Ed the Golden Duck

Beefy reports on pre season friendly where he was surprised his presence didn't quite double crowd. This was a chance for a very very quick look at our reject and guess what he had for dinner? Read on if you think you can stand the excitement..

Weather sunny at Hove, but cold in the wind. Better then expected for early April .

" I'm only here for a sun tan"

Day started badly, got out of bed late,so missed the train I was booked on for the £3 eachway fare,so had to pay an extra £20 on top! Beefy tip, don't stay in local pub late the day before an advanced train booking. Arrived at 11am still, start was 11.30 playing a 'rolling' 11 team,so anyone can leave the field and be replaced. I was disappointed they didn't ask me to play.

Was expecting crowd of me, one man and his dog. One arrival there were in fact two men and dog and as day progressed the crowd just outnumbered the seagulls.

Spot the  2nd man with dog?

Before the match, both teams lined up and a minutes silence was observed for Umer Rashid,who tragically dtowned in the Carribean 7 years ago. He played for both sides. Editors note I recall the year he died Umer chatting with me and other fans at Cricketers pub. He was very approachable a lovely guy a sad loss.

 God bless you Umer

Game started with, Danny Evans and Timmy Murtagh bowling well. Evans got first wicket in 3rd over,then out came our old friend d Joyce,to applause from the Middx faithful (being me) and next ball,LBW and he returned,no applause this time,but I did offer a smile( he didnt see I  hope). I have picture of him coming out to bat , but blinked so didn't have time to take photo of Ed coming back.  I heard Danny took Ed to Chinese restuarant that night and insisted he ordered Duck.

 No time for cheerio picture

Short boundary in pavilion side, so fair amount of easy 4's and 6's.
12.50pm Gus Fraser turned up with no late note. Maybe he didn't follow Beefy tip of night before advanced booking!

With his arrival a quick visit from for a couple of ales in the Sussex Cricketer,a lunch and back for more cricket.

One bad note,Steve Finn getting injured. I'm not sure how he did it, but bowling down the slope I was watching the ball and looked up to see Finn laying in a heap in the middle of the wicket. He limped off with help and looks like a foot or ankle injury. Hope it's not bad but didn't show for the rest of the day.

Middx were due to bat next day. The plan was for each team to field/bat one day the other to do same next day.

Both teams looking good in afternoon session but at tea decided to leave which was just as well as took over 3 hours to get back. I had a good day and good to see some action, although events were pretty meaningless.

Here's to the new season.