World Club Cricket Times

[bugssy]

I reckon this thread has great potential. What happens is that when managers are bored they can write a basic news article, at whatever length they feel like. It could be an article about giving their general thoughts about their squad it could be a simple press release or even they could write articles that spark controversy about players drunken behaviour getting them suspended (in the injury thing).Just for some fun and to keep everyone involved so get your editors caps on and write write write guys!.

It would be awesome and stuff.

 

[bugssy]

Nsw Manager Bugsy Malone welcomes new recruit Joshy Symes to the club. With a wonderfull career so far in domestic he brings alot of energy and is a cheerful character. Bugssy Malone looks forward to working with the youngster.

It is said to believe he is boarding in with Nsw veteran J KAllis whist he gets a place of his own, rumours have it that he may be looking at some extravagent places such as pads near bondi and the more popular and wealthy places like Rose Bay and Vaucluse. Young joshy has also hinted to a few players that even Manager Bugs Malone has room in his 6 bedroom mansion should the young new rookie need some where to bunk.

 

[bugssy]

Umpires Announced

WCC Board members today announced the umpires list for the WCC season ahead. With some big names umpires keeping there roles and some new up and coming umpires given the go ahead.

Each division will have there own unique set of umpires which will cater for 2 game umpires, a 3rd umpire and Match referee.

the lists are as follows and The WCC board would like to congratulate all fellow umpires on there appointments.

div 1
Allem Dar ,Asad Rauf,MArk Benson,Brent Bowden,Steve Buknor,Billy Doctrove,Darrell HAir,Daryl Harper,Rudi Koetzern,Simon Taufel,Steve Davis,Peter Parker,Robert Parry,Nadir Shah,Enamul Haque,Ziaul Hartley

div 2
Ian Gould,Nigel Llong,Peter Hartley,Amish Saheba,Suresh Shastri,Ga Pratapkumar,Gary Baxter,Tony Hill,Evan Watkin,Nadeem Ghuari,Zameer Haider,Riazuddin,Asoka De Silva,Tyrone Wijewardena,Peter Manuel,Clyde duncan


div 3
Norman Malcolm,Clancy Mack,Goland Greaves,Kevan Barbour,russel Tiffin,Ian robinson,Nick. Fowler,Luke. Mulligan,Don. Dilley,Ian. McIntosh,Wayne. Roden,Mark. Edgell,Josh. Evans,Donnie. Goodger,Ben. Ferguson​

Reserves

Wayne. Hendricks,Eddie. Brooks,Howard. Owen,Peter. Kite,Gary. Redman,Rod. Tucker,Mick. Kumutat,Paul. Tate,Glen. Lill,Troy. Keel,Marc. Smith,Simon. Starks ,Pete. Honeywill,Toni. Ang,Paul. Woodyatt,Christopher. Philpott,Roger. Davis,Robert. Cheetham,Wally. Meehan,Dick. Everingham,Greg. Heys,Eric. Ramakrishnan,Beau. Parfett,Andy. Griffin,Allan. Hamilton,Louis. Borg,Danny. Lenzo,Geoff. Garland ,Mark. Nickl,Daniel. Timbs,Toby. Kershaw,G. Forliano,M. Roberts,C. King ,D. Coles,J. Williams,M. Meehan,K. Leahy ,J. Bailey,D. Cooper,D. Berridge ,B. Lalor,P. Waddell,G. Borg,J. Darcy,W. Rigby,,J. Graham,C. Webb,B. McMillan,D. Tyson ,D. Leonard,D. Hadfield,M. Thiagarajan,D. Lewis,A. Watson,N. Wennerbom ,D. Robinson,G. Chudleigh,M. Kandara,G. Youell,J. Reisman,G Verco, R.Gandavia,C. Howard,S. McAppion,P. Howlett,G. Kandakumar

 

[chaminda_00]

Colts sign the next 'Miandad'

Colts have signed of former Pakistan Under 19 international Adnan Raza during the first round of the draft. After Colts promotion to Divison Two in FC and signing of talented youngsters Ian Bowes and Asif Zakir and OD super stars Lakmal Perera and Mahendra Dhoni during the off season. Many expected Colts to look towards FC cricket during the draft.

Raza playing for Pakistan U17s

But Colts have decided to add another addition to already powerful OD batting batting line with the signing for the former Lahore batsmen. Raza comes to club with massive praises from former club mate and current Colts' Club Captain Ashar Ali. "The kid has a touch of Javed Miandad about him when he bats," remarked Ali on Raza's technique.

Raza is seen as potential future captain at the Colts, after captaining sides all the way through juniors. There is already some talk around the Colts headquarters the young 19yo could be given a role as vice captain under Ali. Many expect a youngster to be given that role, with Raza and Murali Madugalle the likely choices depending on future signings. But with Madugalle no certainity to make a strong Colts bowling attack, Raza looks the favorite.

