Essex Outfielder : The Unofficial Essex CCC Forum

Cricket => Essex Second XI => Topic started by: brazilianglen on July 26, 2018, 12:01:13 PM

Title: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on July 26, 2018, 12:01:13 PM
Surrey have just lost to Glamorgan at New Malden which means Hampshire are the only team who can catch Essex. Essex (P 6 W5 D1) have a 35 point lead over Hants with two games left (Coggeshall and New Malden). They effectively only need a max of 14 more points to secure the South division.

Either Durham or Warwicks will win the North division. There is a first team game at Chelmsford when the 4 day play off final is scheduled (4 Sept)
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Slogger on July 26, 2018, 12:21:03 PM
I see Edgbaston is also in use on 4 September so what happens if Warwick win the north group? Does anyone know?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: LeedsExile on July 26, 2018, 01:06:49 PM
Who are the stars of the second eleven? Anyone worth promoting?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on July 26, 2018, 01:34:48 PM
Most of them are currently playing at Chelmsford!
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on July 26, 2018, 04:50:57 PM
Warwickshire have just drawn against Notts. Although they have a game in hand they are something like 27 points behind Durham

So it looks like the final will be against Durham at home (their first team are away)
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: IlfordEagle on July 26, 2018, 07:35:35 PM
One slight snag - Essex are at home to Surrey starting 4th Sep at CloudFM County Ground so another venue would be needed if we qualify.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on July 27, 2018, 04:47:44 AM
I meant that Durham will be at home in the Final - almost certainly against Essex
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Daren Mootoo on July 27, 2018, 01:36:49 PM
Billericay CC play host to many of the 2nd XI games, so maybe that could be the venue?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on July 27, 2018, 07:07:37 PM
Usually played at the main ground of one of the finalists  - and Durham first team are away on that date
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: squarelegumpire on July 28, 2018, 06:33:17 AM
Looking forward to Tuesday (etc) at Coggeshall! Weather looks OK and what I assume is the planned pitch....... it was covered for the :Lashings game last night...... looks in good condition.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Slogger on July 30, 2018, 11:00:19 AM
Good to see Coggeshall week getting a plug on the official website. I hadn't realised the T20 games are also crucial!
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: IlfordEagle on July 30, 2018, 04:37:35 PM
I admit I didn't realise how well the 2nds were doing in red & white ball cricket this year - maybe the 1st team could learn something from this. Keep up the good work boys!!
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: squarelegumpire on July 31, 2018, 05:58:38 PM
Just come, just before close of play, from Coggeshall. Patel batted very well, and deserved his ton. Kushni batted well too, as, after a slow start did Callum Taylor. If he’s been injured, he seems better now!
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: JasonP on July 31, 2018, 06:36:30 PM
Just come, just before close of play, from Coggeshall. Patel batted very well, and deserved his ton. Kushni batted well to, as, after a slow start did Callum Taylor. If he’s been injured, he seems better now!
On Essex Twitter just now
#2ndXI Congratulations to Rishi Patel equalling Darren Robinson's 1992 record for Essex of 5 centuries in a season in the 2nd XI Championship. Robinson 5 in 24 innings, Patel so far 5 in 10.

5 centuries in 10 innings is a seriously good record, even factoring in that the level of 2nd XI cricket is not great.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: LeedsExile on July 31, 2018, 06:48:17 PM
Excuse my ignorance of Mr Patel but before the India match I had never heard of him. How good do people who have seen him think he is and is he ready for the first team?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on July 31, 2018, 07:30:18 PM
Very surprisingly he doesn't score heavily at club level for Brentwood (not yet anyway)
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: nat on July 31, 2018, 08:08:01 PM
Excuse my ignorance of Mr Patel but before the India match I had never heard of him. How good do people who have seen him think he is and is he ready for the first team?

