Weston Saint

An email to the players To you all... I first walked into the doors of Hampshire cricket in 1977, when a few of us kids helped run the old score board at Northlands Rd during the B&H Cup semi-final, which we lost to the great Mike Procter, who took 4 wickets in 5 balls to knock over our much vaunted top order and kill off our dreams. I was lucky enough to captain the side at Lord's 11 years later, our first Cup Final, which we won. For 18 years I played a small part in the story and have followed it closely - if from afar - ever since. Last night I believe I saw Hampshire's greatest ever performance: one that filled me with excitement, happiness and pride. You guys, almost literally, pulled off a miracle under extreme pressure. You were led by the most outstanding captain and inspired by a self-belief and togetherness that must be the envy of every opponent. The culture created from the Chairman to the boot room was clear for all to see. Congratulations...your contribution to the legacy of this wonderful club may be matched but never bettered than throughout yesterday when you showed Hampshire to the cricket world in the best possible light...the spirit and joy of the game shone brightly and the memory will live with us all for all time. God knows what state I'll be in if you win the Championship! All good wishes Mark Nicholas

ECB relaxed the overseas rule of no more that three under contract when we reached finals day. Our two Aussies are still with us.

We had a good look at him last season. Initially he was a surprise package and scored good goals. Defenders got close up to him and he was able to use his strength and pace so spin past them. However his scoring started to dry up and his form dropped. Was he found out by opposition defenders? Did they stand off him more so he could not surprise them? Could we have had the best of him in that initial period? My view is that if we had to pay plus £30M with wages circa £100,000 per week we might be making a big mistake unless the coaches can see a clear way of developing and widening his skills and he has the ability to do so. Big risk IMO.

Here is a thought for debate Reduce Championship 1st Division to 6 best teams who play every other team home and away (10 games) but it must also be the strongest players so England will need to release all their contracted players for the games. 4 days with reserve 5th day for bad weather. Only one team relegated and one up. the quality of each game will compensate for the loss of the additional fixtures. In addition and as a consequence, there should only be 1 touring side for 5 Tests maximum. That touring sides should play the Championship Division 1 sides in a 4 day game and clubs told they should field their strongest squad. That should go a long way to improving cricket in this country imo. As for the remaining teams? División 2 for 8 next best teams and a 3rd division for the other 4 with the strongest 4 "minor counties" as they used to be called. Alternatively the 3rd division could be a development league Comments?

We do not play Surrey home or Lancashire away. That is trouble with only 14 games from possible 16!

Put paid to that theory (which came from one of the team players)

First, they are using a new hybrid wicket and the team hate it.......but that is supposed to be progress. OK, it is the same for both sides but our players have it in their head in a negative way. They have got to learn to adapt Having been put in and with rain forecast they were worried about DL so went about trying to push the runs early. Just did not come off and the rain did not appear. Lets see what happens tonight with their first away game!

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Shocking statistic Our game vs Brighton will be exactly 2 years since our last win without Stuart Armstrong playing (home game vs Norwich). We've played 18 games since then with 0 wins and 11 losses.

One Hampshire player tested positive just before game so ECB had to decide if others had been in contact. Decided not so game went ahead with positive player isolating. Not saying which player but you will see we had a change of Wicket Keeper. Spinner also left out but I suspect that was tactical

Update – Abbott has an ankle problem and definitely out next game. Wheal having scan believed to be muscle problem behind his knee. Abbas definitely in for next game.

I think the reason McCarthy is favoured by Ralph is that he sees him as likely to sign a new contract extension. Rumour I think I read somewhere is that Forster will not, on the terms being offered. Personally I think Forster just about offers us more but at a price that the club clearly not prepared to pay next season so he is back up at present.

Good sensible post.

Am I missing something? Most of you seem to be happy to see Vestergaard go because of his lack of ability yet Leicester, who have more money and a more settled position in the Premier, see him as an ideal centre back for £15m. If we think we can get better why did Leicester not go for that option! We need someone with experience who will not only slot into the position but help bring on the younger and inexperienced defenders. I think the only reason the club is willing to let him go is that he has value now but can walk away in a year, not because he is not up to it. We will struggle without an old head in the centre of our defence.

Here’s the new table then: Warwicks: Played One match – Points 21 (half of their 42 points v Notts) Somerset: Played One – Points 18.5 (half of their 37 v Hants) Lancashire: Played One – Points 17 (half v Yorks) Hampshire: Played One – Points 8.5 (half v Somerset) Notts: Played One – Points 5 (half v Warwicks) Yorks: Played One – Points 4.5 (half v Lancs)

Watching from home today. Frozen to the bone yesterday.

At request of New Zealand who will be quarantining at hotel before Test Championship final against India. gives them an additional day for warm up

Not going to football. Gave up my season ticket year before last. Do get occasional corporate in a box. T20 is based on 14 games so we drop one side home and a different side away. Strange but it is a number of games issue and allow to include QF in fixtures.

Good win, now for Leicestershire. First game I can attend. All 4 days booked and seat allocated.

I am not fussed about which Referee gives the most red cards. I want to know which referees have have the most overturned on appeal over the last five years. They are the mistakes that have a direct consequence on the outcome of games.

Holland just out for 114 whilst Alsop not out 109. 249/2 off 81 overs. Excellent start again

Many of you on here who thought this was the best manager for us and frightened he would leave are now calling for his head Many of those same people did not want Vestergaard near our side now crowing over his abilities Many of those same people who did not want Forster near our side but now calling from him to play I could go on and on and on with recent examples. I know it is a forum for debate but what I will say is that I am glad those people do not have a decision on how the club is run. Flaky comes to mind.

I can think of an old one who was born in Southampton, Graham Roberts. Joined Saints as an associate schoolboy but released as not making the grade. Went to non league football after a spell with Portsmouth. Ended up playing a pivotal role for Tottenham, Rangers and Chelsea and 6 caps for England. Just one of many players released at schoolboy/academy level who went on to be top class players. Same with other clubs though, not unique to Saints.