 | Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 23:59 19 Jun 2025
Exactly right Bewildered.
In the timed/declaration format a minimum of 120 overs are bowled (fewer if rain interruptions). More overs can be bowled if ahead by the cut off time (a “final hour” starts at 18:10).
The First innings is limited to a maximum of 64 overs, and that normally leaves 56 overs (total 120), but an early declaration offers more time to bowl out the opposition But it’s often a difficult decision for captains.
For example, last weekend, Hornchurch CC scored a massive 353 - 9 declared after 57.4 overs. That gave Fives & Heronians CC an extra six overs, hence now 62 overs (120 - 58) rather than a mere 56. Hornchurch knew the hardest task is bowling a side out to secure a win rather than a draw.
Frankly, nobody expected Fives & Heronians to reply with a winning 355 - 7. Feroze Khusi (a name you will recall was an Essex CCC opener until injury ) smashed 130 in 108 balls and Bilal Kamal (an Essex youngster) hit 71 in 49 balls.
The Buckhurst Hill v Colchester fixture was much lower scoring. Size of boundaries and the condition of pitch/outfield is highly material. Colchester’s 271 was probably the equivalent of 320 at Castle Park’s pristine conditions. So this introduces further captaincy skills - reading pitch conditions.
This format is highly tactical and different to the biff, bash, bosh of limited overs. Take a look at the final wicket to fall in that fixture. Seven catchers around the bat, one side digging in for a draw…..proper cricket! |
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 08:08 15 Jun 2025
For half a season (or rather the middle two quarters), most English Premier Leagues switch from pink/white ball (50) limited overs cricket to red ball timed basis cricket.This is to encourage young cricketers on the brink of County Championship call ups to become accustomed to declarations and the tactics requiring a team batting first to take ten second innings wickets else a match is drawn.
The match is typically a minimum of 120 overs starting at 11.00am with a “last hour” to be bowled from 18:10 or when 17 overs remain (if later). The side batting first have up to 64 overs in which to set a target then leaving at least 56 overs to take ten wickets (which is the difficult bit!). An earlier declaration leaves a greater number of overs available to bowl the opposition out, but more time for the side chasing to attain victory.
Yesterday, Colchester, after some cautious (slow) batting used the full 64 overs available to score 271 setting Buckhurst Hill a still potentially gettable target of 4.84 an over in their residual 56 overs. Faster scoring might have permitted an earlier declaration and more time to take the ten wickets now required for victory.
As it turned out, the target was plenty as wickets fell steadily, but the Buckhurst Hill tail dug in seeking a draw. Their last wicket fell with merely 19 balls remaining and eight fielders around the bat, nail-biting tactical stuff and very different to white/pink ball limited overs, biff, bash, bosh.
To incentivise teams to bat first, they get 25 points for a win. The side batting second take 20 points for a win (as they can potentially better control the game). A draw results in 3 or no game points, (depends on (division) plus batting and bowling points only, with the team batting first taking double batting points.
Games are all about can the side batting first score enough to avoid defeat but then take ten wickets. It can lead to fascinating tactical battles like yesterday or boring stalemates if a declaration comes too late leaving the side batting second batting out a draw. P
However, , bonus points are always important, even in drawn or lost game situations. Yesterday, Hornchurch lost having scored an incredible 335 runs in 58 overs before declaring. They left themselves 62 overs to bowl out Fives & Heronians, but took only seven wickets. . But taking 11 bonus points lifted Hornchurch three places and out of the relegation zone.
Yesterday, Colchester took 25 points from winning having batted first. Rivals Wanstead lost further ground taking merely 20 points from batting second (versus Brentwood). The timed/declaration basis produces surprisingly few draws except between the top teams. Captaincy skills are vital in determining when to declare. Leave it too late, fail to take ten wickets and you are limited to bonus points. Declare too early and you lose.
