Showing posts with label county. Show all posts
Showing posts with label county. Show all posts
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Lancashire are the County Champions
Subtitle:- Never in my lifetime - Part 2
1934. Adolf Hitler has just become Head of State/Chancellor of Germany as the Nazi Party take a stranglehold over the country. Manchester city have won the FA Cup. Donald Duck makes his debut appearance in "The Wise Little Hen". And on the 28th August, eleven Lancashire county cricketers walk off the pitch at the Oval on a dank, dull afternoon after just winning the County Championship.
It seemed a pretty unremarkable win. It was Lancashire's fifth title in nine years, which has included a hat-trick of titles in 1926, 1927 and 1928 and the Second XI had won the Minor Counties' title in the same season. There was an air of confidence around the club and it seemed certain that Lancs had many more years of County Championship success ahead of them.
And so we move onto the 22nd of September 2007. Once again, Lancashire are playing at the Oval and it is the last day of the season. The club has had plenty of one day successes but, aside from a joint title with Surrey in 1950, the County Championship has eluded them ever since 1934. There have been plenty of times when the side finished second and could feel aggrieved that they had not won the whole thing, however this was the closest they had genuinely been for some time. Going into the game top of the table, a win was all that was necessary to end the wait for the title. Surrey didn't read the script, however, and set Lancashire 489 runs to win. They fell just 25 runs short.
Myself and a few others were there that day. Whilst it was one of the most amazing days' cricket you will ever see and an absolute privilege to have been there, it was a heartbreaking experience and one that left you wondering if we were ever going to win it again. Excuses were trotted out each year, it's the weather, we're improving, we've lost England players and so on. But in reality, we all knew that we just were not good enough. Batting points usually let us down and we had a tendency to lose or draw games that should have been wrapped up.
In 2009 Lancashire recruited Peter Moores as Head Coach. The move was greeted with cautious optimism as Moores had previously won the title at Sussex, who had never previously won the Championship. That season saw Lancashire finish fourth as they then did in 2010, albeit with slightly more points. Moving into 2011 the club was suffering from the prolonged legal battle surrounding the redevelopment of Old Trafford and, with no money to spend, the squad was made up of mainly home-grown players, with the majority of the side coming from Lancashire. The only real superstar in the side was Jimmy Anderson and his appearances were limited due to England duty. As it was, most people were hoping for a similar year to the previous two, with some quarters tipping Lancashire for the drop.
Due to the redevelopment issues at OT and the square being turned most games were to be played at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth with one game at Blackpool CC and the other at Southport. The one game scheduled to take place at OT ended up being at Aigburth, although that did turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Because of these arrangements, the thinking was that, playing on result pitches rather than a flat Old Trafford, this could be the best chance we'd have of winning the Championship.
Halfway through the season and the only defeats had come in both games against Durham who, on paper, looked to be the best side in the country. But Lancs kept winning and, even when they slipped and drew, or even after the loss to Notts at Southport, Durham slipped up as well meaning Lancs were top of the table with three games left. Defeat to Worcestershire away, however, after being bowled out for 80 in the second innings, meant people were ruefully looking back to earlier results. Not finishing off Sussex at Hove. Not beating Warwickshire at home. The loss to Notts. Just missing out on a bonus point here and a bonus point there. It looked like yet another "if only" season.
As the penultimate game of the season at home to Hampshire drew to a close it looked like Warwickshire had been handed the title on the plate. Injuries and other setbacks had pushed Durham near enough out of the race, with Hugh and his Bears making a last gasp charge for the line. As the last day at Aigburth rolled on and Hampshire stubbornly held onto their last remaining wicket, it looked like it was near enough over. Until, with eight balls to go, Simon Kerrigan took his ninth wicket of the match and sent everyone associated with the club into rapture. The dream was still on and we went down to Taunton just three points behind Warwickshire.
