Nottinghamshire CCC - The return of DaveK

[DaveK93]

T20 Quarter Finals:
Somerset vs Glamorgan
Durham vs Middlesex
Essex vs Warwickshire
Nottinghamshire vs Sussex

Arguably, the tie of the round is Nottinghamshire vs Sussex. Sussex are somewhat of a bogey team for me on ICC in the T20 format, and have been across the last 2-3 editions. Hopefully they won’t be a problem this time.

My predicted semi-finalists:
Somerset
Durham
Essex
Notts

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Gloucestershire

Squad News:



Fletcher and Kerrigan are back for this, as the pitch looks like it could cause problems. Fuller will be given a chance in the CCD1 match, after missing out against his old club.

Toss:
Notts win the toss and bowl first

Day 1:
The day is in the balance after some expensive bowling. Jefferson performed well, as did Fletcher, but everyone else was expensive. Kerrigan has been particularly appalling, he really needs to improve next season, I wanted him as Swann’s long term replacement. Gloucs finished on 359-8, a couple of quick wickets would be nice.

Day 2:
We finished on 308-9, but we should have been in a better position. We lost 5 wicket in the last session, which hampered our progress. Before that, there were good performances from both Burridge and Thakor, after Jefferson picked up the last two Gloucs wickets

Day 3:
After a solid partnership of over 70 between Patel and Donald got us an extra batting point, we set about trying to remove Gloucs for a low total. We got them for 253 in the final over of the day. This means we have a total of 271 to win on the final day’s play.

Day 4:
We couldn’t do it. Losing 3 wickets at the start for 16 didn’t help though. I’m not best pleased with our performance.



Batting Award:
Roy Burridge – Good century in the first innings

Bowling Award:
Paul Jefferson – Good performance from the rookie

Points:
Notts 7, Gloucs 23

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Sussex

Squad News:



We go with a strong T20 squad, definitely capable of beating Sussex. We also come up against Michael Lumb, who is making good his time at Sussex

Toss:
Sussex win the toss and bowl first

So Sussex are still a bogey team for me in the T20 format. That’s inconvenient.



Batting Award:
James Taylor – He tried his best in a losing cause

Bowling Award:
Ajmal Shahzad – Good bowling, unfortunately everyone else was too expensive

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Yorkshire

Squad News:



McGregor and Thakor both return for this one, as does Fletcher.

Toss:
Yorkshire win the toss and bat first

Yorks Innings:
Our bowling attack looked toothless against a sea of left handers, and Bashire and Lyth made us pay. 288 is way, way out of our reach, especially given our batsmen’s recent form.

Notts Innings:
Hollins and Patel tried their best, but it was ultimately not to be. Our batsmen are shockingly out of form. We really need a break here, 3 defeats on the bounce could be really detrimental to our chances this season, especially now we aren’t getting the treble this season.



Batting Award:
Glenn Hollins – A valiant century

Bowling Award:
Not a chance.

Points:
Yorks 2, Notts 0

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Northamptonshire

Squad News:



Broad comes in for Mullaney is the only change

Toss:
Notts win the toss and bat first

Notts Innings:
Another game, another batting slump. A pitiful total on a beauty of a pitch, and at the moment, we are in dire straits. We could throw away any chance of getting any trophies at this rate

Northants Innings:
Pretty straight forward, a couple of late wickets but no fireworks for the bowlers. 4 defeats in a row now, we need to turn it around.



Batting Award:
Samit Patel – he’s put in some good performances in the face of adversity, he’s done enough to warrant a new contract now

Bowling Award:
S Broad – Tried to make an impact, lacked the support

Points:
Notts 0, Northants 2

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Netherlands

Squad News:



Could this be the match we turn it around? Hales, Jefferson and Swann all come in to try and make it happen.

Toss:
Notts win the toss and elect to bat first

Notts Innings:
Runs, glorious runs! We had contributions from most of our batsmen, and we posted a competitive total for the first time in a while. Yet again, it was Hales and Taylor that led the way, and their quick knocks gave the rest of the batsmen a chance to find their feet.

Netherlands Innings:
Broad and Jefferson tore the batting apart and we closed a big win. Hopefully this will be the start of a strong end to the season.