It’s not everybody’s favorite format, but fascinating to the purist that appreciates something different from biff, bash, bosh cricket. With a pint (or three) of decent real ale in hand, all formats are enjoyable in Castle Park! [Post edited 15 Jun 9:36]
|
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 22:55 13 Jun 2025
How unlucky were Essex tonight v Sussex?
Deliver merely 11 more balls to constitute a five over (DLS) game would have guaranteed an Essex win given that Sussex would never recover from Snater’s early wicket taking burst. Sadly the persistent rain frustrated that. |
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 18:45 9 Jun 2025
This result, comprehensive scorecard, and video is held on the ECB’s Play Cricket database at https://colchesteree.play-cricket.com/website/results/7016660
The computer scoring system is PCS Pro as used by the Counties and it automatically calculates DLS.
Its comprehensive output is uploaded to the ECB server after being verified by home and away scorers ( and umpires). In First Class Cricket, there is additionally an Analyst involved in the sign off process plus a Match Referee. The league then countersigns and publishes league tables. To a high extent, this is digital and automated (no paper!).
To view this computer file, one needs a log-in and ECB/Club authorisation etc. However, pop down Castle Park when the First Team are home and I would be delighted to show you how it all works. My kit embraces a video editing studio, so it’s quite a professional set-up. Have a look at the video at the above URL.
The detailed DLS output is a table that shows the par score required on a ball by ball basis for each wicket. So to work out the par score to be exceeded one would interpolate that as follows;
In Over X, after Ball Y, Par score required if 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 wickets.
The calculations prior to this entail serious algebraic mathematics. As you might imagine this table is huge, but if one selects publication of only end of over par scores it will fit an A4 page. For captains use, we similarly show only end of over targets on scoreboard.
ICC regulations demand that we show this on scoreboard ONLY on an end of over basis to avoid confusion, unless the scoreboard can simultaneously show the par score for all six balls in any over. I think Trent Bridge is the only UK scoreboard with this capability! |
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 10:21 9 Jun 2025
Absolutely Bewildered.
When the Colchester second wicket fell after merely 6.1 overs, with Colchester now on 21-2, the DLS Par score had rocketed to 42. Fernandes and Austin first had to claw that deficit back.
The score then reached 43-2 after 11 overs, however, another five overs had elapsed so losing the early wickets and now further overs having completed, hence losing dual resources, ratcheted the DLS up to over 60 at that point, still about 17 behind. Colchester simply couldn’t afford to lose another wicket with black clouds overhead. But still needed to edge closer to the run target.
Scoring then dropped to a crawl, as not losing a wicket had taken on greater emphasis than run rate. Crucial was getting to the twentieth over to constitute a game whereby DLS Method takes over from Abandoned. The result was still on a knife edge with par +1 only achieved in over 19.
Then 8 runs off over 22, plus 4 from the first two balls of 23 saw Colchester still above DLS had TWO wickets fallen and in an unassailable position unless a hat-trick. At this point, Hutton (and Umpires) finally surrendered to the drizzle with players just making it back to the Pavilion before the deluge finally hit Castle Park.
Castle Park is one of only two Premier League Grounds where DLS over by over is shown on the scoreboard. At other grounds, players have to rely on a paper sheet. For a few seasons we have been “educating” our players how DLS works, and here, Colchester were tactically spot on, after the unexpected early dismissals. |
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 15:43 8 Jun 2025
Sure it wasn’t a bat on his head? Maybe a cricket bat?
The Medieval Festival people had a nightmare. Parking was available on Kings Meadow, but the weir footbridge is still not repaired and other gates being locked meant a long walk around Catchpool Road and Pavilion Way (or via North Station Road).
I have heard that the Moor Hens have left their nest so that the weir bridge repairs can now continue. However, it doesn’t sound as if the work will be completed before the music concerts start.
I wonder, was it a Moor Hen on his head? Some folk will do any job for a £tenner. |
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 15:22 8 Jun 2025
Magnificent win by Colchester, and tactically intriguing.
