An optimistic fan

By Barmy Kev
May 2 2016

Barmy Kev reports on injuries , some cricket and leaves Ageas with a parting shot

Breakfast at Hilton where the players were also staying at, was sadly like an episode of casualty. I with a sore head had to wait 15 minutes to be seated due to Middlesex players taking ages to get their buffet and finding a seat. TRJ was the main culprit.  Mala had his finger over his hand in a plaster and said is unsure if he will bat. TRJ said he will bat at 6 and took him seriously until he said I'm due in at 7⃣. It was good to see Voges joking stating that will teach me to leave Ollie out of team.

There are no nearby shops so was unable to purchase any match supplies or newspaper.  i was able to gain entry to ground via Hilton saving £21. Unsure whether this was legal. Hi Fi bowling in deep gloom was lively and Tino Best was dropped in the deep by not sure who,shall we say Kev? The resulting single led to Dawson's dismissal.  This was followed by a 6 from Tino next over . It was fun watching Finn bowling short to Tino and his uncultured way of dealing with this. Crane failed to lift Hants and was out for 0 bowled by Murts. Max bowling points which at one stage looked unlikely. Cowley gave Tomlinson out LB on one that looked like missing two sets of stumps. All out for 336 certainly better than was looking after tea yesterday. Oh and we are -2 on over rate.

I think we are down to the tail as 11 -1 with Robbo out same score as Hants were yesterday for 1st wicket. Our tail is about to be exposed as Compo out for 1 having batted for long time. Hang on Mala is out there which was kind of a relief. His first ball risky single and had throw hit stops it would have been curtains for Gubbo. We safely make it to lunch.

It was good to see Voges looking fine in company of players in the Atrium. Don Shelley advised over rate is - 1 ½, lets hope we don't lose by an innings. The choice of lunch was rather limited and I was opting for a tea total day.  

We started after lunch with a couple of boundaries. Then Gubbo was out wafting down the leg side. The announcer called out the name "James Simpson" as next in. In effect we are 58 -4. A comedy moment as Will Smith dropped Simmo before he scored. Meanwhile depending on who's phone you believe it's going to rain 3.00 to 3 30 In fact as spin of Crane was bought on in worsening light players went off at 2;45 without further alarm. The trains leave Hedge End to Waterloo at 40 past the hour.  I'm out of here it is a long walk, but first applaud Malan off who despite injury was 40 not out with us still in a precarious position.

A 40 minute walk to the station . No eateries on route and the most deceptive sign in the world.

This sign pointing to station ooposite way to ground

I'm glad to be returning home. I'm thinking If there is a God Hampshire will be relegated this season.