The Colts Thread

[Mister Wright]

Colts Ratings for opening game against Red

S.G. Fitzsimmons:The only disapointment Fitzy should have about his first class debut for the Colts is that he got out in the second innings, but that should in no way diminish from his performance in this match. In the past The Colts have struggled to get anywhere near 330, and it was 'Fitzy's' first innings score of 133 that ensure not only would we get near the score, but go past it and give the Colts a big first innings lead. 9/10

J.B. Malthus: 'Howler' is in the best form of his life and obviously enjoys batting with 'Fitzy' at the top of the order. If these two batsmen can continue to put on big opening partnerships the Colts are in good shape for the season. 8/10

D.P. Towns: Towns would be disapointed with his contribution in this game. In the past his lack of contribution would have resulted in a Colts loss, however not this time. After scoring a double century in the preseason Towns is not down on confidence, and now he's off to the Champions trophy. 2/10

C.R. Butler: Butler looks much better with each innings and he will be disapointed he didn't convert his start of 49 into something more substantial, however he did occupy the crease and helped build partnership which is an important role for a number 4 batsman. 5/10

S. Jasotharan: Yet again 'Jaso' was a man on a mission and with a dominating score on the board when he came into bat showed what he can do when he is allowed freedom. In the first innings his 90 runs came off 84 balls and his 17 off 10 in the 2nd innings ensured the Colts didn't lose too many wickets in the 2nd innings. Fantastic start to the season for 'Jaso'. 9/10

P. Bharat: Bharat almost seems lost when she doesn't come to the crease with the team in trouble. She came to the wicket with 411 on the board and tried to keep the scoring rate going, however was caught on the boundary. She'll be disapointed with her opening performance, but will have many more chances throughout the season. 1/10

M.W. Wilson: Wilson had his best game to date with Colts and was sensational in his firsct class debut. He contributed with lower order runs and chipped in with crucial wickets. 7/10

N.R. Hancock: Like 'Howler's' game improving with an experienced opening partnership, Hancock seems to have grown 10 feet tall with the inclusion of Wilson, they seem to feed off each other. Hancock has been outstanding in the preseason, and that did not change in the season opener. Hancock also contributed lower order runs and chipped in with vital wickets. 6/10

T. V. Weber: Weber has added a few weapons to his spinning armory and when he dismissed Robbins with his new wrong-un in the second innings, you couldn't keep the smile off his face. Weber had 4 wickets for this game and ensured the Colts didn't have too many to chase in the 2nd innings. 7/10

K.S. Wright: Usually an emphatic victory for the Colts means the skipper has taken a bag of wickets. What pleased the captain the most is that he only took one wicket and the side still won very easily. He will be disapointed with his own result, but it wouldn't have stopped him sinking beers at the end of the game, because he would have been estatic with the win. 1/10

G.M. Thomas: With four wickets in the first innings and two in the second, Thomas had a great start to the season. His four wickets in the first innings were crucial in making sure the Colts weren't facing a huge first innings total to chase. Great start to the season for Thomas. 7/10

 

[Simon]

awesome stuff kyle, as you said its a shame i got out in the second dig, but i got the runs when they counted and if i can keep doing that i'll be very happy...

 

[cbuts]

Great work boys, impressive first up display. The standard has been set for the season. Good luck for the upcomming games, ill be keeping a good eye on our results, whilst im away for the Champions trophy

 

[Hoppy1987]

Awesome game, guys. Butler and myself are now called up for the Champs Trophy squad, meaning two other batsmen (of Das, Hopgood, Kerr) should slot in for the 5-day game at CW Green tomorrow.

one of whom would be me! checked the squad!

 

[Hoppy1987]

Next FC side named to face Green on the 27th. As always the side is subject to late changes.

Congratulations to Hopgood & Kerr on their FC debuts.

The first OD side has also been named to face Red on the 28th. Again subject to late changes.

Congratulations to Hopgood, Kerr and Shah on their List A OD debuts.

Good luck to all selected, and also to Towns & Butler on International duty. Do the Colts proud.

cheers buddy

 

[Hoppy1987]

Brilliant way to kick off the season, lads. We gotta push on from here and take control.

Also, good luck to Hopgood, Kerr and Shah on their respective debuts, no doubt that you'll do us proud.

Looking forward to getting stuck into Red on the 28th. Hopefully I can pull out a good performance myself to start the season with.

gonna need to put in a big one but cheers pal!

