Abbott´s on fire again, with 3 wickets in the match against Kent. Think Middlesex could do with this guy. Hants can have Finn in exchange.
Looking at the forecast for Taunton it's hard to see either side winning. Which suits Essex very nicely. Sorry @ChilcoSaint
Middlesex can sod off mate, we need Abbo much more ! Luckily he loves Hampshire ! Was at the Somerset game last week and the way that he adjusted his length and occasionally his line ball by ball to get each batsman as the conditions were changing was something to behold.
We shouldn’t be in this position anyway. If we hadn’t collapsed twice against you last week, or bowled a bit better, a draw against Essex might have been enough. Looks like we’ll be the bridesmaids for the second year running. On the wider issue of the demotion in importance of the 4 day game, how ridiculous is it that the climax of the season between the two best teams is played so late in September? I know it’s a chance thing that it’s worked out this way, but even if the top 2 weren’t playing each other, at least one of us might have been rained off.
Dont think its right to call it ridiculous Chilco, if these final round of games had been played just a few days earlier then they would have been played in absolutely beautiful weather ! A couple of months ago in the height of summer quite a few WC games were ditched due to rain, so ... ? This is England, the weather can always interfere with cricket. You may have one of the best teams this season, but last week you were outplayed by the brilliance of Abbo, Vincey and Dawson inside 3 days, end of story im afraid. However i would have liked to have seen Somerset win the title for the first time, they may still do so but its looking like bridesmaids job again as you say.
It’s not just the weather Alfie, it’s the light. You can’t guarantee to play until 6:30 this late, even under floodlights. And no argument from me about Hampshire deserving the win last week!
Wondered if anyone here had read David Underdown's "Start of play" which is about cricket in the 18th century. I was put on to it by the historian at Lords as I was trying to find out about some relative who played there between 1816 and 1821. I was given a link to a site with further information about the two brothers who came from Hartley Witney but also advised to check this book out. I am about half way through and cannot put it down. There is loads of information about the game at that time in Hampshire even before the chapters about the famous Hambledon club. It is really fascinating seeing the sport put in a historical social and political context like this. I had no idea of the state of lawlessness around the Meon Valley at the time but the whole book offers an amazing insight.
Congrats to Essex on winning the double. Pity about the weather this week, but Essex has only lost once all season so they probably deserve the county championship, certainly helped by having no international players so could maintain a settled team. Well pleased with us managing 3rd, best finish for over 10 years. Sad to see Tres retiring, been some player and a good guy.
Such a shame about the Taunton weather. Somerset, and Jack Leach in particular, managed to bowl Essex out cheaply, but couldn't do it a second time despite forfeiting their second innings. Would have been a lovely retirement present for Tres, but Essex probably deserved it, especially from their home form. Edit: Peter Trego also retires today, another stalwart.
Unlucky chilcs. As a Kent Man I am never keen seeing Essex winning something. Shame we couldn't get a result from the Kent v hants game but happy with a 4th place finish especially as we were probably favourites for the drop.
Well done to Kent on a good season. Podmore, ex-Middlesex and Rayner on-loan. Middlesex seems to destroy players at the moment. Leave and it is a weight off their shoulders. At Somerset, Compton proved a more than capable batsman, Rossington at Northampton has proved his worth, Godleman at Derby likewise and I believe that Rayner has been a good loan. Higgins made the BBC county championship team of the year. The setup just does not seem right. A county without any spin bowlers when a generation ago they regularly played two.
Yes thats Trescothick, he couldnt handle touring as he got terribly homesick and it affected him really badly apparently. But what a batsman and and an all round fabulous cricketer. Me and my son were watching the Somerset v Essex game on tv when it drew to a conclusion late today and we both instinctively stood up and clapped Tres off at the end ! Chilcs - didnt realise that Peter Trego retired today as well, another top player for Somerset over so many years. Good luck to you guys next season, if we cant win the championship id love to see Somerset win it.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/49845385 Lyon would be a very interesting signing. If you are going to sign an overseas player,sign someone who is top class, and he is!!! Brilliant for Hampshire if it materialises. Shame Middlesex are not pursuing this guy.
