MTS

By Barmy Kev
July 21 2021

Kev provides a report on his take of all 4 days at MTS of last day of `proper` cricket for a while.

Day 1. 

I arrived fashionably late and Middlesex are already in the ascendancy.  Our dominate position was tarnished by Eski`s injury and looked like he would take no further part in this match. With dodgy forecast for Monday and Tuesday, I uttered famous last words `surely we can`t lose from here`.  Oh yes we can despite only losing 3 wickets all day and Robbo still there.  

It was just great catching up with some familiar faces having not been at a home game since 2019.  Yes the same old moans about Middlesex, but under all circumstances I`m pleased I am able to put this into perspective. 

I feltthe event was well organised and all Covid guidelines followed. I was standing up having a drink with someone I had not seen for a while from a safe distance. A steward apologetically said if drinking we need to sit down. This seemed petty but at these times I was willing to comply regardless. What followed put this al into context.

Unfortunately, my journey home took me past Wembely Park.  The day of the European Cup final.   This perhaps not the right forum , but this was a most frightening experience and made me ashamed to be English.  

Day 2  

Due to forecast I was not expecting much play and factored in giving this a miss.

From my remote sources I was aware of a familiar Middlesex collapse. Then early wickets for Middlesex , followed by some stubborn middle order batting.

Given the grim forecast I was amazed there was so much play.

At close we were on top but not out of sight. Haven`t we been here before?

Day 3 

I had a prearranged in person meeting 11-12.30, fortunately in North Harrow on route to Moor Park.  Oh for Zoom where I can have cheeky looks at my phone. At 12.30 saw we only took one wicket. However, from Met line journey they were all out at 12.50.  I arrived at the ground assuming change of innings would be part of lunch. I discovered lunch was taken 1.10 to factor in lost time and we were 6-1. 

After lunch worse to follow. We found ourselves 17-4 and I presumed Eski would not be batting so effectively 5 down. Mitchell and Robbie White consolidated until just before tea the worse shot ever from Robbie a reverse sweep against the spin. I was ashamed to be wearing his shirt.

To my surprise Eski came out to bat at 7. With Mitchell out to a dodgy decision it was up to Eski and Harry to dig in. They certainly did to some poor bowling high and wide of the stumps. As the tactic was to leave the rubbish and block the rest. Leicestershire were becoming frustrated.  Ackerman decided to lead a slow handclap, which was in my opinion against the spirit of cricket.

I gave a sarcastic slow handclap when 50 partnership was up. I was due to play walking football at The Hive 7.30.  I wanted to stay for Eski`s 50 but he was in no rush myself and Rogers and Out left at 6.45 with Eski on 48. We just made it in time for our game with the knowledge Middlesex are in a strong position which we can mess up from      

Day 4.

I had a walking football match between 10-11am, which I considered cancelling for the cricket. Decided to go ahead and missed the first hour of play. Good decision as my Barnet side won 6-5 with last minute winner. Match report on another forum.

My journey to MTS discovered we lost 3 quick wickets and the target was 292 off 84. This looked challenging but gettable. On the train I discovered we got an early wicket. I am in the ground at midday, which proved to be wicket less until lunch, with Leicester just about managing 3 an over. At this stage was thinking this game is now in the balance

My other issue was I had a zoom meeting at 6pm. I did not want to miss this, but certainly wanted to see this game to a conclusion

 I was pleased that after lunch Hill was out. My comment was it is downhill from here onwards.  The key wicket was Aussie Harris.    There was a heated debate on whether Sowter is any good when Harris was bowled bamboozled by a Rabbit leg break. The wicket felt like a hat trick. The other danger man Ackerman was caught behind for not many. I slow hand clapped him off. This was followed by a Middlesex esque collapse including 2 in a row for Murts.

Winning by 121 runs was more comprehensive than I expected. I was happy but accepted this has just paved the cracks of our issues.  I felt disappointed the players did not acknowledge the crowd at the end. I was heartened to hear the players in the dressing room doing a group Middle Middle chant and another buoyant song.

 It was advertised there was free beer from the tent trying to offload spare supplies. A few partook , but I couldn`t stay long due to zoom.

At the end of the day it was great to be back at real life cricket, meeting some familiar faces and ultimately witnessing a Middlesex win. A massive thank you to MTS for putting this on safely and in an enjoyable atmosphere.