| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions 18:52 - Jun 16 with 2264 views | noah4x4 |
The visitors to Castle Park tomorrow are current Hamro Foundation Essex Premium League Champions Wanstead & Snaresbrook CC. Start 11.00am.
Kiwi U19 and A International Adi Ashok makes his home league debut. The Colchester Team also includes Joe MacGregor (Loughborough University) who scored a stunning 168 last week. Admission is free, and the bar is open all afternoon.
Another date for your diary. 3rd - 6th August.
Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival. Cricket and beer activity every day.
OK, the 5th August versus Brentwood CC possibly clashes with Colchester United, but post match, why not join us to hear the fantastic “Cushti” the ultimate request tribute band. 30+ Real Ales, 15 Ciders, multiple Craft Beers (in conjunction with Two Brews).
Sunday 6th sees the first ever One Day International at Castle Park start 12.30.
The “Silver Ashes” sees England’s over 70s defend their urn against the Australian tourists. £3 admission includes beer glass, wristband and festival programme.
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| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 06:58 - Jun 18 with 2191 views | noah4x4 |
It was great to see so many Colchester United fans yesterday in Castle Park enjoying the cricket and what a game they witnessed. Over 600 runs scored. Colchester & East Essex CC posted a mammoth 299/9 declared which Wanstead & Snaresbrook CC remarkably surpassed with five wickets to spare thanks to an unbeaten 89 from 16 year old Essex Academy star, Ali Zeb.
Those there to see Kiwi A International Adi Ashok were not disappointed as he made a classy 78 before taking three wickets. Upon any other Saturday, 299/9 would ensure at least a draw, but Ali Zeb punished the bowlers by an impressive array of innovative shots, scoops, reverse sweeps, hence finding boundaries at all points of the compass. With the same pedigree as Robin Das, Ali Zeb is a name for Essex fans to remember for the future.
Fortuitously, table topping Hornchurch CC slipped up against Brentwood CC, so despite losing, still second place Colchester & EE narrowed the gap to a mere 14 points having secured more batting points. These top two sides clash in a fortnights time, possibly to determine who takes top spot at the half way stage of the season, but both will now nervously be looking over their shoulders as a possee of chasing sides are now merely a victory away from overtaking both in what has so far been one of the most competitive of seasons.
Not everyone likes the timed/declaration format of the game, but its batting and bonus points format does create tactical intrigue, where a good performance despite losing can yield significant points. C & EE excel in the 50 over format, and are now only a whisker away from becoming a decent declaration format title challenger when past seasons haven’t offered the same hope. The next two Saturdays see the First XI away from home, then will return to Castle Park to commence the second half of the season against Hutton CC. Why not join us? Free admission and decent real ales available in the bar.
[Post edited 18 Jun 2023 7:04]
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| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 19:41 - Jun 18 with 2141 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Only made it to Castle Park for the post tea session but it was well worth the visit. Ali Zeb at 16, or possibly still 15, who will be going to school in the morning, played a classy innings for Wanstead.
I once had the great pleasure of sitting with Keith Fletcher and watching Ravi Bopara score a century at Castle Park as a sixteen year old. Ali Zeb reminded me of Ravi with poise, balance, footwork and an array of impressive strokes played all around the wicket.
To those unfamiliar with The Hambro Premier League this is a decent standard of cricket, much of it at least County Second standard, at at times, possibly in advance of this.
As a measure of this Wanstead beat what was virtually the Essex first team about eight years ago.
I believe there is a first team 20/20 match against Wivenhoe coming up on Thursday evening at Castle Park with a 6pm start which should prove entertaining. |  | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 20:04 - Jun 18 with 2139 views | bwildered |
Question . Was John Wright who played couple of games for Essex in the 60’s, who played for Col & EE , related to Peter Wright ( Brothers ) ? |  |
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| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 21:44 - Jun 18 with 2117 views | SparkfilmsTV |
John Wright and Peter were indeed brothers. What is not remembered by many people these days is that John too was an exceptional footballer. A serious injury bought a halt to John's footballing activities that may have evolved in a professional capacity.
I spent time at Peter's home when l was gathering research for some film work in 2008. These were conversations that l will always cherish. Peter was an outstanding footballer who attracted the attention of many First Division clubs.
Colchester United once had a rich history of recruiting local players who were actually born in the town ( as it was ), went to school here and enriched the local sports scene.
This now seems light years away. These players had natural talent and didn't suffer from being over coached and over instructed.
Wilson Marriage School in the fifties and sixties was a conveyer belt of exceptional young footballers to Colchester United. | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 12:15 - Jun 19 with 2083 views | gerry_us |
Dan Lawrence going to Surrey to increase his chances of making regular appearances for England?
Playing for Essex didn't seem to affect Fletch, Goochie, Bops or Sir Alistair. Think it might be a money thing but don't expect to see him regularly in the England team in the future. |  | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 12:41 - Jun 19 with 2080 views | noah4x4 |
Wanstead’s Ali Zeb is today playing for Essex Second XI.
As regards Dan Lawrence….
