Stirling Remain Strong at an Increasing Rate

Lower Pav gives a detailed report on day 3 . We also hear of pens, notepads and the reporter ending up or nearly ending up on the floor

GUBBINS GO GO GO 

After watching two rather boring days,  I was not sure whether I was going today, but having agreed to report made my mind up and off I went.

I arrived just in time, and took up my usual seat in the front row of the lower tier of the Pavilion, just by the gate. At least it was sunny. The players came out and we were 139-0. It was not a great crowd. 

Groenewald opened the bowling at the Pavilion end. Overton at the Nursery End. First four of the day, a lovely shot by Gubbins.. First scare, when Groenewald bowled a good ball which went right through Gubbins but thankfully missed the wicket. Groenewald seemed to be bowling well and there was a play and a miss by Robson off the same bowler. Another boundary from Gubbins.. There was a play and a miss by Gubbins off the bowling of Overton.

At this stage a quick mention of the wicket. There were signs of variable bounce and the odd ball keeping low, which carried on during the day.

Two boundaries followed  from Robson . Two bowling  changes. Trego at the Nursery end and Gregory at the Pavilion end. Throughout the day Rogers was constantly changing his six bowlers to keep everyone fresh  and the batsmen on their toes which was good to see. At this stage we are 178-0

Leach is now bowling at the Pavilion end. The score continues to progress. We are now 190-0 . Robson 94 and Gubbins on 89. Most attention was now on Gubbins as he was getting nearer to that elusive  maiden first class hundred. We are now 197-0. Robson 99 Gubbins 92.

Oh no. A wicket. Robson plays on and is bowled for 99 by Leach and we are 198-1. Not for the first time I retrieve my notepad and biro from the floor.

All eyes now turn to Gubbins. Can he get his maiden first class hundred and of course at Lord’s. Gubbins plays and nicks one through the slips for 4. There was a collective gasp from all around me. He is on 98. And then he has done it. Gubbins hits a boundary off Allenby and arrives at  102 and everyone stands and applauds the young man. A moment and a day he will never ever forget. 

In all the excitement we had forgotten Malan was now at the crease, but unfortunately not for long. A wild shot and he was out for 5 caught Trescothick bowled Allenby. We are  213-2 and Lunch follows.

I then nearly made a complete idiot of myself. After meeting up with friends. I saw the players were  coming out, rushed back  into the Pavilion tripped and almost went head first through the gate. Luckily I grabbed a seat and disaster was averted.

We progress and avoid the follow on. Another wicket. Gubbins out for 109 caught by the same combination. Trescothick taking a catch in the gulley off the bowling of Allenby. Everyone of course stands and applauds the young man.

The new ball is now taken and starts to do a little bit. Oh dear another wicket. Voges out for 18. LBW bowled Groenewald. We are 243-4 and must now be a little careful. 

Rogers continues to change his bowlers around as he does constantly. Franklin and Stirling who are now batting seem to be doing okay with the odd boundary. Then another wicket. Franklin out for 23 caught in the slips by Allenby off the bowling of Leach. We are now 301-6. Stirling is looking in good form and is joined by Rayner and at tea we are 309-6. After my earlier mishap I remain  firmly in my seat.

After tea there are two more boundaries. We progress to 321-6 off 110 overs and  that is it for the bonus points. We have 4 and Somerset 5. Some of the locals are not happy as they feel we should declare but we carry on. Stirling then hits a lovely 6 straight into the Pavilion. Stirling supported by Rayner continues to bat well and accumulate important runs. Then another wicket. Rayner attempts a sweep and is out LBW bowled Leach for 26. We are 372-7

We have now passed their score and it is getting a little cold. Then another LBW. Stirling out for a good 85. The bowler is again Leach and we are 395-8. 

Roland Jones and Harris are now at the crease. The final wicket of the day. Roland-Jones is out for 2 caught Rogers bowled Allenby.

Close of play. We are 407-9. 

As I have watched every ball, I will go tomorrow, Common sense suggests the only realistic result is a draw. However, If we can get another 20 or so runs and then take a few quick wickets then who knows what can happen.