QUOTES AND INTERVIEWS
CliMAX rules in rain affected cricket - an interview with the mind behind CliMAX
How's the cricket seasons started for you, Peter?
PLG: Last weekend the sun shone and I played in two games of cricket where the teams were playing to similar standards. On Saturday only 22 runs separated the teams and on Sunday just 12. On Saturday, 29 overs of cricketing opportunity were wasted because the both teams were out before their allotted overs finished, but on Sunday the game ended with just 7 balls left. Such nail biting finishes are rare in cricket, but get players and spectators salivating!
By contrast I have had two games abandoned due to rain this weekend and I expect other players feel dejected like me and following a season in which over a third of games were affected like this, players and club officers are wondering if all the preparation put in to host such games are worthwhile.
Would it be different if we adopted CliMAX rules, Peter?
PLG: We can do nothing about the weather but surely it makes sense to adopt CliMAX rules to league cricket. CliMAX makes a result possible even if one ball only is bowled. You might think that trivialises the game and of course the strongest cricketing team might not win, but awareness and conditions, preparation and planning would make the team with the smartest tactics more likely winners and surely you cannot argue against that. But let me remind you: In CliMAX, the team with the most runs wins. I would add that if the one ball has been bowled and the batting team are on zero, then the bowling team would be awarded the game. This forces the batting team to adopt a positive strategy and look for a run, which gives them more chance of a wicket.
Now most of the time you would not start a game expecting only one delivery to be bowled, but should dark clouds be threatening then a captain might play that first ball of the innings as though it were going to be the only one, doing all in his power to stop the batters scoring from it. Once the game is underway and the batting team are off the mark, the fielding team will want to do all they can to take a wicket and return the batting to team to zero, which would then clinch victory if no more play were possible. The batters would have one ace up their sleeves to override this situation; if the scores are level, the next deciding feature is the number of MAXima struck. Thus batting tactics must consider getting a MAXimum on the scoresheet and of course this high risk shot play is most likely to lead to a wicket.
So what about the influence of an unscrupulous umpire who has allegiance to one team?
PLG: It's true they could influence a result by refusing further play when the result is going in favour of their team. Sadly, outside circles where neutral umpires are possible this is a reality we have to consider. My suggestion would be an unwritten rule that the umpires suggest that play will cease but then allow at least one further ball to be bowled, and of course in CliMAX the whole game can turn on that. The game should then not stop if an extra is conceded or a MAXimum is hit, as on the last scheduled delivery. Players and umpires might get wet, but at least both teams then have a chance to win before they walk off the pitch.
Would CliMAX rules mean more cricket is played even when the weather is bad?
PLG: Current league rules often insist on a minimum number of overs to constitute a match, e.g. on Saturday a 90 over game was abandoned because 20 overs or 70 minutes were lost. Yet when we left the ground it was not raining and the pitch was drying and arguably playable, though of course the light would have gone before the necessary overs had been bowled. I think this rule is made because it is considered too much an advantage for the team batting second who have all their wickets to use in less overs to score at the same overall rate as the team batting first have throughout 45 overs. CliMAX is superior as each wicket lost is deadly with the score returning to zero. It makes sense to play until the time scheduled for the ending of the game, doesn't it?
But is there too much advantage in batting second in CliMAX?
PLG: It seems that to know your target is a great advantage in cricket and in CliMAX particularly. If the target is low – single figures or even zero – a careful or negative approach is all that is required. Yet, that seems fair to me as it will have been skillful bowling, fielding or captaincy that created that easy target or conversely careless or poor batting that led to it. What is more, by basing bonus points on the final total in CliMAX you create huge rewards for positive play that goes beyond simply securing a victory in the current game. This is an extra dimension of league CliMAX that makes it the preferable format to the simple knock-out cup. It also means that any team can win the league until the last ball they bat against in the last game they play in that league.
So is CliMAX too short for Saturday or Sunday afternoon cricket?
