem. In recent seasons for the Durham seconds he has averaged between 50 and 70, while doing pretty well on the occasional first team appearance. His fielding should be worth a few runs before he goes out, so well worth a watch, that one.
Groenewald doesn't appear to have been a huge favourite with Bears fans, but interestingly his bowling average has come down every season. His batting is explosive and he definitely offers more than White, the man he replaced. Whether he is a regular in the four day side, only time will tell, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him in there.
I fancy us to do well next year in the Championship, though I'm wary of using the "P" word. With this side in April, I think we'd be a match for most sides:
Chris Rogers
Steve Stubbings
Wavell Hinds
Stuart Law
Dan Redfern
Garry Park
Greg Smith
James Pipe
Graham Wagg
Jonathan Clare
Charl Langeveldt
We'll need to fit Jake Needham in somewhere when it turns, and there's also Mark Lawson. Throw in Tom Lungley and Ian Hunter as reserve seamers with Groenewald and we've good competition.
Batting competition too.
Pipe at 8, Clare at 10. Good line-up eh?
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Tim Groenewald signs from Warwickshire
Breaking news today is that South African born but English-qualified all-rounder Tim Groenewald has left Warwickshire with a year to go on his contract to join Derbyshire.
Like Garry Park, he was a player that the county wished to retain but he has opted for the greater opportunities at Derby than there would be at Edgbaston, where the legend that is Rikki Clarke stands ahead of him...
He has a tough act to follow, as the previous all-rounders we signed from the Bears, Graeme Welch and Graham Wagg became huge favourites at Derby. A fast medium bowler and big hitting batsman, he has hit more sixes in limited over matches than he has fours, which suggests that life will not be dull when he goes in next season.
It also means that with Wagg, Smith, Clare, Park, Needham and now Groenewald we have plenty of all-rounders to call on next year. It's a good job the ex-captain did leave, as he would have slipped back to seventh best all-rounder at the club!
While Groenewald's first class record isn't spectacular, he has done enough to suggest that there is something there and I'm quite prepared to trust the coach's judgement on this one. I've not seen enough of him to comment, but players take a while to settle in the County game and I'd suggest that there is potential, just as long as we don't expect the new Ian Botham.
So we "give" them Botha, Rankin and Clarke and have had Welch, Wagg and Groenewald in return (OK and Tim Munton, who was unlucky with injuries)
Think we've done better in those exchanges, don't you?
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
FP Trophy Draw
So, next year in a de-regionalised draw, we have Glamorgan, Essex, Northants and Lancashire.
I think we could do OK. Lancashire are nothing to be scared of these days, likewise Northants. Glamorgan don't look world-beaters either, which leaves the holders Essex.
While much rests on recruitment over the winter, at this stage I'd say we could give it a go.
Mind you, it is a one day competition... maybe I should revise that one!
On a different tack, Stuart Law is now available and there are suggestions he could do a job for us.
I'm not keen. He has been a fine player for nearly 20 years, but the signs last year were not good. He averaged 37 in the Championship, about the same as Stubbings and Birch. Meanwhile, in the one days he averaged 22 and 11. Not great is it?
Having rejected a suggestion that we sign David Hemp from Glamorgan on grounds of age, I can't see merit in signing an older player.
It would be going back to the days of signing Phil Sharpe, Ron Headley, Fred Rumsey et al. They all did things of note and none pulled up the trees at Derby. While accepting Law has been a class act, he would logically take the place of either Redfern or Smith next year, players who need matches to improve. For me it would be a retrograde step. Added to the above would be that his ICL links would bar us from the big money if we were to win the 20/20.
Sorry...I forgot. Excuse my cynicism but I've little grounds for one day optimism at present. Loved the comment from a pal the other day who suggested that our one day strategy was for Greg Smith to get a hundred every match! Until our batsmen learn to push it around to keep the score moving, to run fast between the wickets having placed the ball well and not to panic when the run rate goes to 6.4 an over, we'll always be poor at this game.
My old man summed it up nicely last week.
"Batting in one day matches is easy" he said.
"One good thwock and three or four sensible taps an over and you can't lose".
Over-simplified perhaps, but something to consider over the dark nights ahead.
I think we could do OK. Lancashire are nothing to be scared of these days, likewise Northants. Glamorgan don't look world-beaters either, which leaves the holders Essex.
While much rests on recruitment over the winter, at this stage I'd say we could give it a go.
Mind you, it is a one day competition... maybe I should revise that one!
On a different tack, Stuart Law is now available and there are suggestions he could do a job for us.
I'm not keen. He has been a fine player for nearly 20 years, but the signs last year were not good. He averaged 37 in the Championship, about the same as Stubbings and Birch. Meanwhile, in the one days he averaged 22 and 11. Not great is it?
Having rejected a suggestion that we sign David Hemp from Glamorgan on grounds of age, I can't see merit in signing an older player.
