75 and run out

By Barmy Kev
August 12 2011

A mixed up Barmy Kev reports on a day of mixed fortunes for Middlesex , mixed weather and a mix up with the rubbish. Read on.

I woke and it was peeing down.   Personally it was not bad news, the weather forecast promised a shower and would brighten up later.   I could not make the 11.00 start anyway and was clear they wouldn’t start on time.     The shower was prolonged and heard there would be an early lunch 12:30 and 1:10 start. I may even make it on time!

In fact I managed to get to ground on time for 1:10 start, it was not raining, but because of a previous shower match due to start 1:40.   This was our token pavilion day, I was suited and booted wearing a bright lime green shirt. Usual suspects were suitably dressed and Beefy was asked whether he pleaded guilty on more than one occasion. 

We lost the toss and were put in and really felt was bad toss to lose. I was in Long Room as Newman and Robson came out to bat.  I nearly said to Newman will see you soon, but decided against it.  In fact this nearly happened Vaas had very strong appeal, LBW turned down 4^th ball. Think he might of got an inside edge. Vaas had an appeal every over and Newman looked uncomfortable. There was a hook way up in air just behind keeper. A dolly for a deep backstop. However, it was the more comfortable looking Robson out caught behind for 13, with score 22.

Soon after it rained- I’m sure I heard that it would brighten up in afternoon and players went off. It was a 20-minute shower and then it did brighten up.  There was an announcement at 3:05 that early tea would be taken at 3:30 and play would commence 3:50.  Pathetic we already lost a morning’s play and had lost time to make up for. There were some very choice words in Middlesex Room.

Play did restart with 46 crucial overs to follow. Rogers was playing circumspectly and Newman started to accelerate.  There were some brutal shots. The 50 partnership was bought up in no time of which Rogers contributed 9. Newman 50 came up soon after. Not announced by Mr Perambulator yet he regularly announced test score. Pathetic.    Lower Pav was getting very excited about innings although we were not quite at same level of boisterousness as previous CB40 game.  Chanting in pavilion does not go together, although me and Lower Pav did ask the question in a song to Newman " are you Bradman in disguise?" Newman was dropped at 2^nd slip in 60’s and looked like he would make them pay. At 123-1, it was looking a good toss to lose and Newman looked well set. Then an attempted single to cover, was never there if a direct hit. Wakeley Wakeley, did hit and run out.   This was very disappointing as we really were hopeful of a ton.

The whole game changed as Vaas took 3 very quick wickets and suddenly was a bad toss to lose. We were reflecting on if only that run wasn't taken. Just before close Rogers made it to 50, not announced, and hoped he would take us to close until he chopped on to his stumps. There was one scare of appeal against Simpson, which I assume they thought he hit it against foot and then caught. We were relieved Simpson TRJ took us to close but psychologically a 200-bonus point would have been nice. However, there is something in this wicket and can’t see batting easy for Northants.

Ironically as play finished at 6:30 there was bright sunshine. Perfect cricket conditions.

After game I was honoured to present Dial M player of month.

Spot the Murts?

Sponsors do followed which is always very enjoyable.  Our players seemed to be very hungry, understandably. Two absent MTWDers won prizes in draw.   We offered to help clear up.  A few carried crates of wine bck to shop and I offered to take big bag of rubbish out. I was chatting with everyone on way out and followed them to shop with wine crates and was about to put it down with them, when realised it was a bag of rubbish. Beefy was in pain with laughter, you had to be there.

A quick drink at Tavern where saw people I had said goodbye to half an hour earlier.  Andrew Hall was being very sociable to Middlesex die-hards there.   

A good day had by all cricket wise and socially. Just shame no common sense taking into account the weather.