Saint P J Hughes' Day - 23 April 2009

The Saint

By Auntie Janet
April 23 2009

Auntie Janet reports on Day 2 from Lord's. An evocative piece, we learn about the cricket, the impromptu forum and even the Allen Stand knitting circle. You might learn a lot, you might laugh a lot and you might even cry during the first half of the piece. But Middlesex had the last laugh as the day concluded. Many thanks to Janet for this report.

Ladies Knitting Circle at Lords

Although I watched some cricket Day One, having arrived at 2.45pm, I could not settle as I had not been there from the off. Day Two was different, as I arrived at 10.00am. It looked a beautiful day for cricket. I settled in my usual place as the Allen Stand filled up. I was pointed out to a woman, we’ll call ‘T’ as ‘the lady that knits’. It turns out that she also knits, and we sat either side of the first aisle, knitting, chatting and watching cricket.

Wallace and Gromit

Murts started the first over from the Nursery End, and Richo from the Pavilion. The first 4 of the morning came off the 7^th over of the morning; only 17 runs were scored off the first 10 overs.

Croft brought up the 100 partnership with Wallace with two consecutive 4’s, but was bowled by Murts next ball.

Evans Above

Evans then took over at the Pavilion end, but again did not bowl well and went for 8+ an over, and Udal bowled at the Nursery end. In contrast he was only hit for 2 or 3 per over. Glams soon hit 400, and the overs were running out for us to get the last bowling point. There were a few close shaves but do not know whether the ball carried or not.

Only 30 mins had elapsed and I was hungry. I had my usual low GI breakfast, albeit one hour earlier. At home I’m not hungry again until 2.00pm. I started my knitting immediately instead of wasting time with ‘sudoku’. I succumbed and ate my dried mango.

Impromptu Forum and Stadium

Gus and Vinny were in the Middlesex room for an impromptu forum between 1.15pm and 2^nd session on the field. There was also ‘perambulation’. I was torn between going to the ‘forum’ and treading the hallowed turf. In the end I asked a few questions of both Vinny and Gus, and then went for a stroll on the turf.

Gus admitted putting them in had back-fired. Berg was preferred to Compton as they wanted the extra seamer. I asked about Keegan, but the issue is complicated because of his previous injuries. Gus assured me that Compton will get his chance. He said that Silverwood is still not match fit, but I suspect he may be given a run out in the one-dayers.

Former England bowler and Director of Middlesex cricket Angus Fraser during the Liverpool Victoria C

Gus answers questions

Do you realise folks that we will lose Morgan to the ICC world cup, because if he isn’t playing for England, he’ll be playing for Ireland. Vinny confirmed that the paperwork re Morgan qualifying for England is on its way from the ICC. He also said that Playfair has got it wrong with the number of NQ’s against our players!

Afternoon session

At last another breakthrough as Berg makes a breakthrough - Udal juggles a catch, but he held on this time! They are 498/8. Wallace was taken at slip, and Richo took a good catch to finally dismiss Glamorgan for 505. At one stage I really thought we’d be looking at 550 – 600+.

Middlesex Innings

Billy and Phil Hughes came out to start our Innings. Some of Hughes’ positivity rubbed off on Billy and he scored faster than normal, although Billy almost ran Hughes out before he had scored. In the end Billy tamely gave Harrison a c & b when he had scored 23. Dexter and Hughes then played positively, so unlike previous years, we did not lose a succession of wickets. Hughes looks a really good player, and Dexter looks a good acquisition.

Middlesex batsman Phillip Hughes in action during the Liverpool Victoria County Championship match a

Talk about the real deal!!

PS: I managed 20 rows of knitting in fine cotton on very thin needles.

PPS: I was going to go high tech, and use my new lap-top and dongle. However when I tried to send a test e-mail to Ged it refused to send it, so back to ‘Low-tech pad and pencil!

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MIDDLESEX CCC SEASON IS UP AND RUNNING

Saint P J Hughes' Day - 23 April 2009

Middlesex till we die (IP Logged)

23/04/2009 22:08

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:26:12:29:49 by Ged.

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