It would be going back to the days of signing Phil Sharpe, Ron Headley, Fred Rumsey et al. They all did things of note and none pulled up the trees at Derby. While accepting Law has been a class act, he would logically take the place of either Redfern or Smith next year, players who need matches to improve. For me it would be a retrograde step. Added to the above would be that his ICL links would bar us from the big money if we were to win the 20/20.
Sorry...I forgot. Excuse my cynicism but I've little grounds for one day optimism at present. Loved the comment from a pal the other day who suggested that our one day strategy was for Greg Smith to get a hundred every match! Until our batsmen learn to push it around to keep the score moving, to run fast between the wickets having placed the ball well and not to panic when the run rate goes to 6.4 an over, we'll always be poor at this game.
My old man summed it up nicely last week.
"Batting in one day matches is easy" he said.
"One good thwock and three or four sensible taps an over and you can't lose".
Over-simplified perhaps, but something to consider over the dark nights ahead.
Derbyshire's season
I've posted, as requested, a review of Derbyshire's season on the Third Umpire blog.
You can read it at http://third-umpire.blogspot.com/
Hope it was good for you!
You can read it at http://third-umpire.blogspot.com/
Hope it was good for you!
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Last season's poll
A few people were pleased with last year, while most were split between being pleased with a little progress or disappointed we didn't do better.
I thought we might have done better, but was pleased with the progress of individuals and form in the Championship. We are still poor at one day cricket and gave away too many promising positions for my liking.
This week's poll is on Garry Park's signing. How was it for you?
I thought we might have done better, but was pleased with the progress of individuals and form in the Championship. We are still poor at one day cricket and gave away too many promising positions for my liking.
This week's poll is on Garry Park's signing. How was it for you?
Deon Kruis
Has anyone else wondered whether Kruis might be headed to Derbyshire?
The word from Headingley is that they expect him to sign a contract 'with a rival' having rejected terms for another deal. At 34 he's a solid fast-medium bowler and there's few out there and available. Last season I watched him bowl a couple of beautiful spells, including one at Paul Borrington in a 2nds game where he beat the bat every other ball.
He is the finished article and would have at least a couple of good years. Given we have lost two seamers in White and Dean with Clarke's bowling also away (yes, I know) and the ranks need supplemented. Tom Lungley hasn't the greatest injury record, Ian Hunter is perhaps lucky to get another contract and I'm not sure that it is realistic to expect Wagg, Clare and Langeveldt to play as many matches as they did last year every season.
Seam bowling is hard work and I'd be happy to see the Kruis missile bowling at Derby next season. Interestingly, that game I saw at Denby was watched by Messrs Morris, Hendrick and Krikken, so...
Anyway, that's enough for now. Apologies for the lesser frequency of the blog but my laptop is awaiting repair and this has been done on the family Wii console. More to follow, when it has been repaired.
The word from Headingley is that they expect him to sign a contract 'with a rival' having rejected terms for another deal. At 34 he's a solid fast-medium bowler and there's few out there and available. Last season I watched him bowl a couple of beautiful spells, including one at Paul Borrington in a 2nds game where he beat the bat every other ball.
He is the finished article and would have at least a couple of good years. Given we have lost two seamers in White and Dean with Clarke's bowling also away (yes, I know) and the ranks need supplemented. Tom Lungley hasn't the greatest injury record, Ian Hunter is perhaps lucky to get another contract and I'm not sure that it is realistic to expect Wagg, Clare and Langeveldt to play as many matches as they did last year every season.
Seam bowling is hard work and I'd be happy to see the Kruis missile bowling at Derby next season. Interestingly, that game I saw at Denby was watched by Messrs Morris, Hendrick and Krikken, so...
Anyway, that's enough for now. Apologies for the lesser frequency of the blog but my laptop is awaiting repair and this has been done on the family Wii console. More to follow, when it has been repaired.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Derbyshire sign Garry Park
Derbyshire have announced the signing of 25 year old Durham all-rounder Garry Park, who has rejected an offer at Durham in favour of greater opportunities at Derby on a two-year contract.
While not an established player, Park averages in the mid-30's with the bat and has a first class century to his name. He also bowls medium pace, is a brilliant fielder and can keep wicket. If we are stricken with injuries, it suggests that between the South African born but English qualified Park and 'Sobers' Wagg we cover most of the bases...
Another all-rounder, according to the club site, although with two first class wickets at 160 each, I'd suggest he is a batsman who can bowl, rather than a genuine one. Perhaps a swap - and one assumes less expensive - for Rikki Clarke, means that the balance of the squad is maintained. Park is a very competent wicket keeper, so I suspect we may not see Tom New signed this winter, despite an impressive spell at the end of the season. With Mark Lawson presumably a swap for Nayan Doshi, we are now needing another Kevin Dean. There appears few genuine options out there. Rumours persist that Liam Plunkett is unsettled at the Riverside, but he apparently signed a new contract recently which suggests bridges are not yet burnt. There'd be massive competition for his services anyway and Ashley Giles is probably camped outside his house as I write...
This is a solid signing and while we all hope for a top batsman, I don't see many options out there. Perhaps the rationale may be for Sadler or Telo to step up next year and the spare money could go on a top player for the 20/20?
