10:40am Thursday 6th May 2010
THERE were plenty of Gloucestershire ties at Lord’s last week as visiting members took the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of the MCC pavilion.
There were plenty of smiles, too, as our cricketers assumed control, the smiles getting broader as the match progressed. There was news of old friends also. Mark Alleyne is now comfortably installed as MCC head coach and pleased to see everyone. One of his recent charges, Jackson Thompson, has just signed for Middlesex. Jackson played some matches for us but could not translate promise into performance. Judging by Middlesex’s record so far this season they need him!
A first innings total of 268 for Gloucestershire was riches indeed, after recent failings. Hamish Marshall was in scintillating form and Chris Dent and Jon Batty dutifully dogged. Middlesex’s England stars (Strauss and Shah) perished as a fast and furious Steve Kirby took three quick wickets in the evening session.
An even second day saw Middlesex struggle to 203, but they hit back. Chris Dent’s 42 was worth so many more. He was very unfortunate to be given out caught at the wicket as many video replays, some seen by me, showed he never hit the ball. Without him it would have been worse than 137-7.
The third day started with a stand of 70 between Jon Lewis and Chris Taylor. They are batsmen of contrasting styles. Lewis’s batting is like Bing Crosby’s acting. Range is limited but within that range very effective. “They kept bowling in my arc,” said a happily amazed Jon, “So I was able to play each of my two shots rather frequently!” Chris has many more shots than two and with superb judgment and footwork his 61 carried the game away from Middlesex.
Their England stars failed again and only one batsman (Malan) had the ability or technique to withstand the aggressive Gloucestershire bowlers.
Bad light meant the match went into the fourth day but this was philosophically accepted by our players. It meant another Lord’s lunch! My wife Penny and I can vouch for the quality of their lunches - four courses followed by port, brandy and coffee. The players do not get the drinks!
The Middlesex committee were charming in their welcome, but saddened by their team’s performance. Heads may roll. Played four, lost four is a sorry start.
“Sorry you retired as chairman”, said one very senior Lord’s figure, “You were the only county chairman who was not a millionaire.” He must have noticed I went to meetings using an old codger’s coach return and from Victoria, used my Cotswold bus pass.
Back to the cricket. For two players, Gemaal Hussain and Chris Dent, it was their first match at Lord’s. Thrilled to be playing there they were not overawed and both made mature contributions to a fine victory.
I am not so sure about their vocal talents. Surprisingly early on the fourth day, the battle song of the Gloucestershire regiment rang out from the visitors’ dressing room. It was joyously and lustily sung, as it is following each victory. However, if the team are expecting an invitation to sing at the Three Choirs Festival they may be disappointed.
In domestic terms, the Oval beckons and on TV is the 20/20 World Cup. England’s one-day record is poor. They totally ignored the Bristol brains trust (Bracewell, Alleyne, Russell) whose innovative tactics took Gloucestershire to so many successes, and have been off the pace ever since.
I hope for an improvement, but am not confident. I believe May 9 brings a real TV treat - Essex v Glos in the Clydesdale Bank 40 overs competition.
Mow the lawn in the morning, lunch early and be ready for 1.45pm.
Some local news. Brian Hudson of Cirencester and Neil Higginson of Rockhampton have been elected to the County Recreational Board. This is now a lively evolving organisation with new initiatives springing up all over the county. The time is right for new blood to continue the move forward. This column will watch for and report on progress. In the meantime congratulations to Brian and Neil.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/trade_directory/