Looming Landmarks: Players nearing milestones

At the start of the year I set out a list of those who might envisage reaching landmarks during 2013 and what they need to achieve that. As always I prepare such a list before the season starts it is only later that I learn of some who do not play at all or only once or twice. In 2013 there are about 9 of these in all so I am leaving them out. However I will make special mention for you of some within, say, a snick or two of getting there if they should appear before the season end.

For those playing regularly this year who might get there the position, including all matches in Divisions 1 and 2 played up to and including today, 31^st July, (except only Leinster II v Balbriggan for which I have not yet got a card) the position is as follows:-

Target             Name                   Original             Still needed       Matches played in 2013

12,000             AC Botha             463                    116                    12

10,000             JP Bray               340                      54                    10

  9,000             N Shoukat           297                      44                    11

  6,000             DT Johnston        434                    337                      6

  5,000             JF Mooney           502                    307                     7

  3,000             J Morrissey          147                      62                    10          4 DNB

  3,000             FP McAllister        439                    122                    10

  2,000             JW Govan            219                     68                      6

  2,000             C Dickeson           245                     85                      8

  2,000             D Lucas               290                     95                      8

  2,000             R Lawrence           302                    108                     9

As a matter of interest the runs scored by David Lucas were split between Leinster 1 (53 in 4 matches) and Leinster 2 (142 in 4 Matches)

Wickets

300                  DT Johnston           14                       5                      6

200                  B Whaley               6                        4                      3

The following are those who started the season needing very few and either have not played at all or very little. One or two appearances, if the opportunity arose, could be enough to achieve his target.

6,000               C Morgan                 55                    36                    Only played once

4,000               C Mullen                  10                    10                    Retired I understand

4,000               PJ Byrne                  41                    34                    Only played once on Firsts

                                                                                                  but appears regularly on seconds

2,000               Sameer Dutt               7                      7                    Umpiring regularly

2,000               Michael O’Brien           49                    49                    Occasional Seconds.

And then of course there is Lewy.  Started this season, and a number in the past, needing only a handful of wickets to achieve the rare double of 5,000 runs and 500 wickets. This year the figure required is down to 4 (having been reduced from 8 in 2011) but he has only bowled once without reducing that further. Might be unkind to highlight this for a man who is a highly respected cricketer. Next year he will be 50 on 1^st June and who would one back against him achieving that double in his 50^th year