In other news, I'm heartened by the inclusion of Dan Redfern, Tom Poynton and Atif Sheikh in the England U19 squad of 15 to tour South Africa this winter. We all know what a talent Redfern is, but Poynton will be the long term replacement for James Pipe and is a fine keeper and a batsman of talent too. Meanwhile, Sheikh must be a real find to be in the squad at just 17. The left arm quickie might be the'new Kevin Dean', although one assumes he has a long way to go. It is more evidence of the excellent work going on in the Academy under Karl Krikken, and there must be a few counties looking at our set up with a degree of envy.
More news and views as things happen - see you all soon!
While not an established player, Park averages in the mid-30's with the bat and has a first class century to his name. He also bowls medium pace, is a brilliant fielder and can keep wicket. If we are stricken with injuries, it suggests that between the South African born but English qualified Park and 'Sobers' Wagg we cover most of the bases...
Another all-rounder, according to the club site, although with two first class wickets at 160 each, I'd suggest he is a batsman who can bowl, rather than a genuine one. Perhaps a swap - and one assumes less expensive - for Rikki Clarke, means that the balance of the squad is maintained. Park is a very competent wicket keeper, so I suspect we may not see Tom New signed this winter, despite an impressive spell at the end of the season. With Mark Lawson presumably a swap for Nayan Doshi, we are now needing another Kevin Dean. There appears few genuine options out there. Rumours persist that Liam Plunkett is unsettled at the Riverside, but he apparently signed a new contract recently which suggests bridges are not yet burnt. There'd be massive competition for his services anyway and Ashley Giles is probably camped outside his house as I write...
This is a solid signing and while we all hope for a top batsman, I don't see many options out there. Perhaps the rationale may be for Sadler or Telo to step up next year and the spare money could go on a top player for the 20/20?
In other news, I'm heartened by the inclusion of Dan Redfern, Tom Poynton and Atif Sheikh in the England U19 squad of 15 to tour South Africa this winter. We all know what a talent Redfern is, but Poynton will be the long term replacement for James Pipe and is a fine keeper and a batsman of talent too. Meanwhile, Sheikh must be a real find to be in the squad at just 17. The left arm quickie might be the'new Kevin Dean', although one assumes he has a long way to go. It is more evidence of the excellent work going on in the Academy under Karl Krikken, and there must be a few counties looking at our set up with a degree of envy.
More news and views as things happen - see you all soon!
Friday, 3 October 2008
Mark Lawson
83% of you wanted to see Mark Lawson earn a Derbyshire contract and John Morris has listened!
The Yorkshire youngster has got a week by week contract at the start of next season. I hope he makes a good fist of it.
Good luck Mark!
The Yorkshire youngster has got a week by week contract at the start of next season. I hope he makes a good fist of it.
Good luck Mark!
Random thoughts...
So Corky has gone down to the south coast and joined Hampshire. I suppose it was only to be expected, that he'd want to join another first division outfit, but I'd have liked to see him at Derby. Where we go now for a seamer I'm not sure. It may be that there's a good bowler out there waiting on offers, but I don't know who that may be.
It would be good if Tom Lungley was fit for next year and if he was, we'd have the extra seamer anyway as he was rarely available this season. A useful option may be Mark Hardinges, who I rate as a useful county all-rounder. He is especially good in one day cricket and I think someone may snap him up before too long. Gloucestershire may well come to regret letting him go as he has his best years ahead of him.
A comment on here the other night suggested Ali Brown of Surrey as a potential signing. Its not the worst idea in the world as he is, on his day, one of the most destructive batsmen in the country. My concerns would be that he is an eye player and recent performances suggest that its not as sharp as it once was. Allied to the fact that he has spent his career and made his reputation "dahn sarf" and there would be a few reservations.
The Ian Blackwell story still lingers and he is apparently unhappy at Somerset but he is another who may well want to stay in division one unless the pull of his home county is too strong - aka we make him an offer he can't refuse.
Lance Klusener would be another fine signing, but he's another one that will not be lacking suitors and whether we would want another Kolpak is debatable. Some player though, and I'd love to see him in Derbyshire colours.
I hope Morris doesn't top up the squad instead of signing genuine talent. We've some good players but they need experience and ideally more alongside them with that crucial ingredient. A post on 606 suggested David Hemp, who has been released by Glamorgan, but I don't think he has much to offer and I'd take Stubbo and Sadler over him quite frankly. He's been a decent cricketer but we can surely aim higher?
One final poll for this season. Let me know what you thought of the year for Derbyshire overall. Did it meet your exepctations?
In closing tonight, congratulations to Graham Wagg for his award as player of the year. There can be few grumbles from anyone, except maybe those at Edgbaston who allowed him to leave and tried to get him back. I don't care what Ashley Giles says, his role at Warwickshire and his selectorial role with England are diametrically opposed. He should be told to do one or the other, but not be allowed to do both. It gives him an emotional pull on players who presumably thinks that if he wants them at Warwickshire they must have a better-than-average chance of an England cap.
