http://www.thefollowon.com/community/blog.php en Fri, 18 May 2012 22:54:35 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thefollowon.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.thefollowon.com/community/blog.php http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?24-Let-s-get-started-then Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:36:04 GMT It's that time of the year again - the start of the cricket season. My first report for the local press is already prepared and is ready to submit and the first game takes place this Sunday.

For me, it's a first ever visit to Ryton Road, North Anston for the Anston v Langley Mill game in section 5 of the Mansfield League. I was touring China when the club visited Anston last season, but I didn't miss much as the match was abandoned after 20 or so overs.

I'm collecting the club's balls and County League handbooks on Wednesday evening, and I'm looking forward to reading the books. I carry them with me all through the season and it's amazing how many times I dig them out of my bag to settle a dispute.

Our first Saturday game is on the 24th when we entertain Walton on Trent. I'm looking forward to this game as it's the first time our opponents have been to the Mill and it's also the first time our new electronic scoreboard will be in use.

It only remains for me to wish players, officials and supporters a great 2010 season. Let's hope we get the BBQ summer we were promised last year. ]]> Alan Rowley http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?24-Let-s-get-started-then http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?22-A-look-back-at-2009-and-ahead-to-2010 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:58:16 GMT Attachment 188 (http://www.thefollowon.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=188)In my little cricket world, 2009 has been a memorable year. My... In my little cricket world, 2009 has been a memorable year. My club (Langley Mill United) had a phenomenal season, the firsts winning the league and cup double, the seconds finishing runners-up and the Sunday XI also finishing runners-up. To cap all this, my son Luke won the player of the year award at our club.

Our firsts won the Derbyshire County Cricket League Division 4 North, sponsored by 'the follow on'. In a close run affair with Chesterfield 2nds, we clinched the title in the final match of the season at Morton Colliery. The cup was a little easier. In a very one-sided final at Mickleover Cricket Club, we comfortably defeated Elvaston 2nds by 7 wickets in under 19 overs.

The seconds also had a nail-biting end to the season, clinching promotion on the final day. No match for easy winners Codnor, the seconds had a ding-dong battle with Sawley and Long Eaton Park 3rds for the runners-up spot, gaining the upper hand thanks to Sawley losing the toss and batting second in their final game.

The Sunday XI played its second season in Section 6 of the Mansfield Sunday League and were streets ahead of most of the other teams in the division. Only Anston really gave us a run for our money and it was Anston who nicked the title when we couldn't raise a side because of the firsts cup final and had to concede a game. Still, everyone concerned was happy to secure promotion and it was a fitting end to the season for the lads, dads and part-timers who made up the side on most weeks.

So, 2010 brings new challenges. The firsts move up to the non-regionalised Division 3, which will hopefully be sponsored by 'the follow on'. As well as renewing rivalries with our neighbours Heanor Town and Denby, we get the chance to play at some attractive grounds, notably Chesterfield, Lullington and Walton-on-Trent. For me, 2010 will see a first ever visit to Trentside and Alrewas.

The seconds take their place in Division 6 North and will also have local derbies with Heanor, this time with their 2nd team.

This season, I will not be taking a holiday in the middle of the season like I did in 2009. I missed three matches while I was eclipse chasing in China and I had to resort to accessing the internet on my iPhone at 3:00 am to find out how we had done.

So, goodbye to the noughties and welcome to a new decade. I hope everyone who reads this has a very happy and prosperous New Year, and I look forward to seeing you all around the grounds come April. ]]> Alan Rowley http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?22-A-look-back-at-2009-and-ahead-to-2010 http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?17-Season-starts-in-style-in-sunny-April Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:11:56 GMT The sun shone brightly for the start of the new season and we were treated to decent tracks, some fine weather and some good cricket.

For me, I've been lucky enough to fit in more cricket than I would normally have been able to do, thanks to being semi-retired now.

My first game of the season was as early as the 12th at the Mill where our Sunday XI took on Chesterfield Barbarians and came away with an easy victory. It was great to meet up with some people that I hadn't seen for a while, drink a couple of cans and enjoy some sport.