Saw him bat last season and looked good. At the time it was clear he needed to improve another part of his game...if you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Perov on July 31, 2018, 08:54:55 PM
Seen him get a couple of hundreds, and looks a decent prospect.
Fielding does need to improve quite considerably, and he bowls a bit of occasional leg spin, but not up to first team standard.
Probably not quite ready for the first team, but  if our poor batting form continues and he gets a chance he would probably out score Lawrence and Chopra.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: squarelegumpire on July 31, 2018, 09:19:46 PM
Big lad, with some good strokes evident today. Only seen him bat so far, of course.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: sixNout on July 31, 2018, 09:32:34 PM
Re: JasonP's comment. Take a look at some of the bowling attacks faced before commenting on the 2nd XI standard. Sussex's attack included Garton  & Briggs; Middlesex's was Murtagh, Harris, Barber, Fuller, Rayner & Ravi Patel.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Andy on July 31, 2018, 09:51:43 PM
Just come, just before close of play, from Coggeshall. Patel batted very well, and deserved his ton. Kushni batted well to, as, after a slow start did Callum Taylor. If he’s been injured, he seems better now!
On Essex Twitter just now
#2ndXI Congratulations to Rishi Patel equalling Darren Robinson's 1992 record for Essex of 5 centuries in a season in the 2nd XI Championship. Robinson 5 in 24 innings, Patel so far 5 in 10.

5 centuries in 10 innings is a seriously good record, even factoring in that the level of 2nd XI cricket is not great.

Yes but look at pieshops 1st eleven record. You cannot tell unless you give a player a run in the first team.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: JasonP on July 31, 2018, 10:48:15 PM
Re: JasonP's comment. Take a look at some of the bowling attacks faced before commenting on the 2nd XI standard. Sussex's attack included Garton  & Briggs; Middlesex's was Murtagh, Harris, Barber, Fuller, Rayner & Ravi Patel.

Garton and Briggs aren't that good.  The Middlesex attack looks good on paper but is not typical of attacks at that level.  Look at the Kent attack today.  The likes of Mickleburgh and Greg Smith would always score plenty of runs in the seconds and fail in the first team.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Slogger on August 01, 2018, 08:59:07 AM
Going back into the mists of time Mike McEvoy was a player who scored for fun at second XI and minor county levels but struggled at first class. Patel and Khushi both look good players to me.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Andy on August 01, 2018, 01:57:34 PM
Going back into the mists of time Mike McEvoy was a player who scored for fun at second XI and minor county levels but struggled at first class. Patel and Khushi both look good players to me.

Yes but at least mcevoy was a bit useful in rugby. I think he upset a well known Pakistan President by not wearing a helmet.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: SirChef26 on August 01, 2018, 05:47:11 PM
Walter
Browne
(Oversees batsman)
Lawrence
Khushi
Patel
Pepper
Harmer
Cook
Porter
Plom

Just throwing it out there. A potential future XI in the next couple of years we look to phase out the old guard.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on August 01, 2018, 06:15:00 PM
I hear that Hants V Gloucs at the Rose Bowl nursery ground was abandoned today (2nd day) because the umpires deemed the pitch to be unfit. That seals the South Division for Essex
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: squarelegumpire on August 02, 2018, 06:41:53 AM
Walter
Browne
(Oversees batsman)
Lawrence
Khushi
Patel
Pepper
Harmer
Cook
Porter
Plom

Just throwing it out there. A potential future XI in the next couple of years we look to phase out the old guard.

What happened to Wheater? From what I saw today Pepper isn’t better than him. Yet, anyway.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: holidave on August 02, 2018, 03:18:32 PM
does anyone know how the 2x1s are doing?
Kent were 54-4 3 hours ago.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: JasonP on August 02, 2018, 03:45:53 PM
does anyone know how the 2x1s are doing?
Kent were 54-4 3 hours ago.

http://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#s35b27253-dec0-41bf-9a13-5978f1ccbcdd
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: essexfan548 on August 02, 2018, 05:15:52 PM
Essex won ... by 55 runs :)
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Slogger on August 02, 2018, 05:46:52 PM
Wonderful day at coggeshall today. Kent really made a fight of it. Back for more tomorrow!
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: squarelegumpire on August 03, 2018, 06:27:28 AM
It was all going so well until Stewart came in and joined Cox, and then they nearly took the game away from us! Especially while Stewart was there, but once he was out everything subsided very quickly!
Very impressed with Patel, Khushi (have seen him before) Nijjar, who’s bowling seems to have improved, and glad to see Taylor back in the team.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on August 03, 2018, 04:33:46 PM
A rather misleading post on the Essex website today. The final is 4 Sept not August and Durham have won the North Division
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: squarelegumpire on August 04, 2018, 06:19:51 AM
Coggeshall week over. Win in the 3 day game, although not without an alarm or two. Really good effort by Kent’s Stewart. Win and a loss in the t20; Didn’t see the loss, but was told Essex were never in it. However, in the second game, with the exception of one dropped catch, Essex looked effiicient.
And yes, Zaidi played.

