It's Just Not Cricket

I'm sure that most of you know that Cricket is a game for gentlemen, but you would have been shocked if you were in Alsager today for the match between MMU (Manchester) and MMU Cheshire.

I would firstly like to point out that the behaviour of 21 of the players on the field was absolutely fine. Sure there was some banter, but nothing out of the ordinary. However, the captain of MMU Cheshire (Captain Jack) was unbelievably rude and obnoxious. He routinely swore at and sledged the batsmen while at the crease.

I was umpiring at square leg (well, point really) when I hear a tonne of swear words directed at the batsman on strike from Captain Jack, who was fielding at short cover. I approached him and informed him that if I heard any more swearing at the batsman then he'd be on report, to which he responded with, "Go on then, f***ing report me then."

I will be reporting the matter to the team executive and hopefully they will take action.

JR

Today's Weather - Rain and Showers!

As you might have guessed, the first match of the season was called off because of the wet weather.

The problem with Cricket is the comparatively small amount of rain that has to fall before play is suspended. The only game I can think of that requires more protection from the weather is Tennis.

The forecast isn't looking so good either, so it could be a week or so before I get to play.

When I do get a match, you'll find out here!

JR

India's Premier Twenty20 Competition

The Indian Premier League began today with a sell out 55,000 crowd at Bangalore and millions more on television.

I can see all one-day Cricket being 20 overs a side in the not too distant future. The only problem with that is the possibility that Test Cricket might go into decline. Of course it might have the opposite effect, with more people being introduced to the game with Twenty20, going on to follow the test matches also.

Time only will tell.

JR

Live Cricket

I'm listening to BBC Five Live Sports Extra at the moment for New Zealand verses England, in their first One Day International being played in Wellington.

I hope it's worth staying awake for. I was disappointed with Super Bowl XLII on Sunday night, but that's probably because I wanted to see the Patriots go 19 and 0 for the season. They lost by the way.

Obviously I'm supporting England this morning. They won the two Twenty20s played in the week, and I can't see New Zealand get anywhere near England in both the ODIs and the Test Series that comes up afterwards. Geoffrey Boycott agrees with me!

Pieterson is batting at four! He was moved up to three for the 20 over matches, and I thought this was his new (and rightful) position.

Enough moaning though, the game's about to start.

I'll blog you later!

JR

Exam Success

Hello blog fans, hope you all had a good weekend.

Yesterday, I managed to pass my Grade Level 4 Cricket Umpire's examination with a score of 96% (the pass mark was 80%) and today I'm on the campaign trail with trying to get elected as an NUS Conference Delegate.

Considering there's 34 candidates there wasn't many people out campaigning. You'd think that they don't want to be elected ... all the more votes for me I suppose!

Wednesday is when the results are out so check back here again then.

Cheers

JR

Cricket Injury

I strained my groin [insert you own joke here] whist bowling in the Cricket nets this afternoon. Hurt like hell, although there doesn't seem to be any lasting damage.

Just about to jump in the shower (sorry, I realise the mental image isn't very nice) before going to the Cricket Club curry night. Hungry already, so I don't know how I'll last until half past 8.

See you later

JR

Hello

Welcome to my first ever blog post. Check back here to see what I've been getting up to recently. You never know, you might even find it interesting!

Everything from my radio show and me playing Cricket to my student union work and NUS stuff.

Thanks for reading.

JR