With 7 batsmen all averaging over 50 in ODs now and Jayasuriya Squries and Thiru Alwis in wings both averaging over 40 themselves to big question is what will be the make up of the Colts batting line up this season. The only certainity is that Andrew Tweddie will bat at 3. Bowes and Zakir are expected to get a first shot at the opening positions. With Raza and fellow Pakistani Farhan Abbasi likley to bat at 4 and 5. Meaning Ashar Ali and Mahendra Dhoni may be forced to bat in the unfamilar positions of 6 and 7, after opening the batting for most of their WCC careers, such is the strength of the Colts batting line up.

After the signing of Raza, Colts' manager Tharmi Loganathan hinted that will be the last addition to their OD batting line up, with the main focus now in finding some batsmen to bat around Raza, Waragoda, Ali and Alwis in FC, as well as a couple more Fast Bowlers to support Elepolla Exley.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

The Daily Grind

The Daily Grind spoke to Heath Davis today, former New Zealand fast bowler, recently appointed 2nd XI coach at Auckland. Davis is basing himself at the 'Heath Davis Centre of Coaching Excellence' based on Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Heath seemed to be genuinely happy about being brought out from retirement to help train Auckland's youngsters up to new levels. When questioned, Davis' undoubted focus was stated to be 'finding a young fast bowler who can break the magical 100mph barrier'. When asked if this would detract from training the spinners, Heath scoffed and was heard to mutter that he was only brought in for one thing - that being speed.

Some media commentators have questioned Davis' commitment to Auckland. To these accusations, Davis replied that until New Zealand are more fairly represented in the WCC via Christchurch, or more likely a Wellington franchise that he would be behind Auckland 110%.

Davis also refused to rule out dusting off his cricketing spikes and filling in if Auckland were to hit a bowling injury crises, "Never say never" he said.

 

[Goughy]

Caught walking out of Pretorias Eastwoods Tavern, Titans coach, Kev Gough was in a candid mood when speaking breifly about the draft.

Holding a Windhoek in one hand he was heard to say "Don't get me wrong, Indrasiri is a quality signing and the spinner we needed for both forms of the game but Im gutted and Ive spent all afternoon crying into my drinks over missing out on Randika who went one spot before us to NSW".

He then went on to say something about getting to the shawarma place before it closed.

 

[chaminda_00]

Colts New Arrivals

Adnan Raza: There always a lot of pressure on any player who arrives at a club as their No 1 draft pick, this is no different for the 19yo Pakistani batsmen. The youngsters was always seen as the next big in Lahore after playing for Pakistan U15s, U17s and U19s (last season). Raza is expected to bat in the middle order at 4-6 in FC, he’s already rated at the club as their No. 1 FC batsmen. He is expected to play a lesser role in One Day Cricket, even though that format is his preferred one. But that is a sign of quality of Colts One Day Batting line up.

But the thing that most Colts fans will be interested in is how he comes to terms with the vice captaincy, especially as he might captain the odd match in ODs as captain Ashar Ali’s spot in the side isn’t secure. Ali is expected to be the batsmen to make way if they play an extra bowler. Raza’s bowling form may play a major role in that discussion, as he is expected to take over from Andrew Tweedie as the 5th bowler for the Colts. A big season from Raza and Colts could be pushing for a couple titles this season.

Ryan Watson: Is Watson selection at the Colts a changing of the guard for club? With the selection of an out and out FC specialist who is expected to get limited time in ODs, even in the 2nd XI. The Colts fans are wondering whether the days just focussing on ODs are over and whether the management has given up on the goal of Division One OD Championship.

But Ryan Watson isn’t you average FC specialist, Watson has the potential to be one of the top bowling all rounders in WCC history. He struggled last season with the gap between Associates Cricket and WCC. But after a season behind Watson will be looking to combine with fellow Associate cricketer Trent Johnston and Colts youngsters Exley and Madugalle, to put together one the best FC attacks in WCC. Wickets and runs from Watson will be crucial to Colts bid to say up in Division Two.

Usher Wilmott: After starting his career on a high averaging in excess of 50 in his first couple seasons in WCC. Wilmott went from the next big thing to finding himself out of a contract of Warwickshire, after averaging in the low 20s last season, now Wilmott looking for a chance to reinvent himself at the Colts. The Colts are looking at turning the middle order batsmen into an opening batsman.

Last season the like of Phillips and Andrews provide decent support to Ali, but failed more often then they succeeded. A successful opening partnership for Ali and Wilmott could be the catalyst to a successful season for the Colts.

