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Rain and no County Championship matches this past week saw most of the South African connection resting, even allowing Shaun Pollock two days to return to South Africa to join the South African training camp.Those who did manage to play in the Norwich Union League saw Nic Pothas carrying his bat in both matches played, scoring 50 and 34. Neil Johnson managed 14 apiece and a 2-29 as Hampshire went down to Derby and Northamptonshire in rain affected games.Andrew Gait and Sven Koenig both scored ducks but ended up on the winning side as rain and Duckworth/Lewis created exciting run chases.Shaun Pollock, getting back before the start on Sunday morning, managed to take 1-40 but did not need to bat as Warwickshire beat Leicestershire by seven wickets in another rain shortened game.Kevin Pietersen scored 19 not out in losing to Yorkshire with Nottinghamshire resting both Greg Smith and Nicky Boje.Rain also had a major impact in the Lancashire league.One of the few games to go almost untouched saw Martin van Jaarsveld scoring 83 and then taking 2-66 against compatriot Con de Lange. De Lange scored 33 and took 5-77 but ended on the losing side.Two innings of note were those by Andre Seymore scoring 52 not out, this out of a losing team total of 74 and Jacques Rudolph scoring 25 out of a losing team total of 51. Rudolph also took the only wicket for his team returning 1-14.Andrew Hall 12 and Pierre Joubert 0-9 had their games completely washed out.

Somerset Seconds suffered their third defeat in three days in the 2nd XI Trophy competition when they lost by seven wickets to Glamorgan at the County Ground today.Batting first Somerset got off to a flying start with openers Neil Edwards and Carl Gazzard putting on 73 in quick time before Gazzard was out for 45.Left hander Neil Edwards stayed around quite a bit longer before being fourth man out with the score on 166.Skipper Graham Rose (34) and triallist Chris Budd (44) who plays for Wiltshire in the Minor Counties, then shared a fifth wicket partnership of 65 after which wickets fell regularly until by the end of their allotted overs Somerset had reached 281 for 9.Evergreen Rose got Somerset off to the best possible start when he got a wicket with his first ball when Wes Durston held on to a sharp chance from Daniel Cherry in the slips.Glamorgan lost a further wicket with the score on 16 to a spectacular catch by West Durston, but from then on Glamorgan seemed to be in control and Keith Newell (89) and Jonathan Hughes put on 175 for the third wicket.Hughes remained at the wicket to hit the winning runs to see his side safely home, and ended unbeaten on 125 as Glamorgan reached 282 for 3 off 47.1 overs.Somerset Seconds play a two day friendly against Millfield School at Street staring tomorrow at 11 am.

India `A’ were handed a crushing defeat by the South Africa BoardPresident’s XI in the three-day tour game being played atChatsworth on Sunday. The tourists were bundled out for ameagre 90 runs in their second innings, with left-arm spinnerRobin Peterson finishing with dream figures of 7.2-4-9-4. TheSouth Africa Board President’s XI emerged victorious by aninnings and 109 runs.On the final day the home side resumed at their overnight scoreof 369/7 and went to on to make 411/8 declared in their firstinnings. Gerald Dros, a 28-year-old right-hand batsman fromNorthern Transvaal, remained unbeaten on 117. This is only hissecond hundred in eight years of first class cricket. Dros faced220 balls, hitting 16 boundaries and a six; in what turned out tobe a match-winning knock. The other overnight not outbatsman Alfonso Thomas went on to make 22 runs, adding 40runs for the eighth wicket. Amit Mishra, the 20-year-old legspinner from Haryana was the best of the Indian bowlers, pickingup a five-wicket haul (31-4-115-5)Trailing by 199 runs in the first innings, India ‘A’ got off to ashocking start, losing the stylish left-handed opening batsmanGautam Gambhir (7). India ‘A’ were in dire straits at 28/3 afterlosing Amit Pagnis (3) and Abhijit Kale (6). Skipper Jacob Martinand Rohan Gavaskar put on 28 runs for the fourth wicket, whichwas to be the highest of the innings. Ironically, Martin (25) andGavaskar (13) were the only players to get to the double-figuremark apart from Extras (13). India ‘A’ lost their last sevenwickets for just 34 runs, with Peterson plucking out four of thosewickets.

In a clear move to take the Government head on, the Board ofControl for Cricket in India (BCCI) today decided not toparticipate in multilateral tournaments including World Cupand ICC Knock-out series till ‘clear-cut’ guidelines onplaying with Pakistan were announced. Board President ACMuthiah told reporters after its working committee meetingin Delhi that uncertainty prevailed over whether the Governmenthad restrained the cricket team from playing at specificvenues or against specific countries too.”In the absence of clear-cut guidelines in this matter, theBoard has decided to play only in bilateral or triangularseries involving Test playing countries. We will notparticipate in tournaments such as Asia Cup, ICC Knock-outseries (2002) and the 2003 World Cup because we do not knowwhether we would be able to play certain sides, like Pakistan,or not,” Muthiah said. The Government, in a statement a fewdays ago, had asked the Board not to send the team to any’non-regular’ venue, like Toronto, Singapore and Sharjah, forthe next three years.The Board’s decision came as a surprise because the issue wasnever mentioned in the Agenda nor was there any talk of it inthe days leading up to the meeting. Muthiah said he expectedthe government to react soon and come out with clear policyguidelines in this regard.He said the working committee had authorised him to form asmall committee under his chairmanship which will meet varioussenior ministers including the Sports Minister and put acrossthe Board’s point of view to them.The announcementovershadowed many other important decisions taken at themeeting.

