Durham are Set in Stoneman


Something Hot please

By Rod Ed
April 26 2016

Rod Ed reports on a cold day which proves to be a struggle for Middlesex 

Wooly hat,gloves,scarf and waterproof trousers were all packed for my trip south for Day 2 at Chester-le Street. The forecast indicated that play was unlikely to start on time so I timed my drive to arrive no earlier than 11am. However it turned out to be dry and due to the inevitable A1 roadworks I missed the first five balls. 
 
I climbed the steps to watch Stirlo comfortably time a two and then a single of the last ball of the over so I nipped back down to the Yorkshire Tea van for a cup of ' Gold Brew' only to hear the applause of his dismissal.
For those that are familiar with Emirates Durham the howling cold wind was blowing from behind the Health Spa so sitting in front of here was sheltered, and on several occasions though the day, in sunlight, with the added bonus of being on the side of the ground where the wicket was situated.
 
Murts was soon caught down the leg side for 5, but to me it sounded a bit like a thigh pad but there were no complaints from the locals. Batsmen seemed to be playing Onions ok who was bowling down wind, but struggled by the pace of Stokes at the other end. It was not long before Finny was bowled by Stokes by one that seemed to keep low. 11.35am all out 389.
 
Durham got off to a flying start and were 26 off four overs when the sun made its first appearance. Harry came on for the 6th over but dropped short and was cut for 4 and the 50 came up in 7.1. Finny also was short and was upper cut over the slips for 4 which was inevitably followed by a full bunger that was driven for 4.
However success was to follow with Jennings being caught down the legside trying to pull Finny. 71-1. Borthwick didn't last long also caught behind off Harry from one that seemed to bounce a bit. Lunch after 18 overs 87-2 with over rate zero.
I took lunch in the pavilion which consisted of a good pint of Greene King IPA (£3.80) and fish,chips and mushy peas (£8.25) which was slightly disappointing having as much batter as fish.
 
TRJ opened up the afternoon session and the rate was at once minus one. It was also noticeable that several players were now sporting beanies and Gunner Gould was umpiring in gloves! The 27th over saw Stirlo introduced and bowled tightly going for just seven off his first seven overs. As the hail circled the ground, the wind was increasing and heavy bails were called for as the rate returned to zero.
 
Serene progress was being made by the batsmen with little to report until Stirlo no balled(!),followed by an attempted stumping, and then a lofted straight four. Burnham then suddenly hit two fours to bring up his 50 and his highest first class score and 100 partnership with the very secure Stoneman . With the openers 100 approaching TRJ was bowling with no slips and the rate again minus one. Tea 213-2.
 
First over after tea Finny got Burnham  LBW. The incoming Stokes was announced as Michael Richardson by the PA. He didn't have long to wait as Stokes was soon squared up by Finny and  well caught by Stirlo at mid wicket after which Stokes reluctantly dragged himself away.
 
With Stirlo still bowling at the 64th over the rate again hit zero as the hail again was falling either side of the ground. Harry, TRJ and Murts  swapped around  and with 75 overs bowled (11 remaining) at 5.45pm the score was 275-4. This was time for me to leave as I had a meeting about a golf trip at 8pm in the " Biarritz of the North" (answers on a postcard)
 
My next viewing of the Middle will be Scarborough, I hope its about 20 degrees warmer!

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Durham are Set in Stoneman
Discussion started by Middlesex till we die , 26/04/2016 18:46
Middlesex till we die
26/04/2016 18:46
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:04:30:08:14:30 by Leprechaun.

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