Muchally Convenient for both teams

Our Edinburgh correspondent reports on a day where unlike his apple pud wickets crumbled. We also hear about some recoveries, a crucial dropped catch ( thank you very Muchall) and our blasted over rate.  Thank you Rod Ed for sharing your experience with us

Day two was a doubly amazing day. Not only did 19 wickets fall but the the weather forecast proved completely wrong. Due to traffic problems we arrived in the ground at 11.03 to find we already missed a wicket falling.

However, like the A1 roadworks, wickets fell in clusters and two more followed quickly. Ollie didn't look too happy at his LBW as it appeared to keep low , but from the same end a bouncer was soon flying well clear of Simmo' s head. The weather was still gloomy but no sign of the predicted rain. About 10.45 Radio Newcastle had reported from the ground that we were going to get rain and should the light fail the six newly erected floodlights were not allowed to be used for Championship games!

Simmo was blocking intently allowing TRJ to hook Onions for two 4s and a 6 in an over but finally an expansive drive had him caught at 3rd slip. Murts then came to the crease and stole the strike for a couple of overs. After an hour Hastings was the first change of the day and we crept nearer a batting point, but on 196 Murts had a wild swing at a wide one and was caught at slip.Durham's benefit!!

Durham then had 40mins to cope with before lunch but TRJ sent the stumps flying in the first over. Clark then shouldered arm to a ball that clipped the bails, and when Colly fell they were 7-3, and staggered to lunch at 20-3.

The Durham clubhouse always has a range of hot meals and the Steak Pie, Mash and Veg was most acceptable. I didn't go for a pud but I heard a member say the Apple Crumble had very little crumble. Perhaps it was on the wicket!

Eight mins after lunch Borthwick edged to Simmo, 32-4. After 8 overs Harry replaced Murts and soon nipped one back to trap Richardson. Next man was Pringle. Having not heard of him I said to my son "I wonder what he's in the team for?" First ball, stumps flying, so I guess it's bowling! Six slips were then in place for the hat-trick ball which sadly went for a leg glance 4. Weighell was then in, he is their TRJ being tall,quick bowler who likes to put bat to ball. His breezy knock was ended when Harry knocked over his off stump. Bad news(again) after 25 overs the rate was minus one. Dexy came on in the 28th over and altho' batting now seemed a bit easier he managed to have Hastings caught in the deep, but now the rate was minus two. Murchall was now well set and took consecutive 4s off TRJ who then redeemed himself with a stunning diving catch at mid off to dismiss Rushworth. Murchall's 50 came off 90 balls but was now turning down singles to protect Onions who seemed to manage well enought to hit consecutive 4s before Murchall fell, leaving Durham 27 runs adrift on 169.

A good start was needed to build on the lead but Robbo was bowled 2nd ball. Compo was then LBW in the 4th over and Mala dropped first ball by Muchall to what was a relatively simple slip chance. Stirlo the had a Murtaghesque swing at a very wide one and was caught at slip. This was not the shot of an opener with his team two down for 20 odd. With Franklin then plumb LBW and Dexys first ball lifting and leaving him 29-4 was not a comfortable position.

However this pair knuckled down with Mala reaching 50, and the day ended well not only on the pitch but overhead as blue sky had finally replaced the cloud cover. The expected heavy rain did not materialise until we reached East Lothian when the heavens opened and thunder and lightening accompanied our last 10 minutes drive home. Lancashire at Blackpool, two days at Lord's v Sussex and this Durham day completes my cricket watching for the season...unless Yorkshire implode and we have Championship decider!!