Travel.

Left home at 2 ish. Traffic as expected for a Friday afternoon in July. Congestion around the LHR area on M25. M3 not bad until 3 blokes decided to play bumper cars near Winchester. Minor damage and delay. 'Mobile roadworks' nr West End caused a two mile tailback to the Spitfire Roundabout.

Eventually arrived at B and B. Unusually they had chickens, which pretty much guaranteed, forget the alarm clock. The rooster though, wasn't that noisy. Not in the mood I guess.

Weather as throughout the week was breezy, dry and not that cold, even when floodlights were in use.

Following directions for a short cut to the Rose Bowl, I swear, had I a compass, I went in circle. But a nice freckled faced Hampshire lass, walking her dogs re-directed me, later a couple of lads said, follow us, which I did.

Eventually arrived at Rose Bowl about 6, and the 20 min sprint became a 50 minute trudge, with a tour of Hampshire as a bonus.

Met Beefy and Ken in the Pav (no restrictions at RB on visiting members) where I was queueing for chips. We made up The Rose Bowl Three' though later we encountered a pleasant young man who said his pseudonym was 'Middlesex Infinitum'. Good to see.

And so to the cricket: welcome returns for Shaggy and Bergie. Shaggy paired up with Smith as the 'spin twins' and conceded only 43 runs and took 4 wkts in their 8 overs.

Not to demean the other bowlers contributions who all chipped in. Hendo 3-0-8-2, along with Shaggy opening the bowling, in the power play kept our hosts in check.

Gus spotted us in the mid innings break, popped over and had a word, which was nice of him.

The team played really well tonight, held all of our catches, some brilliant, and apart from an attempted run-out which leaked overthrows, understandably as the pace of the throw had to be quick. Our ground fielding was unblemished as indeed was Hampshire's. The bowling spot on.

We were of course denied the 'Middlesex Three', whereabouts unknown. Rumour, try second dungeon on the left, Tower of London'. Key holders ECB. Beefy thought Finny was out on day release as he said he had spotted him.

Middlesex Innings

Power play overs 1 to 6

I had ribbed Beefy all night that we would bowl out Hampshire for under a ton and thankfully the long shot came up, leaving us a ton to get at less than a run a ball.

We needed to get the run rate up, but without alarms. So a bit twixt and between but we handled that OK.

Warner and Dex opened with The Rocket taking first strike.

Over 1. This produced a cracking square cut for 4 by Warner and a leg bye. Total 5.

Over 2. This produced 12 runs. A lofted 4 by Warner, followed by a leg side clip for 3. Dex then cracked a 4 and a last ball single.

Total 17.

Over 3. This over produced 10 runs. 2 wides made it an 8 ball over, 4 singles and a 4 to Warner. Total 27.

Over 4. Only 6 off the over with 4 dot balls in the onion bag, but Warner square cut another 4 and added a further 2. Total 33.

Over 5. Only 4 off this over, first 3 being dot balls, a good attempt was made by cover point to catch Warner with an aerial shot towards third man.

Over 6. Leaving the best to last as they say. This one went for 16. Starting with a wide, Warner then hit 3 fours in succession, the first a slog, the second a more controlled over the top shot and the last a square cut. This brought up our 50. A leg hit for 2 and a single made the score 53 and half way there, with a fair power play score.

Overs 7 to 15

Overs 7/8/9 produced 11 runs with two wickets to the hosts, The Rocket falling for 43 at 57 with an attempted straight slog over the top, which he didn't quite middle. caught in the deep. Dex fell lbw at 60 for 11 which was the hosts last success.

Over 10 with Shah and Mala now at the wicket brought 9 runs, featuring a boundary second ball to Ace. At this point I have to say, Owais's body language in the field tonight looked pumped up.

Overs 11/12 produced 7 runs as with the finishing line hoving into view, we wanted to make sure we crossed it. A hit for 3, second ball of 12th was as good as it got.

Overs 13/14/15 saw the job done. 8 off 13, Mala a boundary. 11 off 14, two great boundaries to Mala, 2nd and 3rd balls leaving us on 99.

Over 15 or two balls of it, saw a dot and a single to Ace to bring up the winning run. Job done in 14 .2 overs.. Well done lads. Can we have this performance back to back on Sunday!

Epilogue

A very gratifying performance with the conundrum. Why can't we do this more often? Made the trip down well worthwhile.

Good to See Dave Warner get runs, a repeat Sunday Dave would be nice, Hendo, you old dog, you turned the clock back to 2008 last night, as did Shaggy.

This leaves us joint fourth with Brown hats, Hants for QF spot. Notts may await the winner.

I gather from Beefy this morning that ' we got us a Middle convoy' up the M3 this morning as he followed the ZR. I have to say, I didn't hear him beep.

PS: Middlesex Infinitum. Will look out for your future posts on MTWD.