It was more hope than anything else. Lancs were playing well, but Warwickshire had put on a huge total. Hampshire batted admirably, but missed out on avoiding the follow-on. At the end of the third day Hampshire were 3 down for not a lot, already relegated and looking doomed. It seemed the only celebration to be had was that of Yorkshire's relegation and the ensuing rant from their Chairman! Once again it was a case of what might have been as everyone attempted to keep their spirits high. It had been a good and eventful trip regardless and it was a season that we could look back on with pride.
On the fourth day we'd been invited up into an executive box by a couple of Somerset fans. A great view of our game and, more importantly for the day itself, the Hampshire v Warwickshire game on the telly. It looked like Lancy would roll Somerset over quite early and we'd be watching events in Southampton for the rest of the day.
It seemed, however, that neither Hampshire nor Somerset had read the script. Whilst Lancashire toiled in the field at Taunton, Hampshire batted resiliently throughout the day. At the end of the first session they were still only three wickets down and looking comfortable. Eventually, wickets did fall, but at 5 o'clock, with 11 overs remaining and with Hampshire leading by 158, Warwickshire gave up and shook hands on the draw. So the destination of the title rested purely on Lancashire's result.
After toiling for quite a while, Somerset were eventually eight wickets down after a frustrating partnership, but that was followed by Trego and Kartik piling on even more runs. Eventually Trego was dismissed before a Keedy run out sparked a huge outpouring of emotion as Lancs prepared to chase down 212 to win the game.
I missed the run out as I'd gone into hiding by this point. A combination of the last three days of excess and the tension/emotion surrounding the day had meant I'd cracked. As Keedy hit the stumps I was looking around the Somerset cricket museum in an attempt to calm my nerves. Eventually I decided I'd better be there watching what was happening and headed off to the box again.
The runs ticked down slowly... In typical Lancs style, despite a great opening partnership, a couple of wickets fell just to leave you with that twitchy feeling. Until Steven Croft hit the winning runs around 15 minutes after Warwickshire had shook hands with Hampshire. What followed was an outpouring of relief, joy and all sorts of other emotions as the monkey was finally lifted from our backs. Lancashire were the County Champions.
I lost myself. One minute I'm jumping around screaming "we've won it, we've won it, we've fucking won it!" and the next I'm doing some strange crying/laughing hybrid, tears streaming down my face. It was a brilliant moment with no words capable of doing it justice. It was, quite frankly, the best day of my life. The celebrations spilled onto the outfield. People met up with friends that had been dotted around the ground, the joy shared amongst young and old. There were people there who have followed Lancashire home, away and even overseas for a number of years. The weight lifted from all us, something that was plainly visible as you looked around the ground.
The trophy was lifted. Karl Brown had a good go at breaking the base. We ended up on the wicket where it had all happened. I even got my hands on the bloody trophy! The rest of the night is a touch blurry, as you could imagine. Players were spotted around town and some even ended up in a nightclub with them. The next morning I shook hands with Kyle Hogg and Glen Chapple - you could see exactly what it meant to him, too. This was our United in 1993 moment and Glen Chapple was our Bryan Robson.
It was a wonderful experience that topped off a fantastic trip. Can we now go on and win it more often? That remains to be seen, there is still room for improvement, but we do have a young side hungry for success. Something tells me there'll be no complacency with them.
Once again - Lancashire CCC are the County Champions.
Some photographs from the day.
1934. Adolf Hitler has just become Head of State/Chancellor of Germany as the Nazi Party take a stranglehold over the country. Manchester city have won the FA Cup. Donald Duck makes his debut appearance in "The Wise Little Hen". And on the 28th August, eleven Lancashire county cricketers walk off the pitch at the Oval on a dank, dull afternoon after just winning the County Championship.
It seemed a pretty unremarkable win. It was Lancashire's fifth title in nine years, which has included a hat-trick of titles in 1926, 1927 and 1928 and the Second XI had won the Minor Counties' title in the same season. There was an air of confidence around the club and it seemed certain that Lancs had many more years of County Championship success ahead of them.