PLG: It is true that the longest CliMAX so far is 10 overs of 10 ball per team. This Classic CliMAX lasts 2 hours and is ideal for evenings after work or school. To be honest, I don’t know the answer to this question. I accept the criticism, that what goes on earlier in the game becomes irrelevant to the final result. One batter might score an incredible MegaMAX sequence (1,111.110 runs), yet a subsequent wicket sends the team score back to zero. Yet we should realise that it could be a slow and careful innings of 100 without losing a wicket that might win a game. Correct tactics are not so obvious in CliMAX, which makes it challenging to players and particularly captains. I expect a longer game would see teams jockeying for position, with the intensity building towards the final overs. Should this not be satisfactory, the teams might play two or even three separate Classic CliMAX games in one afternoon or a third team might be involved in a round robin on one ground. However, the main point is that with CliMAX, the weather will not be so detrimental to the time we play the game and the ability to reach meaningful results. Indeed, CliMAX rules!
PLG: Last weekend the sun shone and I played in two games of cricket where the teams were playing to similar standards. On Saturday only 22 runs separated the teams and on Sunday just 12. On Saturday, 29 overs of cricketing opportunity were wasted because the both teams were out before their allotted overs finished, but on Sunday the game ended with just 7 balls left. Such nail biting finishes are rare in cricket, but get players and spectators salivating!
By contrast I have had two games abandoned due to rain this weekend and I expect other players feel dejected like me and following a season in which over a third of games were affected like this, players and club officers are wondering if all the preparation put in to host such games are worthwhile.
Would it be different if we adopted CliMAX rules, Peter?
PLG: We can do nothing about the weather but surely it makes sense to adopt CliMAX rules to league cricket. CliMAX makes a result possible even if one ball only is bowled. You might think that trivialises the game and of course the strongest cricketing team might not win, but awareness and conditions, preparation and planning would make the team with the smartest tactics more likely winners and surely you cannot argue against that. But let me remind you: In CliMAX, the team with the most runs wins. I would add that if the one ball has been bowled and the batting team are on zero, then the bowling team would be awarded the game. This forces the batting team to adopt a positive strategy and look for a run, which gives them more chance of a wicket.
Now most of the time you would not start a game expecting only one delivery to be bowled, but should dark clouds be threatening then a captain might play that first ball of the innings as though it were going to be the only one, doing all in his power to stop the batters scoring from it. Once the game is underway and the batting team are off the mark, the fielding team will want to do all they can to take a wicket and return the batting to team to zero, which would then clinch victory if no more play were possible. The batters would have one ace up their sleeves to override this situation; if the scores are level, the next deciding feature is the number of MAXima struck. Thus batting tactics must consider getting a MAXimum on the scoresheet and of course this high risk shot play is most likely to lead to a wicket.
So what about the influence of an unscrupulous umpire who has allegiance to one team?
PLG: It's true they could influence a result by refusing further play when the result is going in favour of their team. Sadly, outside circles where neutral umpires are possible this is a reality we have to consider. My suggestion would be an unwritten rule that the umpires suggest that play will cease but then allow at least one further ball to be bowled, and of course in CliMAX the whole game can turn on that. The game should then not stop if an extra is conceded or a MAXimum is hit, as on the last scheduled delivery. Players and umpires might get wet, but at least both teams then have a chance to win before they walk off the pitch.
Would CliMAX rules mean more cricket is played even when the weather is bad?
PLG: Current league rules often insist on a minimum number of overs to constitute a match, e.g. on Saturday a 90 over game was abandoned because 20 overs or 70 minutes were lost. Yet when we left the ground it was not raining and the pitch was drying and arguably playable, though of course the light would have gone before the necessary overs had been bowled. I think this rule is made because it is considered too much an advantage for the team batting second who have all their wickets to use in less overs to score at the same overall rate as the team batting first have throughout 45 overs. CliMAX is superior as each wicket lost is deadly with the score returning to zero. It makes sense to play until the time scheduled for the ending of the game, doesn't it?
