Bears set to emulate 1911 triumph

I have a sneaky feeling that Warwickshire are going to record a glorious and poignant triumph this year by winning the championship exactly 100 years after Frank Foster's magnificent side first brought the title to Edgbaston in 1911.

Poignantly, the Bears will clinch the title on the very last day of the season, just as Foster's men did. And even more poignant than that, they will do so after bowling out Hampshire at the Rose Bowl in the nick of time just as Foster's team skittled Northamptonshire with rain looming. And just as, back on the night of August 28, 1911, Foster and his players stayed up all through the night before the crucial final day, drinking and playing cards and billiards in the hotel bar to keep the tension at bay, Troughton and his team will spend the entire night of September 14, 2011 in the hotel bar, just to be sure of taking the field in a relaxed and tension-free state on the vital final morning of the season.

Ah yes, it's going to be groovy this year. We all know what a nightmare Warwickshire suffered with the bat in 2010 but, intriguingly, every single player in their top and middle order has a lot to prove this season. When the going gets tough...

Last year they floundered as a unit. This time they will collectively thrive.

I predict that Warwickshire will win the championship, reach the Clydesdale 40 semi-final and fail to qualify from the Twenty20 group stage. However I would be very interested to hear predictions from people who do know what they are talking about.

I welcome all forecasts as to Warwickshire's fortunes in the three main competitions this season. Anyone who gets all three correct will be able to choose from a selection of illustrious prizes: a Colchester United parking voucher (February 2010), a Walsall v Dagenham & Redbridge ticket stub (slightly soiled), and a match-worn Walsall v Bristol Rovers team-sheet.

Please place your predictions by 6.37pm on Thursday April 14 and nominate your preferred prize.