And so we move onto the 22nd of September 2007. Once again, Lancashire are playing at the Oval and it is the last day of the season. The club has had plenty of one day successes but, aside from a joint title with Surrey in 1950, the County Championship has eluded them ever since 1934. There have been plenty of times when the side finished second and could feel aggrieved that they had not won the whole thing, however this was the closest they had genuinely been for some time. Going into the game top of the table, a win was all that was necessary to end the wait for the title. Surrey didn't read the script, however, and set Lancashire 489 runs to win. They fell just 25 runs short.
Myself and a few others were there that day. Whilst it was one of the most amazing days' cricket you will ever see and an absolute privilege to have been there, it was a heartbreaking experience and one that left you wondering if we were ever going to win it again. Excuses were trotted out each year, it's the weather, we're improving, we've lost England players and so on. But in reality, we all knew that we just were not good enough. Batting points usually let us down and we had a tendency to lose or draw games that should have been wrapped up.
In 2009 Lancashire recruited Peter Moores as Head Coach. The move was greeted with cautious optimism as Moores had previously won the title at Sussex, who had never previously won the Championship. That season saw Lancashire finish fourth as they then did in 2010, albeit with slightly more points. Moving into 2011 the club was suffering from the prolonged legal battle surrounding the redevelopment of Old Trafford and, with no money to spend, the squad was made up of mainly home-grown players, with the majority of the side coming from Lancashire. The only real superstar in the side was Jimmy Anderson and his appearances were limited due to England duty. As it was, most people were hoping for a similar year to the previous two, with some quarters tipping Lancashire for the drop.
Due to the redevelopment issues at OT and the square being turned most games were to be played at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth with one game at Blackpool CC and the other at Southport. The one game scheduled to take place at OT ended up being at Aigburth, although that did turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Because of these arrangements, the thinking was that, playing on result pitches rather than a flat Old Trafford, this could be the best chance we'd have of winning the Championship.
Halfway through the season and the only defeats had come in both games against Durham who, on paper, looked to be the best side in the country. But Lancs kept winning and, even when they slipped and drew, or even after the loss to Notts at Southport, Durham slipped up as well meaning Lancs were top of the table with three games left. Defeat to Worcestershire away, however, after being bowled out for 80 in the second innings, meant people were ruefully looking back to earlier results. Not finishing off Sussex at Hove. Not beating Warwickshire at home. The loss to Notts. Just missing out on a bonus point here and a bonus point there. It looked like yet another "if only" season.
As the penultimate game of the season at home to Hampshire drew to a close it looked like Warwickshire had been handed the title on the plate. Injuries and other setbacks had pushed Durham near enough out of the race, with Hugh and his Bears making a last gasp charge for the line. As the last day at Aigburth rolled on and Hampshire stubbornly held onto their last remaining wicket, it looked like it was near enough over. Until, with eight balls to go, Simon Kerrigan took his ninth wicket of the match and sent everyone associated with the club into rapture. The dream was still on and we went down to Taunton just three points behind Warwickshire.
It was more hope than anything else. Lancs were playing well, but Warwickshire had put on a huge total. Hampshire batted admirably, but missed out on avoiding the follow-on. At the end of the third day Hampshire were 3 down for not a lot, already relegated and looking doomed. It seemed the only celebration to be had was that of Yorkshire's relegation and the ensuing rant from their Chairman! Once again it was a case of what might have been as everyone attempted to keep their spirits high. It had been a good and eventful trip regardless and it was a season that we could look back on with pride.
On the fourth day we'd been invited up into an executive box by a couple of Somerset fans. A great view of our game and, more importantly for the day itself, the Hampshire v Warwickshire game on the telly. It looked like Lancy would roll Somerset over quite early and we'd be watching events in Southampton for the rest of the day.
