V Middx

[Andy]

Anyway just look how bad England were yesterday!

Surely you didn't expect the Engerland football team to qualify from a group that included Italy and Uruguay, did you???

Wouldn't expect that lot to qualify against the Taiwanese women's team (reserve), given the latter team's aggression in the tackle. 

[stickyboy]

On a hypothetical note, I wonder what the attitude of div. 1 football followers would be if their club decided to not bother with attempting to attain promotion to the Premier League and concentrated instead on a novel Micky Mouse, five a side, ten mins. each half competition designed solely for the benefit of a TV station run by a tyrant who gave this septic isle the 'Sun.'

you don't like T20 do you

I am not sure novel is the word for T20, it has been going 11 years now and tonight is a sell out considering it is on TV is amazing considering everyone is supposed to be short of cash! I think originally it was meant as a bit of a laugh but now its serious stuff. Having spoke to several players they much prefer playing in front of big crowds in T20 than a handful of people at a Championship game. When are you going to get a big marketing campaign by Essex to fill the "fortress" for a Championship Match? Never because its not marketable. The club have realised this and have tried to make the money where they can, luckily for you this just about keeps championship cricket alive.....for the time being of course.

Just a slightly point - in your example you say about Div.1 players not bothering to try to get to Premier League (Div.1 players would be trying to get to Championship or Championship players to Premiership technically of course if i am being picky). 

[Andy]

Stickyboy, don't try reasoning with him on this. I've used the analogy of charging more peak times to offset loss-making off peak journeys: cue a diatribe on the privatisiation of the railways (even though cross-subsidization pre-dates Thatcher).

However, I'm not sure whether it was seen as a 'laugh'. The county game's been effectively loss making (covered up by tv money) for a long time. I think this was always the case, except in the late 70s-late 80s maybe.

[stickyboy]

However, I'm not sure whether it was seen as a 'laugh'. The county game's been effectively loss making (covered up by tv money) for a long time. I think this was always the case, except in the late 70s-late 80s maybe.

point taken! ok not a laugh but maybe was looking to boost the game's popularity with the younger generation in response to dwindling crowds and reduced sponsorship. It was intended to deliver fast paced, exciting cricket accessible to thousands of fans who were put off by the longer versions of the game

[Diatribe]

Just a slightly point - in your example you say about Div.1 players not bothering to try to get to Premier League (Div.1 players would be trying to get to Championship or Championship players to Premiership technically of course if i am being picky). 

Chalk and cheese, I wasn't referring to players having a lack of ambition to play in a higher league, I was referring to clubs, specifically ECCC. Using one format to make money in order to better one's chances in another is understandable, but to use that money solely to enhance the club's chances in the same format is another matter entirely.

Take for instance the club's promotion in 2009, when no players were added to the squad but expensive foreign imports were parachuted in for the T20. 2010 may have even been the yr. of the disastrous signing of Dwayne Bravo, although without bothering to google it, I can't be sure.

[Andy]

ok not a laugh but maybe was looking to boost the game's popularity with the younger generation in response to dwindling crowds and reduced sponsorship. It was intended to deliver fast paced, exciting cricket accessible to thousands of fans who were put off by the longer versions of the game

...which are the worst things that could happen to the modern game, apparently.

Off to Old Trafford to watch some Mickey Mouse cricket. Only £15 (full price - £10 in advance). 

[Valentines Park]

the disastrous signing of Dwayne Bravo

The club got what they deserved with that stunt.

Hiring a ringer & then dressing it up otherwise was contemptible. 

[Diatribe]

you don't like T20 do you

I must admit I'm not over enamoured by T20, although I can perceive that it might hold a certain fascination for audiences with an appreciation of Big Brother and the Jeremy Kyle 'show.'

[Valentines Park]

the Jeremy Kyle 'show.'

To be fair DNA testing might establish who Grayson is related to on the Cricket Committee.

[stickyboy]

Off to Old Trafford to watch some Mickey Mouse cricket. Only £15 (full price - £10 in advance). 

dont enjoy yourself will you, that T20 is way to fast and exciting for some

[stickyboy]

I must admit I'm not over enamoured by T20, although I can perceive that it might hold a certain fascination for audiences with an appreciation of Big Brother and the Jeremy Kyle 'show.'

I like T20 but would never watch those programmes. Surely the people who watch those programmes wouldn't be able to afford to get in to a T20!

Although your an Essex "fan" i bet you would actually rather than lose any T20 match to make you feel better about it. Am I correct?

[Valentines Park]

T20 is way to fast and exciting for some

Is it really?

These days it seems to be all about taking the pace off the ball.

Still I suppose most of those watching are too drunk to notice. 

[stickyboy]

Still I suppose most of those watching are too drunk to notice.

Went to the game last week v Gloucs and crowd was very civilised

[stickyboy]

wow that was a bit tight in the end. Quality innings from Phillips.

[Perov]

Ryder looked like a village green number eleven, trying to smash everything, and playing some terrible air shots.
I was not impressed.

But a win is a win and well done Tim Phillips.