We are therefore, I understand, in the t20 Final day, (Seconds version) at Arundel and the final of the 3 day competition, which is probably at Durham early in September, while we’re playing Surrey.

And there was a great range of beers, some Essex...... Wallasea Wench anyone..... or Wibblers Apprentice?  The Scruffy Mild was popular, as well, of course as the Coggeshall produced beers.
And for some reason a range of beers from Surrey. London Outback was very acceptable.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Slogger on August 04, 2018, 10:42:09 AM
Hammer, nail and head Mr Square. It is The Essex cricket festival now. Must have been 300 people on  the ground yesterday evening. I'm considering booking a night away next year rather than travel from Hockley.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Postman on August 04, 2018, 11:56:51 AM
Agree with all the compliments above, although I could only manage a single day this year. Why can't we play a couple of weeks here at the expense of dreary, characterless Billericay CC where the club do absolutely diddly squat for spectators?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: squarelegumpire on August 04, 2018, 07:08:27 PM
Thanks for the kind remarks, although I’ve no connection with the Coggeshall club except as a spectator. However I’m sure  the club would be happy to help, although of course it all takes a bit of organising.

Quite a bit of accommodation in and around Coggeshall. Two or three Airbnb’s, the White Hart and Firmins Bakehouse. Mostly within walking distance of the ground, plus other places within a few minutes drive.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: nat on August 09, 2018, 05:32:22 PM
See my boy tearing it up in the T20 finals. Has the cricket xfer deadline closed yet?
Must get him a deal in the Big Bash and then the IPL.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Slogger on August 09, 2018, 06:03:18 PM
67 to win in 9 overs. Come on lads
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: JasonP on August 09, 2018, 06:46:19 PM
67 to win in 9 overs. Come on lads

Not even close!
http://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#sb8f88ee0-763a-45b3-8d13-0c9a499e8054

Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: nat on August 09, 2018, 07:51:39 PM
Should've batted my lad.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Observer on August 29, 2018, 10:06:37 PM
 The Kent team stayed at The Essex Golf and Country Club a few miles from Coggeshall

https://essexgolfandcountryclub-bookings.elinapms.com/elina/welcome
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: smandlej on September 05, 2018, 09:07:10 PM
We've spent the last two days at Chester-le-Street, for the championship match between Durham and Essex.  The least said the better about the Essex first innings (not sure why they didn't bowl first), but we have the following observations to make - qualified, of course, by only seeing the second XI play this one match.

Snater looks quick, not sure about accuracy as we weren't behind the bowler's arm.
Buttleman is tidy behind the stumps.
Plom doesn't look as good as the time we saw him (on Sky) in an England Under 19 match.
Not impressed by Nijjar.
Like the look of Patel.
Enjoyed the stand between Beard and Kushi this afternoon.

By the way, Walter was out to a brilliant c & b, very unlucky.

Would be interested in the views of other posters who have seen more Second XI cricket this year.

Lynda and Steve
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: honkytonk on September 05, 2018, 09:34:08 PM
Anyone know what happens if the game ends a draw???
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Postman on September 05, 2018, 09:45:24 PM
Anyone know what happens if the game ends a draw???
I believe the winner is the side leading on first innings.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on September 06, 2018, 06:24:02 PM
That is correct but the weather is set fair and Essex only need 3 more wickets to win. The first time they have ever been 2nd xi champions outright
 
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: squarelegumpire on September 06, 2018, 07:13:56 PM
We've spent the last two days at Chester-le-Street, for the championship match between Durham and Essex.  The least said the better about the Essex first innings (not sure why they didn't bowl first), but we have the following observations to make - qualified, of course, by only seeing the second XI play this one match.

