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Post by hhsussex on Apr 14, 2016 16:16:31 GMT
An interesting quote from Mark Davis in Steve Hollis’s piece on Luke Wright’s impending operation. At the end of the article Steve asks him about the Northants game and he says, “It was incredibly frustrating and quite poor to be honest. Water had got under the covers so the umpires had no option really.” Dare I be a county cricket snob and suggest that the gulf between Division 1 and 2 is not just about the quality of players but the overall approach to the game. Are groundsmen who have worked for perpetual Division 2 clubs as professional as their Division 1 counterparts? Or could one add a conspiracy view that whenever a strong side like Sussex play away, the opposition will know their seam attack strengths and accordingly create a featherbed pitch or if rain is around not pay such attention to the covers? This idea, in part, has already been mooted on the Forum. The Northants messageboard is hosted by our friends View From The Boundary. There are a couple of comments from Day 3 that illustrate how really diehard Northants supporters felt about the standard of ground preparation: Quite simply, yesterday was something of a fiasco, involving not only intransigent umpires (probably governed by stultifying ECB regulation), but a somewhat less than proactive groundstaff (possible local politics here, I gather).
The general talk, on a day when no rain fell before play was abandoned, was of water seeping under the covers, a high water table and a mysterious wet 'dip' in the bowlers run-up from the pavilion end, factors I can't recall being such a major problem as this over the years.
Poor PR yet again for Championship cricket!and A lot of explanations needed from ground staff, Payne, umpires etc. (But will we get it?)
Obviously if the run up area is soggy we can't play. But the basic geology can't have changed over the winter.
(Having said that there is a lot of water around the area. Springs seem to be spouting up all over Abington Park, the lakes sometimes overflow. One for the Environment Agency?).
I don't think there is a general gulf in ground preparation standards between Division 1 and Division 2, but as we have commented , there is much in the Northants operation generally that looks to be more than just shoddy: dressing-rooms, press facilities, antiquated old roller, and now the suggestion that the groundstaff can't even be bothered for some devious Midland political reasons.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 15, 2016 7:08:27 GMT
The Brighton Marathon and Beyond - Our Dynamic Action Man, Tom Rose, is at it Again_ ___________________________________________________________________________________________Our Sussex CCC Marketing Manager, the dashing, debonair and dynamic action man, aka Tom Rose, is at it again after his amazing feats during 2015 with the 52 different ‘out of his comfort zone challenges’ that after achieving, gained country-wide media attention. unofficialsussexccc.freeforums.net/thread/3/softandfluffys-wicked-cricket-blog?q=tom+roseNot to be outdone, Tom’s next challenge is to run the full Brighton marathon on Sunday raising money for ‘The Sussex Cricket Foundation' (SCF). Presently, he has raised £355 with various generous donations coming from the Sussex hierarchy and staff. Tom's Practise Run - The Half Marathon www.justgiving.com/Tom-Rose-MarathonTom writes on his ‘Just Giving’ page: “For those wondering what I've been doing with myself since my challenges, my time has been dedicated to running. The challenge - A marathon. "Having narrowly missed the qualifications times for Rio GB 100 metre team - I've decided to concentrate my efforts on the Brighton Marathon. Who knew running was a) so hard b) so boring and c) so hard on my body (I'm 24 and a walking injury from running). "I'm raising money for the Sussex Cricket Foundation (SCF), as part of their appeal year. I have had the pleasure to see this charity in action through work, and wholeheartedly believe in what they do. They use the power of sport and Sussex Cricket, to help make our community a better place. The charity is about Increasing Participation, Inspiring Education and Improving Health. The work the team do is fantastic, and it's only just the start of what they can achieve with your help!” Still an Opportunity to give monies to a Noble Cause While, Tom is boosting his prospects of a job for life at Sussex CCC a major problem arises. As each year goes by the pressure to usurp his previous challenges increase. Where does it all end? Cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End? Walking around Great Britain? Eating a thousand hot dogs in a day with the eventual culmination of climbing Mount Everest, perhaps? Some might suggest this is a noble way to live your life, particularly if each challenge raises money for charity. Tom, Centre Stage, Looking Like a Bollywood Film Star (Pic used in recent George Dobell Feature)
