End of the Conference season, but do the public see Labour as a credible alternative to the Coalition?

LABOUR entered their 2011 autumn conference with a 4% lead over the Conservatives in the polls, 16 months of opposition that has seen an unpopular coalition impose crippling cuts, the break up of the NHS and trebling of tuition fees - this is without mentioning stalled growth and rising unemployment.

Why then, has leader Ed Miliband failed to inspire the millions searching desperately for a credible alternative to the coalition? Polls suggest Britain would much rather have David Cameron in charge, with Miliband's popularity only slightly creeping above the poisonous Nick Clegg. Will this eventually decide the next election? It is clear voters would prefer a Labour government, just not one with Miliband in power. I voted for Mili D, as the majority of members did, and felt so strongly about Ed's victory last September I tweeted "Labour to remain in electoral wilderness for the next 10 years if Ed is elected leader".

He duly was of course, and the past 12 months have seen Ed struggling to prove himself as a powerful leader of opposition. It is no secret that Miliband is yet to discover an aura of authority and respect needed to be a strong opposition leader, yet alone Prime Minister. Whilst initially impressing this summer with his part in the phone hacking scandal, Miliband has rebelled against the unions at the TUC conference, advising them against strike action. Can Ed afford to do this? How much power will he hold within his party should the unions begin to turn against him?

Another action that has seen Ed take one step forward and two steps back has been his decisions to cap tuition fees at 6000 pounds.I was impressed by Miliband for the first time during the student fees demonstrations last year. Many young people began to see Labour not of the party that bankrupted the country, but the only company able to represent the views of modern liberal Britain. Keeping the 3000 cap in fees would have sent a striking reminder to Britain that Ed was the man who would represent those most vulnerable to cuts.

At conference, Miliband continues to look a man uncomfortable with his newly established power. He seems unsure of the direction he wants to take Labour in. We are yet to hear Ed speak of the great successes of the last Labour government, as if the typical Coalition rhetoric of blaming Labour for the Global economic crisis has left Miliband scared to praise his predecessors.

However, the next 4 years until the next general election will be the making or breaking of Ed. Either we will have Ed as Prime Minister, or we will have another Labour politician running for office. I don't expect to see any half measures. If the party does not believe Ed can be the next Prime Minister, they should use the Lib Dems ruthless removal of Ming Campbell in 2007 as a political guidline. Time is running out for Ed to establish himself as the accompolished leader Labour crave, or a wasted 2 or 3 years of Ed leadership.

If the Tories are able to come out of this parliament with a recovered UK economy, they will be in pole position to dominate UK politics for 20 years. Labour have to act soon - Ed or otherwise.


















Sony to

Farcical England selection stinks of "Jobs for the Boys" (posted 4/9/08)

Recently, England named three controversial squads: the squad of players rewarded an ECB central contract, the squad of players selected for the Stamford Super Series, and a squad for the India ODI series.

Of the players awarded with a central contract, Michael Vaughan was a surprising inclusion. Let me make it clear that had Vaughan been on sparkling form this season, I would have no hesitation in praising the ECB's rewarding of him.

However, Vaughan has been in woeful form this year, averaging single figures versus South Africa. Considering that Vaughan has averaged only 37 in the past five years since taking the test captaincy, it has been widely assumed that without the captaincy he would have been dropped a long time before this summer.

Despite resigning as the captain, Michael Vaughan has somehow regained a central contract. Speculation surrounding the news is that Kevin Pietersen was keen to have Vaughan as part of the side for his experience and knowledge of test cricket.

Vaughan, like any other batsman, should only be selected if his past form and ability warrants it. Kevin Pietersen, however, does not see it this way.

What sort of message is this sending to fringe players such as Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara? Vaughan has been in appalling form this season, yet still gets rewarded vast sums of money!

This farcical decision is the sort of "jobs for the boys" selection that will do England no favours. In light of England continuing to select batsman for reasons other than their batting, it is no surprise that they have begun to lose test series worryingly frequently.

