CricSim Herald: Off-season Special CONTRACTS By Dave Eggman The most hotly anticipated period of the CricSim season - contracts. And this season hasn't failed to deliver. The off-season started promptly after a whirlwind North vs. South series and with the reputation of the CricSim offseason, it was bound to be full of news, rumours and plenty of animosity. It wasn’t to be long before there was a signing that got people into the swing of the off-season. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=457>S Verigotta</a> signed a contract for the Vipers, which was received with hostility by the CricSim community. However, here is what Vipers President, Tim Delonge, had to say when asked why he sanctioned the Verigotta transfer: The Vipers kept most of their core, only losing <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=862>JM Hughes</a> to the Sticky Wickets. Former Viper <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=422>HJ Hebditch</a> also made his return to the Snake Pit, begging the question - will anybody be able to catch the Vipers? During the opening flurry of players signing contracts it had seemed as if the Cyclones were to be left in tatters andpeople were questioning whether they could even compete at ALC level. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=358>CJ Laing</a> had planned to go to the Ravens at the end of Season 11, so to see him sign for them for Season 12 wasn’t a big surprise for most. However, the losses continued with <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=40>DT Petrucci</a> and <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=881>AJ O'Neill</a>. With the rest of the key Cyclones signing, President Eddie Moris looked to rebuild, by signing some young prospects and key CricSim figure <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=173>BC Jacobs</a>. We asked long-term 'Clone <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=83>AM Farhat</a> what he thought about the Cyclones' recruitment period: After losing in the Bannerman Shield final to the Vipers, the Pumas set out to have another successful offseason and mount another serious challenge for the Shield. After telling %TA Miokovic not to return for Season 12, they proceeded to sign replacement batsmen, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=458>S Bakkum</a> after he was ironically forced out of the Crusaders by President Joshua Ritchie. The Pumas also added <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=178>HJ Bots</a> after the loss of <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=55>AJ Izett</a>. But the Pumas didn’t just improve their Bannerman Shield side, they added quality to their Avo Lovers Cup side and key back ups with the addition of <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=860>CJ Downes</a> and <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=853>BR Hall</a>. The Kittens are sure to challenge for the much-coveted Avo Lovers' Cup. The Stingrays lost two key players from their Season 11 Bannerman Shield side. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=178>HJ Bots</a> made the switch to the Pumas and <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=86>GEC King</a> returned to another club that he founded, in the Sticky Wickets. However, retention was the primary goal for the Rays, who kept the majority of their player base and added <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=957>KN Rask</a> and highly touted youngster <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=992>LO Townsend</a>. Townsend was a hot topic amongst many clubs' recruitment officers and is to be the biggest thing since SM’s Nude Neighbour pictures. Here is what President Steve Cambridge has to say on the matter: Cambridge goes on to endorse the culture the club is building: Interesting. The Sticky Wickets didn’t have a great Season 11, fpicking up the wooden spoon. However, President Daniel Speirs was able to pull in some old faithful CricSimmers, meaning they've compiled a solid team. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=862>JM Hughes</a>, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=86>GEC King</a>, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=55>AJ Izett</a>, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=40>DT Petrucci</a> and <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=50>JB Dempsey</a> all signed on for Season 12. Most of these guys have been around the block and know what the deal is - consequently, we expect them to get it done this season. This is what Speirs said about their off season: Speirs is also excited to see how things play out next season as <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=55>AJ Izett</a> joins fellow medium-pacer <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=127>SDR Laing</a> in taking the new ball for the Stickies: The Crusaders have focused on batting strength with a number of ins, as well as a strong retention period. The loss of <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=458>S Bakkum</a> was cancelled out by the signing of <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=266>TA Miokovic</a> and <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=896>JJD Heads</a>. President of the Crusaders Joshua Ritchie points out