Surrey Lions go in search of their second successive

Transcription

1 Fact File 15/05/02 PHOENIX FIRST UP FOR SPITFIRES ent Spitfires begin their Kdefence of the Norwich Union League- Division One crown with a home clash against Yorkshire Phoenix at Canterbury. Matthew Fleming's side won the title by a margin of four points last season after recording 11 wins from their 16 games. However, they face a stern test against Phoenix, who won a thrilling contest against Somerset Sabres on the opening day of the campaign. Matthew Fleming of Darren Lehmann's side Kent Spitfires batted first at Taunton and made 307 for four from their 45 overs, Matthew Wood smashing an unbeaten 105 while Australian star Lehmann was in fine form as he scored 104. The contest went down to the final ball as the hosts finished on 306 for eight to be defeated by just one run. Skipper Jamie Cox made 99 and Ian Blackwell compiled a rapid 79 but it was to no avail. Sabres must now try and bounce back when they make the trip to New Road to face newly-promoted Worcestershire Royals. With Graeme Hick, Ben Smith and Vikram Solanki in the middle order, the Royals appear to be capable of setting a number of big totals this summer and all-rounder Andy Bichel is set to spearhead the attack. Glamorgan Dragons and Durham Dynamos, both promoted from Division Two last season, meet at Cardiff and the visitors need to bounce back from a disappointing defeat on the opening day to Warwickshire Bears. Chasing a total of 208 to win, Dynamos managed just 163 for nine off their 45 overs with overseas star Martin Love top-scoring with 36. The other game of the day sees Nottinghamshire Outlaws host the Bears at Trent Bridge. The Outlaws, who avoided relegation by four points last season, lost their opening game of the season by 32 runs against Leicestershire Foxes despite the Matthew Wood of Yorkshire Phoenix best efforts of Usman Afzaal who made 63. Issue number 2 Covering matches for 19th May CONTENTS For further information contact Norwich Union League Feature P2 - Fantasy Cricket Norwich Union League season statistics P3 - Division 1 & Division 2 Norwich Union League match previews P4 - Division 1 Glamorgan Dragons v Durham Dynamos P5 - Division 1 Kent Spitfires v Yorkshire Phoenix P6 - Division 1 Nottinghamshire Outlaws v Warwickshire Bears P7 - Division 1 Worcestershire Bears v Somerset Sabres Issue no.2 P8 - Division 2 Essex Eagles v Derbyshire Scorpions P9 - Division 2 Gloucestershire Gladiators v Surrey Lions P10 - Division 2 Lancashire Lightning v Sussex Sharks P11 - Division 2 shire Steelbacks v Middlesex Crusaders P12 Div 1 Fixtures by team Div 2 Fixtures by team D/L Explained How It Works P13 - Div 1 & 2 Fixtures by date LIONS LOOK TO ROAR ONCE AGAIN Surrey Lions go in search of their second successive win when they make the trip to Bristol for a mouthwatering clash against Gloucestershire Gladiators. A devastating bowling spell by Martin Bicknell, who took five for 26 from his nine overs, helped the Lions to a comfortable six-wicket win on the opening day against Lancashire Lightning but Gladiators did not fare so well as they lost by 46 runs to Hampshire Hawks. Only New Zealand international Craig Spearman impressed with the bat as Mark Alleyne's Craig Spearman of Gloucestershire Gladiators side chased 220 to win and after his dismissal for 82, defeat was inevitable. Both sides were surprisingly relegated last season but are hot favourites to return to the top flight at the first attempt. Derbyshire Scorpions, who finished rock-bottom of Division Two last season, seek to build on their six-wicket success against Sussex Sharks when they visit Essex Eagles. Lightning host Sharks at Old Trafford with both teams eager for their first win of the campaign, while shire Steelbacks and Middlesex Crusaders get their Norwich Union League season underway at Wantage Road. Neil Chambers, Press Association, Tel: , Fax: , neil.chambers@pa.press.net Richard Nowell, Karen Earl Limited, Tel: , Fax: Division 1 table at a glance Division 2 table at a glance Points Points

