Iceman Returns

By Hayling Panther
September 10 2011

A debut report from Hayling Panther on day three at Cardiff. A very good day for the Middle, the star being Gareth Berg who celebrates his return to the team with career best figures that will have Kimmy swooning! Excellent report, thanks Hayling.

The dictionary tells me that one of these is a Welsh festival of literature, music and performance. Well, Straussy’s written books, Crooky’s in a band but the performance of Day 3 (or was it Day 1) in Cardiff goes to the aptly named Gareth Berg – the Eis-man.
 
It must have been a brave decision to bring the boyo back after a long lay-off particularly as it meant leaving out TRJ after a four-fer in his previous outing. Also a feather in the cap for Crooky who, after all, was brought to us as Bergy’s understudy.
 
As I was still on the train from Portsmouth when the first four wickets fell, I am reliably informed that they were down to lively spells from Murts, Corey and Berg with some sharp slip catching disposing of the first three. A pretty clear LB decision did for Allenby. A useful stand then developed either side of lunch between Billy (or was it Melvyn) Bragg and James (we did check but no relation to Steve James formerly of the Glamorgan parish). These two put on 48 in a stand comprising much playing and missing to Murts and Berg and some clumping fours through a pretty attacking field. Bragg went first to a sharp C&B from Berg then James gave some slip catching practice to Straussy off what seemed to be a slower deliver from Murts. There was some brief resistance from Wallace and Wagg but although Murts had Cosker well caught at cover by Crook it became the iceman show, bowling unchanged with pace and aggression, who did for the Welsh tail. 120-4 had become 157 all out – the 150 had been greeted with rapturous applause from both Glamorgan fans!
 
It was an overcast, humid and drizzly day and batting had obviously not been easy but all credit to Bergy on his comeback and the other boys for a very focussed performance.
 
In the same conditions the Middle got off to a cautious start until the drizzle became heavier and the umpires took the players off. Tea was sensibly taken early but after the drizzle had stopped the umpires inspected once and then called for a further inspection in another 20 minutes. Come on, guys, there’s a promotion to worry about here, could we not have started straight away. I did note that Mallender was one of the umps. I believe he has Northampton connections.
 
When play did resume, Straussy was out LB straight away but Robbo hit 5 nice boundaries in his 21 before he too succumbed LB to the medium pace Allenby. He didn’t seem too pleased with the decision. The popular view was that the rain had in fact livened up the pitch and batting clearly wasn’t easy with much snicking and playing and missing. Mala and Rymps (dropped first ball) didn’t last long but the acting skipper was looking determined despite finding the conditions difficult. He was joined by Simmo who, of the two, looked more at ease with the conditions. Rogers was dropped in the slips on 39 but the 50 partnership soon came up with a four off Cosker over mid wicket then a 4 through the covers next ball. Rogers 50 came up off 73 balls with 6 fours and the day ended with a flurry of shots, an unbroken 90 partnership and first innings lead. Rogers on 81 and Simmo 35. We were visited by a bullish Chairman with the thought that same again tomorrow and we’ve won the match.
 
This had been a very professional performance by the boys in pretty unpleasant conditions in front of a small crowd. It is probably an exaggeration to say that the Middle contingent of about 20 doubled the crowd…but not that far from the truth.
 
This was my first visit to the Swalec which I’m pleased to see is still referred to as Sophia Gardens on the footpath signs leading to the ground. There can’t be any of the old infrastructure left but it is a very functional ground. It’s 20 minutes walk from the station and city centre approached through a park and along the banks of the Taff. There’s a decent pub (or Tafarn – I learnt some of the lingo) right outside the ground which has a good selection of beers and Welsh delicacies on the menu. The Purple Moose and cockles and lava bread come recommended. There seemed to be loads of car parking close to the ground and, in my view, a better facility than its rival, the Rose Bowl, which is stuck in the middle of nowhere with no amenities.
 
The big issue of the day was whether to stay for day 4 (or was it day 2). A decision had to be made by 2pm for hotel cancellation purposes. Despite encouragement from Kimmy, Beefy and others who had seen no cricket in two days, sadly head (with weather forecast and wallet input) ruled over heart and the trek back to Hampshire took place after close of play. In writing this I note that play has commenced on time on day 2/4. Doh!
 
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day’s cricket, in good company and in a ground and town that I’d quite like to go back to. Let’s hope the wise words of the Chairman come to fruition.
 
See you all at Grace Road…come on the Middle!