the improvements they made: <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=307>NG Miokovic</a> and <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=888>AG Smith</a> also signed on the dotted line and the only other loss was <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=918>JD Hurricane</a> to the Cyclones. Ritchie was happy with how things have gone during the offseason: The Allstars have gone under the radar during the offseason due to making only minor adjustments to the squad, with <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=402>NG Scott</a> being the most well know of the two. Not much fussed was kicked up around the league when <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=50>JB Dempsey</a> left, but when <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=896>JJD Heads</a>, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=860>CJ Downes</a> and <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=958>CM Dyer</a>, the “young stars”, decided to leave, it really hurt the club. Still a contender for finals but not as deep as they were last season. We spoke to Allstars recruitment officer Heath Davis about his thoughts on the offseason for the men in blue: And it wasn't just the departure of <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=896>JJD Heads</a> that left Davis fuming: The Gamblers, who have been question for their lacklustre recruitment period, were asleep in the stages leading up to the offseason. The early signing of @AJ O’Neill was promising, but then the loss of KN Rask, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=951>G Furball</a>, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=853>BR Hall</a> and <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=940>GIMH Martyn</a> set the Gamblers on the back foot. People stopped rallying behind the Cyclones and started questioning if the Gamblers would sign 25. Relying heavily on some old stars to sign the dotted line, they will be looking to sign some new recruits. Last but not least the Ravens. They approached the offseason like they always do, cool, calm, collected and signing all rounders. There has been very little movement other than the major signing of <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=358>CJ Laing</a>. They replaced <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=402>NG Scott</a> for <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=985>DB Wayne</a> and then managed to keep the rest of their squad. It will be interesting to see what these signings do in the upcoming season. Supple Dong enlightened us on how Laing would affect the club: - - - - - - - - - - SEASON 12 CRYSTAL BALL By Alistair Son & the Herald team - - - - - - - - - - ONES TO WATCH By Siege Morgan Jake Howe When the name Jake Howe is mentioned, batsmen take a step back. At first, when you look at his figures, you'd wonder why. However, beyond the paltry batting and meagre first class bowling record there lies a fast bowler unique not only in his style, but his attitude. After the Allstars' training finishes, Howe is rumoured to walk out with the rest of the team, and then sneak back in and continue bowling for hours on end. Howe doesn't seem to like the spotlight, nor does he seem to want his attitude noticed - but the fact remains, Jake Howe has the commitment and dedication required to join CricSim's band of elite fast bowlers. After striking fear into the veins of Avo Lovers' Cup batsmen for two seasons, taking a wicket every six overs last season, Howe is ready to take the next step up. The question presents itself, however - what will be different? Howe did not set the world alight during his previous outings... why now? Well, you could argue that he enters this season with something he hasn't had before: experience, and a full off-season. Only time will tell whether Howe's work with Heath Davis in the nets over the off-season will be of benefit, but he definitely should be one to watch... at least for the batsmen. Ritwick Chowdhuri Ritwick Chowdhuri shares something in common with Howe - the intense commitment to his training. However, the major difference between the pair is that Chowdhuri loves the spotlight. He makes no secret of his intent: he only wants to succeed - and will do whatever it takes, burn whatever bridge is necessary in order to do so. This unrelenting attitude towards the development of his skills is bound to see Chowdhuri develop at a rapid rate. However, with all that talk, he needs to walk the walk. He's already faltered on the provincial stage, potentially due to the pressure - so there will be a lot of keen eyes observing his progress. Nonetheless, nobody who was at the ground for his wonderful 261 last season doubts that there is something very special about this lad. With a wonderful array of off-side shots, the Asian batsman is believed to be ready for First Class cricket by the Sticky Wickets' selection panel. Leumas Himann One could make an argument that Leumas Himann could have been included in this segment at this stage last season. Picked out of nowhere by the excellent recruitment staff at the Allstars, Himann was another incredibly hard worker in training, even making his way into the first grade side for the pre-season. Experts rated him as the best talent since Brett