Nerly saw us through

By Barmy Kev
August 2 2018

My last 20/20 visit to Lord’s the crowd were celebrating “Football Is Coming Home”. The fact we beat Surrey was a minor irrelevance to the masses present.  I felt never again here in this form of cricket. So here I am reporting on our game  against Sussex, with us virtually out of the competition and expecting us to lose again. 

Sussex score 18 off first over, but at that time the hamper giveaway seems to be all that matters.  Salt is peppering it all over the place. There were some City types right behind me having some loud non-cricket related conversations. However, one of these showed some insight at point when Sussex were 55-1 after 5 overs by saying very loudly “Middlesex are fxcked”.  

Salt reached a very quick 50 then was out next ball. After the power play the run rate seemed to dry up. 

A worrying moment Fuller made a spectacular catch nearly causing a serious collision injury to another of our fielders (didn’t see who it was) going for same ball. 

The final two balls Barber takes two wickets. So, the next game he is on far hat trick? He took a Barber Quartet.  I’ve always rated him. 

To reduce their score from an expected 200 + to 168 seemed an achievement. 

Our reply starts and Chesham Steve joins me. He explains he was not the Middlesex one at Taunton there was another non-player wearing Middlesex colours. Don Shelley. 

We only win if Stirlo does well so this is not good news when out for 0 our 1st over. After our power play we a 35-2 compared with Sussex 67-1. This is not a problem for the Middlesex faithful as we hear the sound of Sweet Caroline la la la etc. Let’s all wave our hands in the air and forget about our cricket woes.  

This inspires Moggie and he hits 19 off of the next Jordan over. Suddenly were on parity with the Vera.  With.Moggie still there we have a chance.  He can find the boundaries but his partners seem to be relying on him. Usual issue of no urgency of turning ones into twos.

The City lot behind me are suddenly focussed on the cricket. It boils down to the last over 15 needed to win with wickets in hand and Archer bowling. Moggie goes for a biggie at one stage it looks like it was clearing but Jordan catches it. He received a deserved excellent ovation on his way back. Next two balls were wicket,s it’s an Archer hat trick and a bit of an anti climax for the fw who were genuinely concerned about Middlesex.  

I hate journeys home at times like this. Not just the overcrowding , but also nobody seems bothered Middlesex lost and everyone seems in a good mood. For now I will take the same attitude and admit I actually enjoyed the game despite the result. Roll on the football season