BristolBear wrote:

How, even in the brutal environment of professional sport, can any club can offer more loyalty and support to someone like Davies who’s been there for 5 seconds, looked like he couldn’t care less half the time, and played poorly, than to someone like Matt Lamb? A player who’s been at the club since he was 10 or 11, plays with passion for the club every match, and performed well. It’s just bewildering.
It’s the sort of decision making you see in failed businesses all the time. People too arrogant, stubborn or deluded to admit a mistake, so they double down on their error by backing it further. And by the time it’s so obvious even they can’t deny they’ve made a mistake, it’s too late.
I’m just hoping it’s not too late, but I look at the loss of Stone, Hose, Sibley, Lamb, Sidebottom, potentially Burgess. And I see the players who are lined up to take their places and be big parts of the side; likes of Davies, Yates, Bethell, Mousley, Benjamin, Johal, Ethan Brookes, and at this moment I can’t see an improvement. The likes of Yates and Davies need a complete turn around in form. And the younger players need to come of age and start delivering more than just potential.

Completely agree with all you've said BB. The whole situation regarding contracts, selection policy and Coaching appointments has been a total shambles this season. I guess Farbrace must take most of the blame as DoC, but I'm sure Robinson must also be responsible for many of the decisions.

Farbrace going and the possibility of a new Director starting afresh on all those matters might be a help, but I'm not holding my breath, as I'm sure all the previous decisions on contracts (for players and Coaches) will still be in place and Robinson will still be there, to make sure his ridiculous team selections continue.

BristolBear wrote:

Not sure I’ll ever see figures like that from a Bears bowler again.
I’m ecstatic and terrified in equal measure. So relieved we escaped.
But I’m hoping they don’t just gloss over this season, put it down to injuries and move on. They’re celebrating right now. But I hope they realise this isn’t an achievement.
There’s been some awful decisions and performances this year, and if they just carry on the same next year, it’ll go the same way again, except I think you only get one miracle like that in a lifetime.

Completely agree with you BB, it was an amazing result and one of the best bowling performances in recent history (LN deserves every plaudit), but I sincerely hope Management don’t hold this up as a triumph for their selections (in this and other games). We got out of jail, by the skin of our teeth and without that one man, we'd be well and truly bu**ered.

The powers that be MUST learn from the huge mistakes they've made. They must listen to Members and hold their hands up for major changes to Coaching structure, selection policy, contract negotiations and Captaincy choice. Only then will Norwell's efforts be properly rewarded.

Bald_Reynard wrote:

Mikkyk wrote:

I'd bring in Lamb for Bethell and Burgess for Yates.

As poor as Davies has been the rest of the season, he has to stay in the side for his knock in the second innings.

Assuming Siraj won't be available again, I would bring Johal in on the basis Sidebottom and Garrett are both out of contract, and neither should be renewed imo, so may as well give the lad who will be here next year a game.

I agree with much of that Mikkyk. Davies probably needs to be kept in as a batter. Lamb and Burgess SHOULD be back for Yates and Bethell, but I'm not holding my breath.

But I don't think Johal deserves a place, he's had a poor season for the 2nds. I'd probably stick with Sidebottom (not least because it almost certainly be Ryan's last game for us, but he's never really let us down and given the lack of chances he's had recently, I think he deserves a fond farewell).

And I wonder if Lintott might be given a red ball run out, in place of Briggs. JL has been Captaining in the 2nds Championship recently (and getting a lot of wickets, cheaply), so Management must feel he can do the 'proper stuff' - and Briggs has hardly done much with the ball this season.

I'd stay with Sidebottom for Hampshire. In his last game for the 2nd's, a couple of weeks ago, he took 6 for 28, off 8 overs. In fact, it was his only game for the Seconds, as he was playing for Derbyshire (1st's) in the first half of the season and then got injured. I think he deserves one last chance for us - I'm sure he will be leaving soon - he has never really let us down and on occasion, has been devastating. I remember his 6 for 35 (and 10 for 96 overall) in the match against Northants in 2018.

Johal has had a terrible season for the 2nd's - bowled in 13 innings and taken just 13 wickets, at an average of 60 ! If we hadn't given him a 3 year contract recently (one of the many crazy Management decisions this year !), he would surely have been on his way now.

If he does go to Durham, it will be because he wants to do a 'Pollock' and prove he can perform in the red ball game. Pollock has done OK (no more than that, so far) at New Road this season, he never got any chance at Edgbaston. The same with Hose. I don't blame them.

BristolBear wrote:

Who do we think actually plays? I can’t see OHD playing more than a couple. Doubt Norwell plays at all.
I suspect Maddy has been signed so Burgess can rest and won’t play every game. Expect Rhodes and Sibley will be given time off too.

Hope to see plenty of Johal, Simmons, Garrett, Brookes and maybe a chance for Khan too. It’d a shame Bethell is just going to be carrying drinks in the hundred rather than getting actual white ball match experience.

Ethan as well as Henry. The most interesting for me, is Lamb - will he do enough to get a contract renewal. I hope so.

Andy wrote:

Looks bad on Brookes, Johal, Garrett and Miles when they're all fit and available but we've had to get someone in on loan.