www.espncricinfo.com/county-cricket-2016/content/story/995917.html What one can say is: Good luck Tom for Sunday. I hope the blisters stay away and with good weather forecast, you may even enjoy the experience. www.brightonmarathon.co.uk/course-mapPS: As I’m firmly behind the excellent community work that Sussex CCC are carrying out, it is important to mention the major appeal launch lunch for the 'SCF' on April 29th in the ‘Boundary Rooms’ where Luke Wright, Ross Taylor and Mike Yardy will be attending.  Some might ask why my support? The answer: Leaving aside the philanthropy, community work is crucial and will be the saviour of county cricket. A major feature on the subject is being published in The Cricketer Magazine on May 18th explaining why and Sussex are strongly highlighted. theta.ecommzone.com/lz/SCCC/00ATY1/06617fc76fffb855a143fe5ebc496633b0/home.htm
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 15, 2016 9:37:52 GMT
Sussex CCC All a Twitter
_______________________________Steve Hollis, a local sports reporter I’ve written a lot about recently, is all gung-ho on Twitter as the new season builds. I can’t remember so many articles and features on Sussex CCC in The Evening Argus recently and today’s edition is no different. First off is an interview with Ben Brown headed 'BROWN IS HAPPY TO BE THROWN IN AT THE DEEP END'. Whether this is referring to the 'King Alfred Leisure Centre' after a night out jaunt with the boys is unclear but on closer inspection, his sudden promotion to Captain due to Luke Wright’s injury is not daunting for our former youngster table-tennis star who says, “It’s all a learning curve but in the long-term it is my dream to captain Sussex so hopefully it will help that ambition too.”  He admits, “I wasn’t really expecting to be captain so early in the season so it was a little bit of a curve ball…” Let us hope Ben is being given sagacious advice from those on the sidelines. It was Wright’s decision to make his good friend and batting buddy vice-captain but unlike at Northants, where Luke was at Ben’s side in the dressing-room, against Essex he’ll be in hospital having an op on his wrist. So, for Ben, it may be more like being thrown into the Atlantic deep end rather than the King Alfred. In the same Argus edition, Chris Adams, writes his second but smaller column which covers just two stories - the cruel fate of James Taylor and how Sussex can avoid the spate of recent player injuries. Adams states in the latter piece, “I’ve got a theory on how Sussex can avoid the kind of injuries which have blighted the club for the last couple of years - run, run and run some more." Perhaps, Sussex should have moved the opening Sunday Essex match to Monday and made all their players enter the Brighton Marathon?  Adams continues with his unusual viewpoint, “I know sports scientists will accuse me of being a dinosaur but when we won the championship in 2003, we used only 14 players throughout the whole season. How did we achieve it? We ran a lot.” He says, “We ran up and down the seafront in Brighton and had excruciating sessions on the track at Withdean… the only two players who went to the gym were Matt Prior and Carl Hopkinson.” I am sure everyone involved with Leicester FC would agree that a consistent injury-free squad does wonders to a team’s performance. But it is right to question the training methods used by those clubs who persist with constant injuries. One problem being, given the all-the-year round cricket played by the top world cricketers eg. Luke Wright, injuries can be gained from simply playing too much - especially T20 - where the stresses and strains on the body can be immense. Meanwhile, please, can pre-football knock-a-bouts be banned to all cricketers. This week has been largely about James Taylor and the tragic ending to his highly promising career. Many supporters may remember that Hove Australian touring game in July, 2013 when Taylor played for Sussex and struck an unbeaten 121. His shirt remains a piece of club history and its creation keeps sports quizzes up and down the country humming. Well, the club, and quite rightly so, are returning the said shirt.  Sussex CCC tweeted this week, “We've had this at Hove following your knock in 2013. We'd like to send it back to you” @jamestaylor20 @trentbridge Meanwhile, good to see Luke Wells playing ‘well’ for the 2nd XI yesterday at the 'Blackstone Academy Ground', scoring 86 off 82 balls. He may return to the 1st team sooner than he realises if the club injuries persist.www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/second-eleven-wells-and-salt-light-up-sussexs-second-inningsFinally, let us not forget the advice from Chris Adams. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXmk8dbFv_o
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Post by fraudster on Apr 15, 2016 12:45:01 GMT
Wells has already returned to the first team faster than you were aware S&F, clearly. I've always suspected you pay more attention to the undertones and additionals of cricket rather than the actual cricket.
