Return of the half arsed WAT 1st XI vs. WAT 2nd XI

[Paoli]

It's back, yes, the third match is back, of the WAT Challenge.

The 1st XI Team:

1. Ernest (Still scoring at a rate of knots. Ernest has also been named Captain) (C)
2. Zainub (Back in a week from Ramadan)
3. Rachael (Defensive No.3. Deputy Vice Captain) (DVC)
4. Richie Benauds Love Child (Stalwart and dressing room larrikin, batsman who looks to score runs)
5. Occasional Fan (Rock of stabilisation in the Middle Order)
6. Beny (Doubts as to whether he'll play due to exams)
7. flanflinger (Only man who's a non moderator or administrator. What an achievement!)
8. Paoli69 (First run in 1st XI, absolutely excited)
9. Maranello (Still here making sublime runs. Rated as the most stylish as many shots are in the "Greats" section)
10. Kirsty Harris (Another run for the stalwart, now leading the forum by example)
11. admin (Spot nowhere near as safe as it used to be. Vice-Captain) (VC)

2nd XI Team:

1. Oliver (Disappointed at his relegation since the last time these two sides met)
2. Notts Exile (Other members' failure to score runs has been his gain)
3. Goatman (Relocating to Yorkshire where he hopes to be a more consistent rather than prolific yet often out of the side)
4. greg (Massive mover, has relished his spot since his debut all the way back in June)
5. Pete (Has been out of action for quite some time, hopefully ready for some more big runs)
6. Teatime FatCat (Not in the 1st XI anymore, hoping that his Slow Left Armers pick up a few more wickets to see him regain his place. Has been named captain of the 2nd XI) (C)
7. Andy Mellon (1st XI 12th Man is now a vital member of the 2nd XI, where he assumes the mantle of Vice-Captain) (VC)
8. Seamer (Another who has been out of action for quite some time, hopefully will be ready to score at Ern-like pace when he is back)
9. Lemming (Another one on his WAT 1st XI vs. 2nd XI debut, looking for some big runs after a spell on the sidelines)
10. vvvrulz (Holding on to his place in the 2nd XI, hoping for another big showing from the 2nd XI stalwart. Named Deputy-Vice Captain.) (DVC)
11. Mongoose (In the team due to retirements of other players, but keen to let his debut be a big one).

This promises to be an enthralling match. Certain members have been left out due to them no longer being with us on the board, but for those who are playing, this should be a belter.

Oliver and Notts Exile were considered by the selectors to be unfit for captaincy roles, as their primary objective is to lead the team through runs and wickets, not field placements.

My tip is the 1st XI by one run.
Man of the Match: Paoli69 with 108 not out off 76 balls and 7-18 off 10 overs.

[Andy Mellon]

I reckon that it'll be a golden duck for Paoli, dismissed by a TTFC looper or an Oliver dibbly-dobbler... Who are the captains by the way, what's the pitch like? Is this match going to be a World XI type disappointment, or will it recreate the hype of the ashes. There's a lot at stake, what will happen?!? Watch this space!

[Maranello]

It might be a World XI type affair Andy. The WAT First XI is a well-knit outfit, who has experienced great success for a long period of time, having played together as a cohesive unit under the guidance of admin for a while.

The WAT 2nd XI does have many big names and some rising stars; however, the key question remains: will enough of their guys actually turn up to give us a game? There are doubts about the availability of 5 of the 11 players (Goatman, Pete, Seamer, Lemming, Mongoose) for varying reasons (injury, too much other cricket, etc) and hence can the remaining six stars give the impressive First XI guys a game? Or will it be another white-wash?

[Teatime FatCat]

Whoo yeah! I see I have been put into the Paul Collingwood / Rikki Clarke role as the second choice allrounder. However, I see myself as more of a Darren Lehman / Viv Richards character, scoring dashing runs from no6 and then winkling out a few batsmen with my lefty lobs!

Hmmm, the batsmen I have got my eye on are RBLC (impulsive, unable to resist), Beny (to young and impetuous to resist) and you Polio - I reckon I'd have a wide long- on out for you, and I'd invite you to make friends with him!

The 1stXI top three contain far too many straight bats and Occasional would be happy to block me out all day (argghhh tha' will 'ave ta booool me out youngun!).

Admin looks wobbly though, probably worrying too much about demotion - might affect his game!

Kirsty would be far to polite to thrash me to the boundary though and would be content to give me a little tickle through fine leg for a quick one!

[Teatime FatCat]

Hang on a minute - I'm 710 posts off of the 1stXI - haven't you people got anything better to do!