But is there too much advantage in batting second in CliMAX?
PLG: It seems that to know your target is a great advantage in cricket and in CliMAX particularly. If the target is low – single figures or even zero – a careful or negative approach is all that is required. Yet, that seems fair to me as it will have been skillful bowling, fielding or captaincy that created that easy target or conversely careless or poor batting that led to it. What is more, by basing bonus points on the final total in CliMAX you create huge rewards for positive play that goes beyond simply securing a victory in the current game. This is an extra dimension of league CliMAX that makes it the preferable format to the simple knock-out cup. It also means that any team can win the league until the last ball they bat against in the last game they play in that league.
So is CliMAX too short for Saturday or Sunday afternoon cricket?
PLG: It is true that the longest CliMAX so far is 10 overs of 10 ball per team. This Classic CliMAX lasts 2 hours and is ideal for evenings after work or school. To be honest, I don’t know the answer to this question. I accept the criticism, that what goes on earlier in the game becomes irrelevant to the final result. One batter might score an incredible MegaMAX sequence (1,111.110 runs), yet a subsequent wicket sends the team score back to zero. Yet we should realise that it could be a slow and careful innings of 100 without losing a wicket that might win a game. Correct tactics are not so obvious in CliMAX, which makes it challenging to players and particularly captains. I expect a longer game would see teams jockeying for position, with the intensity building towards the final overs. Should this not be satisfactory, the teams might play two or even three separate Classic CliMAX games in one afternoon or a third team might be involved in a round robin on one ground. However, the main point is that with CliMAX, the weather will not be so detrimental to the time we play the game and the ability to reach meaningful results. Indeed, CliMAX rules!
The Farmer of CliMAX predicts a good harvest of runs
Many of you will be familiar with the Facebook CliMAX contributor Sam 'Boris' Douthwaite. CliMAX Roving Reporter G-Odd wondered if his witty one-liners would produce a sensational interview for the CliMAX QUOTES AND INTERVIEW webpage. Now you can judge as G-Odd caught up with Sam after the Panthers game against Barnt Green at Swans Nest Lane on 23 July 2012.
G-O: What does it mean to you to be a CliMAX-Original?
SD: It is up there with my greatest of achievements, I can only hope that I get the chance to represent Stratford C.C in a CliMATCH and score some megaMAX runs!
G-O: Do you realise that you are in The Class of 2011 despite not managing to play CliMAX in 2011? Why? - Because your contribution on Facebook alone was considered immense to the CliMAX-community.
SD: I was not aware of this fact; however, I shall do my best to feature in a CliMATCH in order to get myself into the 'Class of 2012' edition. P.S. Do I get a free 2011 board game through my contributions?
G-O: No, Sam, but I can direct you to a link where you can get CliMAX-Board ‘The Class of 2011’ at a bargain price [click here]. What is it with you farmers and not wanting to pay for things?!
G-O: Of what title do you consider yourself worthy? (Remember we have a CliMAX-Kid, The Face of CliMAX, CliMAX-Girl and now a contender for Body of CliMAX)
SD: As the Body of CliMAX is already taken, I would like the title of The Farmer of CliMAX - so I can keep harvesting those kiloMAXes.
G-O: You played well for 32 last Saturday but clearly do not consider yourself in peak form presently. How do you think NOT playing CliMAX for almost 2 years contributes to that feeling?
SD: It has definitely had a detrimental effect to my confidence within the game. I remember when I last played a CliMATCH, it sparked a positive turnaround in my season; so only good can come from the game.
G-O: How does the attacking approach to cricket that CliMAX encourages fit with your general approach to 1) Sport?
SD: I like to play all of my sport to 'peak' intensity, so the attacking style of CliMAX fits in very well with this.
G-O: Aside - Check out the Action Shots of The Farmer - Variations on a theme of 'Forward Defensive'!
G-O: and 2) Life?
SD: I see aspects of CliMAX in all of my life, whether it be taking a big risk/a gamble on big money shots trying to get a quick result, or slowly building quietly until the time is right to unleash a few masterstrokes; there is an aspect of CliMAX in everyone!