I really don't believe in keepers being captains, it don't work. They're already generals, leaders and voices naturally so it's an unnecessary appointment in the first place.
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Post by flashblade on Apr 15, 2016 13:04:44 GMT
Wells has already returned to the first team faster than you were aware S&F, clearly. I've always suspected you pay more attention to the undertones and additionals of cricket rather than the actual cricket. I really don't believe in keepers being captains, it don't work. They're already generals, leaders and voices naturally so it's an unnecessary appointment in the first place.I agree with that. Also, captains need to be able to roam all over the field if necessary. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 15, 2016 13:50:11 GMT
fraudulent,
Duckett!
Hand up, got that wrong. Completely forgot Wells took the place of Chris Nash. Just shows how important and interesting that Northants match was. It was all rain to me and a 3fer from Garton.
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Post by fraudster on Apr 15, 2016 14:48:07 GMT
Did he take the place of Nash? I think Finch took the place of Nash. I guess that's all epidemic now Rodders.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2016 12:03:44 GMT
Fred, I was told by several supporters that Jimmy's contract ended in February and that a decision had to be made after Christmas whether to renew or terminate it. So, one suspects the final decision was probably made in January which means around 2/3 months ago which is a 'fair few months'. Needless to say, Sussex are now two fast bowlers short, but with the way Garton is progressing, one could see him being given the 1st XI ball this season. Although, the injury curse seems still upon us, as Chris Nash hobbled off the pitch yesterday with a brace around his lower leg. One supporter told me the last time he had seen such a splint was around his son's leg, and his problem was an achilles. God forbid, such a fate has befallen Nash. S&F may I suggest you read the article in today's Argus about Jimmy Anyon. You may then feel you should amend the above, and previous posts, about the timelines concerning Jimmy's retirement. Very disappointed you chose you quote Friday's Argus but not the one before showed your assertions about Jimmy were wrong. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 17, 2016 12:12:45 GMT
Fred,
I've lost the thread with you on this one. The pics of the two Friday articles were taken from Steve Hollis twitter, so I didn't buy the paper. Again, I would be very grateful if you could write down what was said about Jimmy Anyon, so we can continue on our chat.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2016 13:23:17 GMT
S&f I read the article in my local library, as you could still, if you choose.I thought, having given you the opportunity, you would wish to review your previous assertions about Jimmy, which are clearly at odds with those reported by Steve Hollis.
From memory, the article states that Jimmy was aware that he would have to prove his full fitness if he was to be given a new contract from either Sussex or another county, given his contract with Sussex was running out. He was very keen to continue with a county career. He was bowling in February, and clearly hopeful. However, his other knee(than the one previously injured) started to puff up. This led to further examinations, (no timelines in the article), and the conclusion was he had a generic weakness which meant he could have long term problems in future if he continued to play. Sadly he concluded he should retire. My memory of the article may be wrong in minor detail, but clearly the article challenges your previous assumptions that a decision had been taken in January.
I am not averse from criticising SussexCC, see my few other posts on here, but on evidence seen to date on the Jimmy Anyon retirement, I feel the criticisms from you and others, that the decision had been taken for a period, are unfounded. Sussex answered correctly all questions through the the winter that Jimmy was struggling to continue his career. I heard that. However, unless you doubt the Steve Hollis article, and if you do please challenge, no final decision on his career end was taken until a short period before his announcement. I hope you would agree it is up to Jimmy, not Sussex to choose when to announce his retirement. Everyone knew he was out of contact with Sussex in February.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 18, 2016 8:32:11 GMT
Fred,
Your distress over my suggestion of Anyon's retirement in January prompted me to speak with Steve Hollis and Members of the club staff. And I now accept that January was a month too early. In fact, the decision was made in February for the reasons you state in your previous post.
That is why Steve Hollis first broke the news on March 4th in 'The Evening Argus'.
But there is still the question of why the club then failed to pass this important news on to supporters until they were prompted by my post on this thread one month later. The reasons for the delay are unclear.