Another questionable selection by Geoff Miller and his fellow selectors is the choice to pick Alistair Cook as a member of the Stamford Super Series squad. Alistair Cook has only ever played five Twenty20 games in his career, averaging only 10 at a strike rate of under 90. 

It is understandable that the ECB want to reward their players, but surely this is not a suitable explanation for the inclusion of Cook. If this was the case, why wasn't Monty Panesar or Michael Vaughan included?

If ability is not taken into account when selecting a squad, how on earth are players such as Joe Denly or Graham Napier going to break into the side?

This is a sad day for English cricket. It is clear to see that selection is no longer based on ability alone. It seems you have to be part of the exclusive ECB clan to get near selection.

This needs to be addressed immediately by the ECB, and it is no wonder England have failed to progress since the 2005 Ashes Victory.

Ashes Series 2009 - The build up begins (posted 3/6/08)

In 2004, in the build-up to the 2005 series, Michael Vaughan's England were in great form, winning 7 out of 7 tests in the 2004 summer and becoming the only country to remain unbeaten throughout the year.

It was this form that Michael Vaughan was able to build upon, and with a hungry young side, England and Vaughan had the beginnings of a team that would eventually win back the Ashes for England.

However, such a rosy picture cannot be painted this time around. Fitness doubts over 2005's player of the series Andrew Flintoff, combined with an out of form middle-order makes for unpleasant reading for an England fan.

However, some sparkle of optimism for England can be found when looking at the rare frailties arising for their Australian counterparts. Leg-spinner Stuart MacGill's retirement leave Australia without a proven front line spinner in their ranks, just 12 months before the contest begins. 

Considering Shane Warne's 40 wickets in the '05 encounter kept the Australians afloat at times, the likes of Beau Casson or wildcard 36 year-old leg spinner Bryce McGain are likely to be called upon at some stage.

Unfortunately for England, despite a key weakness in the spin-bowling department, the rest of the Australian side still look like a team capable of maintaining their no.1 spot in the ICC test rankings that.

From the side that whitewashed England 5-0 in 2006/07, Australia have lost Justin Langer, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist. Brad Haddin has already had an impressive start to his international career in one-day internationals. 

Langer's replacement, Phil Jaques, has made a steady to his test career (averaging 45 after 10 games). Despite playing in the 2006/07 series, Stuart Clark seems a ready made replacement for McGrath, continuing McGrath's legacy of making 'line and length' bowling fashionable again.

However, Stuart MacGill's inability to recreate the form that led him to becoming the 5th quickest bowler to 200 test wickets has led Australia into panic. One possibility is to play four seam bowlers, with Michael Clarke (who has a growing reputation of possessing a 'golden arm') and batting All-rounder Andrew Symonds providing the spin bowling option.

If England are to regain the Ashes, they have to attack the Australian seam bowlers, which they did so successfully in 2005 (Kevin Pietersen hooking Brett Lee into the stands for 6 springs to mind).

Not only that, but the somewhat untouchable middle-order needs to fire. Since the beginning of 2007, only Andrew Strauss averages over 40. Worries continue when considering that Kevin Pietersen has made only one score over 50 in his past 8 test matches and Paul Collingwood has not hit a Test century in his past 4 series.

A major quandary of England's is where to fit Andrew Flintoff in.

Considering Flintoff's precarious fitness state, Flintoff's participation as part of a 4 man bowling attack is unlikely - Flintoff's ability to bowl 25 overs a day seems unlikely. However, the 5 man attack that helped win the 2005 Ashes allowed captain Michael Vaughan to rotate his bowlers, keeping them fresh, firing and ready to take wickets at important stages.

The main problem with using Flintoff as part of a 5 man attack is his presence in the batting order. Since the 2005 Ashes, whilst his bowling seems as hostile as ever, the pressure of batting in the top 6 may prove too strong for Flintoff.

