Local Derbys Draw to a Conclusion

Barmy Kev reports on a day at Derby for two events and does his best to underplay the greater excitement down the road.

This was day of two Derby games.  My two beloved teams were away at Derby.  I probably wouldn’t have gone to either, if it wasn’t for the clash of dates.

Morning only here for the Cricket

I arrived 20 minutes before start, was similarly early at Scarborough last week. It’s amazing I can get in good time for these long trips, but never at Lords. My thinking for morning session was wouldn’t be end of world if we lost quick wickets as a 200 target would be interesting. When Ice Man out early on this looked like the case. Smudge was struggling at start of his innings, but there was a succession of wide balls and he was gradually getting his eye in.  In fact by midday they were very comfortable and everyone was going through motions.  My vantage point was by pavilion where Middx players were in good spirits.  I was texting to Beefy about my thoughts of possible declaration at lunch. Scott Newman than said this not fair why can Murts (my nickname from players) text during play and we can’t?  I joined in banter and he wanted picture of me with the other Murts. Ace said “put that on your message board” so here goes.

 Spot the Murts?

 
Meanwhile it was case of when we will declare as there was declaration bowling but non-declaration batting.  I suggested to Shaggy a lunchtime declaration, he wouldn’t comment. Obviously discussing cricket tactics with me not on his agenda. Smith was bowled out from one that turned and kept low, which I thought was a good sign and both outgoing and incoming batsman may be rubbing their hands with glee. Shaggy and Dext had 10 minutes to bat when Smith out and was clear just wanted to see us to safely lunch. Lead 264 64 overs left, given intent knew we did not want to gamble, but I wanted game opened up.

Cricket / Football. Make your mind up?

Lunch arrived and thoughts now on making trip to Pride Park for 3 O’clock kick off.  I heard ground was close but no idea where and how close.   I asked a local who said it’s a 15 min walk gave me directions said a friend at game isa going, leaving 2:30 and will accompany me.  Brilliant, I’ll get my ticket during the lunch interval, return for ¾ hr of afternoon session, make way to QPR game and then if something in Middx match can probably catch last hour.  Well the walk to ground was 25 minutes, by time got ticket, took picture of Brian Clough/ Peter Taylor statue and returned to County Ground was 2pm.   Saw we hadn’t declared, score had moved on a tad and Dexter 85 not out. Met up with chap going to ground and he had enough and wanted to leave for Pride Park.   To be honest thought no urgency with Middlesex, I unfairly thought Dexter was there for milestone and was happy having just arrived back to do immediate return trip to Derby County with Derby fan. Had good chat about history of both Derbys and their turmoils that put both my teams into perspective. Oh he mentioned that Derby are looking for a wicket-keeper, have Adshead on loan.  I realised I actually spent 1 ½ hours just toing and froing between grounds without seeing any play.

Cricket from Football Ground

So I’m watching QPR.

 So this why no one at cricket down the road!

I could talk about football match, but this is cricket site so will explain my Beefy back from work text updates.  He mentioned we declared with Dexter 92 not out (I take back what I thought about his personal agenda- been watching Ramps too much).  Still though thought not realistic from my football stand position.  Early texts during first half of footie Derby put on good opening partnership, but was not panicking about us (Middlesex that is) losing. 

Was panicking about QPR we were 2-0 down playing badly, Beefy advised Shaggy got wicket during 2^nd half.   As 90 minutes up 2-0 down I was heading for exit for injury time, many more QPR fans had already left. I literally was by exit we scored what I thought was a consolation. Will stay you never know and last kick off game equalizer. Ecstatic.   Oh yeah this is a cricket site.    So I’m on way back to get train to London and see from next text TRJ has got 3 wickets in this time, but still thought no chance.   Then the 17:22 train, I intended to catch was canceled for no reason and next train 18:01 and Derby were now 6 wickets down.  I had serious thought of getting cab to County Ground for another late miracle, but didn’t and we all know the rest.

Summation

Admittedly there were more football highlights than cricket ones today. I learnt not easy to combine the two events in one day.   But I do know a cricket day more often or not beats a footie one. Just not for today.