Cheers

By Barmy Kev
August 10 2015

Barmy Kev reports on all 4 days of this intriguing match from his many viewing angles

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Day 1

I’m at work in the office. Such days I’m relying on discrete peeps on crick info. for updates. I saw line up with Ravi in, which delighted me. Our openers got off to slow start and in one click were both suddenly out.  I really only had sneak previews of our potential recovery. Just before 5 my workday is finishing and see Mala is 93 not out. I texted Fozzie “I don’t want to curse anything but if AC gets ton are you able to take picture? “  As my screen refreshed he was out. Next text “feck what have I done”. Fozzie was partially responsible as he said went to loo. After this was able to keep more regular tabs. I was hoping we would reach 250, just short. Sussex seemed to get off to flier but having one wicket down I say Sussex slight favourites.

Day 2

This was day where courtesy of Fozzie prize draw we had a day as guests of our committee.  Slight contrast to our Boyzone experience last week. Cricket wise arrived at ground at 11:30 heard a very loud appeal as walked in, sounded out not given.  Loudest applause of day champagne was poured as we heard the Ashes won. Mrs Fozzie said 3 times we needed a wicket and it never looked like happening and Ollie was suffering. 2^nd loudest applause was when Ravi was eventually put on. At this stage I was in the Committee Box helping myself to what was on offer and Ravi achieved a wicket with Fozzie describing how Machan was bamboozled by the turn. Our lunch in the Committee Room started before official lunch.  All I can say is what a wonderful meal. As much I was enjoying it, I was missing the cricket and heard Ravi got another one. From outside the Committee Room  I had a view of match watching Ravi strangling the batsmen.  The now scoreboard only view as enjoying my ice cream and port was seeing Wright’s score hardly moving then out followed by another from Ravi. Unfortunately the atmosphere in the Room revolved round the next course.  As we moved on comment of day was from Mrs Barmy asking why we had a Spanish Flag-pointing to MCC coloured flag.  We were able to see a trickle of wickets, with some useful stands. I said anything below 300 would be good for us and total was exactly 300.  Next aim was tricky period trying surviving to close with scores nearly level.  We did with Robbo making 40+ and Gubbo 3. The single that bought up his 3 was met with the 3^rd loudest cheer of the day.  We ended up close to parity which never looked possible at one stage.

Day 3 

So this was a day in open without the worry of dress codes and other factors. Gubbo out for useful time out of game 10 but clearly not happy with decision as it seemed to hit sleeve. Robbo even more useful and feeling was anything set above 200 would be tough as pitch seemed to be taking spin if Zanari was anything to go by. There was at lunch the Seaxe do, which was not as opulent as committee but still welcoming and more focus on the cricket. We were building useful partnerships and target could be challenging. There was even talk of declarations.  Then oddly Ollie Robinson their fast bowler was bowling spin and perhaps my derisory comment lead to two wickets from him in successive overs. Ravi must be licking his lips.  Mala was on 92 for ages. I daren’t move or text anyone. There was strong appeal turned down. He made it to 100 and I was mightily relieved more so I could finally go to loo. It was nice to chat with Rod Ed at end. TRJ out adjudged LBW last over and don’t think I have ever seen someone so reluctant to accept decision (I later discovered  it hit keepers pads). With game nicely set up with us now favourites I was disappointed going to miss the last day.  Today was fantastic day of ebb and flow.

Finally get picture

Day 4

I’m working from home, where in between work tasks I have good Kevin Hand view. I logged on to him 11:10 and was peeved we were all out.  In run chase of 265 commentator mentioned he was last at Lords for Harris 9fer. His first ball achieved a wicket, another for him off 2nd over and on to follow from 3^rd. There was useful partnership up to lunch and was relieved when tuning in hearing Yardy out just after lunch. With Luke Wright around there is always a danger especially as he was taking a liking to Ravi.  I really thought we were safe once he was out. We have 5 wickets down but next partnership Nash/ Brown takes score close to double figures within target. My work ethic was suffering and Kevin Hand’s ability to sound like we have taken a wicket when we hadn’t didn’t help my blood pressure. Mrs Barmy was at home and could hear my despair, she remembered Saturday and said bring that little guy (Ravi) on.  She also asked what Gubbins is doing.  Massive relief of Nash out with 102 needed. Hi-Fi is in commentary box, speaking modestly of his success and clearly behind our team.  We had appeals turned down, balls flying through slips and eventually some wickets. My work shift finished on last wicket stand of 50 needed. I was relaxed until it got in 30’s, 20’s and Brown nearly single handedly leading them home. Then from nowhere heard there was a catch on boundary with no build up to it but who cares.  Big cheer from home, we are safe from relegation . My mood is spoilt when hear of -1 over rate points deduction.