A Comp Ton

By Ayling Panther and Ammersmith Les
May 20 2015

Our two QPR and MTWD stalwarts report on Day 3.  We hear about a mainly good day for the Middle but there is more criticism with the Waiting for Ageas Bowl venue. There is a mention of our lucky omen arriving that was missing from their journey home. Read on for the CATalogue of events that happened

The previous evening saw an exchange of texts. "Pity we're not going to see the new Aussie" followed by the realisation that actually we might if things go horribly wrong. Oh we of little faith!

The secondary objective of this piece, agreed at Hove with Kev, was to report on the woodland walk from Hedge End station. We were pleased to see a University of Southampton sign indicating an area of wildflower preservation but, to sum up, we saw a few weeds and some dandelions. And a dead cat. We took this to be an omen and proceeded to the ground.

The day was very windy and sunny but with heavy showers predicted. Luckily the new stands at the Ageas protected us from the wind and, in fact, fleeces were off as the match resumed.

Compo and the Kiwi batted carefully against some probing Hants bowling. Fidel seemed to be more hostile than I recollect and the youngster, Wheals, had some pace too. Franklin's early departure let in Dex who looked pretty comfortable but the big innings wasn't to be. Five down for 150 looked ominous...again. Cometh the hour, though, and cometh the Compo plus batters 7 to 11. Careful progress was made but bad balls were despatched including a six by Simmo. Olly looked calm in supporting Compo whose ton came up with a square cut off Edwards and a whoop of joy. May this be the first of many.

Pre-tea thoughts of not only avoiding the follow on but maybe another bonus point and a Hants lead of less than 100 were soon to diminish though with 3 quick wickets.

Compo wasn't happy with his lbw decision. We thought we heard 2 noises but maybe it was just disappointment at not going on to a really big one. Jimmy and Olly soon followed but whatever Hampshire had had for tea had obviously been shared with Toby and Finny. What a joyful last wicket stand. Toby brought up the 300 with 3 fours in an over off Fidel who then proceeded to stomp off (as he had also done when he wasn't given the new ball). The best 10th wicket Middx stand of 84 versus Hants came within sight but the boys fell 9 short. Who really cares  - it was a pleasure to watch and, in reality, meant  we weren't now going to lose (compare with previous evening's pessimism). A couple of overs then the rain came and that was it for the day.

It was odd that Hants persevered with the expensive Wheals and Edwards during that last wicket stand but interesting that the quicker bowlers of both sides went for a few and the ones with a bit less pace - Dex, Bergy, Tomlinson - were very economical and took a few wickets.

A hard earned good day for The Middle. Some backbone at last. Maybe building on the Taunton and Old Trafford experiences of last year. Not always pretty but avoiding defeat can be like that.

The Ageas is my local ground. Try as I might to like the place it always disappoints. Stuck in the middle of nowhere, jobsworth stewarding and expensive catering. On that subject the members bar closed well before the end of play and the public bar couldn't sell beer because the cooling had packed up! As an aside, is everyone aware that if you're going to the Royal London Cup game on Aug 1, you must buy your ticket in advance by phone only (not online and not on the day) to avoid having to pay for a Boyzone concert after the game.

We did have a look at the nursery ground where the twos were playing but their intervals coincided with the big match so nothing to report really - sorry Kev. Looking at the Wednesday situation, the Nursery ground would definitely have been the place to be. I'm sure this will be reported elsewhere.

On the way back to the station - guess what - no dead cat! The dead cat bounce obviously applies to cricket and Middlesex too!