| Castle Park - the place to be… 07:11 - May 25 with 1408 views | noah4x4 |
With the 2024-25 footie season finally over on this Bank Holiday Monday, many boarders on here might be lost for things to do on a Saturday afternoon. I recommended Castle Park Cricket Ground….
One choice is you can pay £50 for each ticket to listen to Texas, UB40, Tom Jones, Pixie Lott, Madness (etc), or listen to any from the cricket pavilion patio for free.
Another choice is paying an exorbitant sum for a can of chemically enhanced lager or instead £4.50 for a decent real ale. How about a burger for £3.00?
Oh, and the cricket……
Unbeaten Colchester & East Essex CC top the Essex Premier League after three fixtures.
Prolific openerJoe MacGregor has now scored unbeaten back to back centuries (admittedly one scored away).
Teenage Essex II’s pace sensation, Daniel Gladwell, is cartwheeling opposition stumps as dramatically as the action in a John Woo movie.
Essex First XI reserve wicket keeper, Simon Fernandes has shown his class.
New Zealand all-rounder, Liam Wheeler has added quality to an already decent squad.
Big games, big personalities, sunshine and beer. Idyllic……
Can even talk to Ray of SparkfilmsTV fame…..or me.
Please read my match reports in the Colchester Gazette on Fridays (not available on-line).
We love it when U’s fans join us!
Always free admission.
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 11:33 - May 25 with 1341 views | SparkfilmsTV |
I watched the closing stages to yesterday's match on my phone....
Joe MacGregor 146 not out in a commendable victory by two wickets ...Jonty Ray hitting a crucial six in the closing deliveries...maybe this season we can keep it going and win the Hambro Foundation Premier League...🙂🙂🙂 |  | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 20:11 - May 25 with 1264 views | mfb_cufc |
Talking of Colchester & East Essex, congratulations to Charlie Allison on getting his maiden first class century for Essex today against champions Surrey. Out for 140 in the end. |  |
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 20:45 - May 25 with 1276 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Colchester's Charlie Allison with 140 not out today for Essex against Surrey! | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 22:39 - May 26 with 1187 views | noah4x4 |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 11:33 - May 25 by SparkfilmsTV |
I watched the closing stages to yesterday's match on my phone....
Joe MacGregor 146 not out in a commendable victory by two wickets ...Jonty Ray hitting a crucial six in the closing deliveries...maybe this season we can keep it going and win the Hambro Foundation Premier League...🙂🙂🙂 |
Glad you enjoyed the live stream Ray. What a cracking match!
I’m using exactly the same software and broadcast technology as the counties. The only difference being that I employ merely two cameras (one pitch, one wide angle) whilst they employ around six cameras with at least five operatives doing various tasks. As a single operator/scorer there are inevitably limits to what I can do as regards following the ball, but the core video action is decent.
I’ve had to kill audio though for ridiculous reasons. My primary microphone can’t help picking up songs from adjacent Castle Park Concerts. The YouTube AI Police will then scream “breach of copyright”, yet I can’t help broadcasting this ambient noise. Add to this occasionally picking up injudicious comments made by spectators via the effects microphone, and I am on a hiding to nothing. Unlike football commentators, I can’t apologise for “fruity language”!
The best bet for cricket fans, get down to Castle Park and enjoy a fantastic Saturday afternoon for free (cost of any beers excepted). | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 17:13 - May 30 with 1021 views | noah4x4 |
Forecast tomorrow- glorious sunshine! Nothing to do?????
How about an afternoon of Castle Park Cricket (and beer) followed by an evening visit to the CAMRA Beer Festival in the Arts Centre?
First ball of the visitors innings, Colchester’s Essex Second XI quick ,Dan Gladwell is on a hat-trick. Can Joe MacGregor hit his third consecutive unbeaten hundred?