It seemed, however, that neither Hampshire nor Somerset had read the script. Whilst Lancashire toiled in the field at Taunton, Hampshire batted resiliently throughout the day. At the end of the first session they were still only three wickets down and looking comfortable. Eventually, wickets did fall, but at 5 o'clock, with 11 overs remaining and with Hampshire leading by 158, Warwickshire gave up and shook hands on the draw. So the destination of the title rested purely on Lancashire's result.
After toiling for quite a while, Somerset were eventually eight wickets down after a frustrating partnership, but that was followed by Trego and Kartik piling on even more runs. Eventually Trego was dismissed before a Keedy run out sparked a huge outpouring of emotion as Lancs prepared to chase down 212 to win the game.
I missed the run out as I'd gone into hiding by this point. A combination of the last three days of excess and the tension/emotion surrounding the day had meant I'd cracked. As Keedy hit the stumps I was looking around the Somerset cricket museum in an attempt to calm my nerves. Eventually I decided I'd better be there watching what was happening and headed off to the box again.
The runs ticked down slowly... In typical Lancs style, despite a great opening partnership, a couple of wickets fell just to leave you with that twitchy feeling. Until Steven Croft hit the winning runs around 15 minutes after Warwickshire had shook hands with Hampshire. What followed was an outpouring of relief, joy and all sorts of other emotions as the monkey was finally lifted from our backs. Lancashire were the County Champions.
I lost myself. One minute I'm jumping around screaming "we've won it, we've won it, we've fucking won it!" and the next I'm doing some strange crying/laughing hybrid, tears streaming down my face. It was a brilliant moment with no words capable of doing it justice. It was, quite frankly, the best day of my life. The celebrations spilled onto the outfield. People met up with friends that had been dotted around the ground, the joy shared amongst young and old. There were people there who have followed Lancashire home, away and even overseas for a number of years. The weight lifted from all us, something that was plainly visible as you looked around the ground.
The trophy was lifted. Karl Brown had a good go at breaking the base. We ended up on the wicket where it had all happened. I even got my hands on the bloody trophy! The rest of the night is a touch blurry, as you could imagine. Players were spotted around town and some even ended up in a nightclub with them. The next morning I shook hands with Kyle Hogg and Glen Chapple - you could see exactly what it meant to him, too. This was our United in 1993 moment and Glen Chapple was our Bryan Robson.
It was a wonderful experience that topped off a fantastic trip. Can we now go on and win it more often? That remains to be seen, there is still room for improvement, but we do have a young side hungry for success. Something tells me there'll be no complacency with them.
Once again - Lancashire CCC are the County Champions.
Some photographs from the day.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Monday, 12 September 2011
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Lancashire County Cricket Club 1934
The last Lancashire side to win the County Championship outright, all those years ago. And such a pity it is that it no longer seems likely that this year's side will end the long wait. Still, perchance to dream and all that...
A proper update to appear on here shortly. I've been slacking, I know.
A proper update to appear on here shortly. I've been slacking, I know.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Welcome to the Darkside...
Well, once again it's the first real update in f****** ages so I've missed a hell of a lot in that time. Meh.
So, we've got a new Government. Forgive me for being completely underwhelmed at the prospect of the Tories and Lib Dems cuddling up together. Cuts galore already and the Lib Dems swiftly moving away from many of their promises and the views of many of their members and supporters. And with the Coalition already being rocked by David Laws' resignation and the scandal around it, you could well be forgiven for wondering just how long this new Coalition is going to last. Then again, knowing the Tories, it could well be a case of how long before they find an excuse to get rid of all the Lib Dems holding Cabinet positions?
I'm sure I only need to touch on the vileness of Cameron. How anyone could trust him to run the country is beyond me. Smarmy and out of touch. As for the Tories overall... Thatcher. The '80s. Parts of the country run down and broken because of their policies. And if you really believe the bastards have changed and I'm just living in the past... Look up what's happened to those living under the jurisdiction of Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Working class? No money? Tough. Middle class or higher? Plenty of money? Come on over, we'll close off the public park every summer so you can watch polo matches.