Snater looks quick, not sure about accuracy as we weren't behind the bowler's arm.
Buttleman is tidy behind the stumps.
Plom doesn't look as good as the time we saw him (on Sky) in an England Under 19 match.
Not impressed by Nijjar.
Like the look of Patel.
Enjoyed the stand between Beard and Kushi this afternoon.

By the way, Walter was out to a brilliant c & b, very unlucky.

Would be interested in the views of other posters who have seen more Second XI cricket this year.

Lynda and Steve


As I've said before, Patel is one for the future, but I'm not sure that Nijjar is. Not all that sure about Beard, either.

Is Patel at, or going to, Uni?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Slogger on September 06, 2018, 07:40:49 PM
Well I like the look of Buttleman. Got a ton at Coggeshall last year.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on September 06, 2018, 07:59:05 PM
Patel starting at Anglia Univ and will be part of the Cambridge MCCU scheme
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: smandlej on September 07, 2018, 07:54:47 AM
We need to keep hold of Patel while he's at university.

We found it quite confusing, with Beard batting at 3 - our memories (not as good as they used to be, admittedly!) told us he was a bowler?  Has he re-invented himself?  Anyway, a good ton yesterday, along with Kushi.

Some rain forecast in the area today, but hopefully there will be enough time to take the last 3 wickets.  Coles bowling his heart out.

Lynda and Steve
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Slogger on September 07, 2018, 08:25:40 AM
Thanks for the update Lynda and Steve! Please keep them coming
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: smandlej on September 07, 2018, 09:39:23 AM
We haven't gone today: quite a bit of rain now forecast and, with only 3 wickets to take, could be a very short session of play for a 50-minute drive each way.  nvplay still showing 'End of day' at the top of the scorecard, so suspect it could be raining at present.  We're keeping everything crossed.

Lynda and Steve
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: essexfan548 on September 07, 2018, 09:56:30 AM
Livestream shows covers being removed :)

Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: essexfan548 on September 07, 2018, 01:38:34 PM
Sadly the covers came on pretty quickly and I can see it's been raining from the puddles. It will be cruel if the team don't get on the field today.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: nat on September 07, 2018, 01:48:04 PM
2XI cricket is all about individual performances. No-one cares who won the 2XI championship.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: smandlej on September 07, 2018, 01:52:10 PM
2XI cricket is all about individual performances. No-one cares who won the 2XI championship.

The Second XI probably do, having come so far.

The water-soaker-upper was on the field and now the covers are coming off: local weather forecast said it would stop about now and no more rain today, so hopefully that is what's happening.

Everything crossed.

Lynda and Steve
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: essexfan548 on September 07, 2018, 02:00:27 PM
nat - you might not care but I'm sure the team and quite a lot of supporters do :)

Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: JasonP on September 07, 2018, 04:44:26 PM
Drawn.  9 down.  55 overs.  Coles bowled all 27 overs from one end.

http://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#se2eae60d-030b-4557-a6aa-64e771e7c08a
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: smandlej on September 07, 2018, 04:46:23 PM
Can't believe it: Coles set up the number 11 for the last three of Quinn's overs, six balls every over and he still couldn't get him out.  Would have helped if he could have bowled six balls an over at the stumps.

Lynda
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: essexfan548 on September 07, 2018, 04:48:34 PM
Durham win on first innings -
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: JasonP on September 07, 2018, 04:54:32 PM
Can't believe it: Coles set up the number 11 for the last three of Quinn's overs, six balls every over and he still couldn't get him out.  Would have helped if he could have bowled six balls an over at the stumps.

Lynda

It's never that easy when the batsmen are just blocking.  It took Essex 51 minutes in the first innings and 53 minutes in the second to get the last wicket last week against Hampshire.  Never really looked like getting them out either in that time.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Andy on September 07, 2018, 04:57:27 PM
Drawn.  9 down.  55 overs.  Coles bowled all 27 overs from one end.

http://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#se2eae60d-030b-4557-a6aa-64e771e7c08a

50 overs in a match for Matt Coles.  That's one way of losing a little excess weight I suppose. 

