Day 2 From the Riverside

He was there
By Graham Shipcote
May 12 2006

Graham Shipcote is a cross between a Geordie and a Sexy. A Midddlesex fan who lives in the North East. He reports live (well, not actually in real time, of course) from the Riverside.

Hi There

Let me introduce myself -Graham Shipcote here.

I've been a Middlesex follower since the hot summer of 1970, when as an 8 year old, we had to pick a county team, to pretend to play for during Cricket practice at school . Not many were left , when it came to my goodself (bowling) & I got landed with Middlesex.

Since then I'm afraid [no need to be afraid - ed], I've followed Middlesex from afar (geordieland) catching them probably once a season in some strange places "up north" ( Low Fell Cricket Club? Jesmond? ).

Anyway today I went to Durham (where I've yet to see them win) arriving in the sunshine, & co-inciding with Durham's first innings finishing at a too grand total of 348. By the time I got the scorecard( 60p from shop) we were already down 11-1 with Ed Smith lbw to Onions for 5.

In came Ace & looked in great form, on a good wicket, stroking the ball around nicely, while Hutton was accompanying him, playing himself in? It was no surprise to me though, when on 9 he was out plum lbw to Thorp. He looked, well, rusty.

Still Ed Joyce in next & at 54 for 2, I thought this partnership would prosper. Not so, Durham were bowling well & making the changes at just the right times. Ace's 50 came up just before lunch, including a wonderful 6 which nearly hit Lumbley Castle, but in the next over Joyce was caught off Thorp ( he eventually got 4 wickets ) clipping it to the wicketkeeper for 14. What a time to get a wicket. In the glorious sunshine, I took my top coat off & retired to the cafe for a bite to eat & a sulk.

Refreshed & with new optimism I took my place amongst the Durham faithful but wished I stayed in the cafe, as the afternoon session was mostly a disaster. Shah went quickly, hitting out (?why?), then Dalrymple's 2nd ball a loosener from Lewis hit him in the midriff & he had to retire.

Compton after a shaky start (he was dropped on 4) gained in confidence & played very well, Unfortunately Scott (4 & lucky to get that) & Louw (0) couldn't keep with him. When Jamie re-appeared with a runner, & we were on 161-6, & I just couldn't see us gaining a single batting point. However Dalrymple in my opinion & with that injury, played out of his skin, attacking the bowlers & forcing Durham to turn to spin. This proved Compton's downfall, as being stuck in his 40's for quite some time, he seemed anxious & trying to sky Breese was bowled on 48. Maybe he'll learn!

We were then 215 & got our bonus point. Dalrymple got 4 more to make 36 biggies & some helpful runs from Silverwood (10 not out) & Richardson (9) pushed us along to a mighty 242 all out, just before tea.

While tea was taken I had to get myself a drink! I was very disappointed, although Durham seem to have a good all round team, considering 3 were on England duty. The evening session was a bit better for us & I counted 15 shouts for wickets , & I know we only got 2, but Richardson especially bowled very well. The fella next to me said he wasn't the same bowler as in the first innings & I had to assure him that he was.

We're still in the game as both their top batsmen have gone & if we can get a few quick wickets tomorrow, then who knows. Its forecast for showers later tomorrow too!