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-welcome-to-cameron-land-1962318.html
As for the Lib Dems... Well, Clegg clearly wanted a position of power regardless of how he got it, nor the principles surrounding his supposed politics. He had the chance to form a progressive coalition with Labour but in the end, decided to jump onboard with his fellow Eton boy to get himself any kind of influence. He's already managed to piss off the more left-wing element of the Party, with many already defecting to Labour. If the Coalition rocks anymore then he could well have destroyed any credibility that they had in terms of being a genuine alternative vote for those wanting a progressive, left-wing Britain. Now I know how the citizens of the Galactic Republic felt as the Emporer swept in under a wave of promises and established the Empire. David Cameron = Senator Palpatine? Works for me - although I think Palpatine had more credibility.
So where does this leave Labour? Well, big changes are needed. But they didn't do that badly - most people are focusing on the last eighteen months, when in reality many good things were put in place (quite a few of which are now due to be taken away again) and the country was quite healthy. It took a global recession to bring things tumbling down in the end. However, it's a good opportunity for the Party to take a long, hard look at itself and move back towards the left in attempt to re-attract lost voters. The alliance with the Co-operative Party can itself only be a good thing for this. The Coalition and any semblance of Tory rule will eventually crack and leave people disillusioned once more. In that situation, Labour need to be ready and able to truly take Britain forward to a prosperous, progressive future for all.
The Green and Gold Campaign at Old Trafford seems to have reached it's natural end point. Now, however, is the time for direct action. The only way to rid MUFC of the Glazers is to starve them of money - don't renew. If OT is still full of people waving green and gold scarves and singing anti-Glazer songs next season then it's all been a big waste of time. The Red Knights aren't going to come galloping to the rescue - and are they really to be trusted? Doubtful. Just stop giving them your cash - although I'm sure those who say supporting the team is more important than the long term future of the club will no doubt side with David Gill's sickening comments and see that most people just keep turning up to watch. Thank the Lord for FC United of Manchester. Co-operative, supporter-owned football. It's the future.
Lancashire have surprised me this season, although the struggle to beat Warwickshire followed by the struggle against Essex have brought everyone back down to Earth. Sitting in third with not a lot separating us, Yorkshire and Notts is bloody marvellous - as is being the only Championship side unbeaten in both divisions. Marvellous. Just a pity the rain seems set to direct the first Roses match this year to a draw, as Lancs are well and truly in the driving seat. Let's just hope there's a few more wins to come yet.
England made fairly heavy weather of the first test against Bangladesh - although full credit must go to the touring side for their efforts, particularly with the bat. It's great to see two Bangladeshis on the honours board at Lord's. I've got a ticket for the first day at OT - should be a good day's play in prospect.
Well, that about wraps things up. I should do this more often!
So, we've got a new Government. Forgive me for being completely underwhelmed at the prospect of the Tories and Lib Dems cuddling up together. Cuts galore already and the Lib Dems swiftly moving away from many of their promises and the views of many of their members and supporters. And with the Coalition already being rocked by David Laws' resignation and the scandal around it, you could well be forgiven for wondering just how long this new Coalition is going to last. Then again, knowing the Tories, it could well be a case of how long before they find an excuse to get rid of all the Lib Dems holding Cabinet positions?
I'm sure I only need to touch on the vileness of Cameron. How anyone could trust him to run the country is beyond me. Smarmy and out of touch. As for the Tories overall... Thatcher. The '80s. Parts of the country run down and broken because of their policies. And if you really believe the bastards have changed and I'm just living in the past... Look up what's happened to those living under the jurisdiction of Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Working class? No money? Tough. Middle class or higher? Plenty of money? Come on over, we'll close off the public park every summer so you can watch polo matches.
