Inside-edge wrote:

First silverware of the season.

A great team performance. OHD, pick of the bowlers with 3 for 24, with Gilchrist (2), Taz (2, taken quite cheaply), Wylie & Simmons (1 apiece), backing him up.

It has been a great season (so far) for the 2nds - this title (after losing only one game in 10, in qualifying) and well top of their Championship group at the moment.

Hamza's Captaincy has also been notable - and he has dramatically picked up his batting form recently (with a great 55 in this match). Individual 2nd team performances promise much for the 1st team MBC 50 over competition, when many will get the chance to move to the level up.

180 for 6 in our 20 overs. Shaikh (55) and Jani (39), were top scorers, but valuable 20's from Garton (28) & Wylie (27).

Garton's changed role as a specialist batsmen (he hasn't bowled in any of his 2nd team matches this season), will be interesting to follow.

Inside-edge wrote:

Final v Notts

4:30pm start.

Notts won the toss and put us in.

The_Lickey_Banker wrote:

Inside-edge wrote:

By the barest of margins!

Yep, Northants needed 3 runs off the last ball (and were 8 down). They only got 1, Keogh was run out on the second, a decent throw by Jani, well collected by Davies and the bails whipped off - just! Any overthrows and they could have won.

Jani (40 off 19 balls, opening) & Davies (35!), with the bat and Gilchrist, with the ball (4 overs, 3 for 17) were the difference.

Notts v Sussex is the second Semi Final (1.45, start)

Inside-edge wrote:

By the barest of margins!

Yep, Northants needed 3 runs off the last ball (and were 8 down). They only got 1, Keogh was run out on the second, a decent throw by Jani, well collected by Davies and the bails whipped off - just! Any overthrows and they could have won.

We play Northants (again!), in the first Semi Final, tomorrow, 10.30 start.

Jani, opening, Man of the Match, with 83 off 32 balls (including 8 x 6's!).

GerryShedd wrote:

Looks like a good win.

Yep and we topped the group, losing only one match of the 10. So, into the Semi Finals at Wormsley CC on 7 July (to be followed by the Final, there in the late afternoon). Its a beautiful venue and hopefully, a great day out.

The_Lickey_Banker wrote:

We won the toss and decided to bat, Davies was opening - out for 4! Obviously he can't even get a break for the 2nds!

Team:-
Jani
Davies (Keeper)
Sheikh (Captain)
Mo Khan
Garton (just batting I think)
Wylie
Taz Ali
Gilchrist
Simmons
Miller
OHD

We won the toss and decided to bat, Davies was opening - out for 4! Obviously he can't even get a break for the 2nds!

paulbear wrote:

If Simmonds goes on not getting games, he might get frustrated and wonder why he's not getting a chance, even looking elsewhere maybe. It would appear with all our injuries and bowlers of similarity, why not give him a chance and see, he's got youth on his side and good pace, time to let him loose.

I think Management believe Simmons hasn't done enough (or had enough injury free time), to justify more 1st team opportunities. And I have to say, I agree. I've seen Che a lot in 2nd games and he really hasn't shone - a few notable bowling performances, but, while quick, he has always been expensive and a bit wayward. He is also a decent fielder & batsman (with some big hitting in white ball games) and has always had a great attitude (and is a really likeable guy), but in nearly 5 years, his bowling doesn't inspire belief that he has a future with us.

I think it would be fairer on him, to release him now and see if another County takes him on. He does have some ability and I think new opportunities elsewhere, might kick start a career that has gone backwards at Edgbaston.

Andy wrote:

No way Kai can open surely? Like I said earlier in the thread the likes of Hamza should knocking on the door asking for a go. Do we accept Davies keeping and batting 6/7? Or have Kai Smith's below average keeping? We're a bit stuck here.

Hamza will never be an opening batsman (and although he has had two good scores for the 2nds this season, going in at 3 or 4, there's still some doubt about his form atm). Kai has opened for the 2nds and done OK and has a decent average for both teams this season, I think he would be worth a go (coming in for Malik).
I agree Davies has to stay as Keeper, batting at 6.