Until the next time, keep following the news in the links from this site. If anything breaks, I'll let you know...
It would be good if Tom Lungley was fit for next year and if he was, we'd have the extra seamer anyway as he was rarely available this season. A useful option may be Mark Hardinges, who I rate as a useful county all-rounder. He is especially good in one day cricket and I think someone may snap him up before too long. Gloucestershire may well come to regret letting him go as he has his best years ahead of him.
A comment on here the other night suggested Ali Brown of Surrey as a potential signing. Its not the worst idea in the world as he is, on his day, one of the most destructive batsmen in the country. My concerns would be that he is an eye player and recent performances suggest that its not as sharp as it once was. Allied to the fact that he has spent his career and made his reputation "dahn sarf" and there would be a few reservations.
The Ian Blackwell story still lingers and he is apparently unhappy at Somerset but he is another who may well want to stay in division one unless the pull of his home county is too strong - aka we make him an offer he can't refuse.
Lance Klusener would be another fine signing, but he's another one that will not be lacking suitors and whether we would want another Kolpak is debatable. Some player though, and I'd love to see him in Derbyshire colours.
I hope Morris doesn't top up the squad instead of signing genuine talent. We've some good players but they need experience and ideally more alongside them with that crucial ingredient. A post on 606 suggested David Hemp, who has been released by Glamorgan, but I don't think he has much to offer and I'd take Stubbo and Sadler over him quite frankly. He's been a decent cricketer but we can surely aim higher?
One final poll for this season. Let me know what you thought of the year for Derbyshire overall. Did it meet your exepctations?
In closing tonight, congratulations to Graham Wagg for his award as player of the year. There can be few grumbles from anyone, except maybe those at Edgbaston who allowed him to leave and tried to get him back. I don't care what Ashley Giles says, his role at Warwickshire and his selectorial role with England are diametrically opposed. He should be told to do one or the other, but not be allowed to do both. It gives him an emotional pull on players who presumably thinks that if he wants them at Warwickshire they must have a better-than-average chance of an England cap.
Until the next time, keep following the news in the links from this site. If anything breaks, I'll let you know...
Monday, 29 September 2008
Waggy for England!
Graham Wagg has been picked for England in the international sixes held in Hong Kong in November.
It's a well deserved honour for the Derbyshire all-rounder, who takes his place in a side that has plenty of hard hitters and useful bowlers, but should it have been more?
The "Performance Squad" is going to India this winter and features Mark Davies, Sajid Mahmood, Amjad Khan, Robbie Joseph and Liam Plunkett as seam bowlers, Adil Rashid and Ollie Rayner as spinners.
I'd have thought Wagg's versatility with the ball would make him an asset on the sub-continent and the selectors seem to have opted for the additional pace of the others. There may yet be an opening for the all-rounder, however as all of those named have had serious question marks over their fitness in the past couple of seasons, especially Amjad Khan and Mark Davies. Joseph has had a good season, but only one and even then he didn't "fire" until the second half of the year. Plunkett and Mahmood are both fair bowlers, but what more do the selectors need to know about them?
On a different tack, Mark Lawson's disappointment at his injury against Leicestershire has been eased by being offered a week-to-week contract for next season, which effectively lets us look at him in a more competitive environment. Whether England in April is a place for leggies to impress is debatable, but he at least has a chance and the rest is up to him.
Elsewhere, Steve Stubbings, Ian Hunter, Dan Birch and Wayne White are all awaiting news on new contracts, while John Morris considers his options after the departure of Rikki Clarke, Nayan Doshi and Kevin Dean. Who else goes is to some extent down to who may be available elsewhere, but there's money for squad improvements and while one of the seamers may go, I'd be surprised at the departure of Stubbings or Birch - not to mention a little disappointed.
Finally, the club site notes the death of Alwyn Eato, a quick bowler who took 50 wickets in his career that spanned the early 1950's. One of a number of bowlers who struggled to get a game with the brilliance and resilience of Gladwin and Jackson, Brian Furniss and Derek Hall were others and the former county skipper Donald Carr once described Eato as one of the quickest and most hostile bowlers he had ever seen. With that speed came a little erratic direction, unacceptable to a team so used to the parsimony of the great duo. He once took 5-14 against Leicestershire and took his career wickets at 28 each before a successful league career with Worksop in the late 1950's.
See you all again soon!
It's a well deserved honour for the Derbyshire all-rounder, who takes his place in a side that has plenty of hard hitters and useful bowlers, but should it have been more?
The "Performance Squad" is going to India this winter and features Mark Davies, Sajid Mahmood, Amjad Khan, Robbie Joseph and Liam Plunkett as seam bowlers, Adil Rashid and Ollie Rayner as spinners.
I'd have thought Wagg's versatility with the ball would make him an asset on the sub-continent and the selectors seem to have opted for the additional pace of the others. There may yet be an opening for the all-rounder, however as all of those named have had serious question marks over their fitness in the past couple of seasons, especially Amjad Khan and Mark Davies. Joseph has had a good season, but only one and even then he didn't "fire" until the second half of the year. Plunkett and Mahmood are both fair bowlers, but what more do the selectors need to know about them?