2 Norwich Union League Feature Page 2 CHANCE TO WIN A LUXURY WEEKEND AWAY FOR TWO This season, Norwich Union are giving you a chance to recharge your batteries at the end of the summer at one of the UK s top country house hotels. With the 2003 cricket World Cup just around the corner, England s leading one-day players will be looking to grab the headlines and a seat on the plane to South Africa. Will the young guns from Rod Marsh s academy shine in this season s Norwich Union League, or is it going to be experienced heads staking a claim to compete on the world stage? To win, all you have to do is pick three cricketers that you think will be setting the NUL alight; either by cracking the ball around the ground, uprooting stumps or having the safest hands behind the wicket. THE PRIZE Aweekend away for two people at one of the UK s top Country House hotels. It will include two nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner to the value of 700. The prize will be awarded to the person with the highest cumulative points total at the end of the Norwich Union League season. (see rules below). The weekend away will be booked in consultation with the winner and must be taken by the beginning of the 2003 cricket season. Will you pick Lancashire Lightning s Andrew Flintoff for you Fantasy Team? Plus Each month a Manager of the Month will be sent a magnum of champagne. THE RULES Each entrant must pick one batsman, one bowler and one wicket keeper, and only one of these may be an overseas player. Using the points system (see below) the totals of your three players will be added together to produce a cumulative total. You are only allowed to replace a player if:, a) The county has released a statement stating the player will be injured for a period of over one month. b) If you have chosen an overseas player who has had to return home. c) If the player is drafted into the England squad and therefore not made available to their county for NUL matches. At the end of each month the totals will be added and Norwich Union will publish a table and announce the 'Manager of the Month' - they will receive a magnum of champagne. There will be five months: May, June, July, August & September. At the end of the season the manager of the season will be announced with the winner receiving a weekend away for two. Norwich Union's decision is final and they reserve all judgment. THE FORMULA BATTING 1 point for every run scored. 10 bonus points for completing 50 runs. 20 bonus points for completing 100 runs (e.g. if someone scores 65 runs they get 75 points). BOWLING 10 points for every wicket taken. 30 bonus points for a three-wicket haul. 50 bonus points for a fivewicket haul (e.g. if a bowler takes 4 wickets they get 70 points. Runs scored by your bowler do not count) WICKET KEEPING If a wicket keeper takes a catch they get 5 points. If they get a stumping that s 10 points, NB: Wicket keepers runs scored count as per the batsmen. ENTRY DATES. Participants must enter their teams no later than Friday 24th May. Scores will be back dated from the opening matches on 12th May. PLEASE Richardn@karen-earl.co.uk" or lousier@karen-earl.co.uk" FAX: For further information contact Neil Chambers, Press Association, Tel: , Fax: , neil.chambers@pa.press.net Richard Nowell, Karen Earl Limited, Tel: , Fax:

3 Stats by Division Page 3 DIVISION ONE STANDINGS DIVISION ONE P W L T NR Pts RR Warwickshire Bears Leicestershire Foxes Yorkshire Phoenix Somerset Sabres Nottinghamshire Outlaws Durham Dynamos Glamorgan Dragons Kent Spitfires Worcestershire Royals BEST INDIVIDUAL BOWLING Name Wkts/Runs Teams Venue N.M.K.Smith 3/25 Bears v Dynamos Riverside S.M.Pollock 3/29 Bears v Dynamos Riverside M.J.Hoggard 3/44 Phoenix v Sabres Taunton P.D.Collingwood 2/31 Dynamos v Bears Riverside J.O.Grove 2/32 Foxes v Outlaws Leicester BEST INDIVIDUAL SCORES Name Score Teams Venue M.J.Wood 105* Phoenix v Sabres Taunton D.S.Lehmann 104 Phoenix v Sabres Taunton J.Cox 99 Sabres v Phoenix Taunton T.R.Ward 91 Foxes v Outlaws Leicester D.I.Stevens 91 Foxes v Outlaws Leicester HIGHEST TEAM TOTALS Total Teams Venue 307 for 4 Phoenix v Sabres Taunton 306 for 8 Sabres v Phoenix Taunton 283 for 5 Foxes v Outlaws Leicester 251 for 8 Outlaws v Foxes Leicester LOWEST TEAM TOTALS Total Teams Venue 207 for 7 Bears v Durham Riverside 163 Durham v Bears Riverside MOST CATCHES EXCLUDING WICKETKEEPERS