Far from home

By Barmy Kev
July 19 2014

At close of play Barmy Kev reports on a mixed day for Middlesex, weather wise and how he got stuck in. 

Heading off to Scarborough for potentially four days of cricket and mayhem. Most Middlesex fans I know who travel away earmarked this fixture once announced.  Leaving similar time to Notts game for my previous venture there were already similarities this Saturday  heavy drizzle on leaving London and a mini I pad recharger crisis. The recharger was not working which is my lifeline for reports and general internet updates. There was a spare one in house. The Mrs elected me to have it, although sure her need greater than mine . Thank you dear.  On theme of Nottingham I'm sure the "rowdy rabble " will have a good time but  I really do not want that sinking feeling of despair for cricket reasons on journey home.

On journey up weather looks gloomier the further north I get. At 11 Beefy texts it is dry in Scarborough so there's hope.  Indeed blue sky , high cloud, sun and it's  fairly warm as. I arrive in Scarborough. 

In ground at just before 1.00 I'm disappointed having won toss Yorkies are 28 0 but with 2 runs an over run rate runs clearly hard to come by. I fall over as take seat not having had drink.  Score rate started to increase since my arrival and was relieved to see Lees caught behind off TRJ . The blue clouds turned to grey and lunch was 10 minutes early as rain trickled with score 66 1.

Soon after lunch Kane was not Abel to dig out one that kept low from Hi Fi. Same over a very strong LBW shout not given 92 3 would have been good. At 114 2 the heavens truly opened up with the some thunder to follow. I could not foresee any more play today so checked in hotel. The hotel was further away than I thought and managed to get stuck in lift for 5 minutes. By the time I got settled at 4:45  Beefy texted to say play restarting at 5;00. 

I arrived no more wickets down with Gale forcing pace either playing and missing or middling for 4. Lyth had a live in 70s as dropped in gulley seemed easy from here. Vociferous Yorkis fans were making and some random chants including there's only one Gubb in Gubbins. In same place as dropped catch with similar shot Gale was caught by Bucko for our 1st bonus point with score on 177.  Lyth brings up his ton with edge through 3rd slip. Bringing up his 113 he became first LVCC div 1 player to reach 1000 runs. Biggest cheer of day was when struggling Bairstow finally got off the mark. He was shortly put out of misery for painful 5. Leaning was not inclined to score and was bowled for TRJ. Same over Rashid dropped difficult one behind. 208 6 would be good. 211 y6 as Adam run out of Lyths as caught spectacularly by AC off Impressive Helm. It looked like Simmo dropped Bresnan next ball. Soon off for bad light 7,27 score 211 6 .   

I'll finish by saying what a lovely proper cricket ground is. I like the it's rustic look with Coronation Street like backdrop. The locals are most welcoming too. Despite our position I'm looking forward to tomorrow and won't be using hotel lifts.