On a different tack, Mark Lawson's disappointment at his injury against Leicestershire has been eased by being offered a week-to-week contract for next season, which effectively lets us look at him in a more competitive environment. Whether England in April is a place for leggies to impress is debatable, but he at least has a chance and the rest is up to him.
Elsewhere, Steve Stubbings, Ian Hunter, Dan Birch and Wayne White are all awaiting news on new contracts, while John Morris considers his options after the departure of Rikki Clarke, Nayan Doshi and Kevin Dean. Who else goes is to some extent down to who may be available elsewhere, but there's money for squad improvements and while one of the seamers may go, I'd be surprised at the departure of Stubbings or Birch - not to mention a little disappointed.
Finally, the club site notes the death of Alwyn Eato, a quick bowler who took 50 wickets in his career that spanned the early 1950's. One of a number of bowlers who struggled to get a game with the brilliance and resilience of Gladwin and Jackson, Brian Furniss and Derek Hall were others and the former county skipper Donald Carr once described Eato as one of the quickest and most hostile bowlers he had ever seen. With that speed came a little erratic direction, unacceptable to a team so used to the parsimony of the great duo. He once took 5-14 against Leicestershire and took his career wickets at 28 each before a successful league career with Worksop in the late 1950's.
See you all again soon!
Sunday, 28 September 2008
The close season blog
Well folks, its been an interesting season and I'm looking forward to a relaxing winter in which I intend to continue the blog, but not on a nightly basis.
The problem is that there's often little to talk about in the depths of winter. If players become available in whom we may be interested, or if we sign someone, then hightail it over to the blog for my thoughts. I hope to post at least a couple of times a week, but it depends on what there is to say. I don't intend to spout for the sake of it!
Thanks to everyone who has helped me completely exceed my expectations in this blog. I thought maybe 2,000 hits might have been possible this season, but the growth has been exponential with each 1,000 hits quicker than the one that preceded it. Amazing stuff and I'm grateful to everyone for their interest.
Please tell your friends, team mates and fellow fans about the blog. The more the merrier, and while you're at it, tell them about the excellent fans forum In Morris We Trust which gives a far truer flavour of the way that fans are thinking than the heavily sanitised 606 site.
See you soon - here's hoping for some quick winter signings to get us dreaming of global domination, starting next April...
The problem is that there's often little to talk about in the depths of winter. If players become available in whom we may be interested, or if we sign someone, then hightail it over to the blog for my thoughts. I hope to post at least a couple of times a week, but it depends on what there is to say. I don't intend to spout for the sake of it!
Thanks to everyone who has helped me completely exceed my expectations in this blog. I thought maybe 2,000 hits might have been possible this season, but the growth has been exponential with each 1,000 hits quicker than the one that preceded it. Amazing stuff and I'm grateful to everyone for their interest.
Please tell your friends, team mates and fellow fans about the blog. The more the merrier, and while you're at it, tell them about the excellent fans forum In Morris We Trust which gives a far truer flavour of the way that fans are thinking than the heavily sanitised 606 site.
See you soon - here's hoping for some quick winter signings to get us dreaming of global domination, starting next April...
Saturday, 27 September 2008
End of season reports
Another year gone and there was the usual mixture of highs and lows to excite and frustrate us all. While we touched brilliance on occasion, all too often there was a quick slide back to mediocrity, often in the same match.
Yet it was not really a season of gloom and doom. The 50-over tournament could have been very different if the weather had been kinder to us and we produced some good performances. The Championship sustained interest until the penultimate match and we've been unable to say that many times in recent seasons and there were encouraging performances and an unbeaten home record to take heart from.
Only in the Pro 40 and the 20/20 were we disappointing. Indeed, the 20/20 was the low point of the season and aside from the fact that I don't like the format, the brutal truth was that we were rubbish at it. Aside from the first match at Headingley, we too often approached every over as if it was the last, with the result that we were usually too many batsmen down by half way. Until we realise that 60-70 for one after ten is a launch pad, we'll never compete in that game. Many a side panics chasing 150 and we should be aiming for that with anything else a bonus, rather than trying to reach 220. That only happens with small boundaries and poor bowling allied to good batting. For next year we MUST have an overseas batsman or all-rounder in that competition. This year we were left like a gunslinger in a quick draw who realises too late that he's no bullets in his gun. When you come up against Durham and face Di Venuto and Mustard, followed by Collingwood and then Pollock and Morkel you're on a road to nowhere without hired help. I know we had Hinds (who did well) and Langeveldt (who always does) but the batting was otherwise poor.
So, here's my marks and asessments of the players this season. Two marks - one for four day, one for their one day efforts. The guide to marks is
4- Poor
5- Below average
6- Average
7- Good
8 - Very good
9 - Excellent
10 - Bradman and Warne standard
Chris Rogers - 9/7
Yet it was not really a season of gloom and doom. The 50-over tournament could have been very different if the weather had been kinder to us and we produced some good performances. The Championship sustained interest until the penultimate match and we've been unable to say that many times in recent seasons and there were encouraging performances and an unbeaten home record to take heart from.
