The C & G Trophy, is the new format any good? Options

[Guest_Thorpey_*]

I am starting this topic because the C&G trophy is underway.

However, now the games are played in coloured clothing and using white balls (as opposed to whites and a red ball) and next year it is being changed from a knockout competition into group stages, and the minor counties aren't going to be in the competition... instead there will be two groups of ten consisting of the 18 first class counties plus Scotland and Ireland, split into two groups.

So, is this good for the game??? I personally don't agree with changing to coloured clothing and white balls....this is mainly because of tradition and also because it is what made the C&G trophy unique and different from the other one day competitions.

But as for the changes next year...i definitely don't agree with them...mainly because of the exclusion of minor counties playing in the competition...because for some amateurs, this would've been the highlight of their cricketing career and, as the first round matches are played at the minor counties ground, it would give the towns it is being played in a lift as the public could just walk down the road and see world class players perform.

Also, I'm sure it will be damaging for the grass roots of cricket as there will be some very talented young players who, for one reason or another, are unable to show their talents to county teams and their youth academies...therefore by playing for teams such as Staffordshire, Devon or Northumberland they will get a chance to show their talents on a higher stage....Therefore, now that minor counties aren't going to be in the C&G trophy from next season, these youngsters may be less inclined to play for their local teams as they know they won't be playing high class players in the C&G trophy.

Any other views...???

This post has been edited by Thorpey_Fan: May 4 2005, 09:14 PM

[SurreyBoy]

Well, part of me is very pleased... at least this way, Surrey won't lose to Ireland again. And were we, perish the thought, to lose to the skirt-wearers, that I really couldn't tolerate at all. (Sorry, Finisher!?)

You know, T-F, I reckon a lot of what you have just said could almost have applied to the introduction of the pyjama-game itself. Not to mention 20:20.

I s'ppose that one could argue that excluding the minnows IS good for the game, as it has just raised the bar a little higher for those that do want to compete at the next level???

[Guest_Thorpey_*]

Well, part of me is very pleased... at least this way, Surrey won't lose to Ireland again. And were we, perish the thought, to lose to the skirt-wearers, that I really couldn't tolerate at all. (Sorry, Finisher!?)

You know, T-F, I reckon a lot of what you have just said could almost have applied to the introduction of the pyjama-game itself. Not to mention 20:20.

I s'ppose that one could argue that excluding the minnows IS good for the game, as it has just raised the bar a little higher for those that do want to compete at the next level???

I suppose you're right....as for mentioning the 20/20...i believe that was purley introduced to entice youngsters to watch cricket and subsequently take it up as an active sport. With the C&G however, i can't see what good it does in terms of attracting youngsters to the game...if they wanna see a one day comp being played in coloured clothing and with white balls, then they can just go and watch a game in the Totesport league.

As for raising the bar...i don't agree because....i feel that the introduction of a group format will mean that the competition will end up in with more meaningless matches. This is true because near the end of the group stage there will be many teams who have nothing to play for and matches will become worthless...much like near the end of the season in the Totesport league where teams just go through the motions.

Whereas with a knockout format, every match is a do or die situation for either team, so players will give it their all...and surely this will increase competitiveness and therefore "raise the bar"?

[Shane]

Well, part of me is very pleased... at least this way, Surrey won't lose to Ireland again. And were we, perish the thought, to lose to the skirt-wearers, that I really couldn't tolerate at all. (Sorry, Finisher!?)

You know, T-F, I reckon a lot of what you have just said could almost have applied to the introduction of the pyjama-game itself. Not to mention 20:20.

I s'ppose that one could argue that excluding the minnows IS good for the game, as it has just raised the bar a little higher for those that do want to compete at the next level???

I suppose you're right....as for mentioning the 20/20...i believe that was purley introduced to entice youngsters to watch cricket and subsequently take it up as an active sport. With the C&G however, i can't see what good it does in terms of attracting youngsters to the game...if they wanna see a one day comp being played in coloured clothing and with white balls, then they can just go and watch a game in the Totesport league.

As for raising the bar...i don't agree because....i feel that the introduction of a group format will mean that the competition will end up in with more meaningless matches. This is true because near the end of the group stage there will be many teams who have nothing to play for and matches will become worthless...much like near the end of the season in the Totesport league where teams just go through the motions.

Whereas with a knockout format, every match is a do or die situation for either team, so players will give it their all...and surely this will increase competitiveness and therefore "raise the bar"?

By lifting the standard of the teams you lift the standard of the players. England is focussing on the future and taking it's competitions in a direction that can only enhance the stard of cricket played across the entire nation.

They are finally coming out of the dark ages of County Cricket where any bloke who could roll his arm over or lift a bat could sign a lucrative County contract. In the past the standard of players in County teams has been way below what normally would be expected on this level of comp.

Now, if the Poms were to cut a few or even amalgamate some of the County teams, this could only ensure competition for County contracts increased, meaning the standard of players would lift several notches.

This is exactly the formula that makes Aussie cricket exactly what it is. Every Aussie player knows he must perform because behind him are 5-6 players trying to get his position and I'm talking State level here, not the Juggernaut.

[jamstains]

Agreed, Admin. Playing fewer, but stronger 1st class games has got to be the way forward. The players that are lost from the counties (including plenty of overseas players) would then filter down to club level, which itself would become more competitive. Everyone's a winner !

[Greeny]

And were we, perish the thought, to lose to the skirt-wearers, that I really couldn't tolerate at all.

I'd have to start supporting Middlesex if that ever happened SB (IMG:http://abcofcricket.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)