Tuesday, 2 September 2014

That's the way Cookie crumbles

Cricket

International

It's a fast and cruel world on the international stage, you don't have to look any further than Alastair Cook to realise that.

Unfortunately I had to witness the winter to forget down under but since then England have ruffled their feathers to build on this summer with Perter Moores trusting Cookie to lead the side onto better fortunes.

Well.. summer is nearly over and what have we seen?? Other than the impressive turn around in the recent test series against India we haven’t really had anything to shout about. But lets focus on the ODI series, there's no hiding the fact the one day format resembles T20 rather than test cricket so why on earth do we have to watch Cook go in and play test shots as the overs wind away?! It baffles me how he and others defend his position in the team when were throwing games away. Granted the poor results aren't solely Cook's fault but when your playing against quality sides with quality bowlers you have just 50 overs to get the runs on the board and Cook just crumbles. As I write this now England are being picked apart by India (India will win the series if they triumph today) with Cook making just 9 runs.. it's not good enough, I'm not saying step down or give the captaincy away, just move down the order and give the youngsters a shot.

Local

Despite a slight stumble towards the end of the season in all formats, Worcestershire deserve to take a bow with their hard fought efforts when most pundits had them down to do diddly squat back in April.

Quarter finalists in the T20, falling just shy of qualification in the Royal London One-Day Cup and running away with the second division which they should go onto win has the three pears flag flying high.

Moeen Ali turning heads to then go onto making his name on the international scene, captain Daryl Mitchell having without doubt the best season of his career and a successful spell for the overseas players will hopefully see silverware return to New Road this month.

Rugby

International

Can England win the World Cup next year?? Of course they can. Yes you'll have the usual suspects left as the numbers dwindle but you always do and if there's any team that looks exciting and dangerous surely it'd have to be the hosts.

In my opinion we threw away the last two six nations and even the series in New Zealand after two close first games. We've come along way in the last two years and if we can stay injury free there is no doubt we can make Twickenham a fortress.

Local

Not long now until the new season starts and there is just as mush expectation as there is excitement at Sixways. I respect Dean Ryan for the drastic changes he has made since relegation from the top flight last season. With one eye on the future he has assembled a squad full of youngsters bursting with potential. Their hungry for success and that's what the club and especially the fans will want to see on the pitch. Credit to the fans staying loyal to their side with such woeful performances last season but although we ALL expect the Warriors to be the bulldozers of the Greene King IPA Championship, the play-offs will have the last say.

We all expected Bristol to return to the Premiership last season but were pipped to the post by a ruthless London Welsh side who quite frankly deserved it. Worcester had a slight scare last time they were in that position with Bedford and when they find themselves their next spring after a long hopefully impressive campaign, they have to give 100% until the whistle blows for the last time as Bristol, Leeds and Co won't go away easily.

Football

National

The last roll of the dice took place at 11pm last night as the frantic transfer deadline day came to an end. Hats off to the news teams up and down the country who kept us in check until the clock struck 11. As exciting and dramatic deadline day was, I found the most dumbfound remark from Brendan Rogers the main talking point.

Rogers stated when your not in the Champion's league big names won't be on your team sheet. The stars of the show will want to play in Europe's biggest competition and they won't miss that opportunity to play domestic football all season. While that may be true.. money talks. But forget the obvious money factor, just look at Liverpool and United this Summer, one has overachieved and will be making their return to the Champions League this season while the other is slumping and desperate to quickly steady the ship. So Brendan you'll be playing the holders Real Madrid next month and you have the summer signings of Lallana and Lambert to put the fear factor into the Galacticos while on the flip side with virtually only the Premier League to play for, United will have Di Maria and Falcao strolling out the Old Trafford dugout week in week out.

Well said Brendan..

Local

Finally something for Worcester City to shout about! 3 points on the board against a strong North Ferriby side is just what Carl Heeley needed. With a little luck this result will be the injection of life into the squad to get their Vanarama Conference North campaign off the ground.

While on the matter of Worcester City I'd just like to have a little rant over the clubs current home being – dare I say it – Aggbrough. It's mainly Worcester City's fault they ended up in this mess after plans on a new ground at Nunnery Way falling through but to be playing their home games at rivals Kidderminster is completely ludicrous. It might be a good little ground and it's keeping Worcester from being homeless but the sooner we get out of Kidderminster the better. Worcester City FC is a proud and historic club with endless loyal supporters. Lets bring the boys back.


Rant over.

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