Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Monday 17^th November

I was sad and shocked to hear on Friday that Nick Compton is to leave Somerset by mutual consent. Nick has been a great servant for Somerset scoring bags of runs and rightly getting a well deserved England call up where he most certainly didn’t let his Country down.

From what I can understand Nick has become somewhat disillusioned with the County Game, hardly surprising the way England have treated him. How many runs does he have to score to get in the England side, and please don’t say Taunton is a friendly batting track, that was some years ago now.

So with Nick looking at other opportunities, the media and Middlesex looks favourite (please not Surrey, bunch of xxxx!), a hole has appeared in the Somerset batting line-up which is a major blow for the mighty Set.

With Arul Suppiah retiring due to injury, Chris Jones joining his family business and Jos Buttler going to Lancashire there seems to be a sudden shortness of batting within the county. Another added ingredient to the batting quandary is that Somerset have opted for an overseas bowler this summer rather than a batsman. That is fully understandable as Somerset struggled, in recent seasons, to bowl side out twice in the County Championship.

So who is going to replace Nick’s 1,000 First Class runs over the next season or two? And what will the bating line-up look like. Well at the moment it looks something this: Trescothick. Myburgh, Abell, Hildreth, Kieswetter, Trago, Gregory, Meschede, Overton, Thomas and Rehman. Not forgetting spinner's Jack Leach, Max Waller and George Dockrell could quite easily step in.

Ok, not a bad line-up what so ever, but somewhat inexperienced at the top, plus quite a few all-rounder’s which is ok for the shorter version of the game. Tom Abell most certainly deserves a chance, could this be the making off the youngster? You know the saying about doors closing and opening. Kieswetter at five? Somehow I like to see a wicketkeeper come in at six, saying that though Craig is a quality batsman.

Anyway, I have great faith in the squad, but will Matthew Maynard look to bring in someone who can give some balance to the side and score those 1,000 run? The next few months will be interesting indeed.

Anyway, I wish Nick well in whatever he does, a pleasure to watch him bat, but please do not go to Surrey.

Ok, Skittles and Thatchers, top of the table clash tonight, and it’s not even Christmas!

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Tuesday 11^th November

At the weekend I heard the news that legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud is undergoing radiation therapy for skin cancer.

Growing up with cricket during the 70’s onwards Benaud was the face of the BBC cricket coverage on the television. With such a unique style and an Australian twang, he was certainly one of the best commentators in his day.

For me the highlight was when he was commentating on Ian Botham during the historic Ashes series in 1981. Botham had just smashed Terry Alderman back over his head for six.  "Don't bother looking for that, let alone chasing it," said Benaud. "That's gone straight into the confectionary stall and out again." Pure genius and media professionalism from Benaud.

Other classic moments from Richie:

“The slow-motion replay doesn’t show how fast the ball was really travelling.”

“And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just ninety-eight runs short of his century.”

“Captaincy is 90 per cent luck and 10 per cent skill. But don't try it without that 10 per cent.”

“From our broadcasting box you can't see any grass at all. It is simply a carpet of humanity.”

On a Justin Langer sic: “He's not quite got hold of that one. If he had, it would have gone for nine”

“I think the batsman’s strategy is to make runs and not get out.”

“The hallmark of a great captain is the ability to win the toss at the right time.”

And finally, “Gatting at fine leg - that’s a contradiction in terms.”

Benaud has confirmed that his skin cancer is on his forehead and the top of his head and has urged people to protect themselves from the sun. I know I do, and I will carry on doing, as I have no hair on my head it is wise.

Hope all goes well Richie, and I hope this doesn’t sound like an obituary.

Thatchers time.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Monday 3^rd November

Well, well, well, the Aussies spanked again by Pakistan, well and truly. I wonder what the excuse will be this time. How about an over-rated Australian team playing against a well drilled Pakistani side. Or even a team who can’t bat, can’t bowl and can’t field. But I think men were playing against boy.

One thing of note from that game was the sheer brilliance of Pakistan’s batting, especially from Younis Khan, Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq, who really took the Aussies to the sword, with the latter equalling the fastest Test century, which was scored by West Indian great Viv Richards.

Back on the home front a lot has been going at the County Ground, the home of the mighty Somerset. Dave Houghton has left, the club doesn’t need two batting coaches and with Matthew Maynard coming in as Director of Cricket his position became a bit precarious indeed.

Pete Trego has signed another contract, keeping with Somerset until 2016. Well done Pete and you have a benefit next year as well, cracking. Craig Overton has been selected for the England Lions squad who tour South Africa in the New Year. More congratulations.

Most disturbingly I heard some alarming whispers I what has been said at recent AGM’s. How true this is, well I heard it from a good source.

It seems the priority of certain committee members is to be successful in as many T20 games as possible as it brings in revenue. I was taken aback somewhat when I heard these comments. You ask any true Somerset supporter what they want up mostly.

To win The County Championship, is what we all desire. Admittedly T20 cricket is fun to watch, but it is the longer format of the game us purist would like to see Somerset win. No wonder I hear advance orders for membership is down, not great noises coming out of the County Ground.