See my post on Page 2 of this thread. Brookes, Johal and Garrett all been bu**ered up by the Coaching regime they encounter beyond Academy level (IMO !). And don't get me started on the paucity of 1st team Batting Coaching !

Andy wrote:

Interesting, thanks for that.

Do you not think Warwickshire with its large Midlands catchment area should have more academy players in its squad and playing XI's? For a long time now we seem to have been a county that relies on looking outside and signing from other counties as opposed to promoting from within.

We consistently seem have the least amount of homegrown talent of all the counties.

I agree Andy. We do seem to lack the ability to bring local talent through into the 1st XI. I see a lot of 2nd's cricket and we blood loads of promising Academy players - but they just seem to lose their way as soon as they get near adult grade cricket. I put it down to the lack of good Coaching they get at that level. The Academy Coaches seem really on the ball and get the best out of the youngsters. As soon as they get 1st Team Coaching, they drift off. Look at the demise of Henry Brookes, George Garrett or Manraj Johal, particularly since Pop Welch departed. And how many batsmen have we lost recently - even Andy Umeed has got a second chance at Somerset.

I agree, one of our problems is lack of private schooling in the County, but a bigger issue is our rubbish Coaching set up. Frostie is long past his 'sell by date' and Matt Mason clearly can't replace Welch.

Andy wrote:

If we are indeed releasing Matt Lamb in order to create space for the likes of Mousley and Benjamin then its total madness.

Dan and Chris may well turn out to be the guys but right now they not quite ready for regular spots in the 4 day side.

I agree with you about Chris B, Andy, but I do think Dan deserved a place - he has got a great batting record for the 2nds this season and his bowling is useful. But I do think Benjamin didn't deserve any more chances - at No 3 or No 6. Matt Lamb has been treated disgracefully. There's no way Benjamin should be in, in front if him.

And as for the number of opportunities Davies as been given.........!

GerryShedd wrote:

A good win against (to be honest) a fairly nondescript Notts team. Maybe best news - at last some runs for Rob Yates, 89 not out.

And Norwell & Stone played a full 4 days. Decent runs for Lamb (I hope enough to get a new contract offer) and wickets for Lintott (enough for him to be given another CC chance).

Solbear wrote:

Some astute comments and observations. This year has been very disappointing on many levels - the mindset seems to be so negative in the four day game, with draws seen as successes, perhaps a reflection of a collective lack of confidence. The coach, as others have said, is conspicuously absent and quiet, unlike last year, and again as others have said, our bowling is shocking. Craig Miles averages nearly 75, Danny Briggs looks a shadow of what he did last year and Henry Brookes seems to be going backwards at alarming speed. Why and how has this happened, so soon after winning the Championship? All very sad and disappointing to see. You can only hope that things turn around quickly, that we stave off relegation and that if we can attract a top drawer OSP (for a change!) and with the arrival of a couple of new faces from our rivals down the M5, things will look a lot better next year.

Agree with all that Sol. And you are the first to have uttered the 'R' word. I think relegation is unlikely, but possible. Even if we manage to avoid it, the Management have a lot of questions to answer. It has been a chaotic season, all the priorities seem to be wrong and this seemingly 'hands off' approach by Farbrace and Robinson hasn't helped. We never hear anything about the input of Trott, Mason, Frost and Westwood - do they even work for us anymore?! It really is a shambles!

paulbear wrote:

Just looked at the scorecard, Woakes 67 from 97 balls. Also saw the name Maddy and thought "Surely not, he's still playing and involved with the 2nds", but it was the 2nd XI keeper.

Darren Maddy's son, George !

Yep, CW got 67, Dan Mousley, 125 (opening again - why he's not playing for the 1st's against Northants, I've no idea) and (Captain) Jake Lintott, 52 (again, surely, if Briggs was out, he should have been in at Northampton, as front line spinner ?).

I'd put money on the fact that Mousley will come in for Stirling - as opener - given his 198 a couple of days ago (admittedly in a red ball game).

A convincing win - by 177 runs.

In our 2nd innings, we made 454 for 5 dec. A massive 198 from Dan Mousley (Captain in this game) and 174 from Ethan Brookes. They put on 325 for the 2nd wicket. We bowled Lancs out for 216. 3 wickets for Simmons, 2 for Johal, 1 for Booth - but 4 wickets for the Captain's spin (for 42, off 18 overs).

With those performances in mind, if the Firsts had a CC game, I'm sure there is no doubt, Dan would be in for Rob Yates (for his back up bowling, as well as his batting - and he was opening in the Lancs game). And if Davies hadn't got his ton, I reckon Ethan Brookes could be pressing for his place. I would imagine, there is also a fair chance that Dan M might come in for Jacob Bethell in the T20 tomorrow ?

Just got back from Barnt Green CC, watching Worcester Seconds take on Leicester. Vikai Kelley of course plays for Leics now. He never did anything with the bat for us - but he got 101 today !