Mind you, didn't Mick Malone bowl virtually the whole day for Australia in his first (and only) Test?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: nat on September 07, 2018, 05:14:19 PM
Can't believe it: Coles set up the number 11 for the last three of Quinn's overs, six balls every over and he still couldn't get him out.  Would have helped if he could have bowled six balls an over at the stumps.

Lynda

That settles it then. Coles to play at Trent Bridge next week in place of Siddle.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: smandlej on September 07, 2018, 05:40:39 PM
Can't believe it: Coles set up the number 11 for the last three of Quinn's overs, six balls every over and he still couldn't get him out.  Would have helped if he could have bowled six balls an over at the stumps.

Lynda

It's never that easy when the batsmen are just blocking.  It took Essex 51 minutes in the first innings and 53 minutes in the second to get the last wicket last week against Hampshire.  Never really looked like getting them out either in that time.

Batsman didn't have to block, just watched the ball go by, miles from the stumps.  Coles really was a trooper, must have bowled 15 or so overs without a break.

Lynda
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: SirChef26 on September 07, 2018, 06:08:55 PM
Good to see the art of bottling it Essex style extends to the second XI!
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Postman on September 07, 2018, 06:48:15 PM
Good to see the art of bottling it Essex style extends to the second XI!
The belittling capacity of some people on this forum knows no limit. The team were unbeaten in their championship fixtures and would clearly have won this game too but for the rain today. Sometimes it just doesn't go your way.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on September 07, 2018, 06:55:38 PM
Followed the game on the phone whilst sitting in glorious weather watching cricket in the London area (not the Oval!). At least Essex did finally get on the field but still a disappointing and somewhat cruel end

a) Following a gutless defeat against Gloucs at Billericay halfway through last season, the decision was taken that Barry Hyam had to captain the side on the field. The cricket played and results have dramatically improved since then.

So credit to Barry who has belied his age in his fielding as well

b) Thanks to Paul Parkinson for his usual help

c) Finally a thought to the 2nd xi's number one fan and unofficial statistician, Mark,  who is currently working abroad and no doubt following it online. You are very much missed

Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Perov on September 07, 2018, 07:05:31 PM
Good to see the art of bottling it Essex style extends to the second XI!
The belittling capacity of some people on this forum knows no limit. The team were unbeaten in their championship fixtures and would clearly have won this game too but for the rain today. Sometimes it just doesn't go your way.

Well said. They have done very well.
It was Durham who were bottling it, and were only saved by the rain.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: essexfan548 on September 07, 2018, 07:08:27 PM
Good to see the art of bottling it Essex style extends to the second XI!

Wrong - the rain stopped us winning not a poor performance.

The 2nd XI have done really well this year  ;)
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: IlfordEagle on September 07, 2018, 07:10:04 PM
A great shame that we didn't win the title outright but nonetheless a fine achievement by our 2nds, we are not the wealthiest or most affluent County but generally we punch above our weight & the likes of Barry Hyam are to be commended for their efforts, Well done to the team.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Caughtright on September 07, 2018, 08:09:16 PM
Re Brazilianglen's comment about Essex not having been outright 2nd XI Champions before, we were the 2nd XI Champions in 1973.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on September 07, 2018, 08:37:01 PM
Yes you are correct - apologies

However out of interest,  it was a very different competition then based on average points - Essex (played 8 games) 11.62 with second place Glamorgan (played 15) 9.33

Essex played the least number of games (8) with Sussex next on 9. Warwickshire the most (23)
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: brazilianglen on September 10, 2018, 05:58:40 AM
To quote page 93 the 1974 Handbook

'In leading the Second Eleven in their Championship Year, Ken Wallace becomes the  first captain of an Essex county side to win a competition since the formation of the Club'

And everybody thought Keith Fletcher was the first!

(Ps Gooch played in 6 of the 8 games in 1973 scoring only 265 runs av 24  but was the leading wicket taker 34 at 15)
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Gilders on September 14, 2018, 02:38:54 PM
Time for a generation shift within the club?

We have a number of senior players leaving - Foster Dixon Zaidi for sure.  RTD and Chopra are getting on as well and Chopra has had a very lean time in CC1.

