Championees. Ollie Ollie Ollie. That Winning Feeling

We hear from many different viewpoints of emotions building up to that defining moment of Middlesex CCC becoming County Cricket Champions 2016. 

We start off with a Somerset perspective. How painful that last day must have been for you and many Grockles. Thank you Mike TA1 for sharing.

MIKE TA1

From a Somerset supporters point of view the last day of the cricket season was a disappointment. 

The day started as a three horse race by mid-afternoon it turned into only a two horse race. 

I watched the last days cricket in the Stragglers Coffee Bar in the new pavilion at Taunton with like-minded Somerset supporters. The day started with Yorkshire batting slowly, then that agreement between the two team, the joke bowling I could just about understand but the other agreement that Yorkshire would still go for it even when they stood no chance of winning, that agreement practically ruled Somerset out of the race. 

With sixty two needed off five overs by Yorkshire and eight wickets down and the batsman swinging the bat at every ball there was only going to one result a Middlesex win. 

Middlesex deserved to win the championship more than Yorkshire did so well done to Middlesex. 

 From Taunton out of their hands.

We spent the best part of the four days with some Yorkshire fans, who were fair minded and gracious in defeat. Respect to you guys. 

YORKIE DEAN 

Now let me just start this by saying well done on being County Champions 2016.  Mr Bairstow being refused to play was unfair

HOBO

I'm struggling to remember much about it, I blame it on that 7.4% cider

HAWKE

The two most impressive aspects of Middlesex's title win are their victory despite having what appeared to be an uninteresting pitch which does not seem conducive to positive results and the splendid support from a relatively small but keen and vociferous band of fans by the Tavern. Real county diehards! It was great to see them appreciated by the team when they brought the trophy over to them. 

Middlesex put themselves in contention despite a slow start to the season by a remarkable bowling performance on the last afternoon at Scarborough and an equally impressive run chase against the odds at Taunton. Then it was sealed on what became a last crazy afternoon. Well done! 

Then there are those Middlesex die-hards for reasons out of their control who couldn’t attend, but were equally nervous as those in the ground from their remote position

SUSSEX SEAXE 

'I had been at Lord's on days 1-3 but foolishly, Mrs Seaxe had long before booked theatre tickets at Chichester for the Friday night! Thus it was that, having watched for most of the day, the car radio was tuned into the game as we headed west. 

Conversation was limited as we travelled, ears glued to the radio and my apologies to people on the A 27 for a swerving car and a driver (and passenger) punching the air in deep joy at various intervals.1976 is still the last time I saw victory completed - maybe next year!' 

DINGY BAGS 

I was actually out of Internet range as the final stages unfolded. The last I knew was that Yorkshire were making a stand and that it looked unlikely. Beefy had been texting but these had stopped, so I feared the worst. I got back to my car and suddenly had an Internet connection but I did not believe what me eyes were telling me. I always knew I would not be able to get to the end of the game - or any bit of it. Why not a Saturday finish as the Yorkshire game did last year? But I had always planned to join the celebration if the things worked out. Got to the Tavern about 8.00 and enjoyed one of the best evenings of my life. It might sound silly but to drink from the CC trophy itself was awesome. 

I am still on a high: it keeps hitting me all over again.

Champagne moment 

WAY OUT WEST

Not only did I bottle coming to the ground I couldn’t bare to watch the TV and had a load of dried washing in my hands when the cricinfo moment of truth was revealed. 

There were many who were privileged to be there. Let's hear their ecstasy 

BEEFY

That moment, for a few seconds I just stood looking. Then my emotions took over and I cried my eyes out. Kev came to me, we hugged and both cried. Murts came to us with trophy and I had to touch/hold it. Hugging Ollie as he came to us. I was standing on the seat so not to miss any of the lap of honour. Shaking others by the hand, kissing people. The cry of MIDDLE,MIDDLE, MIDDLE  went on for ever as we headed to the Tavern still kissing and hugging!