Flintoff at no.7 seems perfect for England, though whilst aiming to field a 5 man attack, a wicket-keeper with the ability to bat at no.6 seems a likely option. ]

Despite an impressive showing in his debut series in New Zealand, question marks remain over the ability of Tim Ambrose, especially if asked to bat at no.6. One realistic option is the re-emergence of Matt Prior, who despite impressive showings with the bat, dropped one too many catches, and was duly dropped himself.

Prior is the current highest run scorer in the County Championship - no mean feat considering the amount of talent participating in the division.

Should any change take place, it has to be taken soon. What England needs in the run up to the Ashes series is continuity, and with 13 test matches between now and then, England need to make the changes necessary sooner rather than later.

Ash CC Match Report - Bidborough (a) 15/5/11 pt. 1

The magic of the Npower Village Cup was evident to all in attendance at Bidborough CC this weekend. When lowly Ash CC were drawn against Kent Village Premier League powerhouses Bidborough, few gave Ash any chance what so ever of providing significant competition for the west Kent giants.


The lead up to the tie was marred in more controversy than an episode of Eastenders. Star signing Scott Mckechnie, who had prepared for the match by appearing for Essex Second XI, and Bob Fulford and Simon Benn (both signed on a free having recently been released by Erith) were both removed from the line-up at the last minute due to confusion over the competitions rules. Team secretary Melling, aged and worn by the stress of the week’s events, refused to let the inconvenience deter his efforts, Trevor Martenstyn, Bruce Melling and Nick Cook all promoted from the reserves to help fill the vancancies. The efforts of Melling, whose boyhood dreams of appearing in the cup were cruelly dashed at the last minute, cannot be underestimated, having arranged for only the second time in recent memory 22 players to play for Ash and their reserve team on the same day.

Ash were greeted at the Bidborough Homes Community Arena by a blaze of sunshine, flat wicket and small boundaries. Captain Tripp won the toss (2 in 2 for the newly appointed skipper) and chose to bat, knowing given the conditions anything below 280 would be hard to defend. The contrasting styles of Sam Mason and Trevor Blackett entered the fray. Raw 18 year old left armer Trett, fresh from a league 7-fer opened the proceedings for Bidborough, tearing down the hill, frequently touching the 70mph mark. Bidborough captain Poulson, a bulging swing bowler from Johannesburg opened the bowling from the other end at a much more comfortable pace than his teammate. However both bowlers were greeted by the swinging bat of the dismissive Blackett. The Ash pair put on 40 for the first wicket inside 6 overs, before Trett swung one back through Blackett’s (non-existent) defences, bowled for 28 off only 23 deliveries, his captain pleased at the innings.

Sam Mason was joined by Jan Leaver, who both faced an increasingly tighter spell of bowling from the two opening bowlers. The pair put on 52 before Leaver (12) was smartly stumped by the keeper. Mason, now the anchor of the Ash innings, was joined by his captain. If the pair were to realise their dreams of a 200 target on the board at the interval, they knew the run-rate had to be increased, made hard by tight bowling and the best fielding side an Ash XI will face this year. Kent under 14 captain Waller bowled tightly, however the crowd were to be entertained further by Waller’s exploits further on into the game. Mason was caught at mid off for a well compiled 46.

Perhaps it was the pressure of the situation, perhaps it was the tight bowling (although his explanation his innings was due to him taking a guard for the first time is hard to believe), but no.5 Nick Cook was unable to continue a good run of early season form, bowled for a duck, his dreams of a cup hundred dashed for another year.

With the score on 112/4 off 30 overs, the captain at one end and Fyfe at the other, the travelling Ash faithful knew the game remained in the balance. Fyfe (9) was well caught behind, whilst Barritt (10) with half a bat but a full heart, ran well with Tripp before being bowled trying to cut a ball destined for middle stump. The score progressed to 169/8 before M Mason (2) was cruelly ran out by his greedy partner trying to regain the strike.