For many years the authorities struggled to prevent the press and public referring to “The Sunday League.” There should not be too much trouble now in getting it called the Norwich Union League, especially in the next phase of the season with more matches being played mid-week than on Sundays.Take the next round of matches as an example. There are matches on Thursday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as a number of counties take the opportunity to stage matches under floodlights on what we all hope will be balmy summer evenings.Gloucestershire Gladiators begin proceedings this week on Thursday by going to Cheltenham to meet Hampshire Hawks. The Gladiators are at the top of the Division Two table at the moment, while the Hawks are fourth, eight points in arrears. However, that represents two wins and the Hawks have two matches in hand over the leaders, so this game could be crucial in the overall outcome of what promises to be a very close promotion race. It makes this match virtually and eight-pointer.The single match on Sunday is the single Division One fixture this week, between Durham Dynamos and Leicestershire Foxes. A win for the Foxes would take them up into the leading group, while defeat would leave them languishing in the relegation dogfight. That’s where the Dynamos will be, whatever the outcome of this match, for a second win of the season for them would still leave them in the relegation bracket.On Monday, the floodlit action is at Chelmsford when Essex Eagles meet Middlesex Crusaders. The Eagles have soared to third place in the table, six points but three matches behind the leaders. This is a crucial match for them in the shaping of their Norwich Union League season, while the Crusaders are anchored to the foot of the table with a single win from their eight starts.On Tuesday, the Rose Bowl will be lit up as Hampshire Hawks take on Lancashire Lightening. If the Hawks have won their match against Gloucestershire Gladiators, they could be looking for top spot at the end of this fixture. Lightening, on the other hand, have their attention centred on the other end of the table, although a couple of wins could easily transform their season.Northamptonshire Steelbacks and Derbyshire Scorpions are in much the same position as Lancashire Lightening. Win a couple and promotion beckons; lose those matches and they will be consigned to the lower echelons of the division. The bright lights of Northampton (which is not a phrase that often appears in public!) will illuminate the way ahead for one of the two teams on view at Wantage Road.

The world’s most renowned coaches will gather in Sri Lanka later this month for a high-powered coaching conference.Tony Greig, Bob Woolmer, Steve Rixon, John Buchanan and Barry Richards will all address coaches, cricketers and administrators during a series of seminars.

Organised by the recently formed International Cricket Coaches’ Conference (ICCC), the two-day programme will focus on the latest technological advancements in coaching.The project is the brainchild of former cricket board president Thilanga Sumathipala, who believes is will help ensure the highest standards of coaching throughout Asia.”Cricket has now become so technologically advanced,” said Sumathipala. “Coaches and cricketers need to keep abreast of these changes. At present there is no continuous program that would meet this type of professional demand.”The conference will look at the following issues: traditional game v new technology, advanced technology to develop techniques, introduction to modern techniques, the most effective way to develop young cricketers, issues facing coaches/coaching, what are the basics – technology and coaching, the fine art of wicket-keeping, batting and bowling, real approach to a champion team, a point of view from the current world champions Australia, a captain’s perspective, the role of captain and manager, relationships with media, moulding the complete cricketer, a pathway to achieve excellence and, today’s skills for tomorrow’s technology.Local coaches are also being encouraged to participate: “The need of the moment is to nurture the budding generation of cricketers that Sri Lanka is gifted with by utilizing the latest techniques and skills in coaching. This conference is the first step in achieving that milestone,” said Sumathipala.The Conference will be open to both local and international participants and is scheduled meant for September 25 and 26. For participation details, contact the ICCC on +94-1-389673 or log on to the website: www.cricketconference.com.

Somerset Sabres are back in N.U.L. National League action on Sunday when they travel to New Road where they take on Worcester Royals.After the narrowest of defeats in their opening match of the season in the competition last weekend,the Sabres will be anxious to record their first one day victory of 2002.Somerset will also be keen to make up for the Benson Hedges Cup defeat that the midlanders inflicted upon them on May Day Bank Holiday at the County Ground.The last time that the two sides met in the competition was at New Road in 2000, when the Sabres were victorious by 53 runs, to haul themselves back to the top of the table.At the end of the 2000 season Worcester Royals were relegated, but last season earned a quick return to the top flight by finishing in third place in Division Two. Last weekend Worcester Royals were without a game in the NUL, and will be eager to get their own campaign in the competition off to a good start.Whilst Somerset coach Kevin Shine was pleased with the run chase from his batsmen last weekend he will no doubt be anxious to reduce the number of runs that were conceded when the Sabres fielded.Fast bowler Steffan Jones is still not quite match fit so misses out on the trip to Worcester. The Sabres will rely on the same side thatcompletes the championship match against Leicestershire today with the addition of young all rounder Pete Trego.

