Using complex computer algorithms and a slice of random luck, the 1995/1996 double League winning team of yesteryear will today take on the double-promotion winning team of 2006/7. It's a gigantic match up with legends all over the teams. But can you pick a winner?
The teams are:
1995
Asit Sharma - The Snake
Paul Blackwell - The Blocker
Hasi Dias - The Spaceman
Tony Fenn - The Rock
Steve Moor - Smudger
Martin Walsh - Courtney
Dev Majithia - Magic Man
Chris Carter - RJ
Rob Cann - Wizard
Neil Burdett - The Birdy
Andy Hall - Temptation
2006
Micky Horwood - The Beast
Sacha Hattea - Hatman
Xavier Davis - X-Man
Raz Khan - The Golden One
Tony Hall - Show Boat
Maz Shah - Biffer
James Weedon - Weeds
Neil Davies - Cornish
Josh Brown - Quick
Marc Robinson - Curly
Dave Allison - Big Dave
The umpires are Bob Burdett and Keith Robinson (The Colonel)
1995 is very reliant on just 4 main bowlers, however in 95 they took 130 wickets between them and all 4 finished in the top 10 bowlers in the League. That tricky 5th bowler will be an issue and will have to be shared between Sharma, Moor and Walsh.
Hasi Dias steps up from the 2nd team to take the place of the injured Sean Hussein and Neil Burdett takes up the gloves.
The 2006 team is stuffed full of all-rounders and has plenty of spin optioins in Xav, Weeds and Neil. However without a recognised wicket keeper, Curly has chosen Sacha to don the gloves in a Trescothick-type move. Holding onto those edges from Dave and Josh will be a challenge I expect.
The average score by the 1995 team was 178, whilst the 2006 team averaged 203. However the 1995 teams bowling was exceptional only losing 1 game all season. So it's a tight game in prospect.
Archie has prepared a decent track. The Toss will be at 12.30 and match commences at 1pm. No problems with the weather.
Regular updates will be posted on the website and on facebook.