Middlesex, no Maxi's but just about Holden

Part two of Kev's three parter, as a departing gift to MTWD. This captures a unique take on our September roller coaster ride on somehow achieving promotion. Enjoy!

After our crucial comprehensive, but nervy at times Glam win I’m booking a trip for first three days at Leicester. We are in box seat for second promotion place against a team stranded at the bottom.  The forecast for 20^th-23^rdSeptember looks fine. What could possibly go wrong? The day before I hear of rioting in Leicester due to a cricket match and was worried the Middlesex ultras who are up a day earlier have made their presence felt.  

Day 1 I’m travelling up knowing I’ll miss at least 20 minutes of play due to train timetables. I found out on train close to Leicester we lost toss and are put in. I catch a cab to the ground with a Kent and Surrey fan??? On arrival, it takes me ages to find out where to buy ticket. I enter ground. 11.25 only one wicket Rocky down, which was a relief and Robbo then out as I take my position. The ball swinging all over the place this a result pitch With Malan struggling and then out, I’m thinking will we survive to lunch? Max and Eski look like they are taking us safely to lunch.  Then again, Max out to poor shot just before lunch, not for first time. There was much debate whether 4 down for nearly 100 whether this good session for us. I thought it was and a Leicester fan confirmed this saying their tail starts at 5. After lunch it turned our way with Eski scoring freely then out to a ridiculous 1 day shot. Simmo and Higgo  also making decent scores.   No massive collapse 293-8 at close, we look in good position for this pitch and we are set for a crucial 3^rdbonus point. Meanwhile Glam have had a good day against Derby.

Day 2. I  had a few things to sort out in morning, which took longer than expected. With long walk to entrance I missed the first 10 minutes and on arrival the players off the pitch. Shucks, I missed two quick wickets and we didn’t even secure that 3rd bonus point. How crucial might that be?  These thoughts were soon forgotten about with four early Leics wickets including danger man Ackerman.  According to Leicester fans we are down to the tail. Then we get Ahmed just before lunch off Luke’s first ball with a rush of blood shot.  66-5 this now looks straightforward. If only. The next session no wickets, sounding like con merchants Swindells and Scriven somehow survive despite many chances. Higgins was struggling badly with his bowling. I was pacing, doing laps reminiscent of 2011 promotion same place.  Finally, a wicket after tea but then more irritating partnerships from “tail enders”. Leicester close 9 down, I can’t remember exact score but looks like we should have at least a 1^st innings lead.     

Day 3. Leics final wicket took longer than hoped, but we have a marginal first innings lead.  In reply we are scoring at 5 runs per over but we have lost three early wickets with some undisciplined batting.  With Malan out 41-3, the turning point, deep breath. We need to settle and first ball Max Holden thinks a sweep good idea. Misses , hits pad, it looked in front of wicket, loud appeal turned down. Same again third ball. Phew again not given. Rocky and Max then make game changing 164 partenership.  Simmo makes some useful runs then a collapse. Leics need 275 to win. First over wicket for Murts,. TRJ is on fire 13-4 at close. I’m on way back home feeling noisily confident.    

Day 4. I have commitments so back at home, Occasionally checking score  We made slow progress obtaining final wickets, but never in doubt.  Glam beat Derby , so it’s down to last game. I’m working out permutations and becoming very confused.  Matron!