Only in the Pro 40 and the 20/20 were we disappointing. Indeed, the 20/20 was the low point of the season and aside from the fact that I don't like the format, the brutal truth was that we were rubbish at it. Aside from the first match at Headingley, we too often approached every over as if it was the last, with the result that we were usually too many batsmen down by half way. Until we realise that 60-70 for one after ten is a launch pad, we'll never compete in that game. Many a side panics chasing 150 and we should be aiming for that with anything else a bonus, rather than trying to reach 220. That only happens with small boundaries and poor bowling allied to good batting. For next year we MUST have an overseas batsman or all-rounder in that competition. This year we were left like a gunslinger in a quick draw who realises too late that he's no bullets in his gun. When you come up against Durham and face Di Venuto and Mustard, followed by Collingwood and then Pollock and Morkel you're on a road to nowhere without hired help. I know we had Hinds (who did well) and Langeveldt (who always does) but the batting was otherwise poor.
So, here's my marks and asessments of the players this season. Two marks - one for four day, one for their one day efforts. The guide to marks is
4- Poor
5- Below average
6- Average
7- Good
8 - Very good
9 - Excellent
10 - Bradman and Warne standard
Chris Rogers - 9/7
Can't fault the Aussie who ended up skipper in the four day game when he matched anyone in the country for weight of runs. This after a start where he failed to turn fifties into hundreds and we were all concerned... The only criticism of his one day game is that there were no centuries, but Buck was a fine import and a lot of teams would like him. Thankfully, he's signed for next season, which is great news.
Paul Borrington 7/-
The youngster could hardly be faulted after a fine mini season where he dug in and sold his wicket dearly. An average of 27 is not too spectacular, but three fifties in 13 innings suggests there's something to build on. Just needs to increase his range of strokes, but plenty of time to do that.
Steve Stubbings 6/-
Averaged 33 in the Champonship but had a highest of 62 in 17 knocks so not a vintage season. A shoulder injury troubled him and his benefit commitments distracted him but there were signs at the end that the old Stubbo was back. Under-utilised in the one day game where he would have been a better option than some that were used.
Dan Birch 6/6
Curiously did better in his second season than his first and showed signs of coming to terms with the County game when traditionally players are "found out second time around. Still has a tendency to lose concentration when well set which also affects him in the field, where he dropped some sitters. Still, an average of 36 suggests a man on the way up, and if he can work on his mobility and speed between the wickets could yet be a force in the county game.
Wavell Hinds 7/7
No big scores from Wavell either, but enough cameos to suggest he could be an asset next year, now he has come to terms with the county game. Played some good 20/20 innings and also contributed with the ball. Another who will do better next season, especially if the wickets are drier and harder.
Dominic Telo 4/4
A nightmare first season for the diminutive South African, who broke all the records a school but had a bad start that got worse as the season progressed. He has a two year deal and may return refreshed next year, but he made James Bryant look prolific and Andrew Gait Bradmanesque in comparison. Fine fielder, but that's not enough.
John Sadler 5/5
A few early grafting knocks suggested he was just what we needed, but Sads never got going and lost his place. A few more decent knocks later in the season suggested he may come again, but it was a poor return from a man who had averaged over 50 in successive seasons for Leicestershire in four then one day cricket. We need an in form Sadler in the middle order, but he never delivered.
Greg Smith 6/6
An early season muscle tear in his arm hampered Smith, who could never bowl seam this year. His off spin is useful, but not yet up to his seam bowling. His batting showed signs of maturity and there was a first Championship century and some punishing innings, while his 20/20 century was a season highlight. Next season is important for Smith, however and will dictate whether he is another Bruce Roberts, destined to be limited by poor starts, or a genuine quality all-rounder.
Dan Redfern 7/6
Came off a prolific year with England Under 19s and his A Levels to average 32 in six innings and look a cut above his contemporaries - and indeed many of his team mates. While we should not expect too much from an 18 year old, his two year contract should see the flowering of a major new batting talent. He also bowls tidy off spin so has a very, very big future. Lovely timer of a ball.
Rikki Clarke 4/4
A six-figure salary and big reputation came to naught as Clarke was a HUGE disappointment. Caught flies at slip, but I'd do that for a lot less than he commanded. His batting was a succession of big shots that looked like he didn't care, while every good ball was followed by dross. We were entitled to more from an "England all-rounder" (his words) and if he regarded it as a "wasted season" - well, at least he got the money. What did we get?
Graham Wagg 9/7
He bowls left arm seam and spin, fields brilliantly and on occasion times the ball beautifully and hits it a long way. Another to sign on for an extra year (two more in total), Wagg is an outstanding player in the long game. Only a tendency to bowl a hittable length rather than mixing it up a little in the one day game holds him back, but Waggy has had two successive good seasons now and the future is his for the taking if he carries on in this vein.