I hope this has resolved the matter.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 18, 2016 11:14:48 GMT
Sunday, April 17th: Sussex CCC 'Family Values' at Their Best
__________________________________________________________________________ Sunday was a day that the much heralded Sussex CCC family values shone brightly on Hove and the surrounding area. It was the final farewell to Matt Hobden from club, players and supporters as a tree was planted across from the shop and a special ceremony took place for the Hobden family. Then, a minute’s silence was adhered to before the start of the Essex match as each Sussex player wore a No.19 Matt Hobden shirt.  Sussex CCC have been exemplary in their ministration of such a difficult situation. They have shown immense sensitivity and care - much understanding and sympathy towards the Hobden family - expressing the Sussex family values at their very best. Once a Shark Always a Shark We may never learn of the final circumstances leading to Matt’s death but does it matter now? His passing was a tragic and despicable twist of fate - a total waste of a talented and gifted young life - a reminder of how fickle and cruel life can be. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/36066886And then for Chris Nash to strike his 20th first class century in his inimitable swashbuckling way and to dedicate it to the memory of Hobden’s life. A fitting climax to an emotional morning.  And while this ceremony took place a member of the club staff was running in the 26 mile Brighton marathon and passed no-more than a quarter of a mile away from the planted tree. Club Staff Member, Lisa Hogan, Cheering Tom on Marketing Manager, Tom Rose, brandishing an 18,169 number on his shirt, completed the run in 4 hours and 50 minutes. He raised over £400 for the ‘Sussex Cricket Foundation’ but like Nash dedicated his achievement to Matt Hobden. Heart of the Marathon
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 18, 2016 13:59:47 GMT
There was an interesting interview with Tymal Mills by ‘BBC Radio Sussex’ Adrian Harms during the post-lunch session while he commentated on the Essex game. On Matthew Hobden’s passing Tymal, a keen Canaries fan, had just watched Norwich beat Southampton live in the Premiership and was returning from the game via train when Ajmal Shahzad phoned him on his mobile about the tragic news. Tymal said, “I had no idea how to react. It was the first time someone close to me had died.”  Mills, who shares a Hove flat with Ollie Robinson, had been very busy over the Winter. Apart from playing for the T20 England Lions side against Pakistan before Christmas, he spent time in South Africa at a training camp for young fast bowlers post Xmas where he worked alongside a variety of coaches including Kevin Shine, Richard Johnson and Chris Silverwood. Mills has known Shine since he was 18 years-old. The interview discussed Mills back weakness which allows him only to play in the T20 format but this season he aims to be a part of the RLC 50 overs at the back end of the tournament. He explained, “I came to Sussex with every intention of playing the Championship format. The first match was fine - no problem - but then the difficulties occurred. I believe in the phrase ‘Never say never’, so one day who knows.” While Mills suffered from various ankle, knee and shoulder niggles pre-Christmas, he is now over them and has been working on his fitness and strength. Tymal points out his back problem has nothing to do with his bowling action which is quite standard but “due to the way I’m put together.” He prefers bowling at Hove down the hill from the Cromwell Rd end, although this took awhile for him to get used to. A former Essex player, Mills was asked whether he still keeps in touch with the club. He answered in the affirmative because he made many friends at Chelmsford, but quickly pointed out that he’s settled quickly at Hove and is really enjoying playing for Sussex CCC. Reading between the lines, Mills back problem was known at Essex but no-one knew what the root problem was or how serious it had become as the club had not carried out the intensive medical testing Sussex finally did when Mills came to Hove. It was a massive gamble by Mark Robinson to sign Mills but unfortunately it blew up in his face when the medical wisdom put the problem down to a narrow spinal cord. As Mills explained, "The gaps between my vertebrae are smaller than most and the bowling places greater pressure on them when there isn't the normal cushion." Which poses the obvious question: Why was there so little initial due diligence carried out by Sussex on Mills? PS: A piece of football trivia: Danny Briggs is a Portsmouth fan and Essex's Browne, Bopara and Ten Doeschate are all Arsenal fans. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 18, 2016 20:31:28 GMT
'Tweets of the Day'