Essex (Chelmsford) capacity around 6,000.
Surrey (Oval) capacity around 24,000
Both will get sold out for T20.
Compare the available £££’s!
Chelmsford only hosts Women’s internationals and Women’s Hundreds, never Mens.
The Oval is an iconic venue annually hosting the greatest men’s cricket matches.
Chelmsford facilities are comparatively poor.
Is it any surprise Dan Lawrence is taking his chance (like Ben Foakes?). | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 15:46 - Jun 19 with 2068 views | gerry_us |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 12:41 - Jun 19 by noah4x4 |
Wanstead’s Ali Zeb is today playing for Essex Second XI.
As regards Dan Lawrence….
Essex (Chelmsford) capacity around 6,000.
Surrey (Oval) capacity around 24,000
Both will get sold out for T20.
Compare the available £££’s!
Chelmsford only hosts Women’s internationals and Women’s Hundreds, never Mens.
The Oval is an iconic venue annually hosting the greatest men’s cricket matches.
Chelmsford facilities are comparatively poor.
Is it any surprise Dan Lawrence is taking his chance (like Ben Foakes?). |
...but you didn't answer the question. Will it make him a better player or just richer? | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 00:56 - Jun 20 with 2031 views | noah4x4 |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 15:46 - Jun 19 by gerry_us |
...but you didn't answer the question. Will it make him a better player or just richer? |
Probably both Gerry, with the money lure attributable to the likelihood of more lucrative sponsorship opportunity. It’s the London and it’s catchment/capacity factor. Chelmsford doesn’t host men’s Hundred or men’s International cricket or see 24,000 crowds to T20.
I was once Head of Marketing of a primary Surrey (and England) Sponsor and have witnessed first hand the incredible wealth that club can generate. Yes,the Oval has higher upkeep expense, but its capacity to generate revenue is on an entirely different scale. Stepping out at the Oval in front of 24,000 instead of 6,000 at Chelmsford is (arguably) like comparing Old Trafford to Layer Road. The concentration and mental strength required is likely to be greater, as the expectation on the player is immense. Just like Manchester United (or Spurs) fans, Surrey fans expect them to win everything and can be cruelly unforgiving. Essex fans do like it when we win, but it’s not the same pressure cooker of expectation. Whether that actually makes the player better is debatable, but it does seem to be the perception of both England selectors and the highly influential media.
I recall Simon Harmer poking fun at the “little club” tag after Essex last won the T20. I suspect that we might have seen Jamie Porter in an England Shirt had he played for Surrey. Essex players do occasionally break through, but statistically, Surrey players have always been far more likely to get an England cap, and I can’t see that ever changing. At least Essex don’t lose its best players for half a season, and like Colchester United, the club enjoys a very different type of loyal fan. | | | |
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| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 10:19 - Jun 20 with 2015 views | burnsieespana |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 20:04 - Jun 18 by bwildered |
Question . Was John Wright who played couple of games for Essex in the 60’s, who played for Col & EE , related to Peter Wright ( Brothers ) ? |
Watched both games John Wright played for Essex. In those Essex had a very small squad and used club cricketers to fill in the spaces to cover for I juries, etc.
Can't recall if John Wright ever played for Colchester U ited but sure somebody on here will know. |  | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 13:41 - Jun 20 with 2003 views | mfb_cufc |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 00:56 - Jun 20 by noah4x4 |
Probably both Gerry, with the money lure attributable to the likelihood of more lucrative sponsorship opportunity. It’s the London and it’s catchment/capacity factor. Chelmsford doesn’t host men’s Hundred or men’s International cricket or see 24,000 crowds to T20.
I was once Head of Marketing of a primary Surrey (and England) Sponsor and have witnessed first hand the incredible wealth that club can generate. Yes,the Oval has higher upkeep expense, but its capacity to generate revenue is on an entirely different scale. Stepping out at the Oval in front of 24,000 instead of 6,000 at Chelmsford is (arguably) like comparing Old Trafford to Layer Road. The concentration and mental strength required is likely to be greater, as the expectation on the player is immense. Just like Manchester United (or Spurs) fans, Surrey fans expect them to win everything and can be cruelly unforgiving. Essex fans do like it when we win, but it’s not the same pressure cooker of expectation. Whether that actually makes the player better is debatable, but it does seem to be the perception of both England selectors and the highly influential media.
I recall Simon Harmer poking fun at the “little club” tag after Essex last won the T20. I suspect that we might have seen Jamie Porter in an England Shirt had he played for Surrey. Essex players do occasionally break through, but statistically, Surrey players have always been far more likely to get an England cap, and I can’t see that ever changing. At least Essex don’t lose its best players for half a season, and like Colchester United, the club enjoys a very different type of loyal fan. |
Lawrence turned down what was said to be a good three-year contract to stay at Essex, so it is obvious he is going to Surrey for the money, nothing else. He will not stand a better chance of playing for England by going to Surrey, because he is currently already in the England squad. That is despite only playing for little old Essex, and only averaging 22.10 in last seasons County Championship.
