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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 23, 2016 10:49:40 GMT
"Where Are They Now?" No.1: Kevin Pietersen
__________________________________________________________________________________ It’s so sad following KPs twitter these days. Hardly any mention of cricket except about him playing a match yesterday at The Oval for the Yorkshire Tea29 Charity challenge to raise money for Cricket United. Typically, he knocked off a quick 50 and tweeted afterwards: “Lots of fun last night! Still lots of runs in my locker!” He even has a dig at a tweeter who says only playing T20 must be boring. "Mate - more people watching a charity T20 at Oval last night than at Lords watching Champo showdown. T20 is only way forward!" www.kiaoval.com/kp-confirmed-for-cricket-united-game/There are the occasional snipes at the ECB. It is difficult to comprehend that the last time KP wore an England shirt was in January 2014 during that ill-fated 5-0 Australian tour whitewash. Was he the bad boy, the scapegoat, misunderstood, impossible to manage or simply got too big for his boots? It doesn’t matter now because cricket supporters have missed watching one of the most prodigious and audacious England talents of a generation. Meanwhile, Piers Morgan occasionally bemoans but even that has now dissipated to a whimper. Don't Cry For Me - Kevin Pietersen There was talk of him joining the South African team back in April which was risibly dismissed. Much of his tweets are about golf where he half-jokingly suggests will become his new career. Mentions of his Foundation, Asian Cricketing Academies, various business interests… there is still plenty to keep him busy. An important question: will there be enough energy in the body to maintain his fitness to join the impending T20 City-Franchise tournament either in 2018 or 2020? I am sure Franchises will be fighting each other to sign KP up if there is. And it would be a befitting swan-song to all his supporters around the world. Naturally, Pietersen is a huge advocate of the proposed EPL. Not surprising, given this is the only type of cricket he now plays as he tours the world as a T20 mercenary with no fixed cricketing abode. I, for one, only feel sadness. He was punished by the ECB for being “unmanageable”, even though countries like South Africa and Australia would have handled him like a puppy dog, and cricket has moved on as England’s ODI sides hit the dizzy heights with their new brand of fearless play. At least, his 3.16m twitter followers can enjoy his ramblings, occasional outbursts, and even the odd insight. Just wish he was playing more cricket. twitter.com/KP24
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 24, 2016 6:23:24 GMT
Sussex CCC Review of 2016
______________________________________ As I sat down at my computer to write a lengthy review of this season, down-heartened by how supporters' high expectations in April had transformed into overwhelming bathos by September, I thought… Do I really want to spend the next 5 hours writing a resume of a disappointing 6 months? I even had a title: “Sussex CCC: Annus Horribilis 2016” but then I thought, while the white ball tournaments were again dreadful, especially when 7 years ago the club won both OD trophies, at least, the club gained 4 victories in the red ball format and only lost two games. But then a jolt of reality struck. This was Division 2 not Division 1, and most cricket publications in April had tipped Sussex to gain immediate promotion. Muzza - Blink and He's Gone
 First, there are the questions. What happened to the full-time batting coach promised us in late 2015? We ended up with Murray Goodwin for just 2 months - and all the while the batting kept letting the side down as it had done the year before. Why did Mags go awol in the Spring only to redeem himself towards the end of the Summer? Why does each year attract a litany of player injuries more expressing the Battle of the Somme - in particular our Captain Luke Wright who before seemed immune to such disaster? Why was Ollie Robinson so underused by Mark Davis? Why was Keith Greenfield appointed Sussex Director of Cricket? So many questions - so few answers. Where the only area that Sussex came top in amongst all the 18 counties was the highest number of extras given away. Table PositionsChampionship: 13th
T20: 13th
RLC: 18thPerhaps, we should have known that 2016 would be a bad year when on January 2nd news came through that Matthew Hobden had been found dead after celebrating the New Year with friends at Dalvey House in Morayshire, Scotland. It was shocking. How can a 22 year-old with such bowling promise have their life snuffed out after going up to the roof with a group of friends to see the stars on New Year’s Eve; then fall asleep; and after waking, disorientated, plunge to their death? The Club led by CEO Zac Toumazi behaved admirably, showing compassion and understanding for the devastation experienced by the Hobden family and shock felt from players and supporters. Was this the reason why Sussex underperformed in 2016? Perhaps, both Mark Davis and Luke Wright were finding their feet? Wright’s batting performance fell off a cliff as the season progressed. Was this down to the pressure of captaincy or the pre-season injuries sustained? The main insight gathered is when supporting Sussex there is never a dull moment. Like a piece of ocean driftwood, the turbulent swirls of emotion experienced by supporters over 6 months can be compared to a Blackpool rollercoaster. The Dampest Squib of the Year
 Then there was the humiliation of the ‘Mr Fizz’ debacle followed at the end by the bemusement that Sussex were one of only three clubs to vote against the ECB proposal for a City-based Franchise before negotiation and discussion had even begun. While, as a footnote, there is the ongoing Chris Adams affair as he attempts to woo the club via his Evening Argus column, only to be shunned time and again. Meanwhile, it came as no shock, that Zac Toumazi will leave the club in the Autumn after 4 successful off-the-field years as the Chief Exec. In fact, the off-field activities proved to be more auspicious led by further club sponsorship deals and growth of their noteworthy charity The Sussex Cricket Foundation. Jofra - An Arrow Sent By Cupid
 At moments of bathos, looking to the future is essential to offer hope and optimism. The one major positive being the promising youngsters now emerging through the ranks. Particular examples being George Garton and Jofra Archer where the latter was an arrow sent by Cupid for supporters. A major concern: his contract ends next year. Can the club hold on to such an audacious all-round talent? And special mention for Ben Brown who took over the captaincy from Wright towards the end of the season. Not only did his batting dramatically improve but the Championship side found a renewed determination and winning momentum. Overall, 2016 is a year to forget and all hopes are now on 2017 when both the Coach and Captain have gained a year’s experience. It may have been a ruthless and challenging learning curve for them but county cricket is changing and changing rapidly; where a potential new City-Franchise, up the road, will bring in much-needed extra revenue for counties; and where the most dynamic and innovative clubs will prosper while others may fall behind.