G-O: Who would you like to see in The Class of 2012 (other than those already in The Class of 2011)?
SD: Iain Lythall (as I'm not sure he has the guts for CliMAX) and all of the Stratford Panthers.
G-O: Comment: The Farmer is certainly in tune with the mood of the nation on that one!
G-O: What does it mean to you to be a CliMAX-Original?
SD: It is up there with my greatest of achievements, I can only hope that I get the chance to represent Stratford C.C in a CliMATCH and score some megaMAX runs!
G-O: Do you realise that you are in The Class of 2011 despite not managing to play CliMAX in 2011? Why? - Because your contribution on Facebook alone was considered immense to the CliMAX-community.
SD: I was not aware of this fact; however, I shall do my best to feature in a CliMATCH in order to get myself into the 'Class of 2012' edition. P.S. Do I get a free 2011 board game through my contributions?
G-O: No, Sam, but I can direct you to a link where you can get CliMAX-Board ‘The Class of 2011’ at a bargain price [click here]. What is it with you farmers and not wanting to pay for things?!
G-O: Of what title do you consider yourself worthy? (Remember we have a CliMAX-Kid, The Face of CliMAX, CliMAX-Girl and now a contender for Body of CliMAX)
SD: As the Body of CliMAX is already taken, I would like the title of The Farmer of CliMAX - so I can keep harvesting those kiloMAXes.
G-O: You played well for 32 last Saturday but clearly do not consider yourself in peak form presently. How do you think NOT playing CliMAX for almost 2 years contributes to that feeling?
SD: It has definitely had a detrimental effect to my confidence within the game. I remember when I last played a CliMATCH, it sparked a positive turnaround in my season; so only good can come from the game.
G-O: How does the attacking approach to cricket that CliMAX encourages fit with your general approach to 1) Sport?
SD: I like to play all of my sport to 'peak' intensity, so the attacking style of CliMAX fits in very well with this.
G-O: Aside - Check out the Action Shots of The Farmer - Variations on a theme of 'Forward Defensive'!
G-O: and 2) Life?
SD: I see aspects of CliMAX in all of my life, whether it be taking a big risk/a gamble on big money shots trying to get a quick result, or slowly building quietly until the time is right to unleash a few masterstrokes; there is an aspect of CliMAX in everyone!
G-O: Who would you like to see in The Class of 2012 (other than those already in The Class of 2011)?
SD: Iain Lythall (as I'm not sure he has the guts for CliMAX) and all of the Stratford Panthers.
G-O: Comment: The Farmer is certainly in tune with the mood of the nation on that one!
“Always fit to CliMAX” - Mike Brown
Could this be the head of The Body?
Roving report G-Odd recently caught up with CliMAX-Original Mike Brown, who answered a few simple questions between biceps curls and lat’ pull-downs, which shows us how a long layoff from cricket through injury can affect the mind of a young man. Mike could not play in 2011 and so crucially missed out on “The Class of 2011”. Disappointing his many fans, this may have reduced initial sales of the new CliMAX-Board game.
G-O: Mike, tell us how has your return to cricket been?
MB: The return to cricket has been great; first couple of games a bit nerve wracking, but now I'm glad to have a proper Saturday again!
G-O: Are you bowling as fast as before?
MB: Yes bowling much faster than before, did lots of upper body conditioning.
[Photograph required to go with your application to become the The Body of CliMAX, Mike]
G-O: What kept you going through the long period of rehabilitation without cricket or even CliMAX?
MB: There were many dark days but the thought of being back out on the field with 10 other Panthers kept me going, as did the thought of CliMAX with the Yubby boys.
G-O: Are you fit enough to CliMAX yet?
MB: Always fit enough for a CliMAX !
G-O: How do your rate the Panthers chances in the Birmingham league this season?
