Which local team will disappoint me today?

If you're a Canadian  who's previously come to this site and occasionally been bemused to find me writing about obscure English football teams you know nothing about and care even less, well hang on to your hat, because here's some cricket for you! 

Today was the final day of the 2010 County Championship in England, with three teams still in contention for the title, including my home county Yorkshire (Yorkshire? like the puddings? that's right! stick with me).  Weather had caused havoc with the last round of games, meaning the other two teams in with a chance ended up drawing their games, and a win would have given Yorkshire the title.  It was always going to be tough, as lots of time had been lost to rain over the first 3 days (days? yep! keep going), but some quick runs and a declaration could leave enough time to bowl Kent out.  They started well, and at 93-1, a lead of 52 runs, they were giving themselves a chance.

So what happened? they lost their remaining 9 wickets for 37 runs, in 55 balls and 44 minutes.  Kent only needed 90 runs for the win, and the fact that they managed to lose 6 wickets when chasing that total just added salt to the wound.  That left Yorkshire in 3rd, and just like that, sporting misery was once again clutched from the jaws of achievement.  Sigh.

For Canadian readers still with me, here's a reward for your perseverance.  English cricketer Andrew Flintoff retired today, here's what he thought was acceptable behaviour for the England  vice-captain in the middle of the 2007 world cup.

"There was water involved and a pedalo as well. But I don't want to go into detail. I don't think my life was in danger."

Legend!