BBL 05 2015/16

Interesting email from Sydney Thunder (I'm putting it here and the NRL section where we've talked about sig pigs, etc. I'm guessing it might be the same for AFL too).

Good afternoon Members,

As I write we are coming into the business end of the season, with both our men’s and women’s team a real chance to feature in the Finals. We wish them luck in their upcoming games.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the amazing surge in support we’ve enjoyed this season with membership, attendances and TV audiences all at record levels.

A bi product of this support is that our traditional Members function, now known at the AMF Thunderdome, has grown from 100 Members attending in BBL01 to around 600 Members per game this year.

As a result, the function has evolved from a chance to have an informal chat to players into a formal autograph signing session.

We are currently struggling with meeting the balance between allowing all Members, particularly children, the opportunity to meet their favourite player with the players’ post game requirements of coaching debriefs, physio, ice baths etc.

Consequently, we are proposing to introduce a few measures for our remaining two games to ensure the function runs a bit more smoothly.

- Any Member wishing to receive an autograph will be given a number, we’ll call up groups at a time to ensure there isn’t a crush around the players, and that children don’t miss out
- We respectfully ask that people have one item signed to ensure that everyone has a chance to meet a player
- Please give priority to children at all times

We are committed to giving our Members a great match day experience and I’d love to hear from you if you have any ideas about how we could make the AMF Thunderdome even better. You can me email at sydtmembership@sydneythunder.com.au with AMF Thunderdome in the subject line.

I look forward to seeing you after the match.

Regards,

Nick Cummins
General Manager
Sydney Thunder
 
Absolutely outstanding initiative by the Sydney Thunder. :)

I'm tempted to submit feedback asking if there is any way collectors can send in their TNP team set to the Thunder to have signed and returned (at collector's postage cost)

OR

Have a time and place at a training where collectors could come and get 1 set signed in full without any hassles or feelings of guilt, etc.

It might be nice to get the team, the players and the collectors together so they know who is who.
 
I'm tempted to submit feedback asking if there is any way collectors can send in their TNP team set to the Thunder to have signed and returned (at collector's postage cost)

OR

Have a time and place at a training where collectors could come and get 1 set signed in full without any hassles or feelings of guilt, etc.

It might be nice to get the team, the players and the collectors together so they know who is who.

Tell them you are a close personal friend of Mark "The Governor" Waugh! :-)

Jokes aside, that is a really good idea. You are a club member of the Thunder aren't you mate?
 
Yeah. I am a member. Not much of a sig collector BUT I know a few people on OCT who are sig collectors and Thunder members.

IF there was a way we could get players and collectors together in a respectful way - at all BBL teams - then this is a way we can do it.

Seriously, the cards are official licensed product, which means the money goes back to players/clubs/cricket. Therefore people should be able to buy the cards (and sell them at games too at their shops) and shouldn't feel like pariahs trying to get sigs. It'd be a safe and comfortable way for members/fans to meet the players, get the sigs and be done with it. I think it could work. And let's face it, the more people buy, the more money goes in the pot. BBL is going gangbusters and I can foresee more tie-in merchandise coming (the Zooper Dooper deal is a masterstroke!). TNP should get in with KFC to have 8 or 16 cards separate from the set go in with chicken sales. Hmmm... there's a reason to buy KFC AND it gets parents getting a card for the kid who will see more at a game and whammy - pester power!
 
Bugger, sorry mate! Here it is in full. Story by Ben Horne:

Chris Gayle’s cards have been marked ‘never to return’ to the BBL.

Cricket Australia signs off on the contracts of all international stars and it’s understood they would block any club that attempted to bring the disgraced West Indian back next season.

There is still a chance Gayle could have his current deal with the Melbourne Renegades immediately torn up by CA should the West Indies find him guilty of allegations he exposed himself to a woman in the lead-up to last year’s World Cup.

Either way, the 36-year-old’s second controversial stint in the BBL will be his last.

Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry’s position was also under intense scrutiny last night after infuriating cricket officials by dismissing as “opportunistic” the claims made against Gayle by an unidentified woman.

CA are livid with Gayle’s sleazy behaviour and lack of contrition and the riot act has been read to him that if he puts so much of a toe out of line before this season is through he will face serious punishment that could extend to having his current deal terminated.

Further sanctions may not be too far away, with the Windies now looking into the allegations made against Gayle following prompting by CA head of security Sean Carroll.

Incredibly, the ICC have indicated they will not look into the matter that allegedly took place in the lead up to their own tournament in Sydney, because their pathetic code of conduct does not cover indiscretions that occur beyond the boundary during matches.

Incredibly, the ICC have indicated they will not look into the matter that allegedly took place in the lead up to their own tournament in Sydney, because their pathetic code of conduct does not cover indiscretions that occur beyond the boundary during matches.

The ICC’s soft attitude indicates that cricket authorities must urgently find a way of cutting out the red tape and making tougher stands against inappropriate behaviour.

Gayle’s management released a statement denying the allegations made by the woman that he exposed himself.

“As Chris’s management group, we have obviously been following recent events closely,” the statement read.

“Chris denies the allegations published by Fairfax Media earlier today. It’s important that anyone seeking to make false accusations against Chris be aware that Chris and his management will be considering all rights and legal options available. There will be no further comment from Chris or his management at this stage.”

Coventry has made several gaffes in the past 48 hours but to suggest the alleged victim of Gayle’s harassment was to blame has left Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland fuming.

The Renegades board led by Chairman Jason Dunstall and overseen by Cricket Victoria were last night meeting to determine Coventry’s fate.

"Cricket Victoria are committed to demonstrating that our sport respects girls and women and we’re working incredibly hard to ensure that is the case,” said Cricket Victoria boss, Tony Dodemaide. “We certainly don’t condone the reported comments attributed to Stuart this morning and we’re looking into it further.”

CA were unable to hit Gayle with anything firmer than a $10,000 fine due to concerns a suspension or sacking could have been successfully challenged by the player.

The governing body also had little control over disciplining Coventry due to it being under Cricket Victoria’s jurisdiction.

However, it’s possible an incident of this magnitude could force the still fledging Big Bash league to look at how it can more forcefully handle discipline breaches in the future.
 
Bugger, sorry mate! Here it is in full. Story by Ben Horne:

Chris Gayle’s cards have been marked ‘never to return’ to the BBL.

Cricket Australia signs off on the contracts of all international stars and it’s understood they would block any club that attempted to bring the disgraced West Indian back next season.

There is still a chance Gayle could have his current deal with the Melbourne Renegades immediately torn up by CA should the West Indies find him guilty of allegations he exposed himself to a woman in the lead-up to last year’s World Cup.

Either way, the 36-year-old’s second controversial stint in the BBL will be his last.

Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry’s position was also under intense scrutiny last night after infuriating cricket officials by dismissing as “opportunistic” the claims made against Gayle by an unidentified woman.

CA are livid with Gayle’s sleazy behaviour and lack of contrition and the riot act has been read to him that if he puts so much of a toe out of line before this season is through he will face serious punishment that could extend to having his current deal terminated.

Further sanctions may not be too far away, with the Windies now looking into the allegations made against Gayle following prompting by CA head of security Sean Carroll.

Incredibly, the ICC have indicated they will not look into the matter that allegedly took place in the lead up to their own tournament in Sydney, because their pathetic code of conduct does not cover indiscretions that occur beyond the boundary during matches.

Incredibly, the ICC have indicated they will not look into the matter that allegedly took place in the lead up to their own tournament in Sydney, because their pathetic code of conduct does not cover indiscretions that occur beyond the boundary during matches.

The ICC’s soft attitude indicates that cricket authorities must urgently find a way of cutting out the red tape and making tougher stands against inappropriate behaviour.

Gayle’s management released a statement denying the allegations made by the woman that he exposed himself.

“As Chris’s management group, we have obviously been following recent events closely,” the statement read.