The Colchester XI also features Joe Austin (Essex Seconds) , the current Essex CCC reserve WK Simon Fernandes and from Auckland, Liam Wheeler. Ben Robinson and Jonty Ray (Essex Academy). Faz Ahmed (Pakistan), Vikas Agawal (India) and Charlie Fernandes (MCC) and recent centurion, George Offord. Packed full of serious talent! | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 21:46 - May 31 with 944 views | noah4x4 |
Easy victory for Colchester by 8 wickets. Joint top of the league 4/4 wins.
Joe MacGregor.. season 2025…
Billericay. 58 out
Chelmsford 116 not out
Hadleigh. 147 not out
Fives & H. 83 not out (today).
His season’s (league) average is now 404!
Has carried his bat three times.
Time to crowd fund for a statue?
His sister (Esme) has a county contact. Why hasn’t he?????
Essex’s reserve keeper, Simon Fernandes was also 53 not out today. Incredible Saturday afternoon entertainment! | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 22:46 - May 31 with 915 views | mfb_cufc |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 21:46 - May 31 by noah4x4 |
Easy victory for Colchester by 8 wickets. Joint top of the league 4/4 wins.
Joe MacGregor.. season 2025…
Billericay. 58 out
Chelmsford 116 not out
Hadleigh. 147 not out
Fives & H. 83 not out (today).
His season’s (league) average is now 404!
Has carried his bat three times.
Time to crowd fund for a statue?
His sister (Esme) has a county contact. Why hasn’t he?????
Essex’s reserve keeper, Simon Fernandes was also 53 not out today. Incredible Saturday afternoon entertainment! |
As you say why hasn't Joe MacGregor got a county contract. I see he played for Kent Second XI in 2022, and Glamorgan Second XI the last two seasons. As he has been playing well for Colchester and East Essex since 2017, it is about time Essex took notice. | |
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 19:32 - Jun 7 with 728 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Colchester top the Premier League tonight with a victory by way of a reduced run target just before the rains came to Castle Park.
Both Brentwood and Wanstead who were level on points with Colchester had their matches abandoned as the rain spread eastwards across the county.
I attended most of the afternoon.session.during which, for the most part Colchester impressed in the field.
The highlight was a brilliant piece of fielding by 'Faz' with a lightening reaction, pick up and throw from backward point that was county class! ( at the very least ). | | | |
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 19:43 - Jun 7 with 719 views | SparkfilmsTV |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 19:32 - Jun 7 by SparkfilmsTV |
Colchester top the Premier League tonight with a victory by way of a reduced run target just before the rains came to Castle Park.
Both Brentwood and Wanstead who were level on points with Colchester had their matches abandoned as the rain spread eastwards across the county.
I attended most of the afternoon.session.during which, for the most part Colchester impressed in the field.
The highlight was a brilliant piece of fielding by 'Faz' with a lightening reaction, pick up and throw from backward point that was county class! ( at the very least ). |
I forgot to mention...as l left the ground there was an unusual sight....a man.clad in medieval dress was standing at the bottom of Catchpool Road with a wild bird perched on his head...initially l thought it a form of headdress but the creature began flapping its wings.
🦆🦆🐒🐒 | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 15:22 - Jun 8 with 681 views | noah4x4 |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 19:43 - Jun 7 by SparkfilmsTV |
I forgot to mention...as l left the ground there was an unusual sight....a man.clad in medieval dress was standing at the bottom of Catchpool Road with a wild bird perched on his head...initially l thought it a form of headdress but the creature began flapping its wings.
🦆🦆🐒🐒 |
Magnificent win by Colchester, and tactically intriguing.
Colchester losing two early wickets meant Simon Fernandes and Joe Austin had to add 50+ runs for the third wicket simply to repair the Duckworth Lewis deficit. They ultimately added 71 in an unbroken partnership to ensure that the home side were 25 above DLS par when the rain came.
Had Colchester lost a further wicket, they would have merely been a single run ahead of par after the 22.2 overs bowled. Had two wickets fallen that would have meant defeat.