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-welcome-to-cameron-land-1962318.html
As for the Lib Dems... Well, Clegg clearly wanted a position of power regardless of how he got it, nor the principles surrounding his supposed politics. He had the chance to form a progressive coalition with Labour but in the end, decided to jump onboard with his fellow Eton boy to get himself any kind of influence. He's already managed to piss off the more left-wing element of the Party, with many already defecting to Labour. If the Coalition rocks anymore then he could well have destroyed any credibility that they had in terms of being a genuine alternative vote for those wanting a progressive, left-wing Britain. Now I know how the citizens of the Galactic Republic felt as the Emporer swept in under a wave of promises and established the Empire. David Cameron = Senator Palpatine? Works for me - although I think Palpatine had more credibility.
So where does this leave Labour? Well, big changes are needed. But they didn't do that badly - most people are focusing on the last eighteen months, when in reality many good things were put in place (quite a few of which are now due to be taken away again) and the country was quite healthy. It took a global recession to bring things tumbling down in the end. However, it's a good opportunity for the Party to take a long, hard look at itself and move back towards the left in attempt to re-attract lost voters. The alliance with the Co-operative Party can itself only be a good thing for this. The Coalition and any semblance of Tory rule will eventually crack and leave people disillusioned once more. In that situation, Labour need to be ready and able to truly take Britain forward to a prosperous, progressive future for all.
The Green and Gold Campaign at Old Trafford seems to have reached it's natural end point. Now, however, is the time for direct action. The only way to rid MUFC of the Glazers is to starve them of money - don't renew. If OT is still full of people waving green and gold scarves and singing anti-Glazer songs next season then it's all been a big waste of time. The Red Knights aren't going to come galloping to the rescue - and are they really to be trusted? Doubtful. Just stop giving them your cash - although I'm sure those who say supporting the team is more important than the long term future of the club will no doubt side with David Gill's sickening comments and see that most people just keep turning up to watch. Thank the Lord for FC United of Manchester. Co-operative, supporter-owned football. It's the future.
Lancashire have surprised me this season, although the struggle to beat Warwickshire followed by the struggle against Essex have brought everyone back down to Earth. Sitting in third with not a lot separating us, Yorkshire and Notts is bloody marvellous - as is being the only Championship side unbeaten in both divisions. Marvellous. Just a pity the rain seems set to direct the first Roses match this year to a draw, as Lancs are well and truly in the driving seat. Let's just hope there's a few more wins to come yet.
England made fairly heavy weather of the first test against Bangladesh - although full credit must go to the touring side for their efforts, particularly with the bat. It's great to see two Bangladeshis on the honours board at Lord's. I've got a ticket for the first day at OT - should be a good day's play in prospect.
Well, that about wraps things up. I should do this more often!
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Cup Fever
I've left this a few days after a week of Cup Fixtures captured my, and a few others', imaginations in order to let it all sink in.
It started off full of hope and optimism as we took our seats on the Saturday to watch Lancashire in the Quarter Final of the Friends Provident Trophy against Essex. We'd been beaten twice already in the group stages by the southern gits, so surely this had to be our time? Right. A superb victory meaning we've got a home draw against Hampshire in the semi-finals. Lord's beckoning? I hope so, no trophy (I'm not counting second division titles as trophies, not for anyone) for ten years means you start to get a little desperate for success. It's been a great start to the season on all fronts, here's hoping something comes off in one competition. Although if we win the Twenty20 I hope there's also a more meaningful trophy to go with it...
Then we got to Wednesday... The final of the European Cup, Champions League, Coupe des Clubs Champions Européens, whatever you want to call it. Manchester United's fourth final, the chance to win our fourth European Cup. To join an elite list of clubs at the top of European football. Only someone didn't seem to tell United this. Outplayed and outclassed by a superb Barcelona side who deserved their win. Nothing more to say. Funnily enough, it didn't hurt as much as it was clearly going to when we on the cusp of losing in Barcelona and Moscow. Maybe because we've now got a respectable number of European Cups. Hah. How arrogant does that sound, considering most people will never see their side play in Europe? Oh well, you know what I mean. Either way, Cup Fever was a little dampened at this point...