Kennedy, and called for a quick rise into permanency in first grade. However, Himann didn't quite reach the heights he was touted to reach. Despite this, he was still an elite performer in the Avo Lovers' Cup and PCDIY Trophy, averaging over 50 in both - looking incredibly composed as well. His consistency did present him with an opportunity however - batting in the top order for the Asian first XI towards the end of the season. He did not disappoint either, scoring a wonderful 146 on debut and showing exactly what he could do against a world class attack. Staff at the Allstars have earmarked him for a breakout season - one even moreso than his first - and there is no doubt, he is capable of that. He is one of the few young batsmen on CricSim who have a genuinely sound technique, having been trained by Allstars' legends, Rusty Downpipes and Duckworth Lewis. Christopher Warrington Christopher Warrington is a unique player. Originally hailed as the answer to the Crusaders batting problems, he has added a new string to his bow: potent leg spin. Starting off his career in the Avo Lovers Cup, Warrington failed to impress - however after some words from mentor Mate Perry, Warrington drew plenty of attention to himself towards the back end of the season - finishing the season with an Avo Lovers Cup batting average of 56. He also stood up in the Provincial Second XI, averaging 70 from limited opportunities. All of this despite a meagre start to the season. Even greater than all of this is the development of his bowling. Expected to be handy for one or two overs an innings at best, Warrington's legspin became a legitimate full time option for the Knights, ending up with 27 wickets at 24 for Crusaders' Second XI -outbowling mentor Mate Perry, and mystery spinner Alejandro Parero, in the nets. Britain and the Crusaders will both be hoping that this young lad can continue his form from the back end of Season 11 into Season 12 - and really, there is no doubt he is capable of doing so. Bruce Force Bruce "Brute" Force turned heads from the moment he signed for the Stingrays. Stolen from the grasp of the Allstars, Force was somewhat of a shock signing for the Stingrays - and had a lot of attention on him as a result. He failed to disappoint; dismantling attacks at every opportunity and scoring 856 runs at an average of 77 in the ALC - all of this for a first season player. Eventually, on sheer weight of runs Force was called up to the British Second XI - and excelled. In three innings, he was dismissed once, showing absolute disdain for the bowlers, especially with his 213* on debut. The thing that baffles pundits is Force's attitude. He'd rather be reading a book or drinking a beer than working in the nets, leading to speculation that the cause of his success is nothing more than a relaxed mind. However, with all that success comes a drawback: his bowling. Originally touted as a very handy part time option, Force seemed out of his league when thrown the ball. Most of his deliveries weren't even given the opportunity to bounce - and for someone with such raw talent, it's an element he's really going to need to work on to achieve his full potential. That said, imagine what he could be capable of if he trained harder. He's indubitably one of CricSim's finest young talents. - - - - - - - - - - CRICSIM HERALD: TRIVIA By Ed Ames Welcome to the very first edition of ‘CricSim Herald: Trivia’. Each edition of the CricSim Herald shall contain a ‘Trivia’ section. In this piece, you will be encouraged to submit answers to a wide variety of questions and predictions about CricSim’s past, present and future. For your hard work and dedication, the winner of the ‘CricSim Herald: Trivia’ will receive a personalised player profile in the following edition of the Herald. If the winner is equal between two players, the result shall be randomised. Research is allowed. In this edition: 1. What is the highest Bannerman Shield score by a batsman? Who achieved that score? 2. The Sticky Wickets have had a long and illustrious history throughout CricSim. Name the wrist spinner who has featured in the most games for the club (note: this can be any player that bowls leg spin). 3. Who has more ducks [in all competitions]? AP Farnsworth or RG Cribb? 4. The PCDIY has now been established for two seasons. Who are the all-time leading run scorer and wicket-taker for the competition? 5. CricSim Test Matches have been few and far between over the recent seasons. But who has the lowest CricSim Test bowling average of; Luke Tyson, Jerome Taylor, and Daniel Vettori? Remember that it is unlikely you'll know them all, so do have a guess if you don’t know the answer. Note that all answers should be Private Messaged to the CricSim Herald user.
Not enough talk on bakkum being a kent and Theo being a sikkent and lolling at the pumas for not wanting Theo but Killerz instead.
CricSim NotW will self-destruct soon enough, so we don't need to launch a propaganda campaign against them.
you don't know how hard it was to say nice things about you Eds definitely edited that. wafg i should have thought of it.
%BJ Gemmell. Backstory - Bedsey a few years back said never to mention Gemmell's name, and we chose Kennedy as he was a rival to Tonie Carroll, his favourite footballer. You need to lurk more to understand however