Nail biting stuff if following DLS on the scoreboard! | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 15:43 - Jun 8 with 673 views | noah4x4 |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 19:43 - Jun 7 by SparkfilmsTV |
I forgot to mention...as l left the ground there was an unusual sight....a man.clad in medieval dress was standing at the bottom of Catchpool Road with a wild bird perched on his head...initially l thought it a form of headdress but the creature began flapping its wings.
🦆🦆🐒🐒 |
Sure it wasn’t a bat on his head? Maybe a cricket bat?
The Medieval Festival people had a nightmare. Parking was available on Kings Meadow, but the weir footbridge is still not repaired and other gates being locked meant a long walk around Catchpool Road and Pavilion Way (or via North Station Road).
I have heard that the Moor Hens have left their nest so that the weir bridge repairs can now continue. However, it doesn’t sound as if the work will be completed before the music concerts start.
I wonder, was it a Moor Hen on his head? Some folk will do any job for a £tenner. | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 07:57 - Jun 9 with 596 views | bwildered |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 15:22 - Jun 8 by noah4x4 |
Magnificent win by Colchester, and tactically intriguing.
Colchester losing two early wickets meant Simon Fernandes and Joe Austin had to add 50+ runs for the third wicket simply to repair the Duckworth Lewis deficit. They ultimately added 71 in an unbroken partnership to ensure that the home side were 25 above DLS par when the rain came.
Had Colchester lost a further wicket, they would have merely been a single run ahead of par after the 22.2 overs bowled. Had two wickets fallen that would have meant defeat.
Nail biting stuff if following DLS on the scoreboard! |
Getting partnerships without wickets has gone out of fashion simply because you now do not win game on fewer wickets only when Duckworth Lewis is applied. There is a skill to it .
Englands Women lost a D/L ODI down under last winter after getting one run in front of D/L in the rain thinking they had won but returned later to lose, which became a catalyst of a tour of nightmares. |  |
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 10:21 - Jun 9 with 586 views | noah4x4 |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 07:57 - Jun 9 by bwildered |
Getting partnerships without wickets has gone out of fashion simply because you now do not win game on fewer wickets only when Duckworth Lewis is applied. There is a skill to it .
Englands Women lost a D/L ODI down under last winter after getting one run in front of D/L in the rain thinking they had won but returned later to lose, which became a catalyst of a tour of nightmares. |
Absolutely Bewildered.
When the Colchester second wicket fell after merely 6.1 overs, with Colchester now on 21-2, the DLS Par score had rocketed to 42. Fernandes and Austin first had to claw that deficit back.
The score then reached 43-2 after 11 overs, however, another five overs had elapsed so losing the early wickets and now further overs having completed, hence losing dual resources, ratcheted the DLS up to over 60 at that point, still about 17 behind. Colchester simply couldn’t afford to lose another wicket with black clouds overhead. But still needed to edge closer to the run target.
Scoring then dropped to a crawl, as not losing a wicket had taken on greater emphasis than run rate. Crucial was getting to the twentieth over to constitute a game whereby DLS Method takes over from Abandoned. The result was still on a knife edge with par +1 only achieved in over 19.
Then 8 runs off over 22, plus 4 from the first two balls of 23 saw Colchester still above DLS had TWO wickets fallen and in an unassailable position unless a hat-trick. At this point, Hutton (and Umpires) finally surrendered to the drizzle with players just making it back to the Pavilion before the deluge finally hit Castle Park.
Castle Park is one of only two Premier League Grounds where DLS over by over is shown on the scoreboard. At other grounds, players have to rely on a paper sheet. For a few seasons we have been “educating” our players how DLS works, and here, Colchester were tactically spot on, after the unexpected early dismissals. | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 17:29 - Jun 9 with 553 views | bwildered |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 10:21 - Jun 9 by noah4x4 |
Absolutely Bewildered.
