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Division Three Four Day Preview Part II

nibbs

International Captain
Its been an dramatic battle for four day division three supremacy this season. Many teams have put up their hands, in fact all five have except the hopeless story of Northern Districts.

Round one brought promising signs for Worcestershire. A comprehensive victory of ND saw them race out to an early lead. Leicester had upset Tasmania and Warwickshire had struggled past Glamorgan suggesting we were in an interesting time battle ahead.

The next two rounds saw Warwickshire assert some dominance, crushing the **** out of Northern Districts and Leicester helping them build a very handy lead. Tasmania, Worcestershire and Leicester were scrapping it out for second with Glamorgan trying to get some momentum going, while Northern Districts had failed to even register a point.

Round four saw the real battle begin as Tasmania saw off Warwickshire in Birmiongham to close what looked like becoming a big gap at the top of the table. Glamorgan had begun a charge beating Worcestershire and they dramatically slipped into 3rd, while Leicester were left trying to pick up the pieces. As the season approached the half way stage it was now clear that Warwickshire and Tasmania would be the ones who would fight it out for the title.

The next few rounds saw both teams going through the motions before round 7 settled. Warwickshire who lead the championship by 10 points prepared to face off with Tassy in a game that many analysts were calling the WCC game of the century. That never really came to anything has Tasmania **** all over Warwickshire and for the first time took the lead and in doing so opened up a ten point lead of their own. Elsewhere Northern Districts had nearly beaten, Worcestershire coming within 5 runs of an upset. If Stephen Fleming had not of had his watch 5 minutes slow they would have won for sure. But as it stood, Tasmania were in front, Warwickshire 10 behind, and Leicester had moved within 10 of Warwickshire. Glamorgan and Worcestershire were battling to avoid 5th while ND were rooted to the bottom of the table.

As the batted raged on, Warwickshire re took the lead, as they creamed ND, while Tasmania were held by Worcestershire. Glamorgan had got another charge going and moved up to join Leicester. Worcestershire now looked certain to face a promotion-relegation match while it was see ya later to the so called cricket team of Northern Districts.

Finally Round nine. Tasmania had a great chance to open a good lead as they faced Northern Districts. Warwickshire faced a much tougher task against Leicester and dramatically we were left with our leaders tied on 113 points. Glamorgan won their third successive match, and reclaimed third.

Points: -
Warwickshire 113
Tasmania 113
Glamorgan 85
Leicester 76
Worcestershire 57
Northern Districts 14

Who will come out on top, and win automatic promotion? What new heroes will emerge from this final round. Who will suffer? Who will have the final laugh? I don’t know, but we all will know in a just a couple of days????????????????????????????????
 

nibbs

International Captain

Leicester Vs. Northern Districts:
Round 5:
Leicester won by 230 Runs
Leicester should win this game with ease. The only question is, by how much. If ND come out to play they they could deny Leicester points as they attempt to get into third. Northern Districts have nothing to play for. Last place is where they will finish this season. Leicester will attempt to give their supporters something to cheer about and they will hope to finish third and in the top half (15th) of WCC.

Leicester Win
 
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nibbs

International Captain
Tasmania Vs. Glamorgan
Round 5:
Tasmania won by 10 Wickets

Tasmania are hungry for some success in WCC after a quiet few years. They look to have won the division 4 one day title, and winning this title would cap off a great season. They face Glamorgan, currently running third. Glamorgan have not batted very well this season, with Owen Hemp struggling for form in the four dayers. If Glamorgan are to be a factor in this match they’ll be hoping that their bowlers come out to play. While Glamorgan have had their bowlers carrying them through the season Tasmania’s batsmen have been their greatest asset. So a good line up of bowlers against a good batting line up could prove be interesting. Perhaps a key difference will be Tasmania’s bowling being able to out shine the Glamorgan batting line up. If this is the case you’d have to give Tasmania the egde heading into this encounter. But I’m predicting this match to be close, so no side will be taking home maximum points IMO. Glamorgan have won their previous three games and are the form team in the division. Two of those victories came against ND and Worcestershire, but they also have beaten Leicester which has made their final opponents Tasmania a little nervous. If they can keep their current form up we could see a boil over here, but on paper it says a Tassy win. However, if there’s going to be an upset it will be in this game.

Tasmania Win
 
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nibbs

International Captain
Worcestershire Vs. Warwickshire
Round 5:
Warwickshire won by 81 runs

Warwickshire can thank their bowlers mostly for where they currently sit on the table. Kaneria and Gregson have carried through some tough battles, while Lawson and Hasnain have deservedly earned their keep. Warwickshire’s bowlers face a very tough task. Worcestershire’s pitch is no mine field. It’s no more than a flat track that offers next to nothing for bowlers. Worcestershire have a longer batting line up, but there is no real star in their team. Rob Nichol has had an awesome season, but many argue that he wont keep it up next season. Warwickshire on the other hand have some players like, the in form Howarth and Sriram who are more than capable of taking advantage this pitch. So you would have to give a slight edge to Warwickshire in the batting department. The Key difference between the two sides are the bowling attacks. Warwickshire can boost one of the best in the division, if not in the whole of WCC. Players like Gregson and Kaneria taking the likes of Anderson just shows the difference between the two line up. Warwickshire have won their last two games and a total of seven of their name games this season. Worcestershire have won only once all season, and haven’t won for eight games. The odds are against them in this one, and I’d expect Warwickshire to get up here.

Warwickshire Win
 

nibbs

International Captain
The Title

Who will the come out on top and take the prize?

IMO, it will be Warwickshire. On paper we are very even with Tasmania. The main difference about the final rounds fixtures is that Warwickshire IMO face the weaker opposition. This could perhaps be the slight difference in seeing who wins the title.

Of coarse there is no reason why Tasmania can't beat Glamorgan and pick up 20 points and at the same time Worcestershier do the same to Warwickshire. Its anyones title, and may the best team win...
 

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