KingofSpain wrote:

Hamza got a big score at last so hopefully he is hitting form and will get a chance in the firsts.

Yes, at last Hamza got a good score (only his second of the season) - and very timeworthy for 1st team consideration.
Nahal also did well - he looks very promising.

Andy wrote:

They might be trying to bring Farhan Ahmed through. I'd still be surprised if he come though.

And they did sign an Overseas spinner, Linde, but I think he's mainly white ball.
I agree I'd be surprised about P-W, but it would be a great signing.

Jake opening the batting for Kent 2nds today! Another top batsman / all rounder / spinner we've let go!

The_Lickey_Banker wrote:

Bald_Reynard wrote:

GerryShedd wrote:

Preview here:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-v-notts-outlaws-at-trent-bridge-preview/
14 man squad, Dan Mousley and Richard Gleeson coming in, and Hamza Shaikh missing out.

Can't believe Mousley has been released by England for our two games this weekend, the first 2 Lions ODI's (isn't he Captain?!) are on the same time!

Yes, I thought he was continuing as Lions Captain for the ODI's - perhaps, after his performances against South Africa in the T20's, he's been dropped altogether!

He's not in the Lion's team today, so either been left out for the first 2 ODI's (and might play in the 3rd game), or dropped for all three!

Bald_Reynard wrote:

GerryShedd wrote:

Preview here:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-v-notts-outlaws-at-trent-bridge-preview/
14 man squad, Dan Mousley and Richard Gleeson coming in, and Hamza Shaikh missing out.

Can't believe Mousley has been released by England for our two games this weekend, the first 2 Lions ODI's (isn't he Captain?!) are on the same time!

Yes, I thought he was continuing as Lions Captain for the ODI's - perhaps, after his performances against South Africa in the T20's, he's been dropped altogether!

KingofSpain wrote:

From June 1st players out of contract this year can speak to other counties. Someone on twitter has put together a list of all the counties and the players who would be available. It may be an opportunity to add to our ranks.
There are some talented players who we should be looking at recruiting: Ben McKinney, Charlie Allison, Jordan Cox, Tom Banton are some of the batting names. Josh Bohannon would bolster any middle order. We should be interested in spinners such as Tom Hartley, Liam Patterson-White or Zafar Gohar, and replacing some of our ageing attack with young potential like Josh Hull, Mitch Stanley, Henry Crocombe or James Minto, who would surely benefit from working with Pop Welch.

In terms of the Bears staff, Rob Yates is the key player coming towards the end of his contract, and decisions will need to be made on Zen Malik, Hamza Sheikh, Che Simmons and Theo Wylie. Barker only signed for this season. Garton will be off the books too, I expect he will return to Sussex.

Lots for the management to consider.

For me, Tom Banton ('coming hom'ish' - I seem remember he had a few matches with the 2nds, before going to the Pears?), would be a no brainer and Bohannon would also be a good shout, but both of them will be attractive to other Counties. We really need a new batter or two.

And a new spinner is a necessity - any one of Gohar, Patterson-White or Hartley. If we go for a(nother!) new seamer, he has to be a left armer. We tried Trodd a few times in the 2nds and he did well, but looks to be either staying with Hampshire or going elsewhere (he has turned out for Derby 2nds, without great success) - of the names on your list, KoS, Hull or Minto come into that category - Josh Hull would be my choice, but there will be a few Counties circling him, Minto would be a decent shout.

As for our guys, yes, difficult decisions on Shaikh, Simmons & Wylie. Shaikh has never done it for the 1sts (and having a very average season as 2nds Captain), Wylie seems to have gone astray (and now turning out regularly at weekends, for Shropshire) and Simmons is always injured. Malik & Yates must get extensions. Garton will definitely be off. Barker?

Kai Smith, 68 from 35 balls, opening today. I really hope Westwood takes notice and gives him a chance up the order on Friday, either opening, or 3/4.