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Post by hhsussex on Sept 24, 2016 7:10:35 GMT
Where the only area that Sussex came top in amongst all the 18 counties was the highest number of extras given away.
Excellent resume s and f. I will be updating my table of extras shortly and also presenting a comparison with Sussex sides in recent years, which is quite revealing. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 25, 2016 7:55:04 GMT
PLAYER AWARDS NIGHT
____________________________________ The annual 'Sussex CCC Player Awards' went ahead last night with the usual aplomb where the majority of supporters were happy with the picks. I have little idea who Colin Bowley is… sorry Colin. I have never met you. But after some quick research he joined the club in 2007 and is the Indoor School Manager/Cricket Co-ordinator.  No surprise the club’s best two players won 3 awards between them. Most years they win an assortment. Goodness knows how Sussex will replace Ed and Mags over the next couple of years. Let the Fanfare and Pomp begin. Team Man of the YearPlayer Services Manager: COLIN BOWLEYMost Improved Player of the YearSTUART WHITTINGHAM
Agony to Ecstasy Award and Champagne Moment of the Season for THAT ball to Chris GayleTYMAL MILLSYoung Player of the YearJOFRA ARCHERThe Assembled Winners (minus Joyce) Performance of the YearED JOYCE for his 250 vs. Derbyshire Chairman's AwardED JOYCEPlayer of the Season AwardSTEVE MAGOFFIN
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Post by flashblade on Sept 25, 2016 8:13:20 GMT
Thanks, fluffy. What is the Chairman's Award meant to denote?
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 25, 2016 9:44:47 GMT
Fb, I have no idea. The Sussex twitter last night described it as: "Last two awards of the evening coming right up, it's the two big ones: the Chairman's Award and Player of the Season." How long has this Chairman award gone on for? Decades or was it created by Jim May himself? Do other counties have such an award. Brief research suggests not. Once more club Members and supporters have little say in the matter as, I believe, the Sussex Coach chooses who deserves to win each category. As for Joyce winning two awards, I would imagine the Chairman is doing everything he can to persuade Ed to re-sign a new contract.  |
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Post by flashblade on Sept 25, 2016 9:48:45 GMT
Fb, I have no idea. The Sussex twitter last night described it as: "Last two awards of the evening coming right up, it's the two big ones: the Chairman's Award and Player of the Season." How long has this Chairman award gone on for? Decades or was it created by Jim May himself? Do other counties have such an award. Brief research suggests not. Once more club Members and supporters have little say in the matter as, I believe, the Sussex Coach chooses who deserves to win each category. As for Joyce winning two awards, I would imagine the Chairman is doing everything he can to persuade Ed Joyce to
re-sign a new contract.How uncharacteristically cynical of you, S&F. To be serious, I can't see Joyce being swayed by receiving these awards. Maybe it's a "farewell and thanks for everything" award? |
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Post by fraudster on Sept 25, 2016 10:12:33 GMT
Fb, I have no idea. The Sussex twitter last night described it as: "Last two awards of the evening coming right up, it's the two big ones: the Chairman's Award and Player of the Season." How long has this Chairman award gone on for? Decades or was it created by Jim May himself? Do other counties have such an award. Brief research suggests not. Once more club Members and supporters have little say in the matter as, I believe, the Sussex Coach chooses who deserves to win each category. As for Joyce winning two awards, I would imagine the Chairman is doing everything he can to persuade Ed Joyce to
re-sign a new contract.How uncharacteristically cynical of you, S&F. To be serious, I can't see Joyce being swayed by receiving these awards. Maybe it's a "farewell and thanks for everything" award? Hopefully. Should be giving one of them to Mags as well - player of the season indeed. Player of the last month certainly but he has been anything but player of the season. Should have gone to Nash that one. Is it true that our two most consistent performers over the SEASON, Nash and Brown, won sweet FA? Astonishing. |
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Post by joe on Sept 25, 2016 10:37:03 GMT
How uncharacteristically cynical of you, S&F. To be serious, I can't see Joyce being swayed by receiving these awards. Maybe it's a "farewell and thanks for everything" award? Hopefully. Should be giving one of them to Mags as well - player of the season indeed. Player of the last month certainly but he has been anything but player of the season. Should have gone to Nash that one. Is it true that our two most consistent performers over the SEASON, Nash and Brown, won sweet FA? Astonishing. Agree with you fraudster, Brown and Nash should have had some sort of regocnition. Why do Sussex give so few awards? Most clubs have batsman of the season and bowler of the season awards. Mills gets an award when he's played the least of all the players! Oh well, we can't get much right on the field so why I expect them to get it right off the field I don't know! |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 25, 2016 11:24:37 GMT
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 26, 2016 16:56:27 GMT
Let's Vlog!