When the Colchester second wicket fell after merely 6.1 overs, with Colchester now on 21-2, the DLS Par score had rocketed to 42. Fernandes and Austin first had to claw that deficit back.
The score then reached 43-2 after 11 overs, however, another five overs had elapsed so losing the early wickets and now further overs having completed, hence losing dual resources, ratcheted the DLS up to over 60 at that point, still about 17 behind. Colchester simply couldn’t afford to lose another wicket with black clouds overhead. But still needed to edge closer to the run target.
Scoring then dropped to a crawl, as not losing a wicket had taken on greater emphasis than run rate. Crucial was getting to the twentieth over to constitute a game whereby DLS Method takes over from Abandoned. The result was still on a knife edge with par +1 only achieved in over 19.
Then 8 runs off over 22, plus 4 from the first two balls of 23 saw Colchester still above DLS had TWO wickets fallen and in an unassailable position unless a hat-trick. At this point, Hutton (and Umpires) finally surrendered to the drizzle with players just making it back to the Pavilion before the deluge finally hit Castle Park.
Castle Park is one of only two Premier League Grounds where DLS over by over is shown on the scoreboard. At other grounds, players have to rely on a paper sheet. For a few seasons we have been “educating” our players how DLS works, and here, Colchester were tactically spot on, after the unexpected early dismissals. |
I presume the DLS score is recorded in book /computer for future reference. But where ? | |
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 18:45 - Jun 9 with 536 views | noah4x4 |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 17:29 - Jun 9 by bwildered |
I presume the DLS score is recorded in book /computer for future reference. But where ? |
This result, comprehensive scorecard, and video is held on the ECB’s Play Cricket database at https://colchesteree.play-cricket.com/website/results/7016660
The computer scoring system is PCS Pro as used by the Counties and it automatically calculates DLS.
Its comprehensive output is uploaded to the ECB server after being verified by home and away scorers ( and umpires). In First Class Cricket, there is additionally an Analyst involved in the sign off process plus a Match Referee. The league then countersigns and publishes league tables. To a high extent, this is digital and automated (no paper!).
To view this computer file, one needs a log-in and ECB/Club authorisation etc. However, pop down Castle Park when the First Team are home and I would be delighted to show you how it all works. My kit embraces a video editing studio, so it’s quite a professional set-up. Have a look at the video at the above URL.
The detailed DLS output is a table that shows the par score required on a ball by ball basis for each wicket. So to work out the par score to be exceeded one would interpolate that as follows;
In Over X, after Ball Y, Par score required if 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 wickets.
The calculations prior to this entail serious algebraic mathematics. As you might imagine this table is huge, but if one selects publication of only end of over par scores it will fit an A4 page. For captains use, we similarly show only end of over targets on scoreboard.
ICC regulations demand that we show this on scoreboard ONLY on an end of over basis to avoid confusion, unless the scoreboard can simultaneously show the par score for all six balls in any over. I think Trent Bridge is the only UK scoreboard with this capability! | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 22:55 - Jun 13 with 341 views | noah4x4 |
How unlucky were Essex tonight v Sussex?
Deliver merely 11 more balls to constitute a five over (DLS) game would have guaranteed an Essex win given that Sussex would never recover from Snater’s early wicket taking burst. Sadly the persistent rain frustrated that. | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 09:34 - Jun 14 with 311 views | bwildered |
Has you undoubtedly know, everything conspires against you when trying to to get out of a winless run .
Would have had a much bigger score if the umpires had give other unplayable bouncers nearer the end of the innings, got far to inconsistent and then would have not made the cut off time . And yes they were correct in taking off Mills and later let them get away with it, much to Mills consternation.