And so, Friday. Salford's Challenge Cup Quarter Final tie away at Wigan. The giddy-o-meter was off the scale amongst Salford's support and we took a following of around 1,500. Typically, though, we came up against a good, in-form Wigan side who took us apart. Wembley? It's the shittest ground in London that we'll never get to see, as the song goes. The club as a whole met the ground below them again with a fucker of a bump. Still, concentrating on league form improvement isn't a bad thing, I just hope we can kick on from the good few weeks we've had.
So - after all of that, the only club left that's giving me any hope is Lancashire. Makes a change. Let's just hope I'm not back on here in a few months bemoaning the way it's all gone tits up...
It started off full of hope and optimism as we took our seats on the Saturday to watch Lancashire in the Quarter Final of the Friends Provident Trophy against Essex. We'd been beaten twice already in the group stages by the southern gits, so surely this had to be our time? Right. A superb victory meaning we've got a home draw against Hampshire in the semi-finals. Lord's beckoning? I hope so, no trophy (I'm not counting second division titles as trophies, not for anyone) for ten years means you start to get a little desperate for success. It's been a great start to the season on all fronts, here's hoping something comes off in one competition. Although if we win the Twenty20 I hope there's also a more meaningful trophy to go with it...
Then we got to Wednesday... The final of the European Cup, Champions League, Coupe des Clubs Champions Européens, whatever you want to call it. Manchester United's fourth final, the chance to win our fourth European Cup. To join an elite list of clubs at the top of European football. Only someone didn't seem to tell United this. Outplayed and outclassed by a superb Barcelona side who deserved their win. Nothing more to say. Funnily enough, it didn't hurt as much as it was clearly going to when we on the cusp of losing in Barcelona and Moscow. Maybe because we've now got a respectable number of European Cups. Hah. How arrogant does that sound, considering most people will never see their side play in Europe? Oh well, you know what I mean. Either way, Cup Fever was a little dampened at this point...
And so, Friday. Salford's Challenge Cup Quarter Final tie away at Wigan. The giddy-o-meter was off the scale amongst Salford's support and we took a following of around 1,500. Typically, though, we came up against a good, in-form Wigan side who took us apart. Wembley? It's the shittest ground in London that we'll never get to see, as the song goes. The club as a whole met the ground below them again with a fucker of a bump. Still, concentrating on league form improvement isn't a bad thing, I just hope we can kick on from the good few weeks we've had.
So - after all of that, the only club left that's giving me any hope is Lancashire. Makes a change. Let's just hope I'm not back on here in a few months bemoaning the way it's all gone tits up...
Monday, 13 October 2008
We fought the Law and the Law, erm, lost...
That's what the Committee of Lancashire County Cricket Club will probably be thinking at the moment. After speaking out against the dismissal of Dominic Cork and his comments about the "G & T culture" of the Committee, the rumour was that he'd been given two choices. Stay but relinquish the Captaincy, or fuck off. The announcement today that he was not being given a contract for 2009 and Glen Chapple was taking over as Captain seems to show the shorter answer was the one given.
So, the question is, was it the right decision? After coming within 25 runs of a historic first outright County Championship since 1934 in a heroic fightback at the Oval in the last game of last season, this season has been, well... One to forget. Ignore the third place finish: poor batting; unrest amongst the members; unrest in the dressing room (apparently...) - it's been a bit of a downturn this season. Law himself hasn't been in the best of form - his batting has been in decline since he took the Captaincy on (for Law read Chilton...) and a string of erratic decisions have littered his time at 'the top'. (Erm, again, for Law read Chilton. And Hegg...) At the age of 40, it's fair to say he's past his peak.