And we have what appears to be the best 2nd XI in the land, narrowly missing out on both T20 and 4 day titles.

No use having a 2nd XI structure unless some of them graduate when they do well and when opportunities arise.

The sad thing was we lost one generation of good players who might now be coming to their peak through injury/money/first team opportunities (Mills Topley Foakes).
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Oldhasbeen on September 14, 2018, 03:00:15 PM
Time for a generation shift within the club?

We have a number of senior players leaving - Foster Dixon Zaidi for sure.  RTD and Chopra are getting on as well and Chopra has had a very lean time in CC1.

And we have what appears to be the best 2nd XI in the land, narrowly missing out on both T20 and 4 day titles.

No use having a 2nd XI structure unless some of them graduate when they do well and when opportunities arise.

The sad thing was we lost one generation of good players who might now be coming to their peak through injury/money/first team opportunities (Mills Topley Foakes).
Whether either Mills & Topley were a loss, given their injury records, is a moot point but Foakes was certainly a great loss.

Valid point about a number of oldies either leaving or without much time left, but the big Q is who is ready to challenge for a place where we are weakest, i.e. the batting.  I'd prefer to see new blood towards the top of the order and drop Tom down a place or 2- are any of the 2nd XI candidates suitable?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: neil on September 14, 2018, 03:10:42 PM
Time for a generation shift within the club?

We have a number of senior players leaving - Foster Dixon Zaidi for sure.  RTD and Chopra are getting on as well and Chopra has had a very lean time in CC1.

And we have what appears to be the best 2nd XI in the land, narrowly missing out on both T20 and 4 day titles.

No use having a 2nd XI structure unless some of them graduate when they do well and when opportunities arise.

The sad thing was we lost one generation of good players who might now be coming to their peak through injury/money/first team opportunities (Mills Topley Foakes).
Whether either Mills & Topley were a loss, given their injury records, is a moot point but Foakes was certainly a great loss.

Valid point about a number of oldies either leaving or without much time left, but the big Q is who is ready to challenge for a place where we are weakest, i.e. the batting.  I'd prefer to see new blood towards the top of the order and drop Tom down a place or 2- are any of the 2nd XI candidates suitable?

Yes. Think this is the point.

The only batsman who made a regular, real impact in the Second Eleven Championship was Patel.  Guess they'll give him a contract but whether he is ready for CC1, especially up the order is debatable, surely. Most of the bowlers who did well are already contracted.

I'll agree with other comments. While I am all for bringing our youngsters through I still believe signing a middle order batter with experience (no idea who that is, though!) would be a great move this winter
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Oldhasbeen on September 14, 2018, 03:35:00 PM
Time for a generation shift within the club?

We have a number of senior players leaving - Foster Dixon Zaidi for sure.  RTD and Chopra are getting on as well and Chopra has had a very lean time in CC1.

And we have what appears to be the best 2nd XI in the land, narrowly missing out on both T20 and 4 day titles.

No use having a 2nd XI structure unless some of them graduate when they do well and when opportunities arise.

The sad thing was we lost one generation of good players who might now be coming to their peak through injury/money/first team opportunities (Mills Topley Foakes).
Whether either Mills & Topley were a loss, given their injury records, is a moot point but Foakes was certainly a great loss.

Valid point about a number of oldies either leaving or without much time left, but the big Q is who is ready to challenge for a place where we are weakest, i.e. the batting.  I'd prefer to see new blood towards the top of the order and drop Tom down a place or 2- are any of the 2nd XI candidates suitable?

Yes. Think this is the point.

The only batsman who made a regular, real impact in the Second Eleven Championship was Patel.  Guess they'll give him a contract but whether he is ready for CC1, especially up the order is debatable, surely. Most of the bowlers who did well are already contracted.

I'll agree with other comments. While I am all for bringing our youngsters through I still believe signing a middle order batter with experience (no idea who that is, though!) would be a great move this winter
I'd rather sign someone who can open or bat number 3, but I can't think of any British player who's likely to be available to bat there or the middle order, although I heard some speculation that Scott Borthwick might want to leave Surrey, to get a regular starting place and some bowling opportunities, a while back. I'm not convinced there's anything in it, though.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: neil on September 14, 2018, 04:04:42 PM
Time for a generation shift within the club?