The_Lickey_Banker wrote:

mad wrote:

Very intersting line up today

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m8b923f7b-4f9f-4806-8feb-30e183c48e09

Dan Mousley off to a flier

Isaac Mohammed who is 13 and highly regarded relative of Moeen I've not seen him yet but a couple of the lads at Moseley a few weeks back were raving about him. Moeen actually spoke a bit about him with Aggers on TMS during tea at the test yesterday. Also Kobi Herft who when I spoke to a couple of Lichfield players on Saturday they reckon he's different class. 18 year old Aussie kid playing for West Bromwich Dartmouth

No Woakes yet though he was on about playing some 2nds cricket soonish

A couple of other newbies are on trial in this match. 21 year old Finlay Bean is opening, he's an England Under 19 wicketkeeper, who turned down an academy contract with Yorkshire in 2020, despite a fairly succcessful record in their 2nd XI. And 23 year old David Scott, an all rounder, who has played for MCC Young Cricketers and Oxford University MCCU.

Finlay Bean made just 6, but David Scott hit a decent 71 off 89 balls. Kobe Herft made 59, putting on a 100 stand with Michael Booth.

Dan Mousley got 47 (off just 37 balls - obviously trying to push for a place in the First team) and Ethan B, 92, continuing his great form with the bat this season.

mad wrote:

Very intersting line up today

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m8b923f7b-4f9f-4806-8feb-30e183c48e09

Dan Mousley off to a flier

Isaac Mohammed who is 13 and highly regarded relative of Moeen I've not seen him yet but a couple of the lads at Moseley a few weeks back were raving about him. Moeen actually spoke a bit about him with Aggers on TMS during tea at the test yesterday. Also Kobi Herft who when I spoke to a couple of Lichfield players on Saturday they reckon he's different class. 18 year old Aussie kid playing for West Bromwich Dartmouth

No Woakes yet though he was on about playing some 2nds cricket soonish

A couple of other newbies are on trial in this match. 21 year old Finlay Bean is opening, he's an England Under 19 wicketkeeper, who turned down an academy contract with Yorkshire in 2020, despite a fairly succcessful record in their 2nd XI. And 23 year old David Scott, an all rounder, who has played for MCC Young Cricketers and Oxford University MCCU.

Bald_Reynard wrote:

Olly is back from injury (for now !). Played 2 matches for the Seconds in their T20 Championship. Gloucestershire on Wednesday (4 overs, 1 for 23) and Somerset today. They're obviously taking care of him at the moment - he didn't play in the Glamorgan game yesterday !

Olly bowled his full 4 overs and took 1 for 13 against Somerset today. Let's hope he stays injury free, the First team need him in the T20 this month (none of our seamers are 'pulling up many daisies' at the moment) and he is also a decent limited overs batsman.

white-lightning wrote:

Can Burgess play in the T20?
I think we're somewhat hampered without Hain (batting) and, of course, Woakes (bowling & Batting) Stone and Norwell (bowling). Even Dan Mousley is another good batting choice, unfortunately still out.
That is a lot of serious quality missing.

Dan Mousley is back and playing. He turned out in two 2nds T20's this week. Opened and got a very good (and quick) 81 in the game against Gloucester. Went in at 5 against Glamorgan and got 11.

PS Unfortunately, we did lose both those, so look to be out of the 2nds T20 top two - a shame as we were unbeaten in the early matches (though then had our current first choice T20 team playing).

A great win, when it looked like we were never going to get near. Mainly down to Ethan Brookes' batting - again (34 NO off 31 balls, going in at 5) - sticking when all around him were losing their heads and seeing us home with 8 balls left ! He has a big future with the bat (and offers useful seam bowling as well) - perhaps a successor to our Captain ?

Bowling highlights - Simmons 2 for 19 off 4 and Johal 1 for 22 off 3. The other wicket taker, Rhodes, was caned a bit (4-0-42-2), as was George Garrett (2-0-30-0). Matt Lamb opened the bowling with his (new) leg spin and kept the runs down reasonably well (3 overs for 22), OHD being the other opener (4 overs for 22). It looks like managament will continue on opening with one spinner in T20 this year.

Batting highlights - Other than EB, indisputably, Matt Lamb (opening) with 50 off 24 balls, but also Manraj (17), who held his nerve with Brookes, to mainly see us home. Yates (18) and the Captain (24) hung around a bit, but the rest (including Dan Mousley) didn't offer much.

Todays team and yesterday afternoons, were clearly run outs for red ball and 50 over match players. The first choice T20 team will almost certainly be yesterday morning 2nd's T20 group - Stirling, Bethell, Davies (to start with at least - with Burgess waiting in the wings), Hain, Hose, Benjamin, Brathwaite, Henry Brookes, Lintott, Briggs & Miles (with Olly Stone or Woakesy coming back when ready).

Well, even our CC team can do it, batting in white ball. Yates, 102 off 42 balls, Sibley, 33 off 16 and Davies 18 NO off 7 (Rhodes, 9 off, 3).

The bowling figures are pretty good as well - Johal 2 for 28 off 3, Rhodes 2 for 28 off 4, Mousley 1 for 19 off 3. Simmons 1 for 33 off 3 and Garrett 1 for 24 off 3, were the other wicket takers.