The Teesra

Month: August 2014

  • Development squads in League cricket – postscript

    We fielded a slightly changed squad on Saturday, adding an additional player in the 50+ category. But the theme of “youth & experience” still held

    Given our League position going into the game, and the need to set an example for the younger players, we set out to play “good cricket” (which I have defined previously as scoring runs quickly and bowling the other side out), but were frustrated by our opponents. Early successes with the ball put them firmly on the back foot, and the game meandered to a bore draw.

    Is this the type of cricket that will enthuse a young player, and make him want to play again next week, and next season? Or anyone else, for that matter?

    Maybe an argument against fielding development squads in League cricket! (more…)

  • Development squads in League cricket, bringing on the youngsters – can it work?

    Last Saturday, in an unscheduled break in our League programme, my home Club fielded a mixed XI against a “development team” from another local Club.

    We had an enjoyable game.  At least, we enjoyed the day, and the result; hopefully, the opposition enjoyed the opportunity to play on a 1st XI square, and the running commentary from one of our senior players – it seemed to go down OK.

    Most of the batsmen had the chance to bat, and the bowlers to bowl, and those who wanted to run around got to chase the ball around the outfield.

    Football on the big screen in the clubhouse, afterwards (why not the Test match highlights?), and I think it was agreed that we had as good a day of gentle cricket as we could have hoped for.

    But what is the point of a development squad, and should you play friendly or competitive games?

    (more…)

  • “People Make Glasgow” – first thoughts on the Commonwealth Games #Glasgow2014

    I have just returned from a stint as a volunteer “clyde-sider” for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

    Much of my time was spent doling out travel and event information to visitors to the Games’ venues, and generally pointing people in the right direction.

    So having spent the fortnight working directly with lots of people, I was particularly taken with the new Marketing-led initiative for the city, devised by the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau – “People Make Glasgow“.

    (more…)