The majority of First Class cricketers, I am lead to believe, want success in the four day game, as it is cricket at its purist, with Test matches being the pinnacle. Who remembers stats from T20? Not me. I can recall some classic ODI’s, but the longer format is the one every cricket fan can recall famous matches, innings, bowling displays, statistics, records and even averages.

And on the subject of averages, that is what players strive for, bettering their First Class / Test match average.

Ok, on one a bit here, so me thinks it is Thatchers time!

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Monday 27^th October 2014

You may not know it but there is an awful lot of cricket being played around the world at present, some matches of which are noteworthy:

Australia being beaten by Pakistan in the 1stTest being played in Dubai. The old foe are getting in a few Test matches before the World Cup and more importantly before next year’s Ashes series here in England. Mitchell who?

By the looks of it things are not going to well as they were well beaten by some 200 runs, shame, it seems that the Aussies cannot play a straight delivery. With that in mind, I can’t think of any English spinner who can spin the ball, so with the Aussies unable to play a straight delivery, surely......let’s leave it at that.

It looks as if the Aussies are trying out a few new players: a left arm spinner by the name of Steve O’Keefe and a lower order batsman called Mitchell Marsh. Neither set the world alight on their debuts.

Are the Aussie struggling to find some decent players, or will these words come back to haunt me in the summer? Nothing like some early Ashes banter, come on, the 1^st Test is only nine months away.

The saddest thing for me which has happened recently is the West Indies leaving their tour of India early in a dispute about pay. Haven’t the West Indies done this before?

I believe the financial situation of West Indies cricket is in some sort of precarious position and now that India have cancelled their tour to the West Indies in response to the West Indies actions the whole future of cricket in the Caribbean is in some sort of jeopardy.

Like England, India have a huge worldwide following and I am pretty sure there would have been sell out crowds in most of the ODI’s and T20 games in the Caribbean. Plus the TV rights which command big bucks, the WICB stand to lose millions, let alone being sued by the BCCI. The only saving grace, England are touring there after the World Cup, if that is some sort of comfort, I don’t know.

Moving on seamlessly, Ireland and Scotland have been down under preparing for next year’s World Cup by playing against some state sides in both Australia and New Zealand. Two Somerset players have been playing on these tours, George Dockrell and Josh Davey, playing for Ireland and Scotland respectively.

They have done ok. Both have been taking wickets and scoring runs, something and some players to look out for when the World Cup starts in February.

England start their World Cup warm up next month when they travel to Sri Lanka for a host of ODI’s, I think there are seven games in total. Then in the New Year they travel to Australia for a Triangular Series against the home country and India. Nothing like difficult warm up games before a major tournament, hopefully by then they would of realised Ravi Bopara is rubbish and drop him!

Right, enough of that, time for a Thatchers or two, but unfortunately, no skittles tonight, will have to wait until Friday, now that could be scary!

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Monday 20^th October 2014

Gary Thomas followed up his success at Over Stowey’s awards night last week by picking up the bowling award in Division Two of the West Somerset League, at an average of 9.86. Wow, that is some average, with his best return of six wickets for five runs in just under four overs. Great year for Gary well deserved.

Last night Over Stowey held its AGM, and as AGM’s go, this was quite a good one. It went smoothly, a few surprises and much to look forward to over the next few years.

The thing which caught my eye on the agenda was Cricket Tour 2015. And when the subject was brought up it was decided that there was enough interest within the club to proceed with a tour in 2015. How exciting, Torquay he we come, just hope our hotel isn’t on top of a cliff again!

Another thing we have to look forward to in 2015 is George Pike as 2^nd XI vice-captain. George comes up with some wonderful ideas, and now he has some sort of position within the club he’ll probably come up with some more. I already hear that he would like a team mascot in the form of a goat! I am not “kidding” you, he wants a goat to wear the club’s colours, plus take him on tour! Anyway, welcome aboard George, somehow I think the cricket club will never be the same.

Now I do like a good tea when I am at cricket and now that Wendy has stood down as Stowey’s tea lady, this position needs to be filled, probably the most important position within the club. It was discussed at length during the AGM and it seems there is no shortage of volunteers. Now Wendy’s teas were one of the best in the West Somerset League, so pressure there ladies, I will try not to judge, but I do like a scone or two!

Congratulations must go to Ryan Gamblin who has taken on the role as 1^st XI captain, with Stuart Duerden as his vice-captain. New faces new ideas, a bit like a fresh start for the forthcoming 2015 season. Well done to you both and best of luck.

So the 2015 season is going to be a busy and interesting one, with a whole list of friendlies, league fixtures, cup matches, youth cricket, plus all the events off the field, I am already looking forward to 2015. There will be plenty of umpiring for me to do no doubt.

One final thing, on the set of accounts we had to pay out £20 for a “mole.” Now can someone please explain what this is for; do we have a spy in another cricket club, has someone had one removed from their nose, or is this just expenses for our resident mole? Someone will explain no doubt!

Ok, time for me to lie on my back for the rest of the evening. No skittles for me I’m afraid, strained my back muscles picking up a bottle! Sounds ridiculous, but it’s bloody painful.