Lancashire haven't exactly gone for the youthful approach in recent years. With the signings we've been making the dressing room's resembled a retirement home more than anything else. Which points the finger squarely at Mike Watkinson. Coming up to 7 years in the job and he's taken us backwards, he's dull, no personality, a right miserable get according to people who see him often - plus he's completely unaware of the feeling amongst the members towards him. Apparently he reckons he's popular! Well I've got news for you pal, your dismissal would lead to street parties across the Red Rose County. Do one.
Admittedly, the Committee probably have their fair share of the blame to shoulder an'all. Bobby Simpson wanted to do his own thing with Crawley and rejuvante the youth policy - funny how they both left under a cloud, eh? Watkinson could just be a 'Yes Man' - in which case, and I think this is pretty clear anyway considering some of the other idiotic decisions made by the idiots in charge (I'd be here all night if I started on them!) that we need a change in the club from top to bottom, in the way things are run and who's in charge. But that's another debate for another time - plus there's people in a far better position than me who are discussing it in other places.
So, Glen Chapple comes in as Captain. Not exactly a youthful choice, but he's the most experience Lancashire player on the books. If anyone knows the County, it's him. Plus, he's not got a batting talent to fuck up, so that counts for something. Hopefully his bowling won't suffer, he's been one of the few shining lights this season. His second innings performance against Kent at Aigburth was from another planet and I'm privelliged to say I was there to see it. We say this every year, but let's hope this is what we need to finally bring the Championship back to Old Trafford. It'll be 75 years in 2009 since the Red Rose stood at the top of English cricket. For a club of this size, it's far too long.
Well, thanks for everything Stuart, you've been a superb player for the club. But now we've got to look to the future. And hopefully, it's a future filled with success.
So, the question is, was it the right decision? After coming within 25 runs of a historic first outright County Championship since 1934 in a heroic fightback at the Oval in the last game of last season, this season has been, well... One to forget. Ignore the third place finish: poor batting; unrest amongst the members; unrest in the dressing room (apparently...) - it's been a bit of a downturn this season. Law himself hasn't been in the best of form - his batting has been in decline since he took the Captaincy on (for Law read Chilton...) and a string of erratic decisions have littered his time at 'the top'. (Erm, again, for Law read Chilton. And Hegg...) At the age of 40, it's fair to say he's past his peak.
Lancashire haven't exactly gone for the youthful approach in recent years. With the signings we've been making the dressing room's resembled a retirement home more than anything else. Which points the finger squarely at Mike Watkinson. Coming up to 7 years in the job and he's taken us backwards, he's dull, no personality, a right miserable get according to people who see him often - plus he's completely unaware of the feeling amongst the members towards him. Apparently he reckons he's popular! Well I've got news for you pal, your dismissal would lead to street parties across the Red Rose County. Do one.
Admittedly, the Committee probably have their fair share of the blame to shoulder an'all. Bobby Simpson wanted to do his own thing with Crawley and rejuvante the youth policy - funny how they both left under a cloud, eh? Watkinson could just be a 'Yes Man' - in which case, and I think this is pretty clear anyway considering some of the other idiotic decisions made by the idiots in charge (I'd be here all night if I started on them!) that we need a change in the club from top to bottom, in the way things are run and who's in charge. But that's another debate for another time - plus there's people in a far better position than me who are discussing it in other places.
So, Glen Chapple comes in as Captain. Not exactly a youthful choice, but he's the most experience Lancashire player on the books. If anyone knows the County, it's him. Plus, he's not got a batting talent to fuck up, so that counts for something. Hopefully his bowling won't suffer, he's been one of the few shining lights this season. His second innings performance against Kent at Aigburth was from another planet and I'm privelliged to say I was there to see it. We say this every year, but let's hope this is what we need to finally bring the Championship back to Old Trafford. It'll be 75 years in 2009 since the Red Rose stood at the top of English cricket. For a club of this size, it's far too long.
Well, thanks for everything Stuart, you've been a superb player for the club. But now we've got to look to the future. And hopefully, it's a future filled with success.
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