Colchester losing two early wickets meant Simon Fernandes and Joe Austin had to add 50+ runs for the third wicket simply to repair the Duckworth Lewis deficit. They ultimately added 71 in an unbroken partnership to ensure that the home side were 25 above DLS par when the rain came.
Had Colchester lost a further wicket, they would have merely been a single run ahead of par after the 22.2 overs bowled. Had two wickets fallen that would have meant defeat.
Nail biting stuff if following DLS on the scoreboard! |
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 21:46 31 May 2025
Easy victory for Colchester by 8 wickets. Joint top of the league 4/4 wins.
Joe MacGregor.. season 2025…
Billericay. 58 out
Chelmsford 116 not out
Hadleigh. 147 not out
Fives & H. 83 not out (today).
His season’s (league) average is now 404!
Has carried his bat three times.
Time to crowd fund for a statue?
His sister (Esme) has a county contact. Why hasn’t he?????
Essex’s reserve keeper, Simon Fernandes was also 53 not out today. Incredible Saturday afternoon entertainment! |
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 17:13 30 May 2025
Forecast tomorrow- glorious sunshine! Nothing to do?????
How about an afternoon of Castle Park Cricket (and beer) followed by an evening visit to the CAMRA Beer Festival in the Arts Centre?
First ball of the visitors innings, Colchester’s Essex Second XI quick ,Dan Gladwell is on a hat-trick. Can Joe MacGregor hit his third consecutive unbeaten hundred?
The Colchester XI also features Joe Austin (Essex Seconds) , the current Essex CCC reserve WK Simon Fernandes and from Auckland, Liam Wheeler. Ben Robinson and Jonty Ray (Essex Academy). Faz Ahmed (Pakistan), Vikas Agawal (India) and Charlie Fernandes (MCC) and recent centurion, George Offord. Packed full of serious talent! |
| Forum
Thread | Insurance Renewals
at 14:29 29 May 2025
My home insurance renewal just came through at £653.46. Last year it was £517.88, so a huge percentage increase with no policy changes (e.g no increase to sums insured as the standard values they apply are already above my actual contents or rebuilding costs).
I shopped around (Money Supermarket), and got a best quote £477.00 from a company I’d never heard of. Most others were on or about my original quoted premium.
I then tell my existing company (a bank branded insurer) on-line that I am thinking of leaving due to price. Without me ever speaking to any human, no additional information, no hesitance from them, they reduce my renewal premium to £558.69, which I have accepted. To be fair, I have had two minor claims in six years and they handled those brilliantly, so I am reluctant to leave for a small price differential.
What gets me is why didn’t they offer me their best price at the outset?
It was exactly the same with my motor insurers. Frankly, I now haggle over almost every purchase of goods and services over £100 and rarely fail to get a discount. I am sure that many providers gamble on us being too lazy to look around and many will blindly renew despite a large price hike.
I thought I would start this thread so that others might share information about their successful haggling. My policy is now, never accept the price first offered!
|
| Forum
Reply | Saddlers fall at the final hutdle
at 18:23 27 May 2025
The original bar owned by the brewery did close. Last season, we couldn’t get a beer anywhere, including from the adjacent hotel.
However, the Walsall FC Community Trust took over and it is now a super facility that welcomes both home and away supporters. Eased the pain of the 4 - 0 thrashing. |
| Forum
Reply | Saddlers fall at the final hutdle
at 23:17 26 May 2025
Decent welcoming bar at Walsall.
Awful unfriendly stewards and catering at Wimbledon
The right outcome for me! |
| Forum
Reply | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 22:39 26 May 2025
Glad you enjoyed the live stream Ray. What a cracking match!
I’m using exactly the same software and broadcast technology as the counties. The only difference being that I employ merely two cameras (one pitch, one wide angle) whilst they employ around six cameras with at least five operatives doing various tasks. As a single operator/scorer there are inevitably limits to what I can do as regards following the ball, but the core video action is decent.