Batting Award:
Alex Hales – good start, let the others get settled

Bowling Award:
S Broad - 5 wickets, we’ve missed him this season

Points:
Notts 2, Netherlands 0

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Middlesex

Squad News:



Broad and Swanny are with England, so Fletcher, Kerrigan, Read and Ramshaw come in, Wessels and Burridge also missing out.

Toss:
Notts win the toss and bat first

Day 1:
Yet again, our batsmen failed us in the first session. We lost the first 4 wickets for around 80 runs, before Taylor and Read got to the crease. They led us through the second session as well, before Taylor fell just short of his century. Read managed to get his though, and remained at the crease at the close alongside Fletcher as we finished on 317-7.

Day 2:
We finished our innings on 343, after some hitting from the lower order. We then set about dismissing the Middlesex order. Initially, the spin twins of Kerrigan and Patel were impressive and took wickets, but the main impact came from Jefferson and Shahzad, who worked wonders with the new ball. Middlesex were all out with 2 overs left in the day, and we had a healthy lead.

Day 3:
Our batting was fairly pathetic and 159 isn’t good enough. Middlesex were 117-2 at the close, and they looked to be in good shape.

Day 4:
Barely any more play was possible due to rain, and it finishes as a draw.



Batting Award:
Chris Read – His first meaningful performance

Bowling Award:
P Jefferson – wickets in both innings

Points:
Middsx 9, Notts 7

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Somerset

Squad News:



Burridge and Donald come in for Hollins and Shahzad for this crucial last group match in the 40 over format.

Toss:
Somerset win the toss and bowl first

Well… that’s inconvenient. We needed to win that one. By some sheer luck though, we qualify, and we have an away tie against Glamorgan.



No Awards given.

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Surrey

Squad News:



McGregor and Fuller are in, hopefully they may make a difference.

Toss:
Surrey win the toss and bat first

Day 1:
Surrey have a slight advantage at 315-5. They batted us out the day for long periods, and we were lucky to get a couple of late wickets. In any case, we could struggle if we don’t get a wicket or two in the first 10 overs of Day 2.

Day 2:
Another tough day, as Aitkenhead gave us major issues. Once we finally removed him for 260, the rest of the batting disappeared quickly. We then made a mess of trying to catch Surrey, and we were 70-3 at the close. This match isn’t going to end well.

Day 3:
We failed miserably with the bat in the first innings. Fortunately we showed a little spirit in the second innings, and 223-2 is much better. There were welcome runs for McGregor and Ramshaw, and we need some long batting stints tomorrow.

Day 4:
A valiant effort, but we couldn’t manage it. Another defeat, our season is going down the pan.



Batting Award:
T Ramshaw – finished 1 short of his century

Bowling Award:
L Fletcher - Bowled consistently, even when taking wickets

Points:
Surrey 22, Notts 1

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Essex

Squad News:



In a bid to stop our dismal run, we bring in Wallis and Coles

Toss:
Essex win the toss and bat first

Day 1:
A fairly dull day saw Essex get 257-4. Not exactly a high points scorer, but we do have the new ball to exploit tomorrow

Day 2:
Our batting was dismal yet again. 157 all out was appalling after we had done so well to get quick wickets. Essex built on their lead in the evening, as we could only get 2 wickets in their second innings before the close.

Day 3:
We’ve been well and truly batted out of this match. Which is a little depressing really. After being set 491 to win, we were 58-2 at the close, and it’ll be a real show of our batsmens ability if we get a draw out of this.

Day 4:
And another defeat. Say goodbye to our title chances.



I’m not giving any awards, I see no reason why anyone deserves them.

Points:
Essex 21, Notts 2

[DaveK93]

Notts vs Glamorgan

Squad News:



Coles and Wallis out, Burridge and Shahzad in for our semi final. A win would be nice…

Toss:
Glamorgan win the toss and bat

Glam Innings:
Our bowlers continued their relatively good form as we skittled Glamorgan for 163. Kerrigan got some useful wickets, as did the rest of the bowlers, and none of the batsmen really threatened.

Notts Innings:
A nicely paced chase saw us reach our first OD final under my leadership. Hales and Burridge were both impressive, and this hopefully signals a change in fortunes.