Name Team Ctchs Mtchs J.O.Grove Foxes 2 1 P.D.Bowler Sabres 1 1 T.R.Ward Foxes 1 1 LEADING DISMISSALS Name Team Dism ls Mtchs K.J.Piper Bears 5 1 N.D.Burns Foxes 1 1 LEADING WICKET-TAKERS Wkts Player Team 3 N.M.K.Smith Bears 3 S.M.Pollock Bears 3 M.J.Hoggard Phoenix 2 C.White Phoenix LEADING RUN SCORERS Runs Player Team 105 M.J.Wood Phoenix 104 D.S.Lehmann Phoenix 99 J.Cox Sabres 91 T.R.Ward Foxes DIVISION TWO STANDINGS DIVISION TWO P W L T NR Pts RR Surrey Lions Hampshire Hawks Derbyshire Scorpions Sussex Sharks Gloucestershire Gladiators Lancashire Lightning Essex Eagles Middlesex Crusaders shire Steelbacks BEST INDIVIDUAL BOWLING Name Wkts/Runs Teams Venue M.P.Bicknell 5/26 Lions v Lightning The Oval A.D.Mascarenhas 5/27 Hawks v Gladiators West End L.R.Prittipaul 3/33 Hawks v Gladiators West End G.Welch 3/45 Scorpions v Sharks Derby R.J.Kirtley 3/49 Sharks v Scorpions Derby BEST INDIVIDUAL SCORES Name Score Teams Venue M.J.DiVenuto 84 Scorpions v Sharks Derby C.M.Spearman 82 Gladiators v Hawks West End N.Pothas 53* Hawks v Gladiators West End D.A.Kenway 50 Hawks v Gladiators West End A.D.Mascarenhas 39* Hawks v Gladiators West End HIGHEST TEAM TOTALS Total Teams Venue 219 for 5 Hawks v Gladiators West End 173 Gladiators v Hawks West End 168 for 4 Scorpions v Sharks Derby 166 for 8 Sharks v Scorpions Derby LOWEST TEAM TOTALS Total Teams Venue 68 Lightning v Lions The Oval 173 Gladiators v Hawks West End MOST CATCHES EXCLUDING WICKETKEEPERS Name Team Ctchs Mtchs D.G.Cork Scorpions 2 1 N.C.Johnson Hawks 2 1 M.A.Carberry Lions 2 1 LEADING DISMISSALS Name Team Dism ls Mtchs A.J.Stewart Lions 5 1 R.C.Russell Gladiators 1 1 N.Pothas Hawks 1 1 L.D.Sutton Scorpions 1 1 LEADING WICKET-TAKERS Wkts Player Team 5 M.P.Bicknell Lions 5 A.D.Mascarenhas Hawks 3 G.Welch Scorpions 3 R.J.Kirtley Sharks LEADING RUN SCORERS Runs Player Team 84 M.J.DiVenuto Scorpions 82 C.M.Spearman Gladiators 53 N.Pothas Hawks 50 D.A.Kenway Hawks

4 Division One Match Preview Page 4 GLAMORGAN DRAGONS Sunday, May 19th at Cardiff DURHAM DYNAMOS M.P.Maynard * R.D.B.Croft * A.P.Davies J.P.Maher K.Newell M.J.Powell S.P.James I.J.Thomas A.Dale * S.D.Thomas * A.D.Shaw * D.A.Cosker * 7.33 A.W.Evans S.L.Watkin O.T.Parkin * 1.00 A.G.Wharf A.P.Davies A.G.Wharf A.Dale R.D.B.Croft K.Newell S.D.Thomas D.A.Cosker O.T.Parkin S.L.Watkin S.P.James M.P.Maynard A.Dale I.J.Thomas M.J.Powell R.D.B.Croft * K.Newell A.W.Evans D.L.Hemp * A.G.Wharf * A.D.Shaw S.D.Thomas * A.P.Davies D.A.Cosker * 9.55 S.L.Watkin * 6.42 O.T.Parkin A.P.Davies S.D.Thomas O.T.Parkin S.L.Watkin D.L.Hemp R.D.B.Croft D.A.Cosker A.Dale K.Newell A.G.Wharf M.P.Maynard Glamorgan Dragons begin their campaign after promotion from Division Two last season with a home clash against another of the newly-promoted sides. Steve James' side topped the table last year with 11 wins from 16 games which included a 24-run win against Dynamos at Cardiff. Matthew Maynard impressed with the bat on that occasion with an impressive 54 while Darren Thomas took three for 27 with the ball to ensure victory. Their visitors aim to bounce back from a disappointing 44-run defeat to Warwickshire Bears on the opening day of the season. The Bears amassed 207 for seven from their 45 overs at the Riverside and after losing openers Gary Pratt and Nicky Peng cheaply, Dynamos could only muster 163 for nine in reply. Australian Martin Love made 36 and Mark Davies was unbeaten on 31 at the end as Jon Lewis' side failed to mount a serious assault on their target. 8th July 2001 Riverside: Dynamos 4 pts beat Dragons 0 pts by 2 wickets. Dragons 145 (40.2 overs) (R.D.B.Croft 67, P.D.Collingwood 3-21, N.G.Hatch 3-26); Dynamos 146 for 8 (43.3 overs) 27th August 2001 Cardiff: Dragons 4 pts beat Dynamos 0 pts by 24 runs Dragons 250 for 9 (45 overs) (M.P.Maynard 54, S.J.Harmison 4-43); Dynamos 226 (44 overs) (N.Peng 92, J.J.B.Lewis 57, S.D.Thomas 3-27, O.T.Parkin 3-37) DRAGONS 305 for 6 v Worcestershire 2001 Lowest Team Totals 42 v Derbyshire 1979 J.H.Kallis 155* v Surrey /16 S.D.Thomas v Surrey 1998 M.P.Maynard M.A.Nash DYNAMOS 281 for 2 v Derbyshire v Warwickshire 1996 W.Larkins 131* v Hampshire /31 N.Killeen v Derbyshire 2000 P.D.Collingwood N.Killeen J.J.B.Lewis * N.Peng M.L.Love A.Pratt J.A.Daley M.A.Gough P.D.Collingwood D.R.Law I.D.Hunter M.P.Speight N.G.Hatch * N.C.Phillips * G.D.Bridge * S.J.Harmison * 9.00 A.M.Davies J.E.Brinkley * 2.00 A.M.Davies N.G.Hatch N.C.Phillips I.D.Hunter P.D.Collingwood D.R.Law J.E.Brinkley S.J.Harmison M.A.Gough G.D.Bridge M.L.Love N.Peng J.A.Daley J.J.B.Lewis P.D.Collingwood M.P.Speight D.R.Law A.Pratt M.A.Gough N.G.Hatch * N.C.Phillips * G.D.Bridge * N.Killeen I.D.Hunter S.J.Harmison * 6.00 A.M.Davies A.M.Davies N.G.Hatch N.Killeen I.D.Hunter D.R.Law N.C.Phillips P.D.Collingwood J.E.Brinkley G.D.Bridge S.J.Harmison M.A.Gough Division One