Jon Clare 8/6
An outstanding first full season for the youngster who looked a new man after all his gym work in the winter. Over 500 runs at 42 and over 30 wickets at 28 in a first year was an outstanding effort. Not had many chances to bat in the short game, but bowled steadily on a number of occasions and fielded well. Showed a rare resilience in a physically demanding role and can reflect on a job very well done.
James Pipe 8/7
More of the same from the keeper. Excellent wicket-keeping that compares to anyone in the country and batting that can turn a game in a few overs. Unfortunately there was another nasty injury that robbed us of his services for much of the second half of the season, but Pipe is a key member of this side and should be back to his best next year. Less of an influence in one day cricket than might be expected, but a fine player.
Jake Needham 7/6
It is easy to forget that Jake Needham is still a young man as he has been around the team for a few seasons now. A useful batsman who can battle it with the best of them, a good fielder and a bowler with a developing loop that might take him to the next level as an off spinner. Took a little flak in one day games but came back for more and was the best spinner this year by a distance
Tom New 7/7
New let no one down in his time with Derbyshire, batting solidly and with no little skill in both forms of the game. His wicket-keeping was solid, although he put down a few straight forward chances. Few would be worried if he were to be a regular in the side, but the excellence of James Pipe makes that unlikely, along with the potential of Tom Poynton.
Fred Klokker 6/5
Fred is a nice bloke and a good cricketer who everyone was pleased to see make a century against Warwickshire. He doesn't have a wide enough range of shots for the top level, nor is he quite a good enough keeper. Unlikely to appear next season with the competition in that position, but a sound year for a professional man.
Nayan Doshi 5/7
Doshi left shortly after Rikki Clarke. Who knows if the two were connected, but he wanted a regular place and didn't merit one. While he bowled with control in one day matches, he rarely looked like bowling sides out in any form of the game and was only an average batsman and fielder. His arrival was anticipated, but he sadly failed to deliver.
Tom Lungley 5/5
Back to the bad days for Tom. Last year he proved he could get good players out and did so regularly, but this year he was rarely fit and a succession of injuries wrecked his season. He is another top bloke and a good cricketer, but really needs to be fit and firing next year or his place on the staff, as he approaches 30, could be in jeopardy.
Wayne White 6/5
I'm not sure about Wayne. He bowls with good pace but bowls a lot of four balls and at times took some fearful stick in the occasional one day outing. If he is retained for next year he needs to take a leaf from the Clare book of pre-season training and come back with a stronger physique. A few sessions with Mike Hendrick on line and length might be useful too.
Ian Hunter 6/7
Ian is perhaps one of the unluckiest bowlers I've seen playing for us in recent years and suffers from a lot of dropped catches and near misses. He's also had his problems with injury but to be fair to him he bowled well, especially in one day matches, in the second half of the season and perhaps deserves another year, especially with Kevin Dean's retiral.
Kevin Dean 6/6
A modern legend, Kevin Dean called it a day this year after sterling service to the county. He could still swing the ball and get those lbw decisions, but the nip had gone from his bowling and he didn't look like running through teams like previous years. He will be missed and we will be looking for a new Kevin Dean in coming years. Thanks Kev!
Ross Whiteley 6/6
Ross could be the new Kevin Dean and has a lithe run up to the wicket, but his bowling looks like it has a way to go at first class level. His batting looked to have potential and he appears to be a clean hitter of a ball, so I think we may see more of him in the future as another successful product of the Academy.
Charl Langeveldt 9/9
What can be said about the South African I've not said already this season? He has a huge heart and bowled with pace and skill in all matches. When conditions were in his favour he took wickets, when they weren't he kept things tight - and still took wickets. A 100% fielder and a batsman who sends the ball a long way when he connects. A diamond of a cricketer and a man, thanks for the hard work Charl!
Let me know what you think guys - any major disagreements?
Leicestershire v Derbyshire day 3
Well, that's it.
Day three was the final day of the season and although the game was ours last night, the last two days pretty much encapsulated the season.
On our day we are a match for anyone, but the inconsistency is the problem. Don't get me wrong, I know this was a very young side and the wonder was that we were still in the game after two innings against a more experienced outfit. The fact is that we slipped from 87-0 overnight to 128-5 and although Ross Whiteley supported Tom New in a useful stand of 47 for the seventh wicket, 190 was always a little tight on a wicket that had got easier.
I still think we could challenge for promotion in the Championship next season if we sign another good bowler and a middle order batsman. A full strength side would have won this game but we should not go into the winter too despondent.
There have been pluses and minuses through the year and over the weekend I'll give you my player ratings for the season. We still can't play one day cricket for toffee but I don't think there's a magic wand that can be waved to make us into one. Experience and more particularly experience of winning these games is needed. Maybe we should bring in Dean Jones to give a master class in approaching one day batting and let them all watch videos of Charl bowling. Again, though Langeveldt is the finished article and we need another experienced seamer to bowl with him next year.