________________ For some of us old fogies who find Twitter, Facebook, email, Skype and the like still difficult to grasp, there is a new craze on the loose called Vlogging.  I, like many others, had never heard of such a practice until a few months ago when Channel 5s BIG BROTHER gained much publicity when they had one of the world’s most popular vloggers as a contestant and social media went ballistic asking “Who the hell is he?" It sounds more like a form of Eastern European flogging but no it’s like a blog but on video. The reason for this blog and not vlog is because there is a training course being held at the County ground on Thursday which introduces people to this new form of dynamic visual communication. The course lasts from 10am to 3pm and will cost a princely sum of £235. But the main reason why I am mentioning this, is not so much to encourage all fogies out there to jump onto such odd vagaries of the 21st century but to commend Sussex CCC on their imaginative and creative phrase of words. The room that lies between the club shop and Newbery which to all and asunder is an office used for educational classes is now described as ‘A New Work Training Creative Media Suite’. Who comes up with this stuff? www.vlogacademy.com/introduction-video-blogging/www.vlogacademy.com/crash-course-in-video-blogging-including-imovie/
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Post by joe on Sept 26, 2016 17:03:56 GMT
Let's Vlog!
________________ For some of us old fogies who find Twitter, Social Media, email, Skype and the like still difficult to grasp, there is a new craze on the loose called Vlogging. I, like many others, had never heard of such a practice until a few months ago when Channel 5s BIG BROTHER gained much publicity when they had one of the world’s most popular vloggers as a contestant and social media went ballistic asking “Who the hell is he?" It sounds more like a form of Eastern European flogging but no it’s like a blog but on video. The reason for this blog and not vlog is because there is a training course being held at the County ground on Thursday which introduces people to this new form of dynamic communication. The course lasts from 10am to 3pm and will cost a princely sum of £235. But the main reason why I am mentioning this, is not to encourage all fogies out there to jump into such odd vagaries of the 21st century but to commend Sussex CCC on their imaginative and creative phrase of words. The room that lies between the club shop and Newbery which to all and asunder is an office used for educational classes is now described as ‘A New Work Training Creative Media Suite’. Who comes up with this stuff? www.vlogacademy.com/introduction-video-blogging/www.vlogacademy.com/crash-course-in-video-blogging-including-imovie/ Presumably a place for up-skilling? |
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Post by deepfineleg on Sept 27, 2016 11:02:37 GMT
Are you sure it's that room? I seem to recall New Work Training occupy one of the buildings in NE corner. Incidentally the vlogacademy.com seems very out of date. Odd for a web company. Might question the quality of their courses. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 27, 2016 11:24:06 GMT
Dfl,
I doff my cap. You are correct. Bad journalism as I merely presumed it was the 'Santander' sponsored educational office. For, I had googled
the name alongside the Sussex CCC County ground but nothing came up except for that 'No Boundaries' office next to the club shop. So, I
phoned the number this morning given in the feature and spoke to the delightful founder of the training classes Mi Elfverson.
Yes, the company New Work Training is renting one of the offices in the North-East corner. Mi moved in around 7 weeks ago. And she has kindly
asked me to come along on Thursday to review the vlogging class.
So apologies to Sussex CCC for me teasing them about their creative phrases. That Keith Greenfield interview with Tom Rose must have influenced me.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Sept 29, 2016 15:32:58 GMT
Today, I attended a vlogging course at the 'New Work Training' offices in the North-East corner of the County Ground and took this photo on my way there. Andy Mackay and his staff are presently putting the outfield and pitch through a vigorous and stimulating Autumn clean. It's a tough life for County Cricket grass.  |
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