Our General battles as he leads us to safety

Kev reports on the build up to a draw that seems like win. There is a part of this report that carries a MCC health warning.   

This morning there is no spring in my step for attending today's play. If Sorry aren't brave enough to declare any wicket gained would not be in our interest as this would potentially give them more time to bowl us out. When we are batting runs would be of no value as our innings would be about survival. All these ingredients I find non-compelling. I left home 10.45, arrived hour later and not bothered about my late arrival.  

Sorry hadn't declared overnight, which I was pleased about. I heard they allowed us 90 overs to chase an unlikely 366. Literally as I took my seat Eski is out 4 overs into our reply. I'm already worried and haven’t sat down yet. Just as I was comfortable, you should never go for tight singles when survival is the key but this is touch and go if throw hit stumps Compo looks out. Stupid shot Gubbo out in 8th over his body language indicated he realised this. We hear the first “ Common the Rey” from the Surrey Croaker. Compo and Mala survive to lunch despite lots of exuberant, begging appealing when nowhere near. Us North of River would never bahave in this way. “You’re not Croaking anymore”  was heard from my direction. 

During lunch, in Tavern I watched the 2nd half as QPR beat Leeds 3-0. Sorry Beefy I quite enjoyed that. I'm suddenly feeling better about life thinking Middle are more secure. Now back in ground Compo is out. Take my seat Mala is out. Simmo soon follows. This is desperate position for us. 

I hear of two stories that annoy me as much as the current Middlesex plight on the field. During lunch Phil the Power is having a coffee in the Harris Gardens like he normally does. There is a beer festival going on, a MCC steward asks him to move as he is not drinking beer being told " this is not a picnic area." . Next one, Phil Catchpole is taking quality photos from his SLA camera purely for his own pleasure and was told by another MCC bod he is not allowed to because "the lens was too big".  Both took it well and are established Middlesex members, but can imagine someone new to cricket being put off by this unnecessary Jobs worth and disrespectful stewardship.  I really despair!

Meanwhile Gorgeous and The General make batting look very easy. The frivolous appealing has stopped. The Croaker has stopped croaking and we survive easily to tea.

No further alarms after tea. Minimum of 20 overs left we need 183 , can we win from here.  Shhh or something similar I was asked to do.  The scoreboard announces England have won the test, but there were still people looking watching game from their devices for ½ half an hour after, who cares. There is strange field placings of one slip and 3 either side in front of bat.

3 more other side in front too , but can't show this due to MCC lens restricions 

Gorgeous George makes his ton, Mexican Dave leaves.  Our General out with 5 overs to go. I hear a rumour this 174 partnership is a 6th wicket record against the Mexis that has stood since 1886, Seaxe Man would have been there but had to sweep  a chimney that day.  

 Harry in next who knows how to block and he does. A comfortable draw in the end, this seemed like a win, certainly under the circumstances a moral victory. 

Say We are top of league, say we are to if league.