5 Division One Match Preview Page 5 KENT SPITFIRES D.J.Cullinan M.V.Fleming J.B.Hockley M.A.Ealham R.W.T.Key A.Symonds D.P.Fulton P.A.Nixon M.J.Walker G.O.Jones J.M.Golding M.J.Saggers * M.M.Patel E.T.Smith M.J.McCague B.J.Trott * 2.50 M.J.Walker M.J.Saggers A.Symonds M.A.Ealham M.M.Patel M.V.Fleming M.J.McCague B.J.Trott J.M.Golding J.B.Hockley R.W.T.Key * A.Symonds M.A.Ealham M.V.Fleming P.A.Nixon * M.J.Walker E.T.Smith * D.P.Fulton G.O.Jones M.J.Saggers * M.J.McCague J.M.Golding M.M.Patel B.J.Trott * 2.50 M.J.Saggers M.J.Walker M.J.McCague A.Symonds M.V.Fleming M.M.Patel B.J.Trott M.A.Ealham J.M.Golding Sunday, May 19th at Canterbury After last season's Norwich Union League triumph, Kent Spitfires begin the current campaign with a stern test of their credentials against Yorkshire Phoenix at Canterbury. Matthew Fleming's side won the title by four points last season as they lost just two of their 16 games. They defeated Phoenix by eight runs when they met at Canterbury in 2001, Martin Saggers the hero as he took three wickets in the final over as Phoenix fell short of their target of 217. Darren Lehmann is now in charge of Phoenix after David Byas' departure and after topping the run-scorers chart last season, he began the current one with a superb century in the one-run win against Somerset Sabres. Matthew Wood was also in prolific form as he scored an unbeaten 105 as a total of 307 for four was posted from 45 overs. Matthew Hoggard was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 44, as Sabres came close to a magnificent win. 10th June 2001 Headingley: Phoenix 0 pts lost to Spitfires 4 pts by 4 wickets. Phoenix 189 for 8 (45 overs) (M.J.Lumb 66, V.J.Craven 55, M.J.Walker 4-24); Spitfires 191 for 6 (44 overs) (D.P.Fulton 82) 29th August 2001 Canterbury: Spitfires 4 pts beat Phoenix 0 pts by 8 runs. Spitfires 216 for 8 (45 overs) (J.B.Hockley 66, D.S.Lehmann 3-31); Phoenix 208 for 8 (45 overs) (A.McGrath 102, M.J.Saggers 3-46) SPITFIRES 327 for 6 v Leicestershire v Middlesex 1984 C.L.Hooper 145 v Leicestershire /9 R.A.Woolmer v Derbyshire 1979 T.R.Ward D.L.Underwood PHOENIX 352 for 6 v Notts v Warwickshire 1995 D.S.Lehmann 191 v Notts 2001 R.A.Hutton 7/15 v Worcs 1969 D.Byas C.M.Old YORKSHIRE PHOENIX C.E.W.Silverwood * D.S.Lehmann A.McGrath R.J.Sidebottom * R.J.Blakey D.Gough * M.J.Lumb V.J.Craven C.White D.Byas A.K.D.Gray * G.M.Fellows M.J.Wood G.M.Hamilton J.D.Middlebrook * T.T.Bresnan A.McGrath C.E.W.Silverwood D.Gough P.M.Hutchison C.J.Elstub R.J.Sidebottom D.S.Lehmann T.T.Bresnan T.M.Baker G.M.Hamilton D.S.Lehmann R.J.Blakey * A.McGrath M.J.Lumb C.White M.P.Vaughan M.J.Wood A.K.D.Gray * G.M.Fellows G.M.Hamilton * V.J.Craven D.Gough * T.T.Bresnan C.E.W.S wood * R.J.Sidebottom * R.K.J.Dawson * 4.16 M.J.Hoggard * 2.50 M.J.Hoggard C.E.W.S wood T.T.Bresnan C.J.Elstub C.White A.McGrath D.Gough D.S.Lehmann G.M.Hamilton M.P.Vaughan S.P.Kirby R.J.Sidebottom Division One

6 Division One Match Preview Page 6 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE OUTLAWS Sunday, May 19th at Trent Bridge WARWICKSHIRE BEARS U.Afzaal * J.E.Morris D.J.Bicknell K.P.Pietersen * G.S.Blewett P.Johnson * C.J.Hewison G.E.Welton C.M.W.Read W.M.Noon B.M.Shafayat R.J.Logan G.D.Clough G.J.Smith M.N.Malik * 4.00 A.J.Harris P.Johnson A.J.Harris G.J.Smith R.D.Stemp S.J.Randall G.D.Clough P.J.Franks M.N.Malik R.J.Logan U.Afzaal U.Afzaal * D.J.Bicknell J.E.R.Gallian P.Johnson * K.P.Pietersen * G.E.Welton * C.J.Hewison C.M.W.Read P.J.Franks B.M.Shafayat W.M.Noon G.D.Clough R.J.Logan D.S.Lucas * 7.00 A.J.Harris * 6.25 G.J.Smith P.Johnson D.J.Bicknell G.J.Smith P.J.Franks U.Afzaal A.J.Harris S.J.Randall