Pre season win in the sun


Retired at 90

By Barmy Kev's mole
April 5 2007

No anorak required on this hot summer day for my spy to describe an excellent pre season win at the Merchant Taylors ground. Only down side is the rest of our team were deprived of some serious batting practise.

A good day’s cricket at Merchant Taylors on a very warm and sunny day. Very different from previous pre-seasons here that have often been 4 jumper and hand warmer days. 

According to official team sheet Gloucestershire won the toss and batted in a 50 over game. The Middlesex side was: Hutton, Compton, Shah, Smith, Godleman, Nash(WK), Scott, Murtagh, Johnson, Silverwood, Richardson and Whelan. 11 from 12 to bat with Peploe also coming on for a few overs towards the end. 

The early bowling was very good on a helpful wicket and both Kadeer Ali and Spearman were out in Silvers first two overs to make Gloucs 4 for 2. Silvers, Johnno, Richo and Murto (?) all bowled well and with Whelan chipping in for one Gloucs were 95 for 5 off 29. 

A good stand by Hodnett (88no) and Hardinges (42no) saw them to 202-5 off 50 overs on a steadily improving wicket. Also some good fielding and well taken catches. 

Bowling figures 

Silverwood 2-27 off 10

Johnson 1-35 off 11

Richardson 0-43 off 11

Murtagh 1-14 off 6

Whelan 1-34 off 5

Peploe 0-31 off 5

Hutton 0-11 off 2 

Hutton and Compton opened and batted sensibly early on and paced the innings well (if only England could do the same), in fact so well that they retired out together with the score on 168-0 with 11 overs to go. Seemed on odd decision as at the time Ben was in the 90’s and Nick was well past his 50. Smith and Shah then came in with 35 needed off 11 and Ace was soon out trying to lift the ball over the in field. Billy G then joined Ed and the remaining runs were knocked off easily. So a win by 9 wickets or was it 7? 

A good, professional display with all the fast bowlers looking fit. Richo did have an ice pack on his elbow, but looked only precautionary. Useful time in the middle for the batters who got in and overall the spirit looked better than at times last year. 

Chad was rested as he had taken a bang on his left elbow batting in the nets but ‘nothing to worry about’. 

Other players there having a ‘middle net’ included Finn, Jackson, Malan and Evans. 

Both Pybus and Kartik due to arrive next week.

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