Weston Saint

Update but only a rumour so far that Alistair Orr, Sussex Wicket Keeper and upper order Batsman may be joining us. I stress it is only a rumour from a Sussex message board at this stage.

Difficult situation for batting line up. We cannot go for an overseas player because we have Abbott and Abbas in final year of their contract for 2024 We have experienced batsmen in Vince, Dawson and Brown who may only have a few years left so we need to look long term to deal with that. We have good prospects in Middleton, Albert and Prest and that is why they have been featuring this past year. If we push a new batsman in place of any of them it is going to cost a large sum in wages, something the club cannot sustain whilst others are still on the books. Organ, Crane, Weatherly and Holland have contracts until the end of 2024 season. I think we are going to have to muddle through next season in the Championship to give the youngsters another year experience, providing the club think they have a future. We still have a great bowling attack in Abbott, Abbas and Barker to get us out of trouble during the season so we should stay comfortably in Division 1

He is actually an ex Saints Academy Goalkeeper who emigrated to Canada.

Frank's Cousin is alive and well and living in the Scottish Borders with his wife and child. Heard from him at the beginning of this month.

No. we finished 4 points behind Essex after the 3 point deduction.

Abbas and Abbott are our overseas players and they have another year on their contract so no overseas batsman next year

I know who he is and he is more than just a Saints Supporter, trust me. Not going to expose his real name so do not ask!

Liam is not too worried. Plenty of earning opportunities elsewhere in white ball cricket. He would not turn it down but happy as he is.

Unlikely unless an injury. Coach told me before the QF game that he had bought Dawson back and might give Weatherly a game but no plans to bring Vince back.

Kelly and Jack opened the bowling for England U19 but they lost to Australia yesterday.

Chat with the Coach, Adi Birrell. he is not happy but says there is a lack of confidence at present!

His replacement has already been announced from 1st January 2024, it is Nick Pike. Nick has been involved with the club almost as long as Rod and he is a bright, active and worthy replacement in my opinion.

Another great win. When you know this team you know they have the ability, class and determination. Looking forward to Essex next week.

Burrell is a good coach, highly rated and sought after. Bit of a hick up over the past few games but team will come back. Good recovery so far today at Tea.

Vince is 4th highest run scorer in division with average of 57.87. Hardly a failure. I sit with his father during matches. I also spend time with the chairman. He is focused. An excellent captain. Main problem is lack of good openers to take the new ball.

We are 3rd in the League before this match. Hardly just a T20 side! We have looked to bring in experience at the top order but as said, they do not come cheap. We looked at an overseas player that would have been ideal as he hates giving his wicket away and would likely have come but he wants so much more than our present overseas players and is too expensive. there is an English player that we also feel would come to us but we cannot match his existing salary by a lot! As the information came from the top I am not able to name names and at least one is still under contract with another county

Donald is reserve keeper and to be honest he has not shone in the 2nds to justify inclusion ahead of Brown who, whilst having a below average season with the bat is still first choice. Donald was seen by senior club officials as an exciting prospect who had the ability, at that time, to progress to a Test Player. Sadly his injuries set him back and his progress since has been disappointing. He needs to show he is worthy of a place in the first team as a batter.

He is an English qualified player according to ESPN Cricket Spoke to him on Friday but I did not ask him that question!. Nice young lad. Shame he is going to the 100 instead of playing in Domestic 50 over. Also had a long conversation with Nathen Ellis who thinks Turner will be a phenomenal player. Ellis spent about 15 minutes with us at a table chatting about all things. Not considering Red Ball cricket at present.

It is Worcestershire at home 7pm on Friday. I have already purchased my ticket.

Unlikely to see Turner in the Championship yet. I am told he is carrying a slight niggling injury and whilst no problem bowling a few overs, they will protect him from long tough spells. One for the future.

Weatherly batted with a broken hand so even more remarkable he should make a good score. Spoke to him after the game and he had an ice pack on. Happened during the Middlesex game on Tuesday. . Thought Vince captaincy was first class particularly how he managed the bowlers at the death.

Little snippet. The wicket they are playing on is not the wicket originally prepared and had to be put together without full preparation. The original prepared was a hybrid but it seems someone did not realise you cannot use a hybrid for a 4 day game! May be tricky later on. Got this from one of the players and one of the coaches confirmed. No names but both senior members of the club. Both captains would have batted first. They were both aware before the toss.

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Suggestion is that Caleta-Car is not aggressive/adept in covering large spaces should Saints press high. Also Orsic has not quite adapted yet and is struggling.

Yep I was there in a corporate box. Both were too close. Good alternative free kicks I thought