When Adam Wheater said he was retiring at the end of last season, he never got picked again. I would have liked Essex to do the same to Lawrence this season. |  |
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| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 14:21 - Jun 20 with 2004 views | RSCOSWORTH |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 21:44 - Jun 18 by SparkfilmsTV |
John Wright and Peter were indeed brothers. What is not remembered by many people these days is that John too was an exceptional footballer. A serious injury bought a halt to John's footballing activities that may have evolved in a professional capacity.
I spent time at Peter's home when l was gathering research for some film work in 2008. These were conversations that l will always cherish. Peter was an outstanding footballer who attracted the attention of many First Division clubs.
Colchester United once had a rich history of recruiting local players who were actually born in the town ( as it was ), went to school here and enriched the local sports scene.
This now seems light years away. These players had natural talent and didn't suffer from being over coached and over instructed.
Wilson Marriage School in the fifties and sixties was a conveyer belt of exceptional young footballers to Colchester United. |
Szmodics and Clampin both went to Stanway.
On the cricket side Napier went to The Gilberd.
I'm sure there are others too. |  |
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| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 15:58 - Jun 20 with 1999 views | gerry_us |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 14:21 - Jun 20 by RSCOSWORTH |
Szmodics and Clampin both went to Stanway.
On the cricket side Napier went to The Gilberd.
I'm sure there are others too. |
A lot of us great cricketers came from the Gilberd. Noah, do you remember a young spinner called Johnny Jones? I kept wicket to him at Gilberd in 61/62. | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 18:29 - Jun 20 with 1984 views | SparkfilmsTV |
It would be interesting to make a team from players who were born here in Colchester over the years, and represented Colchester United. Vic Keeble would lead the line and Sammie would have loved to play alongside Vic ....then imagine three brothers who played for the U's at different times, not to mention twins. Though some of these players made limited appearances they were part of the fabric of the club. The twins were goal keeper Alan Buck and wing half ( as they were once known ), David Buck - R.I.P.
It has to be said though that Colchester has not produced many outstanding footballers who were actually born here. | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 18:50 - Jun 20 with 1981 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Just to confirm that Peter Wright would fill the left wing spot. 427 games for Colchester and just the 4 for Romford.
Tom Eastman in central defence.
Bobby Hunt striker.
It's beginning to look like a decent side.
Of course, many of the players would have played in the days of wing halves and inside forwards who don't dovetail in to the systems we see today.
STOP PRESS - Test match on a knife edge, fantastic game! | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 20:25 - Jun 20 with 1971 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Here is my team of Colchester United players who were born in the town / city. I have put them in a Four Four Two line up.
Barry Smith
Roger Joslyn
Mick Loughton
Tom Eastman
Ryan Clampin
Andy Farrell
Sammy Szmodics
Ronnie Hunt
Peter Wright
Vic Keeble
Bobby Hunt
Subs
Alan Buck
Paul Abrahams
Richard Bourne
Alan Dennis
Terry Price
Barrie Atchison
Digger Kettle | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 06:48 - Jun 23 with 1920 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Back to the Castle Park....another class performance by Colchester's Joe MacGregor last night in the 20/20 win against Wivenhoe. 119 not out and some mighty hitting. | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 08:04 - Jun 23 with 1918 views | thrillseeker |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 20:25 - Jun 20 by SparkfilmsTV |
Here is my team of Colchester United players who were born in the town / city. I have put them in a Four Four Two line up.
Barry Smith
Roger Joslyn
Mick Loughton
Tom Eastman
Ryan Clampin
Andy Farrell
Sammy Szmodics
Ronnie Hunt
Peter Wright
Vic Keeble
Bobby Hunt
Subs
Alan Buck
Paul Abrahams
Richard Bourne
Alan Dennis
Terry Price
Barrie Atchison
Digger Kettle |
David Gregory, Neil Gregory and Steven Ball all went to St Helena | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 10:25 - Jun 23 with 1909 views | SparkfilmsTV |
I did check on the Gregory brothers as l was aware they went to my old school, but they were born in Peterborough. Steve Ball though would qualify.
In fact, if a team was put together on players that went to school in Colchester that would be quite an impressive line up.
Another interesting team could be for players past and present who lived ( or still live ) in Colchester.
Plenty to sift through over the years. Many who have played at Premiership level too! | | | |
| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 20:56 - Jun 25 with 1877 views | ghughes11 |
Jon White? Tiptree wasn't it? Does that count? | |
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| Unbeaten Colchester host current Champions on 18:37 - Jun 26 with 1840 views | SparkfilmsTV |
John White was born in Rochford. Worth mentioning that he made 227 appearances for Colchester United and even more for Southend United. 248 in fact ( 5 of these were on loan ).
These are very commendable career stats for a player who is very respected on and off the pitch.
I am following events at Southend United with interest. There seems an awful lot to do to get them up and running for the new season.
I have to confess that l have always had a soft spot for 'The Blues' and enjoyed many visits to Roots Hall over the years.
Hoping it all comes together for them. | | | |
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