Bizarre in seventy off three overs earlier and nine off the last three . | |
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 20:03 - Jun 14 with 267 views | bwildered |
Question N4 - completion of first innings in EPL , 64 overs ? No restriction on bowler overs , seems strange total ? | |
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 08:08 - Jun 15 with 223 views | noah4x4 |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 20:03 - Jun 14 by bwildered |
Question N4 - completion of first innings in EPL , 64 overs ? No restriction on bowler overs , seems strange total ? |
For half a season (or rather the middle two quarters), most English Premier Leagues switch from pink/white ball (50) limited overs cricket to red ball timed basis cricket.This is to encourage young cricketers on the brink of County Championship call ups to become accustomed to declarations and the tactics requiring a team batting first to take ten second innings wickets else a match is drawn.
The match is typically a minimum of 120 overs starting at 11.00am with a “last hour” to be bowled from 18:10 or when 17 overs remain (if later). The side batting first have up to 64 overs in which to set a target then leaving at least 56 overs to take ten wickets (which is the difficult bit!). An earlier declaration leaves a greater number of overs available to bowl the opposition out, but more time for the side chasing to attain victory.
Yesterday, Colchester, after some cautious (slow) batting used the full 64 overs available to score 271 setting Buckhurst Hill a still potentially gettable target of 4.84 an over in their residual 56 overs. Faster scoring might have permitted an earlier declaration and more time to take the ten wickets now required for victory.
As it turned out, the target was plenty as wickets fell steadily, but the Buckhurst Hill tail dug in seeking a draw. Their last wicket fell with merely 19 balls remaining and eight fielders around the bat, nail-biting tactical stuff and very different to white/pink ball limited overs, biff, bash, bosh.
To incentivise teams to bat first, they get 25 points for a win. The side batting second take 20 points for a win (as they can potentially better control the game). A draw results in 3 or no game points, (depends on (division) plus batting and bowling points only, with the team batting first taking double batting points.
Games are all about can the side batting first score enough to avoid defeat but then take ten wickets. It can lead to fascinating tactical battles like yesterday or boring stalemates if a declaration comes too late leaving the side batting second batting out a draw. P
However, , bonus points are always important, even in drawn or lost game situations. Yesterday, Hornchurch lost having scored an incredible 335 runs in 58 overs before declaring. They left themselves 62 overs to bowl out Fives & Heronians, but took only seven wickets. . But taking 11 bonus points lifted Hornchurch three places and out of the relegation zone.
Yesterday, Colchester took 25 points from winning having batted first. Rivals Wanstead lost further ground taking merely 20 points from batting second (versus Brentwood). The timed/declaration basis produces surprisingly few draws except between the top teams. Captaincy skills are vital in determining when to declare. Leave it too late, fail to take ten wickets and you are limited to bonus points. Declare too early and you lose.
It’s not everybody’s favorite format, but fascinating to the purist that appreciates something different from biff, bash, bosh cricket. With a pint (or three) of decent real ale in hand, all formats are enjoyable in Castle Park! [Post edited 15 Jun 9:36]
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| Castle Park - the place to be… on 10:44 - Jun 15 with 190 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Watched the closing overs at Buckhurst Hill on my phone....Charlie Fernandes my Man of the Match!
This was another really good all round performance with all the bowlers taking wickets and the batsmen posting a total that was well beyond the means of the home side.
I'm expecting Colchester to win the Hambro Premiership this season. I sense a fortified ambition and belief running through the side and look forward to the key encounters with Wanstead and Brentwood.
Spent a couple of hours at Castle Park yesterday with both Colchester Second and Third sides in action.
I sat in the wooded area to the East perimeter where my dog chewed up most of the small branches that were being blown down in the strong wind.
🦮🙂 | | | |
| Castle Park - the place to be… on 22:57 - Jun 16 with 89 views | noah4x4 |
Should anybody else want to enjoy Ray’s viewing experience, visit https://essexcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/7016665
Here is the full match live stream, plus ball by ball highlights (listed under the video tab).
Under the Video tab, select Wickets. There are some awesome clips. The match winning catch is bewildering (apologise for any breach of copyright!). | | | |
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