The cricket thread (incorporating the Ashes)

[firehazard]

And somehow, against most expectations, Essex find themselves top of Division 1, after a cracking win against Sorrey yesterday. Have to enjoy it while it lasts.

Somewhat poignantly, they've also announced the death of former captain Brian "Tonker" Taylor today. I have many memories of him, as he was captain when I first started going to watch them as a young'un. Always had time for the kids, good sense of humour, though I don't think he put up with any nonsense. RIP Tonker.

[Welshie]

Riding high Essex at the moment, well done them. Keep supporting FH and good luck.
Glamorgan have strung some wins together, and we are mid table at the moment.
Cheers
Aled

[Welshie]

Big T20 match for Glamorgan tonight.
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Good luck to Glam in the T20 Finals tomorrow. Hope you can win it.

Essex still hanging on at the top of CC Div 1...

[Welshie]

Yes doing well there FH, I really well in fact, as I've said before Essex is my 2nd county so good luck FH, it would be nice to see you win.
If Glamorgan can pull it off tomorrow that would be great, I am however at a fishing competition so will be listening in on the radio.
Cheers
Aled

[Welshie]

Glamorgan blew it again, lost by 11 runs!
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Glamorgan blew it again, lost by 11 runs!

Sorry you didn't do it - I was distracted that Saturday by the start of the rugby season and didn't see any of the games.

Cricket season coming to its end, Essex still hanging on there...

[soulfinger]

With great timing.... Lancs have had their worst day of the season. Feint title hopes are over. Congrats to Essex!

[firehazard]

With great timing.... Lancs have had their worst day of the season. Feint title hopes are over. Congrats to Essex!

I've been following Essex long enough to take absolutely nothing for granted. They have always been capable of losing things in a totally ludicrous way.

But if they do win the CC this season, it will be very much against expectations. Pre-season, most Essex supporters were thinking we'd do well to avoid going straight back down to Division 2.

[Welshie]

Well good luck Essex, FH, I'm wishing you well.
Cheers
Aled

[Welshie]

Nearly time to crack open the champagne FH, its looking good, keep shouting for Somerset....
Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Sneaked away from the desk to watch the last few overs today on the TV.

Not counting chickens, but I was remembering where I was last time they won the CC, in 1992. In fact I was sitting at the Hayes Close end at Chelmsford, watching them beat Hampshire. At least, I think that was the match in which they won it.

I didn't have a lot on at work that summer, so I went to most of the games at Chelmsford and Colchester in the second half of the season. Those were the days...

[Welshie]

I lived in Cardiff in the early 00's and watched nearly all of the home 1 day, and T20 matches, it was a 15minute walk from home to the ground at Sohpia Gardens....passed a couple of good pubs as well!! 60 odd runs needed by Somerset.....
Cheers
Aled

[Welshie]

Congratulations Essex, go and get that Champagne FH, and enjoy. Well done.
All the best & Cheers
Aled

[firehazard]

Thanks, Aled. And Somerset.
Can't quite believe it. To be honest, over recent years, I'd given up hope of it ever happening again. Glad to be proved wrong.