All posts by h716a5.icu

Hampshire will need to win both their remaining Benson & Hedges Zonal matches, if they are to retain any interest in the competition, after going down by 6 wickets at Sussex on Friday.

Vic Isaacs03-May-2002Hampshire will need to win both their remaining Benson & Hedges Zonal matches, if they are to retain any interest in the competition, after going down by 6 wickets at Sussex on Friday.Will Kendall one of Wednesday’s bowling hero’s at The Oval, was left out suffering from a shoulder injury, and Dimitri Mascarenhas was included.Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Hampshire got off to a real flyer, Robin Martin-Jenkins conceding 22 off the first over. James Hamblin is earning a real reputation as a pinch-hitter, as he struck 33 in just 20 balls, and with the aid of Neil Johnson posted 63 for the first wicket in just six overs. With both Hamblin and Johnson out in successive balls however, the innings slowed with the middle order batsmen all getting starts, only to falter.Billy Taylor who plays much of his club cricket in the Hampshire area tightened the screws, bowling a tight spell, and with Mark Davis also mean only Robin Smith looked capable of taking charge, but he too fell when in command.Sussex played a different tactic at the start of their innings, preferring to take things steady and build an innings. Despite losing early wickets to an admirable bowling spell from Mascarenhas, team captain Chris Adams and Tony Cottey shared a 95 run partnership. Cottey fell on 61, and requiring over 6 runs an over Martin-Jenkins joined his captain as they raced to victory with an over to spare. Adams whose 80* included two big sixes when the innings was under pressure deservedly won the Benson & Hedges Gold Award.

Derbyshire v Glamorgan at Derby Derbyshire retained their second place despite having lost their first game of the season Derbyshire will be delighted if they are able to field their captain and leading wicket taker Dominic Cork for this game, his

Ed Green31-May-2002Derbyshire v Glamorgan at Derby
Derbyshire retained their second place despite having lost their first game of the season Derbyshire will be delighted if they are able to field their captain and leading wicket taker Dominic Cork for this game, his absence might have cost them win number four earlier in the week. Corks supporting cast of bowlers though have all been in the wickets in the early season and will be seeking to repeat the earlier success. Leading batsman Michael Di Venuto will be hoping to continue his form.Glamorgan for their part have succeeded in securing two victories in their four games despite a severe shortage of first innings runs, opening bowlers Thomas and Jones have been their most effective weapons while only Powell and James have achieved any kind of consistency with the bat. Importantly though their lesser batsmen do not roll over.A superior pace attack and greater batting consistency than their visitors make Derbyshire favourites to repeat their round one away victory over the welsh county.Gloucestershire v Worcestershire at Bristol
Just one point separates these sides in fourth and fifth, but they have gained them in different ways, Gloucestershire lead with the ball and Worcester with the bat – but, that said, it is Worcestershire who have lost two of their four games coming into this west country derby. Those defeats – in their last two games – may have shaken the side who won against the same opposition earlier in the summer.Graham Hick and Gareth Batty have failed, thus far in the season, to produce the runs that would be expected of them for Worcestershire, but, the collapse against John Stephenson of Essex aside the team have batted solidly to date – if these two can contribute more they can post a big total and do so swiftly.For Gloucestershire it has always been the way that the bits and pieces players, such as skipper Mark Alleyne and the wonderful Jack Russell contribute that has been the key, this has made them a highly successful one day side, but an erratic first class one. If Harvey and Lewis can apply pressure with the ball the home team could prosper, but as both of these sides can get both their runs and their wickets from various sources, and local pride is at stake it is hard pick a winner.Middlesex v Durham at Lord’s
Thanks to Derbyshire’s defeat in grey of Chelmsford earlier in the week Middlesex bring the championship’s only perfect record to this game. They will be expected to continue it against a Durham side that they totally outclassed at the Riverside in April, although, to be fair Durham had poor luck losing two players injured in that game.Although Middlesex’s batsmen have scored comparatively few runs this has not been down to the low cost of their wickets, but to the cheapness with which Noffke, Cooke and their supporting cast have claimed those of their opponents on the way to on ten wicket and two innings victories.Durham’s hopes lie in the improved grit shown by their own batting in the twelve-point draw, and near victory at riverside against Gloucestershire. In their 470 for 8 declared everyone fought for their runs and if that lesson remains learned then they will be far less easy meat than in the opening game of the seasonNorthamptonshire v Essex at Northampton
Both of these sides’ batsmen will welcome the opportunity to play on the placid surface at Northampton having faced some bowler friendly conditions in their last matches. It seems certain that Ronnie Irani’s side come into this game as favourites having pulled off their second win of the season. Irani’s performance was, as in so many of Essex’s better results in recent years the key to victory, however the lack of pace in their bowling attack could seriously hamper chances on this ground.That said though, the dependence of Northants on runs from Hussey and Loye means the home side cannot rest easily. They will, though, be please with the form of Tony Penberthy Essex lad Adrian Rollins showed scoring 106 and 60 in the defeat at Nottingham. There is also an unknown in the potential greeting that Essex may receive from Ricky Anderson who left that county at the end of last season, leading wicket taker Carl Greenidge will also pose a threat.

