By Seaxe Man and Gary Edgar
August 23 2006

Seaxe Man with help from Gary Edgar reports on a long weekend from Cold Trafford. As well as hoping for Middlesex win he was optimistic of Fulham pulling off a shock againt Man Utd. However, the weather and Fulham's defence put a dampner on matters for our intrepid reporter.

Overview - Drove up Fri morning leaving at 6.20 and arriving at The Old
Trafford Lodge at 10.30. The drive up was the worst long distance drive
weatherwise that I have ever experienced. For the best chunk of 200
miles it was like driving through Victoria and Niagra Falls combined. The spray
factor being considerable. However the ZR and my fellow motor way
drivers were up to it. So arrived without any problems. The major surprise was
that there was any play on Friday.

1st day Thur - For these observations I am indebted to Gary Edgar (the
Yeading fan) who went up on Wed. The scoring was slow and attracted
critism from the locals. Compo especially being singled out. This point of view
ignored one or two factors. First - it was a slow wicket. Second -
Lanky had semi defensive fields throughout, with a fine leg and third man out
even for the new ball. Third - Gary reported that the Lanky bowling was short
and wide for the most part and allowed the batters to ignore much of what
was directed at them. The highlight of the day was an unbeaten 73 by Ace
who batted with restraint. A good team player. Overnight 148 - 3 off 59.4
overs,play aborted 1 hour before tea by yet another deluge.

2nd day Fri - After overnight and early morning rain an attempt was
made to start at 1.40. As soon as the players came out however - murk and rain
returned. So back to the Pav. Play eventually started at 3.30 in conditions
far from ideal for batting.

Pre Tea session - the score was advanced by Ace and Walrus to from
148-3 to 194-3 Shah 95 Styris 22. As you can judge, the score was boosted by a
lot extras.The pick of the boundaries was a straight drive by Ace and a powerful
pulled 4 by Walrus. A feature was the continuous chirping from wicketkeeper
Sutton which prompted a Lanky member to ask me who was making the noise. I
directed him towards Sutton which met with his approval.

Post Tea session - Amazingly the sun came out at times during this
session although initially the light was poor and Keedy and Smith formed the
attack. Shah immediately square drove Smith for 4 taking him to 99. Sutton then
missed a stumping off Keedy. Styris being the beneficiary. Shah then
off drove Keedy for 4 to bring up a well deserved century. (247m 167b 13
4's 16)> This proved to be his last scoring short as he was taken at slip
shortly after. 199 -4. The skies had now brightened and Walrus brought up the
200 with a leg glance. 2 wickets were to fall quickly however as firstly
Morganplayed on to Smith for 8. 214-5. A lot now depended on the triumvirate
of Styris/Weeksey/Nashie to raise a decent score. And although Walrus fell
at 218 for a useful 39 given out LBW sweeping which looked a trifle harsh
given he was well forward. 218-6. Light was now gloomy again with blue sky in
the distance. But the Legends were now in harness with at last some brief
sunshine. The new ball was taken in the 93rd over with Nash facing
Cork Hogg resumed at the Statham End. Third man and fine leg were out even
for Cork. The 250 came up in the 100th over when Weekes nudged Hogg through
the slip region. 2 batting points garnered. The Legends dogged stand took
the score to 258 for 6 at the close Weeksey 20 Nashie 18. In the course of
which they saw off the new ball attack which a) was semi defensive in field
placement and b) not too many balls needed to be played.

3rd day - this can be summed up quickly. Again after further rain a
start was made at 11.45. This lasted 8 mins until the rains returned during
which time 2 overs were bowled and 4 runs added. Close 262-6.

4th day - although there was still drizzle an enquiry from Brian the
gateman elicited the info that quote' the MIddlesex captain has agreed to play
although conditions are not ideal '. Had a chat with Jason Pooley on
the boundary and he felt that we could still raise 10 or 11 points from the
game. My reply - I'LL drink to that.

1st session - we resumed at 262-5. Weeksey immediately hit Keedy for 2
4's in the first over. 10 runs off the over and a good start. Presumably
playwas agreed given the condition that the slower bowlers formed the
attack. Soit was Keedy/Astle. Cork had left the field with a heavy limp. Weeksey
went caught bat/pad and an obdurate stand of 76 between the Legends had
stabilised the ship. 294-7. Pepsi joined Nash who promply off drove
Keedy for 3 to bring up the 300 in the 116th over. Nash completed a well
earned 50 with a sweep for 3 off Keedy. Pepsi made a swift 16 before charging
down the wicket to Astle. 331-8. Can we make 350? Chad went for 5. 348-9. Jolow
came in and scored the required 2 immediately whereupon we declared leaving
Nashie on an excellent 68no. 350-9 declared. Time about 12.10. I then
took an early lunch before departing to see the football disaster.   (editor note Seaxe Man is a Fulham fan-5-1 to Man U)  

2nd session - at football disaster. On my return Lanky were 207-2. I am
assured by David the Lanky fan from Blackpool that Mal Loye's century
was very entertaining. My arrival coincided with his century and then
dismissal stumped by Nash. 215-3. Everyone then trudged off for tea.

3rd session - amazingly we had so far managed a full day's play and the
sun came out to the cheers of the sparse crowd of about 100 or so
spectators. With 25+ overs left it was of course the Lanky target to equal our
score which seemed likely and which they duly did, thanks to a rapid 21 by
Cork assisted by Law who had retired hurt on 41 and returned with a runner.
Cork did'nt fancy running himself as he had an injured leg and most of his
runs came in boundaries, three off one Chad over. Other useful Lanky
contributions came from Astle/Sutton/Hogg and Smith. Keegan wrapped up
their innings at 362 bowling Keedy. So it was handshakes all round and
trooping off honours even. Our out cricket was good in this session, the bowlers
sticking to their task and no catches were dropped. Compo and Styris
took a couple of good catches and the chances behind the wicket were all
accepted.

Summary - in a rain ravaged Manchester - I guess we have to be
satisfied with a bonus Pro40 win by D/L method ( but immensely justified ) and a
drawn 4 day game. Those who saw Ace's 125no on Wed night, said it was worth
the entrance fee alone. Little could be done other than what was done in
the 4day game, given the time lost. So it it is on to Uxbridge Thurs to
play the tourists and then another away trip for me at Scarborough.

PS - I can recommend The Old Trafford Lodge. Lanky have excellent
facilities and the Lodge price includes car parking and the daily match ticket.