Waggy has been superb and Jon Clare has done more than could have been dreamed of pre-season, but the winter recruits will dictate where we go from here.
Ah well, my 300th blog of the year records a loss, not the expected win. Never mind, to bed and perhaps sometime this winter I'll dream about our winning something next season.
Who knows? It might just come true...
Day three was the final day of the season and although the game was ours last night, the last two days pretty much encapsulated the season.
On our day we are a match for anyone, but the inconsistency is the problem. Don't get me wrong, I know this was a very young side and the wonder was that we were still in the game after two innings against a more experienced outfit. The fact is that we slipped from 87-0 overnight to 128-5 and although Ross Whiteley supported Tom New in a useful stand of 47 for the seventh wicket, 190 was always a little tight on a wicket that had got easier.
I still think we could challenge for promotion in the Championship next season if we sign another good bowler and a middle order batsman. A full strength side would have won this game but we should not go into the winter too despondent.
There have been pluses and minuses through the year and over the weekend I'll give you my player ratings for the season. We still can't play one day cricket for toffee but I don't think there's a magic wand that can be waved to make us into one. Experience and more particularly experience of winning these games is needed. Maybe we should bring in Dean Jones to give a master class in approaching one day batting and let them all watch videos of Charl bowling. Again, though Langeveldt is the finished article and we need another experienced seamer to bowl with him next year.
Waggy has been superb and Jon Clare has done more than could have been dreamed of pre-season, but the winter recruits will dictate where we go from here.
Ah well, my 300th blog of the year records a loss, not the expected win. Never mind, to bed and perhaps sometime this winter I'll dream about our winning something next season.
Who knows? It might just come true...
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Leicestershire v Derbyshire day 2
Amazing as it may seem, this is the 299th article that I've written in 2008, on the third last day of the season.
I'd suggest that today was as encouraging a day as we have had all year too, which makes it a pleasure to write.
Notwithstanding the fact that the opposition aren't the best team in the country, you have to be impressed by the way we bowled them out today and then batted ourselves into a strong position by the close of play. All that with a side whose average age is 22...
A key factor was Graham Wagg's removal of Dippenaar and Ackerman in three balls. Last night I was concerned what they might do to a young and inexperienced attack. Well, Dippenaar did what he has done all season - nothing - and Ackerman was bowled second ball.
Nevertheless, Leicestershire were in a strong position at one stage with Smith and Nixon going well, but Jake Needham (pictured) ran through them after lunch with a wonderful spell of off spin bowling that actually earned him 5-24 in 11.2 overs. On the way to new career best figures of 6-49 Needham moved to second place in the Derbyshire bowling averages this season, his 16 wickets coming at just 23 runs each. Added to the fact that he averages the same with the bat and we have a good cricketer in young Needham, who has staked a claim for the spinning berth next year. Given his ability with the bat and in the field, he will be a good asset in 2009.
The irony was, of course, that the man who may be his biggest rival next year, Mark Lawson, was unable to bowl on a track that would have given him a lot of assistance. Had Lawson been able to bowl in tandem with Jake, Leicestershire may have struggled to make 150. The pitch has offered help throughout, with lateral movement and erratic bounce causing all the batsmen problems.
Which makes the efforts of Paul Borrington and Steve Stubbings all the more laudable. To get to stumps at 85-0 after 43 overs was a superb effort by both of them, despite the hosts using all their bowlers in an attempt to break through. It can't have made for exciting viewing, but who cares? After a season in which we have seen players giving their wicket away with careless strokes, it was nice to see two players selling their wickets dearly and having the technique to stay in when conditions were in favour of the bowlers.
Borrington looks set for a long career with the county and is a real find, while Stubbo did what he always does, playing straight and treating the bowling on its merits. In the absence of Chris Rogers, Bozza couldn't have wished for a better partner than Stubbings and it has been a pleasure to see the amiable opener back into the groove in the past two games. I suggest that he still has a lot to offer us next season and should be retained. Borrington's final year at University will occupy him until June and a Rogers/Stubbings opening pair would be a good option to have. He has not had a vintage year, but the distraction of his benefit, allied to struggles with a shoulder injury have been mitigating factors. Had he not waited for it to settle down over the winter, as advised by specialists, rather than having an operation straight away, we may well have seen a different Stubbo this year. I still feel he has much to offer in one day cricket, where I have seen him play a number of crucial knocks.
So, 71 runs ahead and nine wickets in hand. Remember Mark Lawson is unlikely to bat with his broken finger, so the others must bat with the same resolution shown by the openers. I would love to see Stubbo make a big score and also to see Dom Telo make some runs, but we could do with a lead of 250. I would reckon that the hosts will not fancy chasing much more than 200 on this wicket, so every run tomorrow is crucial.
Still, that's another day. Tonight we can enjoy the fact that our youngsters have put on a worthy show and staked a place for regular cricket next season. For what its worth, I have a feeling we could do very well in the Championship next year. While our one day form is in need of a serious overhaul, there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful in Derbyshire cricket at the end of 2008.
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