Says it all

By Barmy Kev
June 13 2016

Sunday morning has arrived and I wake up to hear the forecast for Hove is much more promising then a few days ago. Carol Kirkwood lied again but she is forgiven bearing in mind I've been a victim of the reverse situation a few times this season and I'm selectively tolerant.  Rain is forecasted for the morning only, which kind of suited me as I was in no mood for a very early start from home. The BBC final confirmation is it will be rain free from 1pm onwards with the threat of a little bit of sunshine.

I arrive at ground 11.30 it’s peeing down, no sign of play so it is an early lunch with beer and wine at Sussex Cricketer with Rogers and Out. He gave a verbal rendition of his experience at Chelmsford Friday, which expanded on his report with material that can’t possibly be included on a match report.  

It was funny at the time when QPR Chris asked if Beefy is coming, his lunch was served with waitress's saying "here's your beef". You had to be there to appreciate it.

The rain has stopped at 12.30. We hear the covers are off and there's a 2pm start, not sure why it could not start earlier. Never mind, It's a 32 overs match and we are grateful for game on, when hearing about delays abandoned matches from around the country.  

So here is a  summary of Sussex innings.

At 16 after 2 overs worrying Mccullum dropped a toughie at slip, but Nash was cleaned bowled next ball by TRJ.  A semi Toby Roland Jones chant followed.

Phil Salt next in with headline ideas working overtime amongst the Middlesex masses. .As discussing this danger man Luke who did not look quite Wright was out for 15 off 20 balls caught over his head at mid off by our danger fielder Sowter. Or Salter as announcer called him. 

 Ross Taylor comes in next to join the ready Salt Ed Joyce replacement.  They put on 125 quickly. During this stand Helm had a ligament injury and was taken off, let’s hope it’s not too serious. Taylor also later broke down and needed a runner. The stand was broken just after a 6 that Sowter nearly caught but tipped over the bar but one next very tricky but he did catch, he is a superb fielder.

Jordan protested to umpire when he was comically run out on his hands and knees and looked way out. Ben Brown slogged successfully at end.  I felt 227 from 32 over gettable with our batting line up. 

1st over bowled by Jordan given 2 wides he was not happy about the second one but final ball off the over had Mala out caught behind he doth not protest any more. We had 6 4 4 by McCallum, it looks good but 3 dot balls followed. Next over first ball Stirlo going for anything you can do I can do better, I’m afraid not caught by keeper after a juggling act.

The ball by ball commentary finishes here.  Moggie and McCullum were on verge of turning it around for us, despite some iffy moments. We are closing in on Vera until a spectacular diving catch by Briggs finishes off McCullum. Moggie next out bowled by Beer (who ended up with 2-34 from his 7) just as again we are closing in on Vera.  There was a late cameo by Franklin and to lesser extent Gubbins but we were never close to a miracle win.  We end up with Helm hobbling out to bat with runner with game out of reach to improve our goal difference. Sowter last man out cleaned bowled by Jordan ends up with 5-28.

Final note, unlike some other grounds Hove is always a pleasure to visit, regardless of the result. It still has a proper cricket feel with sporting supporters- a bit unlike Chelmsford.