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Monday 13^th October 2014

So my predictions were way off, so what do I know. Out of the 14 awards handed out I only managed to predict six correctly, oh well.

The Player’s Player award is the award I like to see who wins, as it is the only award not decided by the “group of four” and is voted for by the players. When I used to play, I was always guaranteed one vote, as I used to vote for myself. Wouldn’t it be great next year is that everyone votes for themselves, the look on Kelvin’s face when he is counting the votes would be priceless to witness.

The Clubman award is also another of my favourites, mainly because it is now the only one I can win. However, it gives recognition to unsung heroes within the club. It is not just turn up on a Saturday to play. A lot goes on behind the scenes to make the club tick.

In my case my work usually starts in February when I contact existing and potential new sponsors and vice-presidents and basically asking them for a contribution. Then the fixture brochure is then designed, organised and then printed off – that takes up most of my time. After all printed off, time to chill and do some umpiring for the rest of the season. Who says I am not committed, well really I’m just making a pitch for the 2015 award!

As for the Hole in the Hand – to be renamed the Dan “down on one knee” Butson award in recognition for the art of fielding and running between the wickets, I think it was rather fitting that the 1^st XI won that award for their performance in the first game of the season when 13 catches were spilled, 11 off one batsman (I think he won the lottery that night as well).

Stephen Miller came up to me after saying that he thought he was nailed on to win the Hole in the Hand, just the three dropped catches in a game, but to be fair they were very difficult chances.

Bumping in to Les Biffen on Saturday night made my evening somewhat. Les and myself reminisced about cricket tours, especially the Marldon trip. Drinking with the whole of Marldon, and I am a boxer are some of the phrases used on tour, more will be revealed once I have spoken to lawyers!

So the evening itself, a combination of good food, excellent company, quality cider, great speeches and worthy award winners. However I am a bit unsure about the 1^st Team batting award. The whole room was a bit shocked when Sorty’s name was read out, but I do understand the criteria for this award had changed. It was not given for averages, but for balls faced without scoring, only one winner there then.

Carl seemed a bit embarrassed when he picked up the award for 2^nd Team batting, as he is a bowler. I know he tried his best not to win the award by being dismissed first ball of the game against Brompton Ralph in the 2^nd XI’s last game of the season, but to no avail, the award was his.

That’s about it for Over Stowey’s 2014 season, except for the AGM on Sunday. I will be back next week, and throughout the winter (a small matter of England playing in the World Cup – I wonder how many times I will mention Ravi Bopara?). 

Now time for Thatchers and skittles, now I wonder if I’ll make Team of the Week again?

Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Monday 6^th October 2014

Matthew Maynard as Somerset Director of Cricket, well I didn’t see that one coming I must admit. Somehow I feel a bit more positive about the appointment of Maynard than I did with David Nosworthy. The first thing in his inbox must be how to take 20 County Championship wickets in a game, so as to turn draws in to victories.

Maynard certainly has the pedigree for county cricket; his time with Glamorgan proves that. Plus his time with England and in South Africa shows what a capable coach he has been. Can he do it with Somerset? Can he bring that illusive County Championship trophy (or any trophy) to Taunton? Well, we shall see.

The close season has already seen a merry-go-round of players joining different counties, most notable are exodus of players from Gloucestershire and Leicestershire (do you blame them?). The most disappointing thing for me is that James Burke has left Somerset for Surrey. A genuine all-rounder with great potential, Nosworthy let that one go didn’t he? Instead we are left with the likes of Johann Myburgh.

Anyway, Somerset have a great crop of youngsters, all are vastly improving, now they need to make the next step up, it can be done, just look at Lewis Gregory during the 2014 season.

Right, on to more important things, Over Stowey Cricket Club’s annual presentation evening happening this Saturday, probably my favourite event of the cricket season, well it beats umpiring! The usual format, drinks before the meal, drinks during the meal, drinks during the speeches, drinks during the presentation of trophies and drinks after.

So who is going to win what on Saturday? More importantly is anyone going to win the 1^st XI award for batting? And if there is a winner will he be brave enough to go and collect it? Anyone who averaged more than 10 in the 1^st XI has a great chance in winning it. So George Pike you have a chance of winning a trophy.

So here we go, my predictions:

• 1^st XI Batting – Jack rich
• 2^nd XI Batting – Dave Rowsell
• 1^st Team Bowling – Gary Thomas
• 2^nd XI Bowling – Lee Rich
• 1^st Team Player of the Year – Gary Thomas
• 2^nd Team Player of the Year – Dan (down on one knee) Butson
• Club Most Improved Player – Stephen Miller
• Young Player – Stephen Miller or Lee Rich
• Club Batting – Matt Coombes
• Club Bowling – Gary Thomas
• Club Catches – No one
• Clubman – Simon Pickard
• Players Player – Probably the most prestigious award as voted by fellow players, surely it should go to Carl Woodley
• Umpire of the Year – Me
• Hole in the Hand – You will have to wait and see!

Let’s see how close I am, will let you know next week. Now Thatchers time and skittles, will I come top again?