Scarborough Fun Fair

Barmy Kev with help for bits he forgot filled in by Beefy reports on his day trip to Scarboro. Never a dull moment with journeys, excessive queueing, and atmospherics. And some of cricket mentioned too.

Early morning train

When the fixtures came out this game was earmarked as a must attend game. I was disappointed that a family commitment, that I could have got out of ,stopped me from going to Cheltenham. I love going to Middlesex away trips, the season is nearly over I felt I just had to do it, despite anticipated travel difficulties and likely defeat.    

I left home 7am from Edgware to catch 9:15 from Kings X to York and then change for Scarborough. I was well ahead of train rate got to Kings X an hour early and caught the 8:45 to York that resulted in same connection at York, but nice to have time in hand. Talking of hand, while waiting for Scarborough connection Kevin Hand turned up on platform.  I was curious on why he took train route and he said wanted to do train trip as previous visit drove and was not easiest journey.  He also said would leave before end from his commentary position if he might miss last train back.   The journey back will come onto later.  Meanwhile the Scarborough train from York was packed with cricket fans.

Scarborough Unfair for Beefy

As I got off train at Scarborough station felt on a high. Met a Middlesex fan Trevor, from Thirsk Yorkshire who knew his way round.  I was meant to meet Beefy and Ken, who drove up that morning, for pub lunch.  Despite his 6.30am start still not available to meet.  Beefy evidently took an age to find a parking space and I won’t mention the reported tantrums.  I had drink outside in a very pleasant pub and saw Kevin Hand walking to ground.  I mentioned to locals he was a radio reporter.   He walked back saying he was lost.  The locals asked if he would interview them, meanwhile Trevor kindly gave Kevin H directions to the ground. Meanwhile, having got over parking rage Beefy rang to say massive queue to get into ground.  Half an hour before start, we drank up quickly and found an entrance to ground no queues. Meanwhile, Beefy after his long queue met him later in ground having arrived in Scarborough 45 minutes before us.

What I liked was no Green Team, being able to walk round pitch to gain vantage point and just a pleasant atmosphere.  And a big crowd, with a brass band .

 you only know one song

Rudolph leaves Middx Red Faced again

Time to discuss some cricket. Ominous start as Yorkie openers made most of opening power play. They reached 50 in 8 overs with Robbie Williams bowling wides and struggling with length, Dial M was tight.   Two quick wickets things began to improve.   Then Rudolph crucially dropped by Simmo.  This I thought and did prove to be crucial.  Me and Beefy went to bar and due to excessive queue missed about 6 overs and no wickets. McGrath and Rudolph were very comfortable.   The run rate was always around 6 an over and with expected acceleration was expecting a close to 300 score. However, wickets were falling, apart from Rudolph’s.  The 3^rd power play we really did well to keep run rate in check and 250 I felt was a gettable target on what looked like a good wicket.

Good views , but where's the church?

Yorkie Bars  

I was able to get drink before start no problems and after Simpson’s dropped catch though time for first match drink. Beefy really needed it. There was a long queue but thought if moved fast we’d get served within 5-10 minutes.    There was 2 serving with no urgency with what seemed like everyone ordering massive volumes.  Too much time waste, but you know when you start queuing you don’t want to stop.

With 5 overs of Yorkie innings to go we decided to stroll down to Pavilion for drink. No play missed as could walk round boundary edge.   As entered couldn’t immediately find my Middx Membership Card and when did  walked up many stairs missed probably another over. Crucially, there was no queue at bar.  Was able to enjoy my pint and decided to sit outside in a balcony area.   Then saw sign area reserved for McCain corporate guests. Decided to have selective eyesight problem and stay and nobody minded. No McCain Chips on their shoulders then.

So Close and Yet so Far.

While our openers put on 47 it was relative slow in 9 overs I think. Simmo was dropped off a dolly, and he was walking before reached the fielder.  I had head in hands and unbelievably he was dropped. But was out soon after. Ace and Newman were able to accelerate and there were a couple of giants 6’s from Newman. At 124-2 from 22 felt honours were even.  With Ace out and only minor contribution from AC was looking doubtful, but felt as long as Newman there we had a chance. He was adjudged out LBW. I can’t say if right or wrong but Newman walked off kicking leg up, swinging bat clearly not at all happy, I dread to think of his words in dressing room.   Then Ice Man and Scollay cheaply out and 96 off nine overs with 6 wickets down I gave up.      Was thinking could catch earlier train for long journey home.    I decided I would applaud everything we managed enthusiastically, with Beefy and Ken backing me up.   Some people couldn’t take noise and seemed to move away. They were kids heckling and other just enjoying our enthusiasm.  When the 8^th wicket was lost at 194 10 over plus now, we stood no chance I thought. However Dext and TRJ were able to play their shots, ride our lack and were keeping run rate within reach but not easy.  Each boundary was greeted by Middle chants. They were 2 Middx fans at back of stand joining in. Glous managed to turn it around against us from similar position, maybe we could do the same. 13 needed off last over, this within our reach.  However, the big shot just didn’t come. 6 off last ball needed, come on boys, sadly didn’t happen- scrambled single.    It was disappointing but was proud and  reflected what a great game and day out.  The warmth of fans around me was a great comfort.  Beefy summed it up at end texted me "best cricket day out of season" and obviously forgot about parking and queuing hassles .  He even met players after opposite his hotel and congratulated them.

Last Train to London

I intended to catch 6:47pm train, which was guaranteed with change at York get me to Kings Cross at just before 11pm.   This would have meant me leaving 10 overs before end. Despite seemingly hopeless situation in match, really did not want to leave. So went for last one at 7:47pm , with Trevor guiding me to station.   Only just caught this phew.  Then as arrived at York, earlier train for London waiting and caught it. This I believe would have been same train if I left at 6:47 and must have been delayed.     Had I caught scheduled train connection, a big chance I would have missed last TFL connection and rely on an expensive cab.  

All and all it was a long tiring day and a defeat to boot. Was it worth it course it was.  More of same next season please.