P   W  L  D  Bat Bowl Deduct PointsMiddlesex                 3   3  0  0  13    9   0.00   58.00Derbyshire                4   3  1  0   8   12   0.25   55.75Essex                     4   2  1  1   8   12   0.50   47.50Gloucestershire           4   1  1  2   9   11   0.00   40.00Worcestershire            4   1  2  1  14    9   0.00   39.00Nottinghamshire           4   2  2  0   2   12   0.50   37.50Glamorgan                 3   2  1  0   3    9   0.00   36.00Durham                    4   0  3  1   7   12   0.00   23.00Northamptonshire          4   0  3  1   9    9   0.50   21.50

Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele has been linked with a surprising move to Danish side FC Nordsjaelland, according to the Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown

Strangely, though a viral sensation at just 13-years-old after making his Celtic Under-20’s debut [Guardian], much mystery surrounds the English youngster.

At 18-years-old, the tricky winger has only made eight appearances for the Bhoys, never starting a first-team fixture [Transfermarkt].

Mercurially talented, he has had a lack of opportunities to show his class at Celtic. This has also prompted further interest in recent times from French Ligue 1 sides Lille and Nantes [Daily Record].

The Latest

Interestingly, the unforeseen interest in Dembele from FC Nordsjaelland seems genuine. Known to gift young players extensive first-team opportunities, they have earmarked the Londoner as a replacement for their talisman Kamaldeen Sulemana [Scottish Sun].

Known to be interesting Manchester United, the 19-year-old Ghanaian could free up the funds for an ambitious Dembele swoop.

The Verdict: Dembele loss would be bitter blow for Celtic

For Celtic, the loss of Karamoko Dembele would be a catastrophic blow to their youth development structures.

Widely heralded as one of their best young talents – Neil Lennon once called him ‘very very special’ – the Hoops should look to grant their man senior football assurances. Showing he can handle the occasion, the right-winger stepped off the bench against St Johnstone last month to slot home in a comprehensive 4-0 Celtic victory [BBC].

Hailed on several occasions by Lennon, it is evident the best of his Hoops career could be yet to come.

However, it may already be too late to prevent his inevitable departure – Dembele has just one more year left on his Parkhead deal [Transfermarkt]. Subsequently, it may transpire that the Celts will look to get as much profit as they can on their star prodigy heading into 2021/22.

Somerset Seconds experienced a day of frustration as they lost yet another day of cricket to this summers wet weather

Richard Walsh12-Jun-2002Somerset Seconds experienced a day of frustration as they lost yet another day of cricket to this summers wet weather.The team reported to the County Ground in Bristol in the hope that they might get out on the field for the third day of their four day second eleven championship match against Gloucestershire.But sadly it wasn’t to be and by mid afternoon play had been abandoned without a ball being bowled, and they were on their way back to Taunton.Tomorrow morning they will travel back up the M5 again in the hope of getting some cricket, but with the forecast looking less than promising that looks unlikely.

Wolves defender Romain Saiss is attracting interest from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, according to a report from Foot Mercato.

Rennes, who finished sixth in their league, have identified the 31-year-old as a possible target. His contract expires at the end of the month, but the Molineux club have the option to extend it for a further year.

The Moroccan currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt.

Saiss heavily involved for Wolves in 2020/21

Predominantly a centre-back, Saiss has made 174 appearances for Wolves in total. Last season, the 31-year-old played 30 times in all competitions.

Saiss averaged 2.6 successful aerial duels, 1.3 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 4.1 clearances in the Premier League in 2020/21 (via WhoScored). However, that didn’t stop him from being a lightning rod for criticism from some quarters for a few less than spectacular performances.

Will Lage have a say on Saiss?

Wolves may gauge the opinion of incoming manager Bruno Lage before deciding what to do with Saiss. According to Tim Spiers, the club’s correspondent for The Athletic, the 45-year-old is to be officially appointed later this week, with his contract details currently being finalised.

Twitter news feed Talking Wolves relayed the report, and here’s what some supporters made of it, with a few not seeing overly dismayed at the thought of Saiss leaving.

Wolves fans respond to Saiss rumour

“Sell him!! Get a few million for him & put it towards an upgrade!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20

“Start to get rid of the deadwood so we can keep the players like Neves”

Credit: @Ethanwwfc_

“Camavinga swap!”

Credit: @BrunoLages442

“The whole team is being sold…”

Credit: @pcaseiro

“Bye bye”

Credit: @FW90

“Please let this happen”

Credit: @stephenskippy

In other news, Wolves are said to be leading this transfer race. 

B.A.T.Sports Cricket Club have installed a new club secretary since the beginning of the season

Richard Isaacs15-Jul-2002B.A.T.Sports Cricket Club have installed a new club secretary since the beginning of the season.South coast newcomer Stephen Jones, who advertised his services as scorer and statistician on the Southern Premier League web-site during the winter after moving from Norwich, has taken over from Stephen Buss with immediate effect.He can be contacted at:
Stephen G. Jones,
18 Collett Close,
Hedge End,
Southampton,
Hampshire, SO30 2RR.Contacts: 01489 789581 (home),
07815 458949 (mobile),
e-mail: [email protected]

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could be in line for a new job just across the park from Anfield, according to The Telegraph, prompting loads of Reds fans to respond on Twitter.