FOZZIE

Frustratingly, I’d not seen any cricket since June, but I had to get to the final day. And what a day!  Tension turned into expectation as wickets started tumbling, and when Toby took the final wicket there was such a huge outburst of relief and emotion – people leaping, shrieking, cheering, hugging, punching the air, with long-time supporters in tears of disbelief. It was lovely, too, when Ollie and Murts ran over to join our celebrations. I just felt so privileged and fortunate to be part of such a historic day. As Alex Ferguson nearly said – cricket, bloody hell!

FREE ENTRY TO LORDS 

My emotions after the match was finished and the title was won were, a few emotional minutes whilst still in the Allen Stand (23 years is a very long time,) followed by a bit of a panic to get in to the Lords Tavern - as in not wanting to queue - and then I recall just a huge feeling of relief.... that we'd won it at home, at Lords, on the very last day, against the 'benchmark' side, and that we could all look forward to a good old knees up in de pub!

POSH MARGARET

Had my Yorkshire friend Richard staying (remember I'm from Yorks). He'd already told me that they would come to an agreement to get a result. He saw no harm in it as apparently it happened all the time in the 'old days'. I had never experienced it before and when Yorks began declaration bowling I hated it. I couldn't watch and really began to want Somerset to win. Never thought I would feel like this but was persuaded to stay. So glad I did and the end came so quickly I think we were in shock. Amazed to see two Middlesex Marks in tears. As friends from other counties said we deserved to win it!!!

ROGERS AND OUT

It's midday on Friday 23 September. I'm sitting in my office in Reading with a quandary. Several people including myself and my boss have taken redundancy packages and are soon leaving the company. Tonight is my guv'nor's leaving do. Do I attend that or head for Lord’s?

My 'phone rings. An old mate who introduced me to the joys of following Middlesex over thirty years ago is exhorting me to get to NW8 pronto. Decision made - apologies to boss and off to Lord's. Don't often make the right choice in situations like this, but this time, the bullseye well and truly hit.

240 needed off 40. Sounds generous. Quick start by the Tykes but they lose wickets trying to keep up with the rate and Eski's catch seems a pivotal moment as is the redoubtable Bresnan's departure later on. The end is a blur, with Finny and TR-J flattening the tail, whilst I'm hugging anyone in sight whilst taking care not to knock over anybody's beer.

The aftermath in the Tavern was something that will linger in the memory for many years. It was a pleasure to celebrate with our loyal fans and our terrific players, especially Ollie and Captain Franco. Abu Dhabi in March 2017 anyone?

ONE TIME PINKY 

I arrived at Lord's on the Friday morning in a philosophical mood - we were probably third favourites but I was sure we'd give it our all to win, and if not, I would celebrate the team for even getting us so close. As the day wore on, the likely direction of the trophy must have changed at least ten times, with Somerset, us, and then Yorkshire all holding the upper hand. Sat on the top tier of the Pavilion, I don't remember being so tense for every single ball - something that only changed when Toby took the ninth wicket and I realised we were actually going to do it. The atmosphere in the ground on the final day was electric, and the roar (even in the Pav) on that last wicket was like nothing I can remember. What a day, what a season, and what a team. Here's to a few more days like it in the not too far away future. 

HARRINGAY RACER

About fifteen years ago a friend of mine fainted as the conclusive penalty was scored/missed (I forget which but it meant we'd won) in a cup final. When Toby plucked out Sidebottom's leg stump I jumped out of my seat with a yell of triumph, both hands punching the air, before feeling very light-headed and realising I needed to sit down. I've never felt anything like it at any sporting event in my life and I suddenly understood my friend's reaction that day.

GED

When that last wicket fell, my single emotion was untrammelled joy.  I also got a great deal of pleasure seeing the excitement and delight in the faces of my fellow fans; not only on the day of victory but at the events that followed, culminating in the forum/party.  Writing this paragraph nearly three weeks later, my glee has not warn off; I’m hoping it will sustain me through the winter.  I feel immensely proud of our club; not simply for winning the County Championship, but by doing so while remaining such a delightful, friendly, genuine and members-oriented club.