MB: After back to back 24 point wins it will give us momentum to push up the table, we're a young solid unit ( at 22 I have been 3rd oldest in team) and I see us finishing mid table, maybe a little higher.
G-O: Do you think the odd game of CliMAX might help tune them into a more formidable unit?
MB: A game of CliMAX would help even though it's a very different game to BL (Birmingham League) cricket. ['Obviously - it's less boring!' aside from G-Odd]
I wouldn't mind adding a gazilion to my batting average though!
G-O: Who is your favorite CliMAX-Original?
MB: Favourite original has to be The Face of CliMAX himself Josh 'Mamba' Collins; not only did he keep me amused through years of geography and business studies at school, his clean striking of a cricket ball is frightening!!!
G-O: It’s also rare, like the woolly mammoth, Mike…..Are you frustrated not to be in “The Class of 2011”?
MB: Missing out on “The Class of 2011”? will always be a regret of mine, hopefully can make the class of 2015 where CliMAX will be being played internationally...!?
G-O: Do you use soap or shower gel?
MB: Very much a shower gel man, Adidas pure power game- world class product.
[Could be a photo opportunity to link with application to become The Body of CliMAX. Panthers take note and work on this, please!]
G-O: Do you have a specific message for the CliMAX-community?
MB: Message for the community: Good luck Yubby for the rest of the season, hope you reach 'peak excitement' in all forms of the game and also watch out for Sam Douthwaite, he is rated very highly- with many counties coming to watch him perform.
[Hopefully next scoop from G-odd would be You Tube video of Sam’Boris’ Douthwaite performing for the many counties]
G-O: Mike, tell us how has your return to cricket been?
MB: The return to cricket has been great; first couple of games a bit nerve wracking, but now I'm glad to have a proper Saturday again!
G-O: Are you bowling as fast as before?
MB: Yes bowling much faster than before, did lots of upper body conditioning.
[Photograph required to go with your application to become the The Body of CliMAX, Mike]
G-O: What kept you going through the long period of rehabilitation without cricket or even CliMAX?
MB: There were many dark days but the thought of being back out on the field with 10 other Panthers kept me going, as did the thought of CliMAX with the Yubby boys.
G-O: Are you fit enough to CliMAX yet?
MB: Always fit enough for a CliMAX !
G-O: How do your rate the Panthers chances in the Birmingham league this season?
MB: After back to back 24 point wins it will give us momentum to push up the table, we're a young solid unit ( at 22 I have been 3rd oldest in team) and I see us finishing mid table, maybe a little higher.
G-O: Do you think the odd game of CliMAX might help tune them into a more formidable unit?
MB: A game of CliMAX would help even though it's a very different game to BL (Birmingham League) cricket. ['Obviously - it's less boring!' aside from G-Odd]
I wouldn't mind adding a gazilion to my batting average though!
G-O: Who is your favorite CliMAX-Original?
MB: Favourite original has to be The Face of CliMAX himself Josh 'Mamba' Collins; not only did he keep me amused through years of geography and business studies at school, his clean striking of a cricket ball is frightening!!!
G-O: It’s also rare, like the woolly mammoth, Mike…..Are you frustrated not to be in “The Class of 2011”?
MB: Missing out on “The Class of 2011”? will always be a regret of mine, hopefully can make the class of 2015 where CliMAX will be being played internationally...!?
G-O: Do you use soap or shower gel?
MB: Very much a shower gel man, Adidas pure power game- world class product.
[Could be a photo opportunity to link with application to become The Body of CliMAX. Panthers take note and work on this, please!]
G-O: Do you have a specific message for the CliMAX-community?
MB: Message for the community: Good luck Yubby for the rest of the season, hope you reach 'peak excitement' in all forms of the game and also watch out for Sam Douthwaite, he is rated very highly- with many counties coming to watch him perform.
[Hopefully next scoop from G-odd would be You Tube video of Sam’Boris’ Douthwaite performing for the many counties]
CliMACTIC Five-fer Grundy
Tom Grundy graciously agreed to an interview with the CliMAX website roving reporter after his successful bowling performance for the Panthers on Saturday.