Looking for a manager since the departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Spanish giants Real Madrid, Everton are hoping to install a new manager ahead of 2021/22 with owner Farhad Moshiri keen to speak to Benitez alongside other candidates [The Sun].

Of course, the Spaniard is regarded as something of a hero amongst the Anfield faithful. Over the course of his six years in Merseyside, he won a UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup [Transfermarkt].

Fresh from a two-year spell in China with Dalian Pro, he is said to be eager for a return to Premier League management [The Telegraph].

Citing the opening at their city rivals, alongside the 61-year-old’s free agent status, loads of Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their opinion over these latest developments.

Liverpool fans react:

Here is how some of the Liverpool fans summarised their feelings after hearing the news surrounding Benitez:

“Pain. Immense pain.”

Credit: @rajsinghchohan”Not sure I believe it / don’t want to believe it.”Credit: @BelloLfc1801″He loses his liverpool legacy it he takes the everton Job”Credit: @LFCSlimbo”He won’t downgrade from being jobless”Credit: @joexlfc”Surely neither Liverpool or Everton fans want this to happen lol”Credit: @LfcHaugen”Abit like the Gerrard links, a load of nonsense”Credit: @randomgrubberIn other news, Liverpool fans rage at a big Marko Grujic update.

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans have suffered a potentially significant blow after it was revealed that Leicester City have entered the race for RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka.

What’s the story?

The Zambia international enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 campaign for the Austrian champions, attracting the attention of a host of the continent’s top teams as a result.

It was believed that Jurgen Klopp’s charges have been leading the race for Daka’s signature in recent weeks, although a report from The Mirror disclosing Leicester’s interest may alter the situation.

A fee of £17m is being muted for the clinical finisher, meaning he is well within the reach of the Midlands outfit despite their inferior budget.

Klopp will be fuming

Liverpool are thought to be in the market for a new forward ahead of the upcoming transfer window after both Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino had underwhelming seasons last time out.

Several names have been linked with the Anfield outfit as Klopp plots his way back to the top of the game, but Daka appeared to be the strongest candidate after bagging an incredible 34 goals in all competitions during 2020/21.

The 22-year-old’s standout displays earned the praise of Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch, who lauded the youngster’s quality and potential last year.

“It’s just a lot of fun working with him, and I hope he continues with this development. He has a lot of potential, he is just a fantastic player,” revealed Marsch.

His arrival on Merseyside would be regarded as a sizeable coup for Klopp given Daka’s goalscoring record, but the chances of that happening may have just taken a substantial knock.

Leicester are likely to be able to offer the Zambia international guaranteed first-team game time, given the fact they have Europa League football to contend with and the need to ease the burden on 34-year-old Jamie Vardy.

The lure of regular minutes could be enough to persuade Daka to join Brendan Rodgers’ charges over Liverpool, leaving Klopp fuming.

If the Reds are to return to their former glory under the enigmatic German manager, then director of football Michael Edwards is going to have to perform well in the market over the summer, but he may have already missed out on one of his key transfer targets. Klopp won’t be happy at all.

And, in other news…LFC heading for huge transfer mistake over £27m-rated liability, Edwards must avoid 

Opening batsman David Kelly is transferring his allegiance from Central Districts to Northern Districts this summer

Lynn McConnell29-Jul-2002Opening batsman David Kelly is transferring his allegiance from Central Districts to Northern Districts this summer.He is basing himself in the Counties Manukau region over the summer.With a double century among his 1393 first-class runs, where his average is 29.63, and his 886 one-day runs at 22.71, Kelly has a chance to carve a place for himself in a highly-competitive ND line-up this summer.State Northern Knights coach Bruce Blair said: “It is pleasing to see a player with David’s undoubted ability deciding to play his club cricket in the Northern Districts region.”

Bar and light buffet is available and Tickets are £2.50 on the door

14-Aug-2002The Leicestershire Cricket League invite their friends to an evening with the Channel 4 Cricket Roadshow presenters at the Gilbert Murray Hall, Manor Road, Oadby – this Friday August 16th, 7pmBar and light buffet is available and Tickets are £2.50 on the door.Saturday morning the Cricket Roadshow is being hosted by the LeicestershireCricket League at Leicester University Sports Ground, Stoughton Rd. Oadbythe home ground of current Leicestershire Premier Division Champions AsianSports. Guests are welcome from 8.30a.m. onwards and young cricketers are invited to come along bring their kit and join in.The Leicestershire League Cup the LOROS CUP is played in order to help raiseawareness for LOROS and LOROS will be there on the day with a car which isfirst prize in their raffle which is drawn on Saturday 7th September.Asian Sports vs Old Eastonians League match will commence at 11.30a.m. onSaturday, the LOROS Cup final is being played on Sunday 2p.m. start.