Championes Ole Ole Ole

By Barmy Kev
July 16 2016

Barmy Kev reports on more drama  and another thrilling climax against Somerset. This time from Arundel as Middlesex Seconds succesfully defend their 20 20 trophy.

Today I was hoping would be a relaxing day in every respect after the the dramas of Taunton. What followed was anything but.  

The format of the 2s Finals Day is same as the domestic competition. I was not best pleased that we were first on for early start.against Durham. Matters made worse its a 10.30 start not 11.30 as advertised on our website. Consequently R&O and I arrived an hour late and feared this could be a very short days cricket.

On arrival at the ground we were batting and it's 150 for 1 after 15.  Higgins closing in on a ton. He just fell short and we were one less than the 200 score I was hoping for. Durham have a strong batting line up at this level Mustard , Muchall and McLeod all established players. The first few overs it really liked like a 1st V 3rd team battle with Mustard particularly brutal.  After 10 overs they were 100 for 2 and would expect 10 an over these days to be a formality. Boundaries were suddenly drying up and run rate climbing. Just as Durham were going for late spirt Geirge Scott sensationally caught the dangerous Arfshad on the boundary from a shot that looked like four or six all the way. Some good death bowling by Higgins and Scott. Durham 8 short.

Lots of time to kill before the 5pm start for final. With yellow goblet abandoned I was able to enjoy the local ciders while talking to some familiar faces. Other semi. I watched a very accomplished looking Somerset who thrashed Warwickshire with our team joining us on Vermin Corner . 

They're Middlesex till they die

So looks like a tough final but good start,  Somerset 6-2 . They recovered well to make what we considered a par score of 161. Our first 2 overs in reply bought up 4 runs only, then wickets falling with Josh Davey seemingly unplayable. A slice of luck a single turned into 5 due to a careless over throw. I said to R & O that might be significant. Perhaps not at 38 5. Robbie White and Afi Rath started to accumulate and with 10 overs left we need close to 11 an over with 5 wickets down. Haven't we been here before very recently?  Couple of wickets fell but run rate required was slightly dropping.  I felt we needed White to stay to end but when he was out for 53 with two over left I felt we had it. Then I remembered we never know when we are beaten. I shout can Somerset bring Craig Overton on for the death bowling and can we have Simmo? 16 needed off of 7 balls next ball looked wide, a long delay it's given followed by another wide one but thrashed hard for 6.  8 off of last over but Manulewge on strike and no offence didn't look like getting us over line. A dodgy 2 and scampered single bought Berkshire's finest Anderson facing. 5 needed off of 2 balls . Massive 6 ,we have done it again just like yesterday. 

The celebrations were as lively as day before  The smile on our young  players  faces was a joy to see. Am I going back to Taunton to watch us win from 6 with one ball to spare? I'm afraid not my blood pressure can't take it and lighening doesn't strike 3 days running, or does it?  Meanwhile, wow what another absolutely incredible day. 

Some silverware for the Middle