By Barmy Kev
November 12 2022
Here is the start of three parter on Barmy Kev's unique perspective on the Middlesex roller coaster ride on achieving promtion.
August what had seemed like a lifetime with Tiddlywinks cricket. Then us not playing the next round of proper cricket in September, we have three crucial games deciding what division we will be in next season. The first one of these, an absolute must win game against Glamorgan who are 8 or was it 9 points above us? I am happy to retrospectively report on my hazy recollections of this match. Thereafter even more vivid on the other two, as a three parter to reflect on our roller coaster journey to Division 1
Day 1 I almost forgot it was a 10.30 start. I suddenly rushed made the tribute to Her Majesty, God bless you Mam. We win toss Glam batting first two overs two wickets , we are going to walk this. There were some annoying partnerships up till lunch. Then at 165-8 managing 200+, with bonus points crucial I was thinking this is slipping away already. Higgins 4 wickets from what seemed the worse bowling of day was talking point. In response we lost an early wicket, then Rocky and Eski steadied matters. Due to a work commitment I had to leave Lord's with us comfortably 90-1. When I arrived at St John’s Wood’s station my phone told me we lost 3 quick wickets, all to Harry we are 92 for effing 4. I ignored my phone for a while and when switched on find Rocky and Simmo see us safely to early close due to inevitable seasonal weather.
Day 2 I decided to continue with my regular walking football sessions on a Wednesday morning. I am due to arrive at Lord’s lunch time. Meanwhile in between my football break , checking my phone our fifth wicket partnership seemed unbreakable and more good partnerships. Another St. John’s Wood to Lord’s moment. Happy to achieve 3 bonus points , with 8 wickets down and a massive lead , expected some kind of declaration. There was a later lunch than I expected and walked into ground learning in 110th over we lost a crucial wicket. Could this bonus point be costly? When Glamorgan responded with massive opening partnership I’m now thinking every run counts and can understand not declaring , we need to win this game. This was also day of my good friend London Lepreachaun’s 70th landmark birthday. David Lloyd was 70 not out and texted her saying happy David Lloyd birthday. Next ball he was out. I couldn’t think of anyone who had just given birth to text but tactic didn’t matter Northeast was out for 0. There was a massive Glam collapse to follow. The day finished again early Glam 6-8. This in the bag, even we can’t lose from here LL’s David Lloyd celebration was all the sweeter.
Day 3- Would have loved to be present. I was working to 11am. Rocky was in a hurry we did walk it . Notts suprisingly lossed we are better placed for protmotion. I'm checking hotels in Leicester What could possibly go wrong on every account?