What was your pre-match meal? My pre-match meal was a sausage sandwich, I think they were from Morrisons, other brands are available.
Was your preparation in anyway different to account for this phenomenal turn around in form? Preperation was a bit more hectic as I was skippering and I had to listen to Sam Douthwaite's guide to be being a home owner.
Did you have any assistance from the umpire? - No, I didn't have any additional help - I only appeal for the ones that are out.
How did you feel after your first wicket? Mild excitement.
Was that different after the 5th? CliMACTIC excitement !!!!
Are you allowed to keep the ball? I didn't ask to keep the ball. I'm not one for ceremony.
What is your favourite colour? My favorite colour is panther red.
Do you have to answer a lot of fan mail or do you have a secretary for this (and other) purposes? No I don't get much fan mail - Despite my young boy band looks, it appears cricket groupies are, surprisingly, few and far between.
Things might be very different for CliMAX-Original from now!
4 June 2012
What was your pre-match meal? My pre-match meal was a sausage sandwich, I think they were from Morrisons, other brands are available.
Was your preparation in anyway different to account for this phenomenal turn around in form? Preperation was a bit more hectic as I was skippering and I had to listen to Sam Douthwaite's guide to be being a home owner.
Did you have any assistance from the umpire? - No, I didn't have any additional help - I only appeal for the ones that are out.
How did you feel after your first wicket? Mild excitement.
Was that different after the 5th? CliMACTIC excitement !!!!
Are you allowed to keep the ball? I didn't ask to keep the ball. I'm not one for ceremony.
What is your favourite colour? My favorite colour is panther red.
Do you have to answer a lot of fan mail or do you have a secretary for this (and other) purposes? No I don't get much fan mail - Despite my young boy band looks, it appears cricket groupies are, surprisingly, few and far between.
Things might be very different for CliMAX-Original from now!
4 June 2012
Sam Douthwaite's profile on Facebook 28 August 2011:
"When I see the weather forecast as it is, its times like these that I wish I had purchased a CliMAX-Board game to see me through the tough times"
What answer did Peter L Gregory give on Facebook when asked by Robbie Baker when the next game of CliMAX would be?
"Sidney 3-7 January 2011. By time England have won in Melbourne and secured series, there is no point playing a test match, so Strauss and Ponting have agreed to provide some real entertainment...At least it will keep the Aussies in this game till the last scheduled delivery!"
27 December 2010
27 December 2010
Jack Edge comments of Facebook Christmas Day 2010:-
"Talking of CliMAX - very impressed with the board game and glad I'm worth more than Callum (Stewart) on it."
Tom Benjamin - Temple Grafton Cricket Club wrote:
"It’s a fascinating concept and one that left me wanting to play again. Pressure of being underneath a catch or batting - and losing your wicket - when your team has accumulated some runs is intensified and is what makes the game. Each individual’s performance at all times has a greater effect on your teams performance as a whole."
"Looking at the game retrospectively you can identify areas of the match that turned out to be irrelevant. But that’s not what the game is about. It’s a about playing ‘in the moment’, taking opportunities when they’re presented and trying to take wickets at all costs. I like it."
"Looking at the game retrospectively you can identify areas of the match that turned out to be irrelevant. But that’s not what the game is about. It’s a about playing ‘in the moment’, taking opportunities when they’re presented and trying to take wickets at all costs. I like it."
Ian Powell - Temple Grafton Cricket Club:
"To contrive this kind of finish the rules have been not so much tweaked as raped."
Mongoose talks about winning Grant CliMAX-Pairs Trophy
Yesterday, I was lucky enough to catch up with Josh “Mongoose” Collins after his victory in the Grant CliMAX-Pairs Trophy. I started by congratulating him on his achievement and asked, “How did it feel to win your first CliMAX tournament?”
Mongoose - Thanks Pete. It felt great to finally win a CliMAX event, and to live up to the Mongoose name!! It is nice to win the Grant cup, and hopefully is the first of many items of silverware!!!