J.E.R.Gallian D.S.Lucas G.D.Clough M.N.Malik After narrowly avoiding relegation to Division Two last season, Nottinghamshire Outlaws made an inauspicious start to the new campaign with a 32- run defeat against Leicestershire Foxes at Grace Road. Usman Afzaal produced a splendid all-round display, taking two wickets with the ball as the Foxes made 283 for five and then scoring 63 with the bat but it was to no avail. Much is expected of South African Nicky Boje this season but they face a tough test against the Warwickshire Bears, who finished third in Division One in 2001 and began the current campaign with victory against Durham Dynamos. Ian Bell struck 72 while one-day specialist Nick Knight chipped in with a useful 40 as a total of 207 for seven was posted. It proved too much for Dynamos who never threatened to take the four points once both openers had gone with just eight on the board - both victims of Shaun Pollock. 20th May 2001 Trent Bridge: Outlaws 4 pts beat Bears 0 pts by 4 wickets. Bears 202 for 7 (45 overs) (M.A.Wagh 50, K.P.Pietersen 3-39); Outlaws 203 for 6 (44.4 overs) (U.Afzaal 94*, D.R.Brown 3-56) 2nd August 2001 Edgbaston: Bears 2 pts reached no result against Outlaws 2 pts. Outlaws 105 for 3 (20.2 overs). OUTLAWS 329 for 6 v Derbyshire v Yorkshire 1969 P.Johnson 167* v Kent 1993 R.J.Hadlee 6/12 v Lancashire 1980 P.Johnson C.E.B.Rice BEARS 301 for 6 v Essex v Yorkshire 2001 D.P.Ostler 134* v Gloucs 2001 A.A.Donald 6/15 v Yorkshire 1995 D.L.Amiss G.C.Small NORWICH UNION LEAGUE D.P.Ostler * I.R.Bell N.V.Knight * D.R.Brown V.C.Drakes M.J.Powell T.L.Penney M.A.Wagh * D.L.Hemp * K.J.Piper A.F.Giles N.M.K.Smith M.A.Sheikh * 8.50 N.M.Carter C.E.Dagnall * 5.00 A.Richardson * - N.M.Carter D.R.Brown C.E.Dagnall A.Richardson N.M.K.Smith M.A.Sheikh A.F.Giles V.C.Drakes M.A.Wagh M.J.Powell I.R.Bell N.V.Knight D.P.Ostler * T.L.Penney * M.J.Powell N.M.K.Smith * D.R.Brown * M.A.Wagh * A.Richardson * A.F.Giles K.J.Piper * T.Frost * M.A.Sheikh N.M.Carter C.E.Dagnall * 3.00 N.M.Carter C.E.Dagnall A.F.Giles M.A.Sheikh D.R.Brown A.Richardson N.M.K.Smith M.J.Powell N.V.Knight T.L.Penney D.P.Ostler M.A.Wagh Division One

7 Division One Match Preview Page 7 WORCESTERSHIRE ROYALS Sunday, May 19th at New Road SOMERSET SABRES S.J.Rhodes * V.S.Solanki * W.P.C.Weston G.A.Hick D.A.Leatherdale * D.J.Pipe P.R.Pollard S.R.Lampitt * A.Singh A.J.Bichel * M.J.Rawnsley * 8.00 N.R.Boulton Kabir Ali A.Sheriyar D.N.Catterall C.G.Liptrot A.J.Bichel Kabir Ali S.R.Lampitt G.A.Hick A.Sheriyar D.A.Leatherdale M.J.Rawnsley C.G.Liptrot D.N.Catterall V.S.Solanki G.A.Hick P.R.Pollard * B.F.Smith V.S.Solanki * W.P.C.Weston A.Singh D.J.Pipe D.A.Leatherdale * S.J.Rhodes * S.R.Lampitt * A.J.Bichel * N.R.Boulton A.Sheriyar D.N.Catterall * 6.75 Kabir Ali M.J.Rawnsley W.P.C.Weston A.J.Bichel Kabir Ali D.A.Leatherdale S.R.Lampitt A.Sheriyar G.A.Hick M.J.Rawnsley C.G.Liptrot G.J.Batty V.S.Solanki After promotion to the top flight last season, Worcestershire Royals begin life in Division One with a home clash against Somerset Sabres, who lost by one run on the opening day of the season to Yorkshire Phoenix. Graeme Hick skippers the Royals and he, Ben Smith and Vikram Solanki are expected to plunder numerous runs in the middle order. Experienced all-rounder Stuart Lampitt will only feature in one-day games this season but after taking 23 wickets in the Norwich Union League during the last campaign, is sure to be a useful member of the side. Australian star Andy Bichel claimed 27 scalps as the Royals clinched the final promotion spot in 2001 and the 31-year-old spearheads the attack once again. Sabres finished fourth in the First Division last season but suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Phoenix at Taunton when they came within a whisker of reaching their mammoth victory target of 308. Ian Blackwell and Jamie Cox both made significant contributions in the run chase but they fell just short after a titanic tussle. 