How Crazy was today

Kev reports  on what was a crazy crazy crazy day on so many levels. No one saw this coming - unless maybe the Middlesex players did. Well played to them and well played to Kev to mnaging to keep things coherent on a day not made for decisive decision making or trains of thought. But a fabulous Middlesex day however you followed it.

We have been here before . We go into day 4 with draw clear favourite with a remote chance of a win. I need to catch 3.50 train home due to a prior commitment in London. Co-incidentally Rogers and Out was working round a similar leaving time to catch his Leeds flight home. I bumped into Don Shelley on sea front who confirmed over rate is under control and not to worry as game is bang on draw. In fact today I was looking for other sources of fun in Scarborough away from cricket.

I checked out of the Grand thankfully. Rumour had it Oscar Pistorious was about to check in for six years.

The day started with a game of air hockey against Rogers and Out. Brief match report I won 10 2 which included 3 R & O own goals. The crazy golf course was located and given state of our cricket was eager for a challenge against the Leprechaun.

Back to cricket; to declare or not to declare? We are batting on and boy did we bat. Dot balls were rare and ironically cheered. There was a boundary six hitting fest including 5 in a row. I was poised for catch high up in wooden seats. There were 83 runs off first 7 overs. 10 minutes between 50 and 100 partnership. Various records were broken including highest score against Yorkshire. Something like 100 taken off 12 altogether. Lyth finishes us off and is on a hat trick next time he bowls. And a golden pair next time he bats, which is now as we have a lead of 171. 

First ball he survived and batting continued to look easy  At 43/0 the conversation and interest moving away from cricket. I was looking an earlier train time. Change of bowling and TRJs first ball is a wicket. I was thinking if it was 3 down at lunch we have a slight chance. It was 2 down and crazy golf was the preferred option with no concern on rushing back.

A full match report of crazy golf maybe for another forum but here's a summary for those on here  who may be interested. The game ebbed and flowed. Of last over Leprechaun was trapped in a starfish but was able to work her way round it to achieve a draw. We replayed the hole 3 times matching each other so we shook hands with match a draw. We talked to the owner of club who when found out we lived in Middlesex offered us a free game. We agreed to go ahead as in no hurry to return. Another last over finish where the Leprechaun successfully negotiated the starfish for one shot win.

Journey back from crazy golf we heard in half an hour we missed 8 runs and 0 wickets. Leprechaun heading for bus to wherever. I'm planning on staying for half an hour and go for earlier train.  There's a crazy wicket: caught behind deflection of Gubbo's shin and then Hi-Fi takes another. Leprechaun is back in ground having heard about 2 wickets from the bus stop. I'm now looking for 4.50 train, with R&O agreeing. 

Olilie has Gale caught behind 5 gone now. There's a loud Middle Middle chant. Olllie salutes us; game now truly on. At this stage Ollie was 12 overs: 2 wickets for 5. There were some nervy moments but Yorkshire survived to tea and I wish I went for train an hour earlier  I hope you are keeping up with my train of thought?

After tea it's raining and dark. While  wondering if they will be called off there is a wicket; 6 down 36 behind.  I still decide to leave for 4.50 train while being in 2 minds. As hugging this lovely Yorkshire fan goodbye,who was in our company for most of 4 days, another wicket. Perhaps I should stay.

No I walk  to the station find out from R&O another one gone 8 down still 26 behind. What am I doing here? I desperately log on to Kevin Hand on full blast and straight away hear the words TRJ has got him; no idea whom, but who cares. One wicket needed; commentary lost , R & O’s cricinfo was dropping out. Other passengers must have thought we were crazy shouting at our devices for updates. Service resumed I gave up on KH, 5 runs behind the screen. Approaching York where I was about to change, leaving R & O  Leeds bound than he shouts Murts has got him. I dived on top of him. My phone went berserk with texts. I was happy but wished I was there. The friend I was meeting and wife would have understood if I was only 2 hours late rather than one.

For now. "Say we are top of the league , say we are top of the league. "

The winning huddle