Peter - What did you think of the contribution of your novice partner Dan Beasley?
Mongoose - Dan was a useful partner, despite his lack of experience. He didn't give up his wicket and kept rotating the strike well!!
Peter - What tactical advice have you to offer other new comers to CliMAX?
Mongoose - Tactically, CliMAX is not as easy as first meets the eye…..the winning pair (Dan and I) did not lose a wicket, but probably hit less MAXimums than most pairs on Sunday, showing that sometimes it can be better to play a bit more sensibly and tactfully!! Although every now and then you need to give it a big whack!!
Peter - Were you pleased with your blade, Josh? How does the Mongoose help your game?
Mongoose - The Mongoose bat is incredibly useful, its powerful and very easy to swing, making pretty much any improvised shot easy to play!! It really does add to the game of CliMAX and is of course great fun to use!!
Peter - Which professionals have a game best suited to CliMAX?
Mongoose - Professionals that would be well suited to the game of CliMAX are ones that have a unique style of play. Some that come to mind are Brendon McCullum, Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Yuvraj Singh, Dimitri Mascharenas, fellow Mongooser Matthew Hayden and even Ian Botham In his day!!!!
Peter - Which bowler or batter do you most fear in CliMAX?
Mongoose - Out of the Originals I hate bowling to Nat(e) most of all as he is formidable with the bat….. Out of the bowlers, Bradders is difficult to face as he is so unpredictable and Keytey seems to have a knack of getting me out!! But maybe that’s just because of the ‘juicy pies’ he bowls, which have me caught out on the boundary!!!
Peter – (aside) Ummm! Perhaps the absence of Nat(e) Gregory, Brad Wrench and Josh Keyte was significant in Mongoose coming to CliMAX victory yesterday!
The Mongoose talks about CliMAX
Josh Collins nicknamed, Mongoose, after his chosen bat style for his blistering CliMAX batting spoke to reporters after his innings on Sunday for Ebrington's Sunday VI that competed for the Presidents Cup. About the CliMAX-sixes tournament he commented, "I thought it went really well today. It was fast paced and exciting. I don't think any one player stood out above the rest, though I thought team-mate Tom Frost did well - oh and Willy Green for his thousand!" Perhaps Josh was reflecting on his own luck at winning the Champagne Moment against this tough opposition. He was awarded the bubbly for a spectacular stop of a high shot that looked certain to leave the park. Not only did he knock it back in play but almost recovered to catch the rebound. He can be seen on the floor across the boundary, contemplating his next move in the President's Day Gallery of photographs taken by Charlotte Gregory.
Asked what really appeals to him about CliMAX, the Mongoose stated, "It gives the players a chance to go out and play how they want to play, and just WHACK it !!!" Whether this approach turns out to be the optimal tactics for a team is yet to be seen, but Josh Collins is certainly making the most of the opportunity whilst this is considered acceptable. Josh was keen to mention his appreciation for the barbecue, which was a pleasing variety from the traditional cricket teas of sandwiches. Our thanks go to Ken Smith, David Sipthorp and Bunny Baldwin for slaving over the hot barbecue all afternoon.
The Mongoose's parting shot delivered with a broad grin was that he loved winning the Champagne Moment - and boy did he deserve it!
Asked what really appeals to him about CliMAX, the Mongoose stated, "It gives the players a chance to go out and play how they want to play, and just WHACK it !!!" Whether this approach turns out to be the optimal tactics for a team is yet to be seen, but Josh Collins is certainly making the most of the opportunity whilst this is considered acceptable. Josh was keen to mention his appreciation for the barbecue, which was a pleasing variety from the traditional cricket teas of sandwiches. Our thanks go to Ken Smith, David Sipthorp and Bunny Baldwin for slaving over the hot barbecue all afternoon.
The Mongoose's parting shot delivered with a broad grin was that he loved winning the Champagne Moment - and boy did he deserve it!