“Chris denies the allegations published by Fairfax Media earlier today. It’s important that anyone seeking to make false accusations against Chris be aware that Chris and his management will be considering all rights and legal options available. There will be no further comment from Chris or his management at this stage.”

Coventry has made several gaffes in the past 48 hours but to suggest the alleged victim of Gayle’s harassment was to blame has left Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland fuming.

The Renegades board led by Chairman Jason Dunstall and overseen by Cricket Victoria were last night meeting to determine Coventry’s fate.

"Cricket Victoria are committed to demonstrating that our sport respects girls and women and we’re working incredibly hard to ensure that is the case,” said Cricket Victoria boss, Tony Dodemaide. “We certainly don’t condone the reported comments attributed to Stuart this morning and we’re looking into it further.”

CA were unable to hit Gayle with anything firmer than a $10,000 fine due to concerns a suspension or sacking could have been successfully challenged by the player.

The governing body also had little control over disciplining Coventry due to it being under Cricket Victoria’s jurisdiction.

However, it’s possible an incident of this magnitude could force the still fledging Big Bash league to look at how it can more forcefully handle discipline breaches in the future.

Cheers, appreciate it
 
Worse thing is the big bash is flying, the ladder is tight as with even the struggling heat an outside shot of making the finals... And we're here talking about this crap.
 
I cannot understand why the Heat persist with Cutting, particularly his bowling. He hits well enough but certainly not consistent and his bowling.....I cannot believe how many half trackers he bowls without success yet he keeps going
 
On another note, thought I would mention Chris Gayle was great yesterday - he signed anything and everything & was the last enegades player to leave the field. He happily posed for photos & had a chat with everyone.

I have always found him to be great with everyone. He has copped a lot in the last week & think he deserves credit where credit is due.

We are trying to grow the game & promote its stars. He is one of the biggest stars we have & stayed for ages when most of his other team mates, many of which ignored everyone walking straight into the sheds.

Well done Chris - I for one hope he is back next year....
 
Wasn't it intriguing to see batsmen on both sides struggle last night in the Scorchers vs Stars game at the WACA? As soon as there is a bit of nip off the wicket and/or helpful overhead conditions the balance between bat and ball resembles a proper, traditional cricket match where batsmen AND bowlers are given a relatively equal chance of success.

Cricket Australia seem determined to kill off 50 over cricket in this country, other than when hosting a World Cup. I can't help but compare the BBL game at the WACA last night between two state-based franchises to today's One Day International match at the MCG on yet another horrendously flat wicket.
 
The 'fat bat / flat track' era.

In the years to come, I reckon we'll shrug or at least it will be noted.

CA seem determined to kill ODI in Australia with a combo of prices and plods too. You can't tell me an attack of Hastings and Bolland is acceptable, not when you're pay $60 for a ticket.
 
The 'fat bat / flat track' era.

In the years to come, I reckon we'll shrug or at least it will be noted.

CA seem determined to kill ODI in Australia with a combo of prices and plods too. You can't tell me an attack of Hastings and Bolland is acceptable, not when you're pay $60 for a ticket.
I completely disagree. In a time where our strike bowlers have either retired, are injured or have been rested to try and prevent more injuries, Rod Marsh and the selection panel are showcasing some of our best national talent. Not just the young up and comers, but the experienced too. This not only gives us a taste of what's to come, but also gives the players involved some experience, so that they are somewhat prepared to one day wear the baggy green.

Scott Boland and John Hastings have both proven their class in their recent BBL outings. In 4 games of BBL|05 Scott Boland has taken 6 wickets at an average of 20.83, and in 5 games John Hastings has taken 8 wickets at an average of 21.25. Although those numbers might not sound the greatest, it is their death bowling that has proven to be the X Factor of late. Boland and Hastings' death bowling performance against the Hobart Hurricanes was beyond exceptional, near perfect.

So I don't think there is much reason to complain. Just my opinion. :)
 
Back
Top Bottom