by Amateur Footy » Fri Dec 05, 2008 2:31 pm
I would say the standard had been slowly falling for about 20 years up until a year or so ago. Section 2 would now be stronger than I have ever seen and section 1 is back on the rise. The depth across all clubs may not yet be what it used to be but clubs at the top have probably got more depth in Sect 1 and 2 than for many years - we certainly have. I think the big difference is we are missing a few top players from a year or two ago. Look at the list of who has (come and) gone in last couple of years:
Strange CR
Thomas x2 MP
MacKay K
Rossi SR
Tam NH
Ferris W
Krutli SR (atleast not in sect 1)
Hartlett SR (gone now isn't he?)
Roberts WYC
Ledgard ICC
Now list off all the players who currently dominate week in week out...
Hopkins WYC
Sampson? ICC
Curyer K (having a good season atleast)
OMalley ANA (well past his best but knows how to take wickets)
I'm sure there's a few I've missed but the list is nowhere near as impressive (JB no sheidow boys have had enough time to prove anything yet).
These blokes get replaced with time, but not overnight. The top teams are still playing good Sect 1 cricket, we just need the Coros, NHs, Mit Pks, etc to step up.