With one over remaining, Tripp was greeted at the crease by Bruce Melling, who played the bowling with ease, compiling 7 runs from 3 deliveries, compensating for Tripp’s inability to clear the ropes. Ash finished their innings on 180/7 after the allotted 40 overs, Tripp cutting his way to 44 not out.

At the half way stage both sides appeared happy with their efforts, Tripp noting “They’ve bowled and fielded well. Don’t get me wrong, if you offered me 180 at the start of the game, I would’ve shook your hand off. We need to bowl well though, the new ball will be important”.

Ash CC Match Report - Bidborough (a) 15/5/11 pt. 2

Leaver, thankfully now fit after a pre season injury, and Martenstyn took the new ball for Ash. The away fans burst into life in just the 2^nd over when Martenstyn had former Kent 2^nd XI batsmen Baldock caught in the covers for only 1. The Ash faithful grew more uncomfortable at the sight of a 90 run partnership between young Waller, who impressed further with a fine array of strokes all around the wicket, and Rossiter, favouring a more agricultural approach. 90/1 soon became 101/4 – young Waller obviously not used to the pace of Chambers caught in the deep for 56, Rossiter (41) caught by a rejuvenated Blackett off the bowling of M Mason, who in turn brilliantly ran out Harding for 0. The Bidborough fans and players and management grew restless. How were they going to explain a loss to non-league Ash to the Abu Dhabi consortium now running the club?

With an upset on the cards, Slow left armers Tripp and Barritt bowled well in tandem. 140/4 became 150/6, Tripp having no.4 Pinchin plumb lbw, whilst removing no.7 Trett bowled by a flatter delivery. The nerves were clear for all to see. Could Ash pull off a remarkable victory? The score progressed to 165 before the 7^th wicket fell, White caught behind by the impressive Fyfe off a Tripp long hop. One final push was all that was needed, fingernails chewed down to the bone, the pressure mounted. Tripp and Barritt continued their fight, every run being cheered vigorously by the home support. However it was not to be. Wicket keeper Waller (23*) seeing the home side home with a calm knock. The Ash players left the field with pain in their hearts but all with an immense feeling of pride.

They had almost achieved the unbelievable. Everyone contributing significantly to almost what was a famous victory. Bidborough were relieved yet impressed, their scorer quoting to one Ash player “you played well, we look forward to seeing you in the league soon”. If only he knew!

Captain Tripp remained positive despite defeat: “Every player has played their heart out today. We can go away from the game knowing we’ve given it our all. They thought this would be a walk in the park today, we’ve gone out there and given them a game and almost nicked it in their own back yard. I look forward to the first round next year, I’m sure the Ash members will now be a lot more willing to compete considering this performance!”

So with Ash’s dreams of a Lord’s final dashed for another year, Ash can be proud of their performance against a very strong Bidborough side.

Bowling

Leaver 4 – 0 – 29 – 0

Martenstyn 4 – 0 – 28 – 1

Chambers 6 – 1 – 26- 1

M Mason 5 – 0 – 38 – 1

Tripp 8 – 2 – 23 – 3

Barritt 8 -1 – 34 – 0

Quarter final nightmare should not overshadow successful English Winter

England management, players and supporters alike have every right to feel aggrieved after the 10-wicket capitulation at the hands of Sri Lanka yesterday. However, it would be all too easy for the critics of English cricket to ignore the triumph of the past 6 months. Despite glimpses of brilliance (Strauss’ magnificent innings versus India, Trott’s runs and the brilliant turnaround against South Africa) how were England expected to succeed considering such a brutal winter schedule? Since departing England for Australia on the 28^th of October, Andrew Strauss, Jonathon Trott, Ian Bell, Matt Prior (and a host of others had it not been for the inevitable spate of injuries) have only spent 4 days in their own beds in England.

