Quiet Opening Numbers – relatively speaking

I arrived at Rose Bowl and took my seat in 6th over of Kent v Essex game. I initially felt overwhelmed and nervous in anticipation of our semi.  I found it difficult to show any initial enthusiasm towards the game happening.  I don’t do games as neutral well generally and get worked up prior to any big game involving a team that I support passionately. 

I realised I needed to get into the occasion and try to follow what was happening. So I got into spirit with my first chant of day, which came with help of Barmy Paul from a Foster missed stumping  was  “ull never play 4 England” .  

Shortly after, Ronnie Irani walked round towards our section, of ground and the Essex fans did the usual “Earanee , Earanee” chorus.  Paul and I with memories of Southgate retorted, as he was acknowledging his "loyal following" of “ wear’s ur I Scream van, wear’s ur I Scream van?”  On his journey back to show originality it was our effort of  “ ur only ear 4 the ice cream, ear 4 the I scream”  , which was saluted by Ronnie in our direction in some way using fingers and hand movements.

During a quiet moment before a ball for some reason we would shout out  "Common Tim".  Not sure if we suddenly adopted Essex's Tim Phillips as a hero or anticipation of our Murts or just a futile attempt to creare a Henman Hill like atmosphere.

As Essex were scoring heavily early on, they were supported by their fans with monotonous “ Essex Essex” shouts” –it needed to be sang back “ u only no 1 song, u only no 1 song ” .   Mind you how many more do we really know?, But never mind that for now.  

There was another “U’ll never play 4 England” , when Errant Jones fumbled. There was also a poor “Middle Middle Middle Brook Brook Brook ” chant effort that really didn’t take off towards end.  But as the quiet Kent fans respectably accepted victory and previously vociferous Essex fans were quietened by collapse, it seemed overall a subdued start atmospherically,   

It’s Getting Hot Hot Hot 

Maybe it was the previous 40/40 experience against  Durham, followed by Worcester debacle but I felt pessimistic, 10 minutes before start of our game. But as soon as the sun shone brightly, the  team came out, there was a feeling of pride and yes we can win this.    

It was us there,  on pitch. The usual “Middle Middle Middle ….Sex Sex Sex Sex” and “Middlesex la la la chants” resounded from East stand with no personal encouragement to get this going.  

Dot ball, Dot ball and wicket from Dial M.  I was too shocked to sing. I could hear from Upper East“ Super Super Tim. Super Super Tim, Super Super Tim. Super Timmee Murtagh. As this superb over continued this chant got louder and louder as he made his way to our corner of ground to rapturous applause.   Proud moment. 

Durham's innings started to ebb and flow, our spinners restricted run rate and Chanderpoor seemed content to push and prod and accumulate runs more to our satisfaction, than Durham’s.   Once he showed similar respect to Malan’s bowling,  it had to be chanted “ur only ear 4 ur average, ear 4 ur average”, followed by “ r u  Benning in disguise?” The biggest cheer from Durham fans was when Joyce carelessly caught Chanders in deep, allowing Pollock and Plunkett to hit out at end. ( there was humour amongst us replacing their opening P's with B's)

Our solid response prompted a shout of “Hoo needs Andy Strauss, wen weev got Godleman”. And Harmy and Colly and maybe Mustard were reminded “ U'll never play 4 England” .

After losing 2 wickets and as make or break move, the Blacksmith came out to bat. There was the usual “Henderson, Henderson”  ( if you sit at least half  mile away from us you know how it goes) chant.   When he was absolutely demolishing, Durham it seemed appropriate to ask “ R u watching Chanderbore, R u watching Chanderbore?” After 3 sixes followed by single, tongue in cheek it was a case of “boring, boring Hendo”. With 5 overs to go, 2 runs required, I had to state vocally in a song “ We only need 2 runs, we only need 2 runs”. We showed sympathy for the Durham fan in front of me in despair, by reminding him also in a song   “ You only need 8 more wickets, need 8 more wickets.” 

Of course we did it and we were celebrating “Champions leeg we r avin a larf, Champions leeg we r avin a larf”.  

That that was exhausting despite ease of win.  I thought I would have a quiet perambulation around the exterior of ground to reflect.  Do you think that would happen and how loud was I at end??  A few more twists and tails to follow from East Stand  to be revealed after a at least 24hr commercial break.  Matron!!! 

To be continued….Very soon.  

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