Durham Match Thread 2018

[Durhamfootman]

I see Stonemercenary got 4 ball blob today

that's a shame

[Durhamfootman]

last over of the day

hang on to your hats

[captaincolly]

last over of the day

hang on to your hats

No alarms thankfully. 220-4.

[Durhamfootman]

made it

[sussexpob]

Looks like you might have this game...

[Durhamfootman]

Looks like you might have this game...

I wouldn't bank on it

I'd rate our chances 40:60...... there's a reason why we are right near the bottom of the pile

mind you, before the game I rated our chances 10:90

[Durhamfootman]

Was there not some excuse years ago about the River having some sort of negative impact on the pitches that was impossible to negate? The funny thing is Vic Demain won an award last November -groundsman of the year!
https://www.durhamccc.co.uk/news-and-me ... emain-man/

I have to say I struggle to buy all that

Not that many years ago, I remember sitting in the ground with Southwood discussing why, with what was a much better attack then than it is today, we were continually conceding 300 run partnerships in the first innings. Now this was after the drainage was put in and when FTECB banned the use of the heavy roller between innings. I think we came to the conclusion that we were preparing rock hard pitches to make sure we weren't being penalised for the pitch breaking up too quickly..... the river was still there, so this idea that the river affects the pitch and there's nothing we can do about it doesn't wash with me

just sounds like more JJB bollox

[captaincolly]

According to Lewis the issue in this game was Sussex seeing us make batting look impossible on day one so they overcompensated in their innings and it backfired.
Then we managed to wipe the slate clean and take a more measured approach in the second inning starting with the openers setting the tone.
I didn't see the Sussex first innings but his explanation sounds plausible and might explain why they got rolled over despite the blue skies.
I've still got no idea what sort of total will challenge them. The ball was still moving around this afternoon. Lees looked in prime form before the umpire struck and Steel was excellent but there was still a fair bit of encouragement throughout for the bowlers.

Highlight of the innings was obviously Steel getting the hundred but the comical drop when the slip fielder fell over and missed what looked like a certain catch on 95 was second followed by Alex Lees' fury at being given out last ball before tea. If looks could kill the umpire would have perished on the spot. Just to add to the comedy the PA announcer said he was out lbw before quickly issuing a correction to say he was caught.

[Durhamfootman]

According to Lewis the issue in this game was Sussex seeing us make batting look impossible on day one so they overcompensated in their innings and it backfired.

oh dear... is that the best he could come up with

[captaincolly]

According to Lewis the issue in this game was Sussex seeing us make batting look impossible on day one so they overcompensated in their innings and it backfired.

oh dear... is that the best he could come up with

I might have paraphrased a bit but that was the impression I got! His explanation was that he thought they decided an ultra-positive approach was required so they played too many shots and got out to good bowling.
Problem might be now they've watched us in the second innings they won't be terrified about the pitch ...and there are still 2 days left.
It'll certainly be interesting tomorrow.

[captaincolly]

Cricinfo report makes the same argument as Lewis! Naive batting against good bowling.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/ ... tion-hopes

[westoelad]

Was there not some excuse years ago about the River having some sort of negative impact on the pitches that was impossible to negate? The funny thing is Vic Demain won an award last November -groundsman of the year!
https://www.durhamccc.co.uk/news-and-me ... emain-man/

I have to say I struggle to buy all that


Not that many years ago, I remember sitting in the ground with Southwood discussing why, with what was a much better attack then than it is today, we were continually conceding 300 run partnerships in the first innings. Now this was after the drainage was put in and when FTECB banned the use of the heavy roller between innings. I think we came to the conclusion that we were preparing rock hard pitches to make sure we weren't being penalised for the pitch breaking up too quickly..... the river was still there, so this idea that the river affects the pitch and there's nothing we can do about it doesn't wash with me

just sounds like more JJB bollox

Talking to Cook years back(pre drainage system) and he said that the water table is high below ground and so after heavy rain moisture is very near to the surface. The situ of the ground also makes swing excessive whenever there's any cloud cover.Not a lot a groundsman can do about that.The batsmen aren't entirely blameless though. Several times this season Clark and Richardson in particular have give their wickets away when looking comfortable chasing wide deiveries.
Thanks for the forum feedback captain- I'm astonished they're negotiating a new contract with Colly unless it's a coaching role.

[captaincolly]

Was there not some excuse years ago about the River having some sort of negative impact on the pitches that was impossible to negate? The funny thing is Vic Demain won an award last November -groundsman of the year!
https://www.durhamccc.co.uk/news-and-me ... emain-man/

I have to say I struggle to buy all that


Not that many years ago, I remember sitting in the ground with Southwood discussing why, with what was a much better attack then than it is today, we were continually conceding 300 run partnerships in the first innings. Now this was after the drainage was put in and when FTECB banned the use of the heavy roller between innings. I think we came to the conclusion that we were preparing rock hard pitches to make sure we weren't being penalised for the pitch breaking up too quickly..... the river was still there, so this idea that the river affects the pitch and there's nothing we can do about it doesn't wash with me

just sounds like more JJB bollox

Talking to Cook years back(pre drainage system) and he said that the water table is high below ground and so after heavy rain moisture is very near to the surface. The situ of the ground also makes swing excessive whenever there's any cloud cover.Not a lot a groundsman can do about that.The batsmen aren't entirely blameless though. Several times this season Clark and Richardson in particular have give their wickets away when looking comfortable chasing wide deiveries.
Thanks for the forum feedback captain- I'm astonished they're negotiating a new contract with Colly unless it's a coaching role.

I may have given the wrong impression with my wording! I think Lewis meant the ongoing discussions are about if Colly will continue to play.

[westoelad]

He's got to be joking - danger of Colly becoming a parasite. Wonder what Mike Hussey is doing?

[sussexpob]

He's got to be joking - danger of Colly becoming a parasite. Wonder what Mike Hussey is doing?

I guess top players always believe they have one more in them, its in their nature. I wouldnt generally fault a determined aged pro for wanting to play on, as long as they are contributing to the club still. If its clear they are just doing it for the money, and arent actually trying, its different..... but is Colly like that? Id be surprised if so, he always struck me as a decent guy, and one who seems to care about Durham a lot.