Akalanka Ganegama: Colts have made no secret of their desire to bring Sri Lankan players back home. After seeing plenty of talented Sri Lankan leave home for opportunities overseas, Colts decided to keep one of the talented youngsters at home. The former Nondescripts seamers will be hoping his move across the river to fellow Colombo club Colts, will help him become one of the top bowlers in WCC.

Entering into his first season of WCC Ganegama may not play a lot of 1st XI cricket this season, as young seamer is seen as a long term option and will be developed mainly in 2nds. But Ganegama is expected to get some game time as the 5th bowler during the season in both FC and ODs, if they choice to play the extra specialist bowler. With a spin heavy attack the extra option Ganegama might provide away from home could be a critical in Colts bid for the Division One OD title.

Weerakoon Anderson: The return of a club legend marked wild celebration around Colombo similar to the ones that greeted the club following its historical cup wins and FC championship wins last season, a sign of the legendary status that Anderson has with the Colts’ fans. The popular figure around Colts headquarters should also see an increase in fans at Colts’ FC matches, in particular an increase in female supporters.

After a couple season away from the club Weerakoon Anderson returns to the club where he still holds the record as leading run scorer in FC cricket with 2,844 runs at 49 in 34 matches. Anderson also hold the club record for most runs in List A cricket with 1110 runs at 39 in 35 matches.

Anderson left the club as promising youngster looking for an opportunity in the higher divisions in FC cricket. Now returns to the club as an experience batsmen, who along with Varuna Waragoda has been given the responsibility to guide young middle order batsmen Thiru Alwis and Raza into FC cricket. As well as help Colts maintain their position in Division Two.

Like Wilmott, Anderson will be required to re-mould his game from being a top order batsman to a lower middle order batsman. As his expected to bat at six at the start of season, but may get a chance at again at 3 or 4, if he preforms at the high levels he did during his first stint at Colts.

Trent Johnston: Like fellow Associate captain Ryan Watson, Johnston was brought into the club to play a significant role in FC cricket. Johnston is expected to open the bowling with Eellpola Exley. The performance of this trio along with spinners Murali Mudugalle could make or break Colts’ season in First Class cricket. All four bowlers are relativity inexperienced but if all four can performance beyond their match experience, then anything could be possible for the Colts in the First Class arena.

Jasvir Singh: The last addition the Colts squad, some may see this addition as just one to feel the requirement of 3rd keeper. But with current 1st XI FC keeper Rana Wickramaratne nearing the end of his career, Singh will be given a chance along with Mahendra Dhoni to push for the possible vacant role in the coming seasons. Singh is also expected to take the role as vice captain to Colts junior Jayasuriya Squires in the 2nd XI, a role he preformed under Loganathan at Kent a couple seasons back.

 

[chaminda_00]

Ahead of the start of the pre season Colts announce squads numbers for Season 8.

1. Ian Bowes
2. Ashar Ali
3. Andrew Tweedie
4. Adnan Raza
5. Thiru Alwis
6. Jayasuriya Squires
7. Mahendra Dhoni
8. Weerakoon Anderson
9. Lennox Cush
10. Lakmal Perera
11. Murali Madugalle
12. James Troughton
13. Varuna Waragoda
17. Eellpola Exley
18. Asif Zakir
20. Jasvir Singh
23. Trent Johnston
26. Akalanka Ganegama
27. Ryan Watson
32. Xusu Sumathipala ®
33. Xavier Weerakoon ®
44. Paul Hitchcock
46. Farhan Abbasi
69. Usher Wilmott
77. Rana Wickramaratne

 

[chaminda_00]

Colts Tour of England - Part One

The boys from Colombo started their tour of England with a disappointing 3-0 lost to Division One FC heavy weights Lancashire. The Lancashire bowling attack lead by Andy Freeman provided too strong on the seamer friendly Old Trafford pitch (7-7-5). Colts did however push Lancashire all the way in all three matches but lacked the batting strength against the Lancashire pace attack.

Colts will now play Lancashire in a 3 match OD series.

 

[chaminda_00]

Colts Tour of England - Part Two

After a scare in Game One of the 3-match series against Lancashire were the English side got home by two runs. Colts found their feet in the next two games to win their OD series 2-1. In the end the Colts batting was too strong with Andrew Tweedie leading the way with 312 runs @ 156 in 3 games. Lancashire batting dominance did show they will have a batting line up to fear in Division Three OD

Next on Colts tour is Lancashire close rivials Yorkshire where they will play for Carl Hooper Trophy (FC) and Darren Gough Trophy (OD).

 

[NZTailender]

Yorkshire to host Colts on their English tour.

Yorkshire management confirmed today that the Colts CC will play Yorkshire during their current tour of England.
The sides will play a total of 4 matches - 2 1st team matches and 2 2nd team matches, 1 in each form.

