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?