THEY THINK IT`S ALL OVER....

Just a day or so ago this year`s Cricket County Championship came to a final conclusion.  At the end of it all, we were left with Warwickshire winning the trophy for the first time in nine years - no complaints about that, I`m genuinely pleased for them, their supporters and everyone at Edgbaston.   The day before, Hampshire, who were in with a shout to win the title themselves, fell just short of beating Lancashire, who won by just one wicket in a thrilling climax to a proper game of Division 1 cricket.

That left Lancashire with a chance for themselves to become champions, if Warwickshire failed to beat Somerset in their final game.   As we know now, Warwickshire emerged as champions, leaving Lancashire in second, Somerset third and Hampshire a close fourth.   It all added up to an interesting and hard fought conclusion to a long season played in difficult circumstances.

A special mention must go to Kent, however, who having won the T20 Blast Final last weekend, pulled off a spectacular victory over Middlesex to win Division 3 of the county championship and gain a well earned promotion.   Their performance in this the last of their four day games was spectacular, defying the odds to reach an unlikely 375-8 in the fourth innings to win by two wickets.  It has been a truly encouraging year for Kent who deserved the successes that came their way so late in the season.

So that`s it then?   Well it`s not quite all over on the domestic cricket front;  on Tuesday at Lord`s Warwickshire will be taking on Lancashire in the five day final of the Bob Willis Trophy - maybe Lancashire will have the chance for a little sweet revenge - but it should bring the 2021 season to a fitting closure.   After that game, if you thought it was all over, it will be then - more`s the pity.