Work tools were downed, and out went the shout of: To The Oval!
It was Day 2 of the ‘rrey at home to the Essex Slappers. It was also School Day in SE11.
Hundreds of primary and secondary kids from across S Ldn had descended on the old ground for a cricketing jolly away from the classroom.
Good on them. Good on Surrey.
I positioned myself towards the front of the Peter May for the morning session. There was a late morning burst of rays in the best sun trap in S Ldn. Make hay, Jase.
Luncheon came. The usual invitation to politely walk around the outfield was put on hold. I wonder why?
This didn’t stop one enthusiastic young school kid from breaking free and making a run for the wicket. I think SEN might have been involved. A supportive teacher stopped her. No harm done.
I moved to the top of the Galadari for the start of the afternoon session and my FAVE seat in the entire ground. But it was bloody windy up there, even wearing a winter body warmer. I retreated to the warmth of the Long Room for half an hour or so.
There is such a sense of history in here. One of The Oval tours rocked up. I learnt a little from listening to the excellent tour guide.
I then had a quick scroll through my Surrey feed and OH BOLLOCKS. The Horrid Hundred was being plugged.
One step up, two steps back, Surrey. Please don’t pollute my feed.
Out in the middle and the game is set up teasingly for a top of the table clash. Surrey have the slight upper hand, but there’s still potentially more twists and jeopardy over the next two days.
I made the strategic decision to leave at tea. I was tired and had some early evening work shifts.