24th June 2000 Taunton: Sabres 0 pts lost to Royals 4 pts by 4 runs. Royals 222 for 8 (45 overs) (G.A.Hick 101); Sabres 218 for 8 (45 overs) (P.D.Bowler 67, M.Burns 56, Kabir Ali 3-44) 20th August 2000 Worcester: Royals 0 pts lost to Sabres 4 pts by 53 runs. Sabres 227 for 9 (45 overs) (J.Cox 57, M.Burns 51); Royals 174 (40.3 overs) (I.D.Blackwell 4-36) ROYALS 307 for 4 v Derbyshire v Yorkshire 1969 T.M.Moody 160 v Kent 1991 A.P.Pridgeon 6/26 v Surrey 1978 G.A.Hick R.K.Illingworth SABRES 360 for 3 v Glamorgan v Essex 1977 I.T.Botham 175* v Northants 1986 I.V.A.Richards 6/24 v Lancashire 1983 I.V.A.Richards H.R.Moseley G.D.Rose P.D.Bowler M.E.Trescothick M.Burns * I.D.Blackwell J.Cox * R.J.Turner * K.A.Parsons * P.S.Jones * R.L.Johnson * M.J.Wood M.N.Lathwell K.P.Dutch P.D.Trego J.I.D.Kerr J.O.Grove I.Jones A.R.Caddick P.S.Jones P.D.Trego I.D.Blackwell K.P.Dutch R.L.Johnson K.A.Parsons J.I.D.Kerr J.O.Grove J.Cox P.D.Bowler * M.E.Trescothick I.D.Blackwell M.N.Lathwell G.D.Rose P.C.L.Holloway K.A.Parsons M.Burns * R.J.Turner K.P.Dutch M.J.Wood P.D.Trego R.L.Johnson A.R.Caddick P.S.Jones P.S.Jones K.P.Dutch A.R.Caddick M.E.Trescothick J.Cox I.D.Blackwell M.Burns G.D.Rose R.L.Johnson K.A.Parsons P.D.Bowler M.P.L.Bulbeck P.D.Trego Division One

8 Division Two Match Preview Page 8 ESSEX EAGLES Sunday, May 19th at Chelmsford DERBYSHIRE SCORPIONS R.C.Irani * R.S.Clinton S.G.Law J.S.Foster * S.D.Peters A.P.Grayson D.D.J.Robinson B.J.Hyam * G.R.Napier N.Hussain M.L.Pettini A.P.Cowan P.J.Prichard T.J.Mason R.S.G.Anderson J.E.Bishop G.R.Napier A.P.Cowan J.E.Bishop A.P.Grayson R.C.Irani A.C.McGarry A.J.Clarke M.C.Ilott R.S.G.Anderson T.J.Mason N.Hussain R.S.Clinton W.I.Jefferson A.Habib * R.C.Irani * J.S.Foster * P.J.Prichard D.D.J.Robinson * A.P.Grayson * S.D.Peters * J.M.Dakin * G.R.Napier M.L.Pettini A.P.Cowan * B.J.Hyam M.C.Ilott * G.R.Napier R.C.Irani D.D.J.Robinson M.C.Ilott A.P.Cowan J.M.Dakin J.E.Bishop A.P.Grayson A.C.McGarry T.J.Phillips A.J.Clarke After a season of disappointment in 2001 when Essex Eagles finished seventh in Division Two with just five wins, there is much more optimism engulfing Chelmsford this year. With Aftab Habib and Andy Flower strengthening the batting and all-rounder Ronnie Irani in fine form so far this season, a promotion place is a realistic prospect. The Eagles won by five wickets when they faced Derbyshire Scorpions at Chelmsford last season, Irani spanking an unbeaten 45 while Ashley Cowan took four for 22 with the ball. Scorpions eventually finished bottom of the pile with just 16 points from 16 games, losing 12 of their contests along the way, but Dominic Cork's team have started the new season in fine style. A six-wicket win against Sussex Sharks was based on a tight bowling display which restricted Chris Adams' side to 166 for eight and an impressive 84 from overseas star Michael Di Venuto ensured a comfortable success. 13th May 2001 Derby: Scorpions 4 pts beat Eagles 0 pts by 67 runs. Scorpions 198 for 6 (45 overs) (R.J.Bailey 94, A.P.Cowan 3-46); Eagles 131 (35.2 overs) (T.Lungley 4-28) 9th September 2001 Chelmsford: Eagles 4 pts beat Scorpions 0 pts by 5 wickets. Scorpions 164 (44.2 overs) (A.P.Cowan 4-22); Eagles 165 for 5 (31.2 overs) EAGLES 310 for 5 v Glamorgan v Derbyshire 1974 G.A.Gooch 176 v Glamorgan 1983 K.D.Boyce 8/26 v Lancashire 1971 G.A.Gooch J.K.Lever SCORPIANS 292 for 9 v Worcestershire v Hampshire 1990 C.J.Adams 141* v Kent 1992 M.Hendrick 6/7 v Notts 1972 K.J.Barnett A.E.Warner D.G.Cork * R.J.Bailey M.J.Di Venuto T.Lungley C.W.G.Bassano K.M.Krikken * S.A.Selwood S.D.Stubbings * N.R.C.Dumelow M.P.Dowman W.G.Khan * L.D.Sutton * P.Aldred A.D.Edwards G.Welch K.J.Dean Name O M R Wkts Avge Best W.G.Khan T.Lungley T.A.Munton D.G.Cork P.Aldred R.K.Illingworth G.Welch N.R.C.Dumelow L.J.Wharton R.J.Bailey R.J.Bailey * M.J.Di Venuto * C.W.G.Bassano S.A.Selwood N.R.C.Dumelow S.D.Stubbings * T.Lungley D.G.Cork * M.P.Dowman * G.Welch K.M.Krikken * L.D.Sutton * D.R.Hewson J.P.Pyemont J.I.D.Kerr K.J.Dean * W.G.Khan I.Jones T.Lungley T.M.Smith D.G.Cork T.A.Munton J.I.D.Kerr K.J.Dean P.Aldred N.R.C.Dumelow A.R.K.Pierson L.J.Wharton G.Welch Division Two