Batting Award:
Roy Burridge – A good half century, was unlucky to be run out before the end

Bowling Award:
Simon Kerrigan – 4 great wickets, hopefully he will continue to replicate this.

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Glamorgan

Squad News:



Hollins, Swann, Broad and Coles all back for this vital match. We are joint 2nd, and 6 points behind 1st place Middlesex. Glamorgan are bottom of the table though, this could be our lucky break.

Toss:
Glam win the toss and bowl first

Day 1:
We had a great day with the bat, reaching 294-2. Burridge hit 152, with Hollins not out on 112, as we put ourselves in a really good position.

Day 2:
We got to 595, a massive score for an out of form team. Hollins was instrumental, getting 163. Glamorgan were 136-0 at the close though, and we did lose Broad to injury.

Day 3:
We managed to bowl Glamorgan out for 410 in the end, our seamers doing most of the work. We were able to enforce the follow on, and we need to avoid batting again if we can.
Glamorgan were 3-2 at the close, Coles striking twice in his first over.

Day 4:
Despite some spirited resistance, we fought well, and got wickets. Glamorgan did make us bat again, but we had plenty of time, and gained 21 welcome points. A defeat in game 15 for Middlesex would be quite nice.



Batting Award:
Glenn Hollins – showed why he is picked regularly for England with a great century

Bowling Award:
Matt Coles – Fought Glamorgan all the way.

Points:
Notts 21, Glamorgan 5

Aside:
Somerset now top the league by 7 points, but have played all their matches. We need get at least 8 points and 13 more than Middlesex as it stands.

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Warwickshire

Squad News:



Mullaney for Broad is the only change for this 40 over clash.

Toss:
Warwicks win the toss and bowl

Notts Innings:
We got a nice big total after some great opening from Burridge and Hales. It allowed the others to hit out at the bowling, and posting a total of 261-7 is fairly impressive for a cup final.

Warwicks Innings:
We pushed our luck, but we got the job done. Coles got us off to the best possible start, and they were 134-6. Orton fought back though, until Patel removed him for 99 in his first over, and the innings crumbled.

We have our first piece of OD silverware!



Batting Award:
A Hales- just gets it from Burridge on runs scored

Bowling Award:
Matt Coles – another sterling effort from the pacer

[DaveK93]

Nottinghamshire vs Warwickshire

Squad News:



Broad for Mullaney in our last match of the season. The hunt for a 3rd successive championship title is on.

Toss:
Notts win the toss and bat first

Day 1:
We got to 340-7 after some good work by Broad and Taylor. We did lose Read to injury though, and that could cost us. We have a good amount of batting points though, we just need to make our bowling count.

Day 2:
After finishing on 407, Broad getting a great century, we took to the field. We made it count, Coles and Jefferson both causing the batsmen problems. At the close of play, they were 203-7, and in real danger of having to follow on. Middlesex meanwhile are looking close to defeat against Essex, so we look good for the title at the moment.

Day 3:
After the follow on was enforced, we tried to remove them again. This time we were less effective though, and Warwicks had a lead of 141 at the close.

Day 4:
A frantic last day saw us win the title on the last ball of the season. Middlesex confirmed a win over Essex earlier in the day so the pressure was on. Warwicks declared on 450-5, leaving us 284 to win, in 2 sessions. Hales went first ball, but Burridge and Hollins took matters into their own hands. They brought us very close to the total, and then there was a frantic combination of boundaries and wickets. With 9 needed from the last over, it looked hopeless, but Coles hit a six, and a single off the last ball saw us squeak home, to be champions for the 3rd year in a row.



Batting Award:
Glenn Hollins – His century quite possibly won us the match.

Bowling Award:
Paul Jefferson – a great effort alongside Coles in the first innings

Points:
Notts 23, Warwicks 3

[DaveK93]

Season Review:

A pretty good season then, getting our hands on two pieces of silverware. We had a major slump in form though, and we struggled in the second half of the season. We lost our grip on the T20 title this year as well, and it will be a priority to get it back as soon as possible. The main issue for us will be consistency next season. If we can get a couple of good signings, there is no reason why we can’t dominate across all 3 formats.

The Contracts section will follow the stats shortly…