We have a number of senior players leaving - Foster Dixon Zaidi for sure.  RTD and Chopra are getting on as well and Chopra has had a very lean time in CC1.

And we have what appears to be the best 2nd XI in the land, narrowly missing out on both T20 and 4 day titles.

No use having a 2nd XI structure unless some of them graduate when they do well and when opportunities arise.

The sad thing was we lost one generation of good players who might now be coming to their peak through injury/money/first team opportunities (Mills Topley Foakes).
Whether either Mills & Topley were a loss, given their injury records, is a moot point but Foakes was certainly a great loss.

Valid point about a number of oldies either leaving or without much time left, but the big Q is who is ready to challenge for a place where we are weakest, i.e. the batting.  I'd prefer to see new blood towards the top of the order and drop Tom down a place or 2- are any of the 2nd XI candidates suitable?

Yes. Think this is the point.

The only batsman who made a regular, real impact in the Second Eleven Championship was Patel.  Guess they'll give him a contract but whether he is ready for CC1, especially up the order is debatable, surely. Most of the bowlers who did well are already contracted.

I'll agree with other comments. While I am all for bringing our youngsters through I still believe signing a middle order batter with experience (no idea who that is, though!) would be a great move this winter
I'd rather sign someone who can open or bat number 3, but I can't think of any British player who's likely to be available to bat there or the middle order, although I heard some speculation that Scott Borthwick might want to leave Surrey, to get a regular starting place and some bowling opportunities, a while back. I'm not convinced there's anything in it, though.

Presumably, we will have a settled opening pair in Cook and Browne?

I can see a number 3 if you want to push Westley down the order. But he's batted at 3 most of his career so not sure that will happen . Maybe someone who could bat anywhere between 3-6.

Think I read somewhere there was a possibility of Borthwick returning to Durham. Someone said on Cricket 24/7 that Wessels was unsettled. Quite like him

Plus Pettini (and Eckersley who some on here liked a while back) has been released by Leics.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: Andy on September 14, 2018, 04:23:25 PM
Plus Pettini (and Eckersley who some on here liked a while back) has been released by Leics.

I used to like 'Eckers like' in the past but batting average of less than 30 now.  Might as well stick with Wheater with Pepper/Buttleman given opportunities as and when.  Pity because NE looked like the only Leics player to know which end of a bat to use...
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: neil on September 14, 2018, 04:36:36 PM
Plus Pettini (and Eckersley who some on here liked a while back) has been released by Leics.

I used to like 'Eckers like' in the past but batting average of less than 30 now.  Might as well stick with Wheater with Pepper/Buttleman given opportunities as and when.  Pity because NE looked like the only Leics player to know which end of a bat to use...

Not advocating him at all but I suppose you could pick him up as "reserve batsman" and leave the wicketkeeping as you describe.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: smandlej on September 14, 2018, 06:20:34 PM
Borthwick is like Stoneman: does all the hard work, then skies one into the outfield.  At least he always did when he was with Durham.

Lynda and Steve
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: jwb on September 14, 2018, 06:26:35 PM
Plus Pettini (and Eckersley who some on here liked a while back) has been released by Leics.

I used to like 'Eckers like' in the past but batting average of less than 30 now.  Might as well stick with Wheater with Pepper/Buttleman given opportunities as and when.  Pity because NE looked like the only Leics player to know which end of a bat to use...
[/quote

And when did you last see him play?
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: IlfordEagle on September 16, 2018, 07:32:07 PM
Barring Borthwick maybe, I cannot see any CC1  side releasing a top order batsman that would really benefit a rival, the only option would be to sign a really good one from CC2 (No idea who) or a Kolpak in the mould of Elgar.
Title: Re: Second Xi Champions?
Post by: JasonP on September 16, 2018, 10:32:39 PM
Barring Borthwick maybe, I cannot see any CC1  side releasing a top order batsman that would really benefit a rival, the only option would be to sign a really good one from CC2 (No idea who) or a Kolpak in the mould of Elgar.

Joe Clarke is out of contract at the end of the season.  I would doubt he'd come here though.  He's being linked with Notts.