Play it Again Sam

Way Out West provides a summary of today's play with some interesting asides

It was my good fortune that I read the report of Darren Gosling before I left my house. A finer report you could not read. It has made my task easier as I cannot follow up that with purely cricket matters. Lucky that as most of my output tends to focus on the cricket watchers rather than the cricket.

 The walk to the ground from Paddington could not have been finer. The sun was shining, Middlesex were in a better than okay position and I was beginning the first day of a nine day holiday.

 Some things change, some things don`t. The walk along Blomfeld Road revealed that despite living on a canal side road verging the Grand Union Canal in Little Venice, the householders always insist on house improvements. How do you improve a £6 million house?

 I took a seat in the Grandstand with my Dad and it felt like Mid Summer. A couple of lovely strokes from Fletcher and I imagined 400+ but Finny managed to snaffle Carter with a fine catch from Dawid. Fletcher tried six hit to the nursery end, but Rogers held the skyer. Smiles all around, Hove but a distant memory.

 I always define the cricket season by football chat. When the football chat ends, the cricket season has truly began. By my definition, World Cup year means we will never begin. Fulham, Chelsea, Wealdstone, all discussed with gusto in the innings break. As Reading fans we haven`t got much to add. That kind of year.

 Out come Rogers and Robbo and all seems well as the first few overs are dealt with in the manner of a giant swatting a fly. Its sunny, the pitch is flat, no problem. Rogers looks composed and in control but then edges one. The great white hope Malan strides to the crease. I have been singing his name from the treetops and telling all and sundry (well, my mates at least) that Dawid is going to score 1000+ this year. He makes 0 and Fletcher has got us at 19/2.

 I would hope that most who follow my MTWD output would have me down as an optimist but I must confess that I was loudly moaning we could be rolled over now. A nervy period followed but it was put into context by the beautiful sun, a well packed hamper (a sports direct purchased bag with sausage rolls etc) and the frankly hilarious output from the supporters behind.

 Merchants Taylors is officially in the bad books because it is two bus rides for the supporters in question. Every ground was slated due to transportation issues. As exiled supporters we could only chuckle.

 What followed was sublime. Robbo put his very nervy start behind him and aided by Morgan they put on an amazing stand. Yes, there were a few silly shots from Moggy but this was cricket at its best. That’s why we don`t mind taking 2 buses (and more). The sun was shining and all was right with the world.

Luke Fletcher asked us if we knew any spinners who might be able to get something out of this dead pitch. All in good humour, but as soon as he had finished speaking, Morgan perished attempting one too many fine dabs. Rosso came to the crease and soon departed. I hope he proves me wrong but I have yet to be anywhere near convinced by him. Sorry.

 What had seemed a great position was in danger of falling apart. Arise John Simpson who played a few cracking stroked and saw us home four down. Once again we rose to applaud Sam Robson, hyperbole aside, one of the best innings I have seen in person. Just flawless.

 All seems positive for Tuesday morning, so come on Middlesex.