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George Dobell in Taunton
September 15, 2011
Lancashire 480 and 211 in 2380 and beat Somerset 310 for eight windows
Legend has it that the Holy Grail live near Taunton. Whatever the truth of history, Lancashire certainly reflect that they have found their own version of the grail in Somerset.
After 77 years, a lot of near misses and a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth, Lancashire can finally celebrate the winner of the provincial championship. After winning 10 of their 16 games, no one could argue that they do not deserve. No team has lost fewer games, either.
There was a lot of good teams in Lancashire since 1934. And a lot of great players. But Hayley Comet was a regular visitor over the success of the Championship. 2011 in Lancashire has achieved something that was beyond the likes of Clive Lloyd, Wasim Akram, Brian Statham, Murali, Law Stewart, Mike Atherton and David Lloyd. Keedy names, Croft, Hogg and Cross have been established for ever in the history of Lancashire.
Lancashire won by virtue of necessity. With the financial constraints that precludes them from great players abroad (Sri Lanka Farveez Maharoof was the 12th man for this game) or "stars" from other counties, Lancashire has supported a team of 'home' of talent. We can say that 10 of the 11 that won this game are the products of the system of Lancashire.
It was a decisive factor. Lancashire for not buying this title. They did not win through prowess or fitness than either. They won it, largely thanks to the team.
The teams can not buy people. It is shaped by experiences and values. And 'instilled to enjoy the success of the team members and support them in difficult times. Lancashire players knew how many championships for the club and its supporters.
At a time when other teams might be at a dead end - the last day against Yorkshire and Hampshire, or after the collapse of the new road, for example - Lancashire redoubled their efforts, focusing on and refused to accept defeat. The word "faith" is often re-tested after-match interviews. Lancashire, "believes" to themselves and to each other and not let anything Shake That. It's worth a lot.
It was apparently a feature on the final day at Taunton. For a long time it seemed Lancashire may be refused. It was not that frustrated Warwickshire, but Somerset. Despite the loss of Steve Kirby and Craig Meschede (which looks distinctly uncomfortable against the short ball) to the excellent Chapple in the opening overs, led Peter Trego added spirited resistance 180 for the last three wickets.
Trego, showing admirable patience, recorded his century, the first championship of the season and added 75 with Alfonso Thomas and Murali Kartik with 95. Although beaten deep into the afternoon, however, never gave Lancashire and supported by news of Warwickshire at the Rose Bowl game, retained the belief that it would be their year.
In the end it was Gary Keedy, who joined Somerset sleeves. Rushing from point, he picked it up and threw the race a stroll Geemal Hussain (who endured a quite miserable). It was the first direct hit in the short Keedy has performed in his 17 year career. It could even prove to be his last action for the club.
That left Lancashire 211 runs needed to win at least 28 overs. But, if there were nerves, are shown with Horton and Moore, both of which were adopted in the 1000 Championship runs this game, ended the game as the game position 131 17 overs. True, the pitch was flat and Somerset incomprehensible tactics, but this was to lead the chase, which spoke volumes of their competence, their faith and altruism. They won 29 balls to save. This is not the end of the story is Lancashire.
Club resurgence now need the ECB to confirm that they hold Ashes test in 2013, what should happen in a few days. Jim Cumberland, CEO for many years, which saw the club through one of the most turbulent periods in its history, may retire with a job well done.
The team can go from here, too. Glen Chapple has confirmed he will play at least another year and Keedy will decide to stay with the Lancashire and Warwickshire just to pass. Many of the rest of the team has many years of good cricket in front of them. Mike Watkinson, Lancashire's cricket manager, called "a new beginning."
It was an appropriate reward for Chapple. It will probably never now get plug test of his excellence has earned, but after 20 years of service with the Lancashire and after being runner-up five times, is not a man more suitable for leading the side to the title. He played with great speed - 90 miles I Timen as Peter Moores - and despite a torn hamstring suspected - gave his team an attack advantage with the new ball.
Alfonso Thomas was caught at short leg for the last ball before lunch, Somerset v Lancashire, County Championship, Division One, Taunton, September 15, 2011
Lancashire Somerset trimmed to create Championship race run © AP Photos
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It was generally modest in the future. "The players have won this, not me," he said. "It's an honor to play on this team who could not taste any sweeter than were dismissed early in the season -.. People can not think properly - but they were full of faith.
"It's a very difficult trophy to win, but we held to that faith at all times, our best result, our team all the backstage -.. The brilliant physician and support personnel - played a major role and Peter Moores is probably the best coach I've ever worked. "
This is a great result for Moores. He could, if it was a character, use this success and Kevin Pietersen ECB lambaste his treatment during his time as England coach.
But it is also worthy of a guy. Instead, it will allow others to conclude that the man who helped two success-starved club championships, you need a very good coach, actually. Whatever his problems at the international level - and they may well have been more with his players than himself - he has a fight on a national level. Lancashire have him sign a new contract now. As it stands, it is out of contract before the start of the 2012 season.
"We won because we have a great team spirit," said Moore. "This is what brought us past the line. Glen Chapple sums up the spirit of this. His will was strong and has played 20 years honestly.
"We won 10 games in 16 of all kinds of reasons, and the surface, and after the first day here, no one gave us much hope."
It was an experience penalty for Somerset. Watch the famous Lancashire Taunton outfielders will be stuck. However, it was a sign of progress in Somerset in recent years that some of their supporters are disappointed with fourth place. Only clubs with Test-hosting because over top of them. It's a decent performance, and the likes of Jos Buttler, Lewis Gregory Craig Kieswetter and George Dockrell, they have a young side that can end their wait for a league title elusive in the near future. In the longer term, days like this just make this taste of success even sweeter.
There is little love between these two teams. Some Somerset bothered what they considered a lack of resistance of Lancashire in their two matches against Nottinghamshire main season past. It's a pain that still burns in Taunton. "We have not forgotten what happened at the end of last season so it's certainly an element of revenge involved," said Somerset coach Andy Hurry, before the start of the last day.
But at least his motivation he said that the championship was won in the right way: through close, cricket wear. Hampshire, so does the reputation of any damage Championship with a decisive action against Warwickshire. Perhaps Durham, may also feel a little sad, after all, beat two Warwickshire and Lancashire home and away.
County Championship is always critical. But for the second consecutive year, is produced out of breath, a thrilling final. Discussions are entitled to quality, but in terms of entertainment value, FIFA has never been better.
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