hits the winning runs

By Chambers
August 1 2011

Our rookie reporter Chambers reports on a short day at Lords as Middlesex survive a few scares to go within touching distance of leaders Northants. We hear all about her morning, keeping us up to dates on events on and off the field, including something about a vibrator???. Thanks Chambers agood read...

So Monday was my first real day off for three months, and had thoughts of exciting things like unpacking and loading the washing machine. Then came a text from comebackgatt asking whether I was 1. Going to the cricket Monday and 2. If so could I do a report? Informed Hubby and then texted him back saying yes & yes. Mind you having checked Ceefax yesterday it looked for awhile that there would be no cricket to watch. But 91 to get makes it worthwhile popping along.

Up in good time to pack salad that I made last night and set off for West Hampstead station, stopping along the way to buy some custard tarts (ooo...sorry CBG I know they are your favourites) On arrival took my place in the Compton Stand just as Messrs Bainton and Kettleborough were making their way down the steps, followed by the Derbyshire team and then Sam Robson and Scott Newman to warm applause from those die herds that were there.

HOUR ONE

I must say that I like to sit on my own at cricket (unless someone takes me), I enjoy the peace and semi quiet and can relax, well hopefully today anyway.  I remember quite a few years ago when the Nursery End was like a building site and the quiet was disturbed by dreadful hammering. Anyway back to the cricket.  First over goes for just a single for Robbo but with the third ball of the second Palladino finds the edge of Sam’s bat and Madsen takes the catch and it is 1-1. So no 10 wicket win for us then. A few boundaries from Chris Rogers (who I’m sure would love to hit the winning run against his old mates) and Newman steady the news until... oh crumbs...Newman is lbw to the same bowler for 9 and the score now 18-2. Still 93 to get. Ah ha enter my fav. Dawid Malan , come on boy see us through. Vibrator goes off (steady boys I meant my mobile in my pocket), it’d CBG asking the score... I tell him..”Help” comes the reply, no faith some people. Shortly after he texts again, this time work related, I’ll ring him at Lunch.four leg byes and I forget myself and cheer!! Hell this is going all wrong my boy has nicked a catch behind off Groenewald for just a single and it is 25-3!! It can’t really happen can it? So much for relaxing, I’m a nervous wreck!! Enter the skipper.

HOUR TWO

Dex immediately hits a couple of four’s to calm me down a bit. I update CBG with score and tell him I will ring him at lunchtime with more updates and ask about his second text. These two have now steadied the buffs a hit and I’m feeling happy, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and I’m watching Middlesex win, what could be better on a Monday morning (sure beats due the washing).

Comfort break needed, but have not missed much. The runs continue to flow from the bats of Rogers and Dexter and the score has moved nicely to 75-3 needing just 16 to win. Looks like an early lunch for me. I consider tucking in now but decide to wait until 1.00 or victory before doing so.

What could be the last over now, bowled by Smith, Dex hits a four and then a single and then Rogers thumps the ball to the boundary and we are home. Hey I was right Chris did hit the winning runs. Well done to all the boys, Dex and Buck putting on 66 from 12.4 overs to see us home. 23 points take us just 5 behind Northants, with a game in hand, and 20 ahead of third place Gloucestershire. Next up are the leaders next week at Lord’s, I’m going to be here for that.

Right, Lunch next which I shall take my time eating, then ring CBG and then home to type up this report and then the damn washing I suppose.