9 Division Two Match Preview Page 9 GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLADIATORS Sunday, May 19th at Bristol SURREY LIONS K.J.Barnett M.G.N.Windows J.N.Snape * I.J.Harvey R.J.Cunliffe T.H.C.Hancock M.A.Hardinges M.C.J.Ball M.J.Cawdron * R.C.J.Williams M.W.Alleyne C.G.Taylor * D.R.Hewson J.Lewis J.M.M.Averis * A.N.Bressington A.M.Smith J.Lewis J.N.Snape J.M.M.Averis K.J.Barnett M.C.J.Ball I.J.Harvey M.J.Cawdron M.W.Alleyne M.A.Hardinges K.J.Barnett * M.W.Alleyne * I.J.Harvey R.C.Russell J.N.Snape * R.J.Cunliffe M.G.N.Windows M.A.Hardinges T.H.C.Hancock C.G.Taylor * M.C.J.Ball R.C.J.Williams A.M.Smith * J.Lewis * A.N.Bressington J.M.M.Averis * 8.26 I.J.Harvey J.M.M.Averis I.D.Fisher J.N.Snape K.J.Barnett A.M.Smith T.H.C.Hancock M.W.Alleyne J.Lewis M.C.J.Ball M.A.Hardinges It came as a major surprise when these two sides, packed with one-day quality, were relegated from Division One last season. Neither side produced anything resembling their best during 2001 and paid the consequences. However, both are hotly tipped to make an immediate return to the top flight and it promises to be a close encounter at Bristol. The Gladiators stumbled to a 46-run defeat at Hampshire on the opening day of the season with Craig Spearman the only man to impress with the bat in their fruitless pursuit of 220. By contrast, the Lions made a stunning start to their campaign with a demolition of Lancashire Lightning at The Oval. After dismissing the visitors for a paltry 68, with Martin Bicknell taking five for 26 off nine overs, they knocked off the required runs in just 11.5 overs for the loss of four wickets with Mark Ramprakash unbeaten on th August 2001 The Oval: Lions 4 pts beat Gladiators 0 pts by 2 wickets. Gladiators 176 (40.1 overs) (M.G.N.Windows 70, B.C.Hollioake 3-24); Lions 180 for 8 (40.4 overs) (A.J.Hollioake 56, J.N.Snape 3-30) 16th September 2001 Bristol: Gladiators 0 pts lost to Lions 4 pts by 36 runs. Lions 157 for 8 (45 overs) (G.J.Batty 54); Gladiators 121 (42 overs) (A.J.Hollioake 4-19, T.J.Murtagh 3-15) GLADIATORS 344 for 6 v Northants v Middlesex 1978 S.Young 146* v Yorkshire 1997 J.N.Shepherd 6/52 v Kent 1983 M.W.Alleyne M.W.Alleyne LIONS 375 for 4 v Yorkshire v Worcestershire 1978 A.D.Brown 203 v Hampshire 1997 M.P.Bicknell 7/30 v Glamorgan 1999 A.D.Brown R.D.Jackman A.D.Brown B.C.Hollioake * M.R.Ramprakash * G.J.Batty * A.J.Hollioake J.J.Porter M.A.Butcher I.J.Ward N.Shahid A.J.Tudor G.P.Butcher T.J.Murtagh * M.P.Bicknell * J.N.Batty * Saqlain Mushtaq * 9.57 A.J.Stewart B.C.Hollioake A.J.Hollioake A.J.Tudor C.G.Greenidge G.J.Batty M.P.Bicknell P.J.Sampson T.J.Murtagh E.S.H.Giddins G.P.Butcher M.Ramprakash * A.D.Brown A.J.Stewart A.J.Hollioake I.J.Ward N.Shahid * J.J.Porter M.A.Butcher * G.P.Butcher M.P.Bicknell * J.N.Batty I.D.K.Salisbury * J.Ormond Saqlain Mushtaq * A.J.Tudor * M.A.Carberry A.J.Hollioake J.Ormond A.J.Tudor M.P.Bicknell Saqlain Mushtaq M.R.Ramprakash E.S.H.Giddins A.D.Brown R.M.Amin T.J.Murtagh I.D.K.Salisbury G.J.Batty M.A.Butcher Division Two

10 Division Two Match Preview Page 10 LANCASHIRE LIGHTNING Sunday, May 19th at Old Trafford SUSSEX SHARKS N.H.Fairbrother J.P.Crawley * G.D.Lloyd M.A.Atherton J.C.Scuderi * T.W.Roberts A.Flintoff G.Chapple W.K.Hegg G.Yates C.P.Schofield M.J.Chilton J.Wood * P.J.Martin J.J.Haynes R.C.Driver C.P.Schofield M.Muralitharan A.Flintoff G.Chapple J.C.Scuderi P.J.Martin I.D.Austin J.M.Anderson K.W.Hogg G.Keedy N.H.Fairbrother * S.G.Law G.D.Lloyd D.Byas * A.J.Swann A.Flintoff T.W.Roberts W.K.Hegg J.C.Scuderi * C.P.Schofield G.Yates M.J.Chilton G.Chapple R.C.Driver P.J.Martin * J.Wood * A.Flintoff P.J.Martin C.P.Schofield D.Byas M.J.Chilton G.Chapple J.C.Scuderi G.Yates G.Keedy J.M.Anderson S.G.Law Old Trafford is the venue for a clash between two sides who under-achieved last season and made a dismal start to the current campaign. Lancashire Lightning came sixth in Division Two in 2001 and despite signing prolific Australian Stuart Law from Essex Eagles during the summer, they crashed to a humiliating six-wicket loss against Surrey Lions on the opening day of the season. Only three players made double figures in their total of 68 - Mark Chilton, David Byas and Warren Hegg - and it took just under 12 overs for the Lions to race to victory. Sussex Sharks have yet to taste the winning feeling too after a six-wicket loss at Derbyshire Scorpions. After making just 166 for eight from 45 overs, the Sharks' bowling attack failed to sparkle as Scorpions coasted to victory. James Kirtley was the only one to test the batsmen as he took three for th August 2001 Old Trafford: Lightning 4 pts beat Sharks 0 pts by 22 runs. Lightning 200 for 8 (45 overs) (G.D.Lloyd 56, J.P.Crawley 54); Sharks 178 (44.1 overs) (R.R.Montgomerie 76, C.P.Schofield 3-30) 30th August 2001 Hove: Sharks 4 pts beat Lightning 0 pts by 138 runs. Sharks 229 for 5 (45 overs) (T.R.Ambrose 87, R.R.Montgomerie 53); Lightning 91 (31.3 overs) (M.A.Robinson 3-17). LIGHTNING 301 for 6 v Essex v Yorkshire 2000 A.Flintoff 143 v Essex /25 G.Chapple v Yorkshire 1998 N.H.Fairbrother J.Simmons SHARKS 312 for 8 v Hampshire v Glamorgan 1996 C.J.Adams 163 v Middlesex /41 A.N.Jones v Notts 1986 A.P.Wells A.C.S.Pigott R.R.Montgomerie T.R.Ambrose M.W.Goodwin C.J.Adams * R.S.C.M-Jenkins W.J.House B.Zuiderent M.J.G.Davis R.J.Kirtley M.H.Yardy U.B.A.Rashid J.R.Carpenter B.V.Taylor M.J.Prior M.A.Robinson P.A.Cottey C.D.Hopkinson B.V.Taylor M.A.Robinson R.S.C.M-Jenkins R.J.Kirtley C.J.Adams J.D.Lewry M.H.Yardy M.J.G.Davis W.J.House T.R.Ambrose M.W.Goodwin C.J.Adams R.Montgomerie P.A.Cottey * W.J.House * B.Zuiderent J.R.Carpenter * M.J.G.Davis R.J.Kirtley * M.H.Yardy R.Martin-Jenkins B.V.Taylor * 9.28 M.J.Prior J.D.Lewry * 3.90 M.A.Robinson * 3.11 C.D.Hopkinson R.J.Kirtley P.M.Hutchison J.D.Lewry B.V.Taylor C.J.Adams M.A.Robinson R.Martin-Jenkins W.J.House P.A.Cottey M.J.G.Davis M.H.Yardy Division Two

11 Division Two Match Preview Page 11 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STEELBACKS Sunday, May 19th at MIDDLESEX CRUSADERS R.J.Warren M.B.Loye M.E.Hussey * A.J.Swann G.P.Swann A.S.Rollins D.Ripley * M.E.Cassar A.L.Penberthy J.W.Cook K.J.Innes M.R.Strong D.J.Sales T.M.B.Bailey D.M.Cousins * 8.00 J.P.Taylor M.R.Strong J.W.Cook K.J.Innes J.F.Brown J.P.Taylor A.L.Penberthy J.A.R.Blain L.C.Weekes D.M.Cousins G.P.Swann M.E.Hussey * M.B.Loye M.E.Cassar D.J.Sales * R.J.Warren A.L.Penberthy * G.P.Swann K.J.Innes D.Ripley * A.S.Rollins * M.J.Cawdron J.W.Cook T.M.B.Bailey J.P.Taylor R.S.G.Anderson M.R.Strong T.M.Baker J.A.R.Blain D.M.Cousins J.W.Cook M.E.Cassar A.L.Penberthy J.F.Brown K.J.Innes G.P.Swann J.P.Taylor M.R.Strong Both of these sides had little to cheer in 2001 and things cannot get much worse for them this season. shire Steelbacks were relegated from Division One after coming bottom of the table with just three wins from 16 games. Michael Hussey scored 510 runs throughout the season but he received little support from the rest of the side as the Steelbacks struggled in the top flight. Middlesex Crusaders slumped to eighth place in Division Two, finishing just four points above rockbottom Derbyshire Scorpions after notching just three victories from 16 games. They no longer have the services of veteran bowler Angus Fraser but Owais Shah has an opportunity to show his undoubted class in the middle order. Abdur Razzaq is a talented all-rounder and the Pakistan star is sure to provide plenty of excitement once he replaces Ashley Noffke as the overseas player. 6th June 1999 : Steelbacks 4 pts beat Crusaders 0 pts by 38 runs. Steelbacks 201 for 9 (38 overs) (R.J.Warren 61, S.J.Cook 3-48); Crusaders 121 (22.1 overs) (A.L.Penberthy 4-17, D.E.Malcolm 3-16) 22nd August 1999 Lord s: Crusaders 0 pts lost to Steelbacks 4 pts by 5 wickets. Crusaders 156 for 9 (45 overs) (K.M.Curran 3-12, A.L.Penberthy 3-25); Steelbacks 157 for 5 (42.2 overs) STEELBACKS 306 for 2 v Surrey v Middlesex 1972 W.Larkins 172* v Warwickshire /39 A.Hodgson v Somerset 1976 R.J.Bailey A.L.Penberthy CRUSADERS 290 for 6 v Worcestershire v Yorkshire 1974 M.R.Ramprakash 147* v Worcestershire /6 R.W.Hooker v Surrey 1969 M.W.Gatting J.E.Emburey J.K.Maunders A.J.Strauss O.A.Shah B.L.Hutton J.W.M.Dalrymple * P.N.Weekes R.M.S.Weston * D.C.Nash * S.J.Cook A.R.C.Fraser M.A.Roseberry E.C.Joyce J.P.Hewitt * S.P.Fleming C.B.Keegan D.Alleyne Name O M R Wkts Avge Best A.R.C.Fraser C.B.Keegan J.W.M.Dalrymple B.L.Hutton J.P.Hewitt P.N.Weekes P.C.R.Tufnell S.J.Cook T.F.Bloomfield A.J.Coleman M.A.Roseberry * O.A.Shah J.K.Maunders P.N.Weekes * E.C.Joyce * J.W.M.Dalrymple * B.L.Hutton A.J.Strauss D.C.Nash * R.M.S.Weston * D.Alleyne J.P.Hewitt * S.J.Cook C.B.Keegan T.F.Bloomfield P.C.R.Tufnell * 6.00 C.B.Keegan J.W.M.Dalrymple P.C.R.Tufnell S.J.Cook B.L.Hutton P.N.Weekes J.P.Hewitt T.F.Bloomfield O.A.Shah M.A.Roseberry A.J.Coleman Division Two