GerryShedd
Super Moderator
Seems like an exciting finish at Barnt Green:
https://edgbaston.com/fixtures/second-xi/worcestershire-vs-warwickshire-24-may-2023/#match-match-reports
I think it's a great move by the Club to feature some of the unsung heroes from time to time:
https://edgbaston.com/news/behind-the-badge-mel-smith/
As the saying goes, the chances of this becoming law are slim to none - and Slim just left town. But it's interesting all the same:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/call-law-change-rugby-cricket-29527273
There's cricket to be seen this month:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-to-host-worcestershire-in-three-day-friendly/
Subject to the weather improving, of course!
Brian has tweeted: "Well, that's me done as Bears club journo, ending a 23-year connection with the club as reporter/employee."
I hope that it is an amicable parting because Brian is a great guy, always there in the press box to share a friendly word. I shall miss him.
I thought that alcohol related partnerships were a bit passé but maybe Naked Wines is an ok sponsor:
https://edgbaston.com/news/cheers-warwickshire-and-naked-wines-toast-new-partnership/
Get ready to put some dates in the diary:
https://edgbaston.com/news/2023-fixtures-to-be-released-next-week/
News based on Stuart Cain's letter to members:
Director of Cricket: three potential replacements, each of them with experience in leading high performance cricket teams at domestic or international level. All proven winners.
Bowling coach: close to appointing a replacement with extensive experience at county and national teams.
Overseas player: identified - an international bowler who can play in both the Championship and the Blast. He can also bat.
Blast: discussions are ongoing regarding the addition of batting strength, particularly for the Blast
Let's hope that the actual appointments live up to the hype.
The Club did well at these awards:
https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/2902892/business-of-cricket-awards-showcase-innovation-and-good-practice-amongst-first-class-counties
Club article about Derief Taylor:
https://edgbaston.com/news/black-history-month-lasting-legacy-of-pioneering-former-coach-derief/
I was coached by Derief and was one of his failures! I remember him as a nice guy with some very firm opinions.
His son became Baron Taylor of Warwick but has had a bit of a chequered career, including going to prison for false accounting as part of the parliamentary expenses scandal.
Here's my review of the season for Deep Extra Cover:
https://deepextracover.com/2022/10/warwickshire-ccc-season-review-2022/
I've tried to be as balanced and fair as possible but feel free to tell me where I've gone wrong.
He's won the prestigious Walter Lawrence Trophy for his Blast hundred for the Bears:
https://edgbaston.com/news/paul-stirling-wins-walter-lawrence-trophy-for-fastest-century/
Matt has joined Derbyshire:
https://edgbaston.com/news/warwickshire-batter-matt-lamb-joins-derbyshire/
Just issued today:
https://edgbaston.com/news/new-masterplan-and-levelling-up-fund-bid-to-transform-edgbaston-stadium/
It says: " Building on the success of the Birmingham Bears and Birmingham Phoenix brands, the proposed redevelopment will help to make sport and its associated health and wellbeing benefits more visible and connected to the local community." No mention of Warwickshire there; and I'm not sure how the Phoenix Brand that promotes Butterkist sweet popcorn fits in with health and wellbeing. Even so, it's an interesting and ambitious project.
Well, here's a bizarre story but with a happy ending:
https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/ex-england-cricket-stars-son-and-family-rescued-from-atlantic-after-whale-attack/
Paul Farbrace's job being advertised, though I thought he was called Director of Sport, a title I never quite understood.
https://edgbaston.com/news/vacancy-director-of-cricket/
It sets the expectations pretty high - I'm surprised that there is no mention of walking on water or being able to achieve wonders with loaves and fishes.
The unsung heroes of Warwickshire's season are the groundstaff under Gary Barwell so it's good to see them getting some credit here:
https://edgbaston.com/news/gary-barwell-talks-longest-and-hardest-season-for-grounds-team/
A summary of the complicated situation going into the final qualifying match:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/62627301