South Wilts cricketers are mourning the death of Gordon Gay, their former Chairman and President, after a long illness.A founder member of the Salisbury club in 1948, Mr Gay, 70, played for South Wilts for over 30 years, ten of which were as captain.An elegant batsman and off-spin bowler, he later became chairman, a post he held for some 18 years.An impeccable, dapper man, hugely respected in many spheres of Salisbury city life, Mr Gay worked tirelessly for South Wilts and Wiltshire cricket when his playing career ended.He put countless man hours into the Bemerton club, helping transform the South Wilts ground into one of the best in the region.In 1997, he received the Southern League’s prestigious Groundsman of the Year award and, two years later, his voluntary work for the ECB was acknowledged by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, who presented him with the 1999 Torch Trophy award.More recently Mr Gay was presented with a Special Lifetime Achievement award for his outstanding service to sport in the Salisbury area.The funeral service was held at St John’s Church, Bemerton, immediately behind the South Wilts sports ground last Friday.Donations to the Salisbury Hospice can be made via Ian Newman, Funeral Directors, 55 Winchester Street, Salisbury.

Wasim Jaffer and Nayan Mongia, continuing their fine form in the Duleep Trophy tournament, hammered 78 and 76 respectively during the first day of West Zone’s match against North Zone at Pune.Winning the toss, West Zone skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar decided to bat first. His side suffered an early setback when Ashish Nehra took out Connor Williams. But Kanitkar and Jaffer then added exactly 50 runs before the former fell, caught behind for 11.Altaf Merchant, the next man in, failed to open his account, and at 68 for three, North Zone seemed to have the upper hand. But Vinod Kambli proceeded to play in his inimitable way, striking seven fours in his 33 off 52 and adding 70 runs for the fourth wicket with Jaffer.Both Jaffer and Kamble fell with the score on 138; Jaffer was the first to go, bowled by Nehra for a well-made 78 off 104 balls. His knock featured 13 hits to the fence and provided a good foundation for West.Mongia and Ajit Bhoite then came to the party. Mongia was in a surprisingly aggressive mood, hitting 14 fours and a towering six in his 76 off 130 balls. Bhoite played second fiddle admirably, making 36 off 86 balls with five fours and a six.Bhoite fell with the score on 215, but that only paved the way for Sairaj Bahutule to use the long handle to good effect. Runs flowed for West Zone as Bahutule struck 12 fours and a six in making 66 off 88 balls. Skipper Mithun Manhas, who dismissed Bhoite, managed some little cheer for North by also getting rid of Mongia and Ramesh Powar.At the close of play, West were well-placed on 334 for eight, with Bahutule still at the crease on 66. He was accompanied by Irfan Pathan on seven. For North Zone, Manhas the most successful bowler, taking 3-19 off 12 overs.

Scott Styris may have been coming back from injury this summer, but he had reward for all his hard work when awarded the Northern Districts Cricketer of the Year Award last week.His performances for ND in both first-class and one-day cricket made him the obvious candidate for the award which was sponsored by Air New Zealand Travelcentre.During the summer in the State Championship, he scored 644 runs at 44.00 and included among those runs was an innings of 212 not out against Otago. At the time it was an ND record but James Marshall bettered it a week later.However, he also took 28 wickets for ND to complete a fine all-round summer.Appearances in the State Shield were limited due to the fact he was selected for New Zealand to play in the Australia tri-series in which he played in four games.But among his Shield performances was an outstanding 82 not out against Auckland at Eden Park’s outer oval to win the game in the final over.Styris is now a member of the New Zealand team in Sharjah and Pakistan.Nicola Browne was awarded the women’s cricketer of the year. She has had a meteoric rise in women’s cricket, despite being 18. She was the leading ND wicket-taker in the State League and also had the best economy rate.She was one of the success stories of the New Zealand A team’s tour to Australia, and she was asked to stay on as a member of the New Zealand women’s team for the annual series against Australia. She played in all three matches and then played another match in New Zealand in the return series. She is a member of the New Zealand Academy at Lincoln University this year.Ian Butler was named the Young Cricketer of the Year. He made his ND debut in the State Championship in late-November and by February was a member of the New Zealand team.He made five first-class appearances for ND taking 17 wickets at 24.Other awards made were:Basil McBurney Trophy – Bay of Plenty; Fergus Hickey Rosebowl – Bay of Plenty; Glenview International Hotel Cup – Northland; Outstanding services to coaching – Wynne Bradburn; Allan McBride Trophy for service to Junior Cricket – Per Rorholt; Umpire of the Year – Tony Hill; Fielder of the Year – Robbie Hart; Batsman of the Year – James Marshall; Bowler of the Year – Joseph Yovich.