PRIMROSE HILLBILLY

"I'd thought we were good enough to win the Championship since turning over Yorkshire last season. That was the first of our sequence of winning from needing snookers. It would also be the 40^th year since Brear’s win in ’76, and 40 years of friendship with my best mate.

We just needed consistency, and resolution. Early season draws ok, as same for everyone else. Duffing up Hampshire no more than expected, as they were poor. Then I went out for a major night out with us needing something ridiculous – 124 off 10 or some such, against Somerset, came home, made sure we'd saved the match, and ............the joy, the happiness, and Simmo’s glorious cavorting. Still brings tears to my eyes.

So, we’re locked in, we have to go for it, and believe. Durham 70 – O, Ollie’s ball, 207 all out, we win by plenty. Marvellous.

Yorks. First Day  – not good. Second day, not as bad, but they’re ahead. Somerset going like a train –Ok, if they win, and can’t be us, couldn’t happen to nicer blokes, but .............

I just never gave up believing we would do it.

Being gripped by that compulsion to get to HQ as fast as I could 3^rd day; that horrid tension as the game within the game played out. Transferring to sit among kindred spirits after lunch helped. Telling others we needed to bat to put Yorkshire back under pressure again, and set them whatever in 15 overs and turn the screw back on them, then game on ..... Yeah, I still believed

We are 2 – 2. Ok, it’s only a game. Life may go on afterwards. Kev switches from red wine to cider, doesn’t help his pessimism. He suggests hijacking the Sky helicopter, down to Taunton to dig up the road and write “George Davis is NOT innocent” on it.

Mala and Gubbo bat so calmly. The filth is served and hammered. Game on. Kev thinks we still won’t do it. Beefy with me, quietly determined.

Eskie makes a great-skied catch over his left shoulder, Yorkie run rate creeps up. Toby steams in, the best sight in the world. “Fast and Straight, Tobes”

“Oh, God! We’ve done it! Oh, thank God, what a relief to know I was right to trust those wonderful blokes". Hug everybody. What a relief. Want to cry, but can’t for joy.

No hangover the next day. Why? "

BARMY KEV

That last day I didn’t expect us to win. I recall the day before cheering when Yorkie reached 350 and saying to Beefy this could be our savior. He thought I was mad. 

When the joke bowling happened while most were complaining I was pleased because the game that looked dead , soon winning the Championship might be on. I thought Yorkshire would reach target but we have a 40 % chance. When 7 overs left 4 wickets needed, I couldn’t see it happening, and with run rate over 10 an over the title was at Taunton. What followed was too quick to take in. I had no idea TRJ scored a hat trick. We are Champions! I was hugging everybody in my vicinity including Hobo and Yorkie Dean who took it well. Then there was the Beefy hug, both of us in tears of joy. I had a moment to myself head in hands thinking of my late father Martin Ziants who introduced me to Middlesex CCC.  I left that zone and I saw the players running in the direction of the Lower Tav.  I just run towards them and will never forget Ollie embracing me.

The MCC restricting numbers in Tavern could not curtail our enjoyment.  While in queue Beefy bought a bottle of champagne that went down very well, while waiting. It was raucous in the Tavern , but shame more couldn’t be there.

Saturday I had the “Sweetest Hangover.”   Even now I look back and still on a high of that special day. In sporting terms it does not get much better.

I'm over here Ollie

And finally we hear from a player The Complete Package

OLLIE RAYNER 

That winning feeling!

What a season, since we gained promotion in 2011, the club has been going from strength to strength, this year has capped off something that I feel we have been on the verge of achieving for the last 5 years I've been at the club. 

The emotions that I felt during that last week were emotions I'd felt before but not all at once and as intense! Why couldn't we just have beaten Lancs the week before, why did it rain at Warwickshire, how have Somerset got away with their pitch!! But looking back, you couldn't have written the script any better if you tried, to win in the last hour of the last day of the season at Lord’s in front of all you nutters who'd trekked around the country wind, rain or shine with a hat trick no less was the most amazing end to a hard grafted, gruelling season of championship cricket I've ever and may ever be a part of!

The celebrations after in the Tav was one for the record books also! 

That winning championship feeling