 

[crickhowell]

Most excellent win boys

 

[Dizzy #4]

What a disappointing loss!

That was a chance to rally brak ahead!

 

[cbuts]

tough loss boys

 

[chooka_nick]

For those who havent seen it:

Cricket Web Colts v Cricket Web Green
CWBCC Stadium

Scorecard
Ball by Ball

One of the great Dev League contests transpired at the CWBCC Stadium in Cricket Web Green's season opener. In front of a packed crowd, CW Green rallied to beat CW Colts by 1 wicket on the morning of the fourth day. The game swung back and forth throughout, as both teams gave their all on a difficult batting surface.

Conditions seemed pleasant enough when Kyle Wright won the toss, and accordingly he chose to take first strike. The decision was mocked by the Green opening bowlers. Xavier Rose and Bryce Cunningham proved a deadly combination, swinging the new ball under clear skies. At the stroke of the hour, Pooja Bharat was bowled by Andy Cameron and the score was a dismal 53-4. For all the good work of the new ball operators, Cameron was the man set apart on the day. He hit his stride and operated with a smooth rhythm, curling the ball sharply into the right handers.

Shan Jasotharan was the only Colts batsman who seemed to have a measure of the pitch. Anything loose was dispatched fiercely to the boundary, and his half-century came up in 33 balls, fittingly with a six off Cunningham. But reaching the milestone only added more urgency to Jasotharan's game. Facing only 26 more balls, he added another 46 runs, striking a total of 7 fours and 4 sixes in 100 from 59 balls. The display was electric, and hailed back to the young man's debut season, not too long ago. Finally he was bowled by Cameron, backing away to the legside, but his 119 was paramount in the Colts getting to 195 all out.

The Colts bowlers looked eager to get in on the tricky pitch. But they were met with resistance in the form of Rob Malone and Nick Scott early on. Both were dislodged by superb deliveries, Malone receiving a sharp bouncer from none other than Nick Hancock. The commentators noted that Hancock looks stronger and fitter this season, and it showed in his bowling. He bowled with sharper pace than usual, and his two wickets - Malone an Garven - were arguably the biggest of the Green bunch. Greg Thomas, however, was the most dangerous bowler on either side, and he took 7 wickets in the match.

Martyn Corrin was a rock in the middle order, but for all his hard work he managed only 37 runs. Down the order it was left up to Paddy Gundry to push CW Green past the meek Colts score. Gundry slogged and swiped effectively, scoring 38 from 33 balls and adding 39 with Cameron for the 9th wicket. Mitchell entered at the fall of Gundry and pushed aimlessly at his first two balls before nicking the third to slip - 201 all out.

Just 6 runs sat between the teams at the halfway stage. The pitch seemed especially keen on keeping the contest alive, as the batsmen were continually made to fight for survival half the time and to score runs all the time. For the most part of his 47, Fitzsimmons gathered all his experience and displayed the manner in which to perform in such conditions. As such it was an anticlimactic dismissal when he was given out for 47, despite a healthy inside edge onto his pad. The task was left to Shan Jasotharan once again. This time he was joined by Mike Wilson, and the two launched into an impressive counterattack. Wilson eventually perished flicking at a Corrin googly, leaving Jasotharan to chase his second hundred of the game with just the tail (and Weber) for company.

Jasotharan's 50 had cost 37 balls on this occasion, then he slowed to a more responsible pace, still smacking two sixes off Rose. He faced up to Cunningham on 99 and was tragically deceived by a slower delivery, trapped lbw on the score. Visibly disappointed, he eventually trudged off the pitch furious with himself. The Colts succumbed for 246, leaving CW Green needing a tricky 241 runs to win.

Both sides entered the final quarter desperate for victory. Wright and Thomas were exceptional in their inital bursts, and they removed Lezama and Scott before rain brought an early tea at 7-2. After the interval, Garven was reprieved by Malthus off the bowling of Thomas, so he and Malone lived to battle for a 64-run partnership for the third wicket. Again Hancock was amidst the action. He struck in his third over to remove Malone, then an over later he had Garven. It was a dramatic turnaround that was consummated further as Wright bowled Dubb-Lynch for 22.

