Having told of my intention to revise my interest in Northamptonshire County Cricket Club a few weeks back, the 2011 season has got off to an uncharacteristically promising start. In recent years NCCC have relied on a motley collection of ageing Kolpak players (footy fans read Bosman) and T20 apart have been somewhat lacklustre, never threatening promotion from League 2 of the County Championship or reaching the latter stages of the one day contests. However this season the squad is a promising blend of experience (Chaminda Vaas, Andrew Hall, James Middlebrook) and younger players like number 4 Alex Wakely, fast bowler Jack Brooks, and wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien.
After two games NCCC sit on top of League 2 of the County Championship, having drawn against Surrey and beaten Kent by an innings and 159 runs! Star performers so far are James Middlebrook who made 103 against Surrey and 74 not out against Kent, all the more remarkable as he comes in at 7, sharing a stand of 127 with captain Andrew Hall (146) against Kent, and Jack Brooks whose 4 for 36 helped skittle Kent's second innings.
Things are looking up at the County Ground at last.
............................................................................................
The former co-tenants of the County Ground have an important game tonight, even though they are not actually playing. Bradford City host Burton Albion, the latter playing their game in hand over the Cobblers. Both clubs currently languish on 44 points, 3 above the drop zone, Burton having a worse goal difference by 4 goals. Bradford themselves are only a further 3 points in front on 47. Needless to say, but "Come on you Bantams!"
............................................................................................
According to BBC Breakfast this morning, Tescos had the benefit of 14 years of year on year increases in UK profit and targets met under Everton fan Terry Leahy, and his replacement Philip Clarke has seen the UK targets not met for the first time. Clarke is a Liverpool fan.
Terry, buy Blue Bill out, now....
............................................................................................
For some reason BBC Breakfast sent the lovely Carol to the Bournemouth beach this morning to present her weather forecasts, and the 7:45 bulletin began with her introducing us to "..the sun, the blue skies, the waves crashing on the beach..." while behind her some two inch breakers were struggling to get a yard up the sand. Made me larf that did!
.............................................................................................
No comments:
Post a Comment