_______________________ It is unusual to come across such powerful tweets so close to the Sussex supporter's heart, where the pics say it all - it will be hard to beat these two for awhile. Chris Nash @chrisnash23 Great to see our skipper @lukewright204 is recovering well after his wrist operation #prayforwrighty #bottomhand Luke Wright @lukewright204 I am told it was a much bigger clot than expected!! Sorry if you're eating your dinner!!! Meanwhile, an upbeat Mark Davis is delighted with the first two days against Essex and is confident Luke will be sufficiently recovered for the home Leicestershire match. What a clot!  audioboom.com/boos/4448279-sussex-head-coach-mark-davis-after-day-2-against-essex-at-hove?t=0
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 21, 2016 12:54:00 GMT
Behind the Scenes on Day 4 of the Essex Match
_________________________________________________________________ There was a different type of coach residing at the Hove ground during each day of the Essex Championship match - not a member of the Essex staff but the driver of their team bus. Welcome Trevor Klarner of ‘Klarners Coaches’ who is the official driver for Essex CCC. Trevor Trevor started up his own coaching business six years ago after 30 years of experience in this specialist field. He now has 5 coaches and one luxury minibus and employs up to 15 full or part-time staff. Trevor, who runs the business with his wife, explains, “We first worked for the Essex supporters group ‘The Boundary Club’ and after discussion with the county we now drive the team to every away match. This is our second year.”  Trevor can be away from home for up to 5 days at a time and stays at the same hotel as the Essex cricketers. When playing Sussex the hotel of choice is the ‘Hilton Metropole’. “I make sure there are professional boundaries between me and the team” says Trevor. “Although, at the end of the season I may join them for a celebratory drink.” The driver’s personality is vital to the success of any coach business and Trevor is affable and warm and always willing to go the extra mile for his customers. This friendliness is reciprocated when he describes the Essex players as “Great guys - I really enjoy their company.” His coach was converted especially for the cricketers and has five tables for laptops or for playing cards with one specifically made for the Essex scorer who has a significant importance within the team as he works hard after a game compiling the stats etc.. There is an onboard toilet, coffee machine, 240 volt mains and a “sausage warmer” (!) Everything is there to help the players relax and arrive on a match day refreshed. The team are driven direct from A to B with only comfort stops or buying something to eat allowed. Sight-seeing is not on the agenda. Trevor had exemplary words about the Sussex ground staff whom he describes as “fantastic” and “lovely people” to work with. He says, “Sam at the gate couldn’t be more helpful and Colin the groundsman was so accommodating when we turned up on Sunday during the marathon.” Trevor continues, “And, of course, there is John and Joan from ‘First Aid’ who always take time to talk and make me cups of tea.” Adding, “Each time I see Sussex on the away itinerary I look forward to it.” In the past, cricket was never a big interest for Trevor, but he’s learning more about the sport and spends time watching the game. When match day is over, the routine is to get the coach presentable, then the inevitable roll-call, and finally a drive back to the hotel. There can be a delay at the end of the final day due to the ceremonial farewell drink between the two teams. Alan R Gardner aka Alan RoderickI had a brief and amiable chat with Cricinfo’s Alan Gardner in the Media Centre. He is viewed as one of the young up and coming ‘Journo Turks’ and joined the web publication around four years ago. He had been filing a match report each day and writes in an easy rhythmic style which is a joy to read. www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/author.html?author=386We discussed Cricinfo and its detrimental influence over the high street cricket magazines. The UK website lies second in popularity behind the BBC cricket site where the England section gathers “many hundreds of thousands of page views" per month. Due to the site’s immense popularity in Asia, the worldwide cricket sections garner between 15m and 20m page views a month. It is the live commentary which is the most popular UK part whether it’s covering England or the 18 counties. And this then attracts people to branch out and read the rest of the site. Alan smiled and said there is healthy competition between Cricinfo and Cricbuzz to see who can download the fastest live ball-by-ball coverage. Alan Gardner There is a quirky rebelliousness about Alan which is reflected via his twitter and alias ‘Alan Roderick in a beard’. I hope we meet again. twitter.com/alanroderick?lang=en-gbBook Signing There is rumoured to be a very special, select and invite-only dinner at the club on Friday evening for former Sussex CCC Coach Mark Robinson. A booklet has been written about Robbo’s achievements alongside the many memories with contributions from Jon Filby, Nic Sharp and a few others. Robinson will be signing copies on the night.  There has been no publicity to my knowledge about the event which is a shame given there are many Sussex supporters who would have enjoyed sharing such a memorable evening.
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