[Andy Mellon]

I certainly have some doubts over the 2nd XI selectors. I'm sitting in the dressing room at the moment, and only 6 of us are here! Where are Mongoose, Lemming, Pete, Seamer and Goatman?!? I think some changes to the team sheet may be required. I definately think The Phantom Ram and Victor Frankenstein should be called up, and also drafting in John as our South African, potentially on a Kolpak deal if he relinquishes his place in the South African middle order. Trescothick and Cantplaycanttalk can make up the numbers leaving the 2nd XI as:

1. Oliver (Disappointed at his relegation since the last time these two sides met)
2. Notts Exile (Other members' failure to score runs has been his gain)
3. The Phantom Ram (hoping to put up a good show for the Derbyshire faithful on his internation debut)
4. greg (Massive mover, has relished his spot since his debut all the way back in June)
5. Victor Frankenstein(An experiment in the 2nd XI middle order, only just ranked in the top 30 in the world and will need a good performance to guarantee his place)
6. Teatime FatCat (Not in the 1st XI anymore, hoping that his Slow Left Armers pick up a few more wickets to see him regain his place)
7. Andy Mellon (1st XI 12th Man is now a vital member of the 2nd XI)
8. John (A wildcard entry if ever there was one, models himself on Shaun Pollock, actually plays like Derek Pringle)
9. Trescothick (Bowls like Mr. Trescothick, bats like Mrs. Trescothick... possibly. Potentially explosive pinch-hitter at number 9)
10. vvvrulz (Holding on to his place in the 2nd XI, hoping for another big showing from the 2nd XI stalwart)
11. Cantplaycanttalk (Will run in for you over after over, real endurance factor here and swings it both ways).

[Paoli]

Originally Posted by Maranello

The WAT 2nd XI does have many big names and some rising stars; however, the key question remains: will enough of their guys actually turn up to give us a game? There are doubts about the availability of 5 of the 11 players (Goatman, Pete, Seamer, Lemming, Mongoose) for varying reasons (injury, too much other cricket, etc) and hence can the remaining six stars give the impressive First XI guys a game? Or will it be another white-wash?

Well, the 2nd XI selectors asked R W S, Richard Jenkins and Mark Kidger to play, yet none were forthcoming with the desire to represent the team. But alas, the team moves on. As for the controversial selections of Goatman, Pete, Seamer, Lemming and Mongoose, the selectors couldn't resist, though not having prior word from them. There are fears that Goatman may not be able to make the game as he is relocating to hope to continue his career with Yorkshire. Apparently Yorks are keen for him to hit the pre season and don't want any early distractions. Seamer might also be busy knocking over a few for Queensland. In any case, the selectors in news just through, have announced the reserves. They are, in order of runs:

1. The Phantom Ram
2. Victor Frankenstein
3. Milo
4. Shaka (Another with serious doubts, actually replacing Scott-Wozniak, another who declined the lucrative offer)
5. imaginarydiva (Also with doubts)

For that reason, three replacements for the replacements have been called up! Amazing! The 2nd XI selectors will stop at nothing. They are:

1. John
2. cantplaycanttalk
3. Trescothick

And yes, Andy, the 2nd XI selectors have announced that John will be on a Kolpak Deal as the overseas players allotments are filled. OF is on a Kolpak Deal in the First XI, after kindly choosing to put his team before the lucrative deal of captaining the Czech Republic.

And what a cat out of the bag by selecting Oliver, the No.11 to open the batting. TTFC, I'm keen to only block out your spin or leave it go to the keeper. The bowlers I'll have my eye on to hit are: Oliver (I'll be able to contain the early swing), Andy Mellon (I'll easily account for his pies) and vvvrulz, who, apart from the odd fiery barrage and unplayable delivery, will be breakfast for me to contain. As for the batsmen I'll have my eye on: The dangerous Teatime FatCat, reknowned shaky starter yet Andrew Symonds like once he gets going, Notts Exile and Oliver (always good to remove the openers) and Andrew Mellon, to stop a potential late enslaught. I think the 1st XI are home already. Talk of unrest and the non-appearance of several players to the 2nd XI training camp have started these rumours.

[Teatime FatCat]

Yesssss! That's it - I am Symmo! Complete with huge 'fro and scary clown makeup!

[The Phantom Ram]

What do I do?
Am I in or out?
What is the concept of this game?
How many questions can I ask in such a small post?

ps Thanks for the recommendation Andy.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Paoli69

7. flanflinger (Only man who's a non moderator or administrator. What an achievement!)

And I plan to keep it that way!!