How important are Extras - Analysis of OCD1 Matches

Reviewing the weekend OCD1 matches, one aspect of the game between Clontarf and YMCA that was commented upon was the number of extras in the YMCA innings. That prompted a more detailed look at the number of extras conceded by different teams with a view to awarding the title of ‘Most Generous Team of the Year 2016’. 

The Table below requires some explanation. The matches covered are OC league matches. The average number of extras per innings excludes T20 refixes, although these are included in the next column. Another good indicator is the number of extras per over - this includes all matches. 

On this basis Clontarf are currently leading the table as Most Generous Team, closely followed by Merrion [they are tied on the extras per over]. The meanest team, not that they will object to this tag, is Phoenix. The most extras in an innings was by Clontarf against YMCA [last Saturday]. 

The total number of occasions when the extras totalled less than 10 in an innings [excluding T20s] was 7 with Phoenix [3], Railway [2] and The Hills and Merrion once. On the other end of the spectrum, there were 17 occasions when 25 or more extras were conceded [see Table]

But does it make a difference to the final result. We looked at the differences between the extras conceded in a given match by the two teams where there is a clear run difference in the result. In the tied match between Pembroke and North County there was only a small difference in the number of extras between the teams - North County concede 19 [7w] and Pembroke 23 [12w]. But it was a tied score. In another close match involving YMCA [v Pembroke] the difference in extras between the teams was less than the five run winning margin for YMCA. Merrion had a 10 run win over The Hills on 25th June but the balance of extras actually went against them. If it had been the same they would have won by a greater margin. The final game with a close run result was Clontarf v Merrion on the first day of the season when the margin was two runs but again it was the winning side that gave away the higher number of extras. Of course the effect of being over generous with extras [especially wides and no balls] cannot be fully captured in the above statistics. Points can be lost, bowling patterns disrupted and of course teams batting second have a lower total to chase, one which they might not have achieved if the team bowling first had fewer extras. YMCA won by a single wicket on Saturday with one over to go - and had a margin of extras in their favour over Clontarf of 31 runs. It is reasonable to conclude that that is what turned the final result.

The final irony of course is that Clontarf are in poll position to take both titles - OCD1 Champions and Most Generous Team. If it happens that they do not take the former it will almost certainly be because they have secured the latter.