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- Yes Outlaws reached the Quarter Final stage, big deal they ought to and after all is said and done, even Derbyshire, yes little Derbyshire Falcons with their rag-tag composite of second tier Overseas players, Kolpaks and county cast-offs havereached that stage this year, the North Group is that weak this year.
- Yes Outlaws grabbed a home tie for the Q/F, but only by virtue of Worcestershire's failings.
- But did we get a bum draw, on a Thursday, a work/school night?
OK, Thursday isn't as bad as Wednesday that North Group winners Lightning have to endure, not only a rubbish night but also they have to play it exile; 143 miles away for a home game. How many will be able to take "advantage" of the free tickets and the free coach travel for the game at Chester le Street? A better solution should have been found for the Lanky supporters and that should have been the Saturday fixture if it is to be played so far from all supporters:
Lancashire Lightning v Essex Eagles
Essex won by 6 wickets as Lancashire in front of a sparse crowd, firstly don't score enough runs and then fail to defend it.
Essex won by 6 wickets as Lancashire in front of a sparse crowd, firstly don't score enough runs and then fail to defend it.
Notts Outlaws v Middlesex is the Thursday game starting at 19:00
Tight bowling from Carter and then Hales with surprise inclusion, Nash, take advantage of Middlesex's bout of nerves who bowl poorly and spill easy catches. Notts winning at a 10 wicket canter.
Tight bowling from Carter and then Hales with surprise inclusion, Nash, take advantage of Middlesex's bout of nerves who bowl poorly and spill easy catches. Notts winning at a 10 wicket canter.
The plum day goes to Hove where
Sussex Sharks v Worcestershire Rapids
Moeen Ali beats the home team
Moeen Ali beats the home team
The actual game being played on Saturday is the Cinderella match at Bristol
Gloucestershire v Derbyshire Falcons (Gloucs appear to have slain their Gladiator tag).
Well done Derbyshire, beating another bunch of South Group bottlers
Spot on with your sugestions and analysis as usual Harry. Thurs the third best option. And defo think 3/4 finalists will be South group (Lancs should see to Essex), clearly S group far superior this year. Last night following Short and Steel's (predictable) onslaught we seemed somewhat becalmed. I admit this is THE draw I prayed for as I desperately want to see Morgs and AB live and I had initially thought we had a chance v Middlesex. It was Somerset (ironically not there for once) and Sussex I wanted to avoid. But having seen last night's evidence I fear we could be in for a hammering unless we play to 100% our ability. Guess this will be our final / reward. Tickets bought - can't wait. C'mon Outlaws!
ReplyDeleteApparently it's the first time we have played the Panthers in T20. I can't remember seeing AB de Villiers live either. Think we should just play with freedom as it's a complete bonus we've got a home semi after last nights debacle. Have it on decent authority the Raptors didn't want to play last Wednesday(not that there was any likelihood) which I find staggering as a point a piece put us in the box seats. Perhaps they didn't want to play away from New Rd, but, as I understand they cannot get planning permission for floodlights so potentially they're completely stuffed with this situation. Regarding HBDs comment reg. the Mexican wave, yes, I thought the very same.
DeleteIt's the battle of the BIG cats, the Panthers v The Pumas(long tail starting at no.8)
ReplyDeleteShould floodlights or the lack of, be a bar to staging knock-out matches? Surely the problem lies with Sky and their scheduling. If Worcs had qualified in 2nd spot, they could have played earlier than 7pm or on Saturday afternoon, same goes for Lancashire playing on an outground nearer to home. Sky should be made to go whistle - the tail(sky) is wagging the dog (cricket) to the moment.
ReplyDeleteSKY wags the 'dog' of whatever Sport it encraoches on. I refuse to have SKY on principle - it has an utter monopoly and the Government and general public have allowed it to - a bit like Notts Members letting the Committee and the Executive have their own way!
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