I have had a week off, away from computers, the web and cricket. I have spent the week in the sleepy Norfolk village of Winterton on Sea. Vez, Simon and myself have had a swim in the sea every day and I have got sunburn, so we have been lucky with the weather. We have also seen seals just a few feet away from us in the sea every day. The village has one good pub The Fishermans Return that sells some great beers and ciders, including Woodfordes Wherry one of my favourites. There is also a top Fish and Chip shop that cooks fish to order fresh every day, nothing sits in the warmers for hours.
Archives for August 2008
End of an era
I watched I’boro U17’s play Rushden tonight. It was a bit grey and wet, but The Boro won. However, the most important fact about tonight’s game was that it was Simon, Ashley, Toby and Ben’s last game as youth cricketers together.
They have played cricket together since the age of 9 and it was a bit sad to think that it was the last time that they will represent I’boro as juniors. However, they are all now playing senior cricket which is why we run youth teams. I was glad that I was able to watch the game with Doggs and have a couple of pints as we have been through 8 years of ups and downs with the lads.
Olympics are great, but no room for cricket
I am loving the Olympics, especially as GB are doing well. I am now a keen cyclist and will be sailing this weekend.
There is a campaign for Twenty2o cricket at the Olympics in 2020. Although I love cricket I don’t want it at the Olympics. I now can give a logical reason thanks to Steve Backley who said that no sport should be included unless the Olympics is the pinnacle for that sport. So out goes Tennis, Football, Basketball etc.
Twenty20 cricket is not the pinnacle of cricket so it shouldn’t be there.
Sky show their true colours
It’s Sunday 17th of August and this year it marks the end of the cricket season as far as Sky are concerned, there were 3 Pro 40 Games today and none were covered. That is because Sky only sees cricket as a fill in until the football season starts again. Cricket AM gives way to Soccer AM (both of which are now crap), off goes Cricket Writers on TV. OK there are still to ODI’s vs S. Africa, but the emphasis will shift to football just like it does in the papers. There will be a few day nighters, but the promotion will all be about football.
The Boro are now deep in the relegation doo-doo. Who cares! The league doesn’t lie and I feel we need to find our own level. I think that the threat of going down can induce bad decisions and desparate signings. We have been guilty of that this year.
I think that we would benefit from a spell in Div 1, and using the time to develop some younger players. Me personally, I think that the Premier Division is a bit of a joke, other than a handful of sides. ON’s are a shining light in that they have built from within, Finedon have benefited from the magnetism of Andy Roberts and an ability to attract some gifted youngsters from other clubs. Peterborough is a city and the team should be strong. The Academy is a strange case, many people feel they should pull out, I don’t, the players will probably all end up at Finedon or being paid to play for the Chelsea of the NCL Premier Division. I will expand on this subject in the coming weeks.
Old Dog New Tricks
Spent today at a Training Course, Advanced Pay Per Click Management. Very interesting, it shows that you never stop learning. Course was run by Ann Stanley, I have been to her courses before and they are all very good.
As I had been out of the office all day, I stayed late at work, then went to the cricket club to help pick the teams for this weekend. The day ended at Tesco, as it is males only at home this week we had run out of food, so we had to stock up with Strongbow, DVD’s, Ice Cream (Ben & Jerry’s), Waffles, Peanut Butter and Bread – all of life’s essentials.
Where’s the summer gone
It’s Saturday and the weather is crap. Ange, Vez and Elvis visiting the in laws and I was supposed to be playing cricket. Having sat watching it rain for 3 hours we called it a day and called the cricket off. We were playing Stony Stratford captained by Dion Ibrahim who are one of the very few teams below us in the league.
Highlights of the day so far are watching my first Olympic events, it’s only during the Olympics that you get to see Air Rifle Shooting, Judo, Ladies Weightlifting and the World’s greatest spectator sport – Ladies Beach Volleyball.
Good end to the day though, eating a big pig at the cricket club Hog Roast.
Important Stuff – best cakes for cricket teas
Just been shopping for the tea for tomorrows cricket match. The Boro vs Nonington. This made me think about which cake is top of the league for cricket teas, the one that makes you ensure that you are at the front of the queue. My suggestions are the following:
- Battenburg Cake
- Millionaires Shortbread
- Scones with Jam and Cream
- Verity’s Cookies
- Homemade Victoria Sponge
I would appreciate some feedback on this important subject via the comments facility.
Monday and England have a new captain
After a good night on Friday, Saturday went down hill. Well at least cricket wise. The mighty ‘Boro lost to Wollaston. They fought hard to win, with some pretty ugly batting, but hey, in the words of Al Davies “Just win, baby!”.
The day will also be remembered for the resignation of Snowy as captain of ‘Boro, he is now waiting for an apology from Trotty, which is due around the same time as the next ice age.
Sunday saw the boro u11’s win again to complete the perfect season – 10 and o, we’re going to the Superbowl baby! (Al Davis again).
I then witnessed an epic encounter between Harold and Sharnbrook, which contained everything that is ‘village’ about cricket. Cheering misfields and chinese cuts. Playing in the rain, abusing umpires and then having a pint afterwards, just prior to going out on the moors to sacrifice a sheep and dance round in the nude. Great entertainment, Si (no1 son) got the final wicket to win the game, and proceeded to challenge the entire crowd to a gurning competition.
Today, KP was announced as the new England skipper, that should be interesting – the ego has landed. Will he give himself and bollocking for trying to bring his 100 up with a six. However, this news was overshadowed by Snowy’s resignation, watch this space for more news.
Horse Racing and The Feeling
If you want a good night out, try summer racing at Newmarket. Ange, Vez Si and me went with Mark, Lo, Gemma and Danny last Fri. We had a picnic in the car park (tailgating as they say in the states). Watched 6 exciting flat races and lost a bit of money. Then the highlight of the night was The Feeling in concert. I know they (or some of them) have a rep for dancing up the other end of the ballroom, but even my son Si (emo/metal fan) thought they were great, as did the thousands of people who saw them. We will def go again.