I’ve had to kill audio though for ridiculous reasons. My primary microphone can’t help picking up songs from adjacent Castle Park Concerts. The YouTube AI Police will then scream “breach of copyright”, yet I can’t help broadcasting this ambient noise. Add to this occasionally picking up injudicious comments made by spectators via the effects microphone, and I am on a hiding to nothing. Unlike football commentators, I can’t apologise for “fruity language”!
The best bet for cricket fans, get down to Castle Park and enjoy a fantastic Saturday afternoon for free (cost of any beers excepted). |
| Forum
Thread | Castle Park - the place to be…
at 07:11 25 May 2025
With the 2024-25 footie season finally over on this Bank Holiday Monday, many boarders on here might be lost for things to do on a Saturday afternoon. I recommended Castle Park Cricket Ground….
One choice is you can pay £50 for each ticket to listen to Texas, UB40, Tom Jones, Pixie Lott, Madness (etc), or listen to any from the cricket pavilion patio for free.
Another choice is paying an exorbitant sum for a can of chemically enhanced lager or instead £4.50 for a decent real ale. How about a burger for £3.00?
Oh, and the cricket……
Unbeaten Colchester & East Essex CC top the Essex Premier League after three fixtures.
Prolific openerJoe MacGregor has now scored unbeaten back to back centuries (admittedly one scored away).
Teenage Essex II’s pace sensation, Daniel Gladwell, is cartwheeling opposition stumps as dramatically as the action in a John Woo movie.
Essex First XI reserve wicket keeper, Simon Fernandes has shown his class.
New Zealand all-rounder, Liam Wheeler has added quality to an already decent squad.
Big games, big personalities, sunshine and beer. Idyllic……
Can even talk to Ray of SparkfilmsTV fame…..or me.
Please read my match reports in the Colchester Gazette on Fridays (not available on-line).
We love it when U’s fans join us!
Always free admission.
|
| Forum
Reply | Accrington Stanley
at 06:52 22 May 2025
The Accrington function rooms/bar is one of the better facilities where away fans are made welcome. Hopefully, this problem can be resolved.
Last season, I was disappointed just how unfriendly many clubs have become towards away fans, the worst being Bromley where we were refused entry to the adjacent club house and the nearest pub is too far for these old legs. Dire catering in the ground, and only one female toilet cubicle.
Salford is almost as bad. Harrogate was dreadful towards our disabled fans, and Port Vale is accessed by away fans up a boggy unlit dirt track, and we were refused entry to its clubhouse after many years of good behavior.
Hopefully, Barnet, Southend and Oldham away fan facilities have improved since our last visits. Thankfully, we won’t suffer the ghastly isolated FGR where ruminating cows are better catered for than the majority of humans.
If Accrington start crowd funding to resolve their problem, I’d donate a fiver to assist a proper fan focused club. |
| Forum
Reply | Happy League 2024/25 - Season round-up
at 22:54 21 May 2025
Great work Mick.
I’ve deliberately avoided picking draws for a number of seasons, a tactic that proved remarkably successful until we started to see incredibly long Fergie Time. The fact 1-1 is the top result is significant. Anecdotally, I am convinced that at 90 minutes I was often in a three point position only to see that end up nil points. How often did Colchester Utd scrape a draw in added time!
New tactics required for 2025-26 |
| Forum
Reply | Who do you want to be promoted alongside Barnet?
at 07:05 21 May 2025
Am I the only one now hoping for a Southend victory?
Like many, I wanted York to succeed. However, I hate pious FGR with a passion. How dare FGR dictate what I can eat, drink, do. I have no problem with any folk being Vegan (it’s their choice), but please don’t force me to follow said doctrine. They should invite a burger van into the car park to satisfy we carnivores. Minorities in the UK have far too much power.
Yes, we can all “hate Southend”, but let’s not ignore the full house, revenue, and no lengthy journey. I can understand how FGR is beneficial to Wessex, but for the rest of us I cannot think of a worst venue. A freezing Oldham also isn’t appealing. |
| | noah4x4
|
Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 24 | | Comment Votes: | 0 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 24 |
|
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.