Middlesex 298/7 (96 overs, won the toss) v Surrey
To The Oval! …on Sunday morning for the ‘rrey Vs the ‘Sex in the London derby.
Funny old game, cricket.
I arrived as ever fashionably late. The plan was to make it in time for the TOSS. But I was pleasantly doorstepped by @1607WestEgg along South Lambeth Road.
I have shaken the hand of @1607WestEgg. I am BLESSED #Stockwell
— Jason_Cobb (@Jason_Cobb) May 15, 2016
Yer man asked me about the FA Cup Final at The Oval. I hope that he hadn’t misjudged my age.
And so I rocked up at The Oval after around half an hour of play into the morning session.
I do LOVE the London derby.
BALLS to city franchise cricket.
Would I really get my arse in gear to watch Team London bat against Team Brum before midday on a Sunday?
Sunday was significant for Surrey as it was the official opening of the Nu Peter May Stand.
I confess to feeling extremely nostalgic over the closing and demolition of the old Peter May Piss Head Sun Terrace. Some of the happiest moments in my life have been spent half-laced in the South London sun.
It was therefore ACE to see that the ‘ambience’ of the old had made a reappearance in the new.
The stand is bloody HUGE. But that doesn’t distract from it essentially being a very public drinking club, with one of the best views in Transpontonia, and all south-sun facing as well.
It feels like home already.
Adding to the Home Sweet Home feeling was the very kind offer a free BOOZE voucher from the ‘rrey upon arrival.
Free beer token @surreycricket? How very kind. Thank you. I'll have half a lager shandy #chinchin pic.twitter.com/QrL2QvUifX
— Jason_Cobb (@Jason_Cobb) May 15, 2016
Cheers.
I’ll drink to that.
But not before I have at least justified the Match Report claim in what will otherwise be a very Crap Match Report.
The ‘Sex were suitably enjoying their time out in the middle on 69 when I finally took up my voyeur position in the Nu Peter May.
Gotta try a new position. Let’s go fishing in the river, the river of life, etc.
YEAH.
Which for the ‘rrey meant a morning of hard toil as Captain Batty pretty much led the attack with his spin.
Nick Gubbins was far from bobbins for the ‘Sex. A fine 50 before luncheon included ten boundaries.
The Other Lot from North London had 100 on the scoreboard just ahead of the Sunday roast being served up back in the hutch.
Sam Robson soon followed, with the opening pair turning over the scoreboard at a rate of four runs per over.
Luncheon came, and Arun Harinath and Tom Curran deservedly picked up their County caps.
BATTED, or bowled, etc.
I took the luncheon opportunity to explore the Member’s Terrace in the Nu Peter May. It was a little pokey, but it should prove to be a lively space come the arrival of t20 in South London next week.
A brief mass trespass of the outfield followed, and then it was back to the toil for the Surrey bowling attack.
Captain Batty did the business with the ball in the first over after the break with a stumping of Robson.
I celebrated with my free pint of Surrey lager shandy, and then broke out the cooler bag of Special Brew.
When I woke up it was stumps with the ‘Sex on 298-7.
Welcome to the Nu Peter May Piss Head Sun Terrace.
Same as it ever was, Comrades.