Good Day For Blacksmith

By Mr Groundie
September 20 2009

Mr Groundie tells us all about the last match of the season. In the fullness of time he will also be giving us his unique assessment of the Uxbridge Festival as a whole, while others will tell us all about Nashy's retirement do. But for now, this short, sweet piece tells us all we need to know about a fine Middlesex win in the Pro40. Thanks Groundie, you are truly MTWD.

A lovely day at Uxbridge heralded the final match of the 2009 season. All was set for a bumper crowd, with deep pockets full of cash to throw at the limited attractions.

Rumours of a bust up in the Northants ranks the previous day saw a much reduced side, with five changes to the printed scorecard and most of the big names missing.

Mr Udal won his first toss of the festival and had little hesitation in batting on a dry, dusty surface.

The assembled crowd were all anticipating another hundred from Mr Compton, but alas this time it was not to be. Mr Malan and Mr Henderson pushed the scoring rate on with a breezy partnership.

When Mr Henderson brought up his 50 (although Boje had dropped a sitter) all predictions were turning towards a total of 300+, however he holed out shortly after.

Although the rate eased, Mr Dexter and Mr Simpson pushed the total to 220, which should be at least competitive given the lack of experience in the Northants team; also, Middlesex had included 4 seamers and 4 spinners.

Unfortunately for the crowd – which turned out to be disappointing - the Northants batting never looked like achieving the score.

Mr Murtagh and a fit again Mr Finn both managed to get deliveries to carry to the slip and wicketkeeper region, good efforts. Mr Berg weighed in with 3 wickets, and then enter the spin twins Mr Kartik and Mr Udal who at last enjoyed success on this unfriendly ground for bowlers.

Northants stumbled to around 140 all out and that was it season over.

The crowd of loyal Middlesex diehards were happy with the victory and gave the players a rousing send off from the field of play. A few spots of rain late in the afternoon couldn’t dampen spirits and all in all a capital day’s entertainment was the verdict.