Halo Stickman

Sad to hear that news, FF. As you say, David Walker was a member of the famous Ale House Brawlers, yet I recall that – somewhat paradoxically, perhaps – he spent at least one summer staying at Quarr Abbey monastery retreat on the Isle of Wight. I would love to know whether this is true or not.

Great goal from Sam Gallagher! Recall thinking how well he was striking the ball during the warm-up routine prior to one of last season's Premier League matches – great to see him doing it in last night's match.

Hants 86/4 Smith 0, 23, 12 and 8 in Div 1 so far this season

Hutch, ever since I was a small boy subscribing to a book club and waiting excitedly for my latest Biggles book to drop through the letterbox I've been a fan of traditional paper books – looking at them in bookshops, unwrapping them from Amazon packing, the smell of them, the feel of them, everything about them! – and I always said that I would never even entertain the thought of using ebooks. Mrs Stickman, however, has never been one for taking any notice of anything I say; so, about 5 years ago, bought me a kindle for my birthday. Suffice it to say, I love it, and rarely if ever read paper books these days. I read a lot of books – mostly, but not exclusively, non-fiction; mainly science or social history. Sometimes I feel in the mood for one subject, sometimes another. The facility that the kindle offers to carry a whole library around with you is one of it's major advantages, imo. Also, I like its 'search' facility and its 'looking up big words' facility. Instant ordering and ease of reading – no more awkward page turning in bed or sand between pages on beach – is also great, and some books are free. One thing that maybe worth considering, if you decide to get one, is to take out an insurance policy. I've broken 3 of mine in the last 5 years – all through my own clumsiness – but for about £30 you can take out a policy that covers you for accidental damage to as many kindles (within reason) as you like over 3 years (I think) I haven't really used other devices to read ebooks, so can't comment on those.

She was a fresh and airy good Catholic girl who became dark and dank after spending time with Bear - happens to us all eventually

That's where Lou was last heard from Not that I'm stalking her, or even the slightest bit interested in her whereabouts*, you understand * Same sordid Eastern European dungeon without internet access that Bear frequents, apparently.

Another exclamation mark from Lou probably, Bearsy!!

It's such a shame that Lou is on holiday, she'd have lapped that up - the funny story, I mean.

Congratulations Tokes & Mrs Tokes. Good health, happiness and long life to Sebastian.

Three points is a disappointing return for our first home game, but I think there are some positives to take away from the overall performance – we bowled them out twice, and it was good to see Briggs take 7 wickets so early in the season. Also, Carbs and Ervine seem to be in pretty good nick with the bat.

That brought back some brilliant memories – thanks for posting, Turks. I was at the Shed end, almost in line with Gilly's goal – definitely one of my best ever Saints' moments! We travelled up by coach – lots of beers on the way back. But I still remember to this day, during a brief lull in the celebrations, a Saints' fan saying: “won't it be awful if we get hammered in the Final?” Incidentally, watching that again, I reckon McCalliog and Ossie would have been lucky to stay on the pitch nowadays.

I fear you're right, Trader; nevertheless, where there's hope and all that ... Will be one hell of a result if we manage to pull it off.

Spudders, the Muppet Show has moved to the Lounge under the title of 'What is Wrong with America' Sadly, no gun-totting nuns, as yet; but I'm confident it's only a matter of time.

Tense, ain't it? Can hardly bring myself to glance up at the score.

55/4 Sussex lead by 268. 2 or 3 more cheap wickets and this could get interesting.

Hants 231 all out. Sussex not enforcing follow on Ervine opening the bowling. Could be a long day.

Cheers for the report, Lets B Avenue - interesting stuff. Was the attendance up on last season's Div 2 matches would you say?

Yeah, it would be interesting if any forum member who is at the match could give us a report on conditions etc. 185/7 I seem to recall Ervine making a decent score in the first match of last season. I'd also be interested to read a report on Wood's batting - I'm hopeful that he can develop into a genuine all-rounder, and would be interested to hear what others think. Edit: Wood out for 48. B0llocks

Wood and Ervine taking the fight to the bowlers 160/7 Keep it going lads!

Fonte and Yoshida were excellent. Really pleased for JWP and Pelle.

Day 2 of the season and I've got that sinking feeling already 95/6

I've never said anything like this on here before, because, well frankly, saying things like this on here has a tendency to come back and haunt you. However, here goes: Like you, I've got a very strong feeling JWP is going to open his league scoring account today.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hampshire_County_Cricket_Club_grounds

I'm glad you typed that carefully, Windows! (paying particular attention to the word 'buck') Anyway, one of my earliest childhood memories is of my dad taking me to watch Hampshire's last competitive fixture on the Island, which was against Worcestershire. Strangely, the only name that stuck with me from that match was that of Tom Graveney (I suppose, because he played for England and then went on to become a commentator)

Mmm, County Cricket + Viagra – I suppose that could work. In other news, as a native Caulkhead, I was pleased to read in last week's Pink that the club are considering playing one of their 50 over fixtures on the Island this season, although I can't imagine that mainland-based supporters will be too happy about travel costs etc.