Corrin matched his first innings courage with another purposeful knock. He lost Cunningham along the way, then was caught behind after an 81-ball fight. The score of 148-7 would have soon been 149-8, had Jasotharan held on to a very difficult one-handed chance. Gundry survived and rattled off 3 boundaries in his 17. Attempting another slog over cover, he holed out off the bowling of Hancock, leaving CW Green needing 68 runs with just 2 wickets in hand. But the packed audience at the CWBCC Stadium continued to believe; no one left until stumps, at 187-8. On the fourth morning Rose continued to play one of his finest innings. From 22 overnight, he hit 3 fours and a six to get to 47, then was spectacularly yorked by Hancock.

The allrounder simply would not be kept out of the game, and must have felt certain of victory when Mitchell took guard with 27 still needed. Alas, these glorious uncertainties are so reliable. Mitchell and Cameron approached the target carefully, ticking away the runs and swatting at the loose deliveries. Soon the requirement was under 10 and Wright called upon Wilson and Hancock, his best bowlers of the innings. In one maiden over by the latter, the ball beat Mitchell's bat all 6 times, but survival was all that mattered then. Cameron faced up to Wilson and clipped the ball off his toes, only to fling his arms up in celebration and he charged through for winning runs. The Greens rushed onto the field to embrace their heroes, and the camera pictured Wright standing with arms folded in disbelief.

Cricket Web Colts 1st 195 all out (42.3 overs)
S Jasotharan 119
AA Cameron 5-30, BC Cunningham 2-40

Cricket Web Green 1st 201 all out (62.5 overs)
NG Scott 46, PG Gundry 38, M Corrin 37
GM Thomas 4-58, MW Wilson 2-13

Cricket Web Colts 2nd 246 all out (71.4 overs)
S Jasotharan 99, SG Fitzsimmons 47, MW Wilson 38
BC Cunningham 4-30, AA Cameron 3-72

Cricket Web Green 2nd 242-9 (71.3 overs)
XPA Rose 47, RJ Malone 40, M Corrin 26
NR Hancock 4-50, GM Thomas 3-66

Cricket Web Green won by 1 wicket.
Men of the Match: AA Cameron and S Jasotharan

Bad luck, Colts. Lets get up for the next game!

 

[Dizzy #4]

Any chances of ratings?

 

[Mister Wright]

Any chances of ratings?

Yep, give me 10.

 

[Mister Wright]

3,2,1

I want to add, for this season, a player 1,2,3 vote for each game. If it is clear from the result who should get the 3,2,1 I will open it up for voting from players within the squad.

Sometimes it might be a case of I know who I want for 3 & 2, but want a vote for who gets the 1 vote, other times I might want a vote for all 3.

Our first game, was a tough one, so I'll leave it open for the squad to vote the 3,2,1.

Here are the candidates:

G.M. Thomas
N.R. Hancock
T.V. Weber
M.W. Wilson
S.G. Fitzsimmons
J.B. Malthus
S. Jasotharan

You can vote for yourself...

 

[Mister Wright]

Colts Player ratings for game against Green (April 27)

S. G. Fitzsimmons: 'Fitzy's' 47 in the second innings was crucial in allowing the Colts something to bowl out. Given that the pitch was tricky all game, a score of 47 is a lot better than it actually looks. 'Fitzy' proved he is still in great form. 6/10

J.B. Malthus: The Colts are waiting to see if 'Howler's' performance was a result of the difficult pitch or a case of inconsistency. Only time will tell. 2/10

M.R. Hopgood: 'Hoppy' must have been jumping out of his boots to make his first class debut, but he would have been sobered by coming in at 2/17 on a tricky pitch. Not much to talk about in his first class debut, but he will have many more chances. 2/10

P. Bharat: The stage was set for Bharat, she usually thrives when the Colts are in strife, not on this occasion, after making somewhat of a start in both innings, she fell just as she had done the hard work. She looks lost at the crease at the moment, and will be encouraged to work hard at training, as she is an important member of the Colts squad. 2/10

S. Jasotharan: Get this boy some more spinach! He is on fire. A fantastic display in both innnings from 'Jaso', and although he dropped a very difficult catch, his keeping was excellent. Certainly in the form of his life and made everyone else look like amatuers on the tricky pitch. The Colts will be hoping his form continues. 10/10

W.A. Kerr: Much like 'Hoppy' the 'WAK' had a difficult time on debut. He will be eager as anyone to get out on the pitch again and erase the memories of his golden duck in the second innings. Both 'Hoppy' and 'WAK' now realise that this is a much bigger stage than the U/19s. 1/10

M.W. Wilson: Wilson caught the 'Jaso' disease in the second innings with an excellent couter-attacking batting display with 38 off 38 balls. His bowling in the first innings was excellent and bowled some brilliant spells without luck. 6/10