The 1st XI's will compete for the Hooper Shield (FC) and Gough Trophy (OD) while the 2nd XI's will contest the White Cup (FC) and the Hamilton Trophy (OD).

Yorkshire is expected to name their strongest team to play the Colts, before the team from Headingley starts a pre-season tour. At the moment, the Free State Eagles have confirmed they will host 3 FC matches and 5 OD matches.

 

[chaminda_00]

Colts Tour of England - Part Three

After completing a series against Lancashire Colts moved down the road to play Yorkshire. Playing for the Gough Trophy in Game One, the Colts showed their dominance in the OD areana with a convincing six wicket against the hapless Yorkshire outfit.

Rookie keeper batsmen L Kumar should some fight with the bat with a classy 98 off 90 balls, while the rest of the Yorkshire batsmen feel around him to be rolled for 172. Lakmal Perera (4/14) and Lennox Cush (4/44). In reply Farhan Abbasi lead the way for Colts with 79 off 93 balls, as young Pakistani batsmen continued his push for a opening spot in the Colts XI.

The Hooper shield provided more highlights for Yorkshire fans, but some amazing innings from Colts opener Usher Willmott took the game away from the Yorkshire. Scoring twin centuries (147 & 155) the former Warkwickshire batsmen showed the signs of his form two season ago that saw him rated by many in WCC as the next big thing. Five wicket hauls to Ellepola Exley (5/44) and Murali Mudugalle (6/110) helped the Colts keep the Yorkshire batsmen in check. S Khan was the pick of Yorkshire bowlers with 5/107 and 4/130.

Yorkshire and Colts 2nd XI will now meet later in the week. With Yorkshire also expecting to play FS Eagles and Victoria. Colts will now look to getting some match practise against either Surrey or Leicestershire, pending confirmation from their respective officials.

 

[NZTailender]

Yorkshire announce pre-season tour.
After their defeat at the hands of the Colts, Yorkshire have announced their tour schedule for their pre-season tour which will see them play Surrey, Free State, Victoria, Auckland and potentially Kent. Other teams haven't been ruled out and could be added to a big tour.

Since the first announcement, Guyana has been added to the itinery with hefty 7 match series.

The schedule is as follows:
Surrey - 5 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Free State - 3 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Victoria - 5 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Auckland - 3 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Guyana - 6 first class matches, 2 one day matches.
Kent - 3 first class matches, 3 one day matches.

 

[chooka_nick]

Kent - unconfirmed.

Three FC, Three OD?

 

[NZTailender]

Three FC, Three OD?

Confirmed!

 

[bugssy]

Yorkshire announce pre-season tour.
After their defeat at the hands of the Colts, Yorkshire have announced their tour schedule for their pre-season tour which will see them play Surrey, Free State, Victoria, Auckland and potentially Kent. Other teams haven't been ruled out and could be added to a big tour.

Since the first announcement, Guyana has been added to the itinery with hefty 7 match series.

The schedule is as follows:
Surrey - 5 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Free State - 3 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Victoria - 5 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Auckland - 3 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Guyana - 7 first class matches.
Kent - 3 first class matches, 3 one day matches.

nsw will play a few if ya like mate

 

[NZTailender]

nsw will play a few if ya like mate

Will think about it, cheers. But Tharmi will probably kill me if I add more to the list...

 

[bugssy]

Lancashire Visit the scg

Lancashire popped into the scg for some friendly one day and first class fixtures. Both teams looking to prove there worth in both competitions with the season not to far away in the World Club Challenge.

Lancashire flew in all there players to try em all out in both forms and some very entertaining cricket was played. Lancashire are well respected in both forms of the game and there lesser opposition have been given the wooden spoon tag by more than a couple of managers. Bugsy Malone did want to prove a few critics wrong and the opponents would not be easy beats.

Players that shined in the First class matches S davies from nsw and A Christian both doing well with the bat and with the ball, nsw stalwart Q Moore and Lancashire A Freeman both did well.

and here are the scorecards,

 

[bugssy]

Will think about it, cheers. But Tharmi will probably kill me if I add more to the list...

its ok mate never mind you have plenty anyway so

 

[Mister Wright]

Yorkshire announce pre-season tour.
After their defeat at the hands of the Colts, Yorkshire have announced their tour schedule for their pre-season tour which will see them play Surrey, Free State, Victoria, Auckland and potentially Kent. Other teams haven't been ruled out and could be added to a big tour.

Since the first announcement, Guyana has been added to the itinery with hefty 7 match series.

The schedule is as follows:
Surrey - 5 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Free State - 3 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Victoria - 5 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Auckland - 3 first class matches, 5 one day matches.
Guyana - 7 first class matches.
Kent - 3 first class matches, 3 one day matches.

Guyana would like to replace 1 first class match with 2 one dayers, if possible.