The pre-tour training camp to rural Germany, coupled with the three first class fixtures played before the start of the Ashes series was seen as perfect preparation for the winter’s Test matches. However the impact of the gruelling itinerary of the Australian tour was clear to see through England’s latest World Cup failings. Injuries to Jimmy Anderson, Eoin Morgan (broken finger), Ajmal Shahzad (hamstring), Kevin Pietersen (hernia), Stuart Broad (Stomach), Tim Bresnan (calf) and Graeme Swann (back) throughout the winter hindered England’s progress through the World Cup.

In many ways, England have paid the price for their successful Australian tour. 8 first class matches in just over two months is enough to make any fast bowler cry. Coupled with the 2 twenty20 games, and 8 one-dayers, it is no surprise that so many of England’s squad has been hampered by injury. Did anyone really suspect that England could pull off the unthinkable and win their first world cup, especially considering it being hosted in the dreaded sub-continent? It is undeniable that there has been worse one-day outfits to leave the British Isles (1999 and 2007 spring to mind), however it was presumed, and ultimately proved, that the World Cup would be a step too far.

Before the usual barrage of critics and calls for change are voiced on the matter of English one-day cricket, (and without sounding like the ever optimist former England coach Peter Moores) there are many positives to take from the trip to the subcontinent. We reacted well with our necks on the line against the West Indies, we were one run away from a record defeat of favourites India, as well as a gritty backs-to-the-wall performance against South Africa. It is hard to ignore that we were a dropped Kevin O’Brien skier away from a convincing win against the Irish.

The tournament started without the best English one day batsman in the past 12 months Eoin Morgan, who was only called to action when replacing England’s only other potential match winning batsman Kevin Pietersen. In addition to this, star bowler Stuart Broad was removed from the squad just when he was needed most.

After the nature of yesterdays 10 wicket defeat, it would be all too easy to call for mass change. England (and Strauss in particular) struggled against the opening overs of spin against Dilshan, however I believe the combination of Strauss and Bell at the top of the order will ultimately, if persisted with, bear fruits. Since he regained the One Day captaincy and the opening role, Strauss has proved a consistent run scorer at the top of the order. In Ian Bell, England have a readymade One Day opener. An effortless, natural timer of the ball, Bell should now kick on and make the one-day centuries that have so far been lacking from his personal tally at the top of the order.

Another man seemed destined for criticism Jonathan Trott, in light of his innings yesterday. Had Trott accelerated early and lost his wicket, England could have been 30/3 or 90/4, leaving a vulnerable middle order exposed. Trott adapted, and played the situation well, like many other times during the World Cup. He gained criticism for the slow nature of his innings against Bangladesh (again when England were in trouble), however proved the clean striking nature of his stroke play in a quick fire 43 against the West Indies. Trott may appear bogged down at times against good spin, however sticks to the game plan that has seen him break many records in only his short England One-Day career so far. His game against spin is one that he will look to develop and improve upon in the near future, and who would bet against him doing so and improving even further. Trott will undoubtedly gain critics for his latest knock, but I shudder to think how England would have coped without every one of his top scoring 430 runs in this World Cup.

So I ask , I plea that critics refrain from lamenting England’s performance at this World Cup; I plea even further that Andrew Strauss and the England management do not act upon such criticism. A like their performances in the Twenty20 and Test arena, England’s One Day performances have improved in recent times. However this World Cup came at the wrong time for England. Such an excuse will not be valid in 4 years time, as scheduling changed mean that no Ashes series will be played before the next World Cup. If English cricket continues to make the significant improvement s seen over the past 2 years of Strauss and Flower’s leadership, I would not like to bet against England.

Disgusting Boyle takes humour a step too far

L.O Blogger Reports.

Venables a "success" for judicial system


In light of disgusting comments Boyle made during a recent stand up show, Justice Minister Kenneth Clarke has come out and praised the case of Jon Venables as yet another victory for the British judicial system. "You never here anything of him these days", "it can only be assumed he has gone on to live a crime-free life". Clarke's comments make perfect sense; The newly revived judicial system, as well as Venables himself, have gained much praise for Venables' ability to live a crime-free life without gaining media attention.