N.R. Hancock: Whatever water Hancock was drinking in the offseason it has given him superpowers. His bowling has improved 100% and is now a genuine force with the ball. His 4 wickets in the second innings were crucial. 8/10

T.V. Weber: A difficult game for Weber, where he really couldn't get into the game. The pitch suited the quicker men and although Weber hung around in the first innings with the bat, he'd be disapointed he didn't contribute some more runs. 1/10

K.S. Wright: An improved performance by the captain, he had 3 more wickets than the first game, but still lacked the early penetration that his team desperately needed. He looked better for the run and will be hoping to put in some big performances in the next few first class fixtures. He will be disapointed that he couldn't deliver the killer punch when his team was in a winning position latter in the game. 3/10

G.M. Thomas: Thomas, with his display of seven wickets was again the standout bowler for the Colts. He is in devestating form, and will surely be on international duty when the test series comes around. 9/10

Player 3,2,1

3: S. Jasotharan
2. G.M. Thomas
1. N.R. Hanock

 

[Dizzy #4]

Any more ratings captain?

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Jeez give him some time.

 

[crickhowell]

Kyle, I'd suspect inconsistency

 

[crickhowell]

Good win against Red lads, we let them off the hook in their innings though. We need to work on our killer instinct.

 

[Mister Wright]

Any more ratings captain?

Yeah, I've decided to do them for every game, however I'm going out for the rest of the day so they may be a while.

In the meantime, the side for today's game against Green has been named. It is unchanged.

Congratulations to 'Hoppy' on his debut century.

 

[Mister Wright]

Colts player ratings for game against Red

S. Jasotharan: Yet again 'Jaso' showed what he was made of. His innings was blistering and superb. Although is innings was surprisingly slower than his first class innings it was still one of power and dominance. Great start to the season for 'Jaso'. 7/10

M.R. Hopgood: After his poor first class debut for the Colts 'Hoppy' showed what he was made of with an outstanding performance with the bat against the white ball. His innings will be remembered forever by Colts' fans, as he flayed the ball to all parts of the ground. Hopefully the start of a promising career. Great start for 'Hoppy'. 10/10

A.S. Das: Would the real A.S. Das please stand up? Because the one from this season is struggling. 'Dasa' struggled for runs in the preseason, and it continued yesterday with a first ball duck from the promising batsman. He will be hoping his form can improve to press for a place when Towns & Butler return. 1/10

P.Bharat: Bharat will be disapointed she got out with not many needed, however she needed the confidence boost of a few minutes at the crease and that is exactly what she got. More is to be seen from Bharat this summer. 2/10

S. G. Fitzsimmons: 'Fitzy' didn't have much to do in this game except chase a few balls around the park and make sure the Colts got home without too many wickets down, and that's just what he did with distinction. He'll be hoping for the Colts' sake that he doesn't have to do too much batting in the one day games this season. 2/10

W.A. Kerr: 'WAK' sits nicely after his first one day game with a strike rate of 300, something I'm sure he's telling all his friends about. He'll be hoping, much like 'Fitzy' that he doesn't get much time at the crease so the Colts can win so convincingly all the time. 1/10

M.W. Wilson: Wilson had the white ball on a string and made sure he took the wickets that counted, the early ones. His three wickets were three of the top five batsman and he had the Reds in all sorts, fantastic performance from Wilson in his debut for the Colts. 8/10

D. K. Rai: Not the best day for Rai, he saw five of his overs go to 'Dasa' and didn't get a bat, will be looking to have more of an involvement with the ball in the next fixture. 1/10

N.R. Hancock: 10 overs for 29 runs is good enough, but to take two wickets is fantastic. Hancock like most of the other Colts are excelling this season, and it is great to see this youngster turn potential into performance. Well done. 7/10

M. Shah: Like Hopgood, Shah showed he can compete at this level in the one day format with a fantastic bowling performance. Although he only took one wicket he beat the bat many times. Great peformance from the debutant. 5/10

K.S. Wright: Who'd of thought the Colts' skipper would be performing better with the white ball than the red 3 years ago. That's what's happening. The Colts skipper is in fantastic form with the white ball, and it must be killing him that he's not in the International side at the Champions Trophy. The Colts skipper broke the important partnerships and controlled his troops very well. Good game from the captain. 8/10

Player points:

M.R. Hopgood 3
M.W. Wilson 2
K.S. Wright 1