The following Sunday, I took a ride over to the delightful Eckington ground for another Sunday League game. The sun shone again and another good day was had by all. We came away with a winning draw.

At Eckington, we got a big score, but couldn't bowl out the tailenders, while at the Mill, we bowled out the Barbarians cheaply and then knocked them off quickly. At Eckington, we got 17 points, at the Mill, only 16. How does that work then?

The Saturday League started on the 25th and we were off to the Packhorse Ground. For those who have never been, it's high up and exposed and there always seems to be a cold breeze. There was nothing in our performance to warm me up!

We were well and truly stuffed being bowled out for 94. If it hadn't been for Luke, who top scored with a career best 19, we would have been finished before tea. The last wicket pair of Luke and Scott Parkin batted out 11 overs and put on 29.

Back at the Mill and the news was much better. An easy victory for the 2nds against OBCC 4ths. Back home to get the scorecards online, write the reports, sort the photos and fill in the forms. Saturday nights won't be my own again until the middle of September.

On the 26th, Ashover's Sunday side visited the Mill, and we scored a massive 304-6, thanks to Steve Walker, who got an unbeaten 86 on debut. The Yank umpired as only he can and we tucked into steak pie and chips for tea. Yum! Wes followed his 86 with 4 wickets as we wrapped up the game with plenty of overs to spare.

I also managed to get down to the County Ground for the first time in ages to see Derbyshire and Surrey in day three of the County Championship game. They've made some improvements to the place since I last visited, and I had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Met up with a few people I hadn't seen for a while, had a couple of pints and a chat or two.

'the follow on' is really starting to take off now with a record day on the last Sunday (!). 170 members visited the site on what is normally one of the quietest days of the week. Membership has risen to over 420 now and I'm really pleased with how it's going.

Thanks to everyone who contributes to the site, it wouldn't be the same without you. ]]> Alan Rowley http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?17-Season-starts-in-style-in-sunny-April http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?2-Build-up-to-the-2009-season Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:34:24 GMT For me, the build up to the new season starts with the first net of the year, which is this Sunday (1st February). At Langley Mill, we have a... For me, the build up to the new season starts with the first net of the year, which is this Sunday (1st February).

At Langley Mill, we have a complete break from the game from the end of the season, except for the club presentation and work on the ground. It is only when nets start that there is a chance to catch up and plan the new season.

Although I don't play the game, I still go to the nets occasionally, mainly as a taxi service for Luke, but also it gives me the opportunity to find out what's been happening at the club.

The 2009 season will be a very interesting one. With the re-structuring of the League, we find our first team in division 4 North and the seconds are in division 7 North.

The firsts are always amongst the favourites for promotion, and that seems to be the case again this year, but 4 North looks particularly strong and the Millers will do well to get promotion this season.

Our seconds had a great 2008, finishing runners-up behind a very strong Codnor side. They should do well again this season with a number of promising youngsters moving through the ranks.

For me, one of the successes of 2008 was the Sunday XI, which entered the Mansfield League for the first time. The Sunday XI were in the running for the title for most of the season, only falling away towards the end of the season due to cancellations caused by the first team's cup run and some unseasonally bad weather.

So, the build up starts and hopefully there will be some successes to report on during the season, but mainly, I am looking forward to packing my camera and getting out and about and meeting some of you guys.

Roll on April! ]]> Alan Rowley http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?2-Build-up-to-the-2009-season http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?1-Almost-there Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:22:21 GMT After weeks of research and planning, the latest reincarnation of 'the follow on' is almost ready.

Next year, I have been running a cricket forum in one way or another for ten years and to celebrate the fact, I have purchased a proper, professional piece of software that is packed full of features.

From now on, 'the follow on' will become a cricket 'community', not just a results and reports site with a message board.

Users will be able to have their own social forums, picture galleries and blogs and will be able to network with each other.

'the follow on' meets Facebook

Well, that's my first post on my blog. I hope that I can keep it up to date and that some of you spare the time to read my ramblings.

Have fun !!! ]]> Alan Rowley http://www.thefollowon.com/community/entry.php?1-Almost-there