2483 Magical moments during August Bank Holiday weekend 2013

Cricket has continued to dominate my time with the important County Championship game between Durham and Surrey at the Emirates ICG commencing on Thursday August 22^nd 2013 after Yorkshire was well underway against Nottingham and England had commenced the 5^th and final test pf the present Ashes series at the Oval. I have also not reported on the important 4th Test at Durham. Newcastle and Sunderland got off to a disastrous start as the new Premiership season commenced. The weather turned dark and wintry as the weekend progressed although it was possible to watch the first day at Chester Le Street in warmth and sunshine.

I have also watched the start of celebrity Big Brother and an extraordinary performance of the Four Season jazzed up with Arabic and Jewish flavouring as well as of contemporary swing as Nigel Kennedy enjoyed himself with the Palestinian Strings. I am still not sure what to make of the Gary Linnekar Do you think you know who you are? There was another good episode of New Tricks featuring Brian and his wife, played by Alun Armstrong and Susan Jamieson. The latest series of the Borgias came to a good end for the Pope and his son although Lucretia continued not to get her way. I watched bits of vintage Antiques Roadshow and Flogit as well as the last parts of lunch time Bargain Hunt.

In addition to listening to Test match special on the radio and West Ham at the Toon, there was the Archers omnibus last Sunday and the repeat of Question Time and Any Answers as well as the Friday afternoon film review with the Good Doctor Kermode and his mate Mayo.

I also enjoyed the shown on TV 1979 Richard Lester film Cuba with Shaun Connery and Brooke Adams and the 2012 adventure mystery Jack Reacher. I watched Space Kids out of curiosity and a dark boring 3D films who title I cannot remember except it was part of a series. I have got myself organised for the visit to Scarborough and the top of the table clash between Durham and Yorkshire and have commenced to thinking about my visit to Brighton immediately after the 20 20 games involving England and Australia, men and women’s teams this Saturday when I get back. I have defrosted the freezer and the clothes washing, The defrost has meant eating up what was available mainly fish and prawns, with two pork chops and two lamb cutlets, with poached eggs and spaghetti on toast. There was also a pizza. I am using black pepper and olive oil more under the influence of Montalbano who I continue to read late night or in the early hours. There has been two packets of salted peanuts and several Snickers bars, one a day at the cricket and two this evenings in a moment of wickedness.

I had wondered how the 20 20 defeat on the Final would affect Surrey in their game against Durham at the Emirates which commenced on Thursday August 22^nd yesterday. The weather had looked poor over all this week brightened up as the morning progressed but Surrey remembering what happened in the fourth test and with the cloud cover asked Durham to bat and at first this looked a good move as Stoneman was out for 8 when the total was 9. Jennings then 1 was joined by Borthwick and they batted steadily around 3 runs an over and looked set to reach lunch when Jennings was out for 35 to Treadwell who had also dismissed Stoneman and was the only Surrey bowler who appeared the be a threat to Durham. However by then Borthwick had made a brilliant innings of 135 until falling to a LBW from Treadwell and Borthwick had been ably supported by Scratcher Smith out also LBW to Treadwell for 87 13 short if his century. I was pleased for Smith who played some great strokes and swipes but he appears unable to sustain a good innings into a great one.

Richardson who came in for Stokes called up for England only made 7 so at the close of the first day Collingwood 17 was joined by Harrison 1. Mustard is further down the order than usual after his recent loss of form in the vital 20 20 and the two 40 40 games which Durham lost. Durham are also playing a new man Usman Arshad who captains the second XI one day side and bowls and bats although from the figures I have seen so far he had achieved nothing spectacular but he is young and has shown promise and remembering the success of trying out the 2^nd team spinner Butler in the first game at the Oval last April which I so much enjoyed. Durham were 309 for 6 at the close.

　

On Thursday I sat at the first level but Friday I moved up to the top which enabled a view almost over the wicket and above, perfection as it was a great period of play to watch the Durham bowlers at work. In the morning Durham progressed slowly and lost all rounded Harrison, who replaced Stokes for 10 with the total 331 and then Collingwood who has looked uncomfortable at the wicket recently with the total for 348 but who had managed to achieve 36 which the way the match and weather is progressing are valuable runs. This provided he opportunity for us to see what new man to the team Usman Arshad is made of at a time when with heavy cloud cover it looked as if the ball was starting to move so that every batsman was having to concentrate hard and played defensively especially when Treadwell was bowling.

The visit to the Emirates over the past three days has provided the opportunity to view the improvements made for the Test at close quarters in ways which I did not expect. The wicket for this game has been placed to one side towards the main pavilions with the green seats closed off. And therefore only a limited area of view behind rather than over the wicket, Dissatisfied with this I went on an explore at lunch and discovered that the presumed temporary hospitality boxes were open and have provided the best view at Durham since the ground was opened. I was told, later, that a seat here during the Test would have cost around £350 and with at least room for 100 on to the two levels that is £3500 a day and £140000 for the first with four days. The construction was high quality production with individual room areas and one large area on the first floor. There was a multitude of power points and TV Points and at the back quality toilets and rooms for cooking washing, bars and storage.

As if to emphasise the mistake England made with excluding Treadwell from the Oval 5^th Test he had another brilliant day on Friday and finished the Durham innings with his best figures of 8 wickets for 96 runs off 33 overs. Arshad managed 15 off 70 balls showing great application and Wood and Rushworth tried to stay around as former captain Colonel Mustard took his tally to 45 not out as Durham toiled to an impressive 421, the highest first innings at the round all season and which highlights just how well Borthwick and Smith played on the first day.

Only bad light prevented play after tea and stopped Durham completing a rout of the Surrey innings on the second day and they finished 97 for 6 having been 5 for 2 20 for 3 and 36 for 4 at one point. It was also young Arshad who broke what appeared to be steadying stand when he took two wickets in his second over having gone for just 1 in his first and finished he day 3 overs and nine runs for his two wickets having been hit for two fours in his third over and the Surrey approach appeared to be one of trying to hit there way out of further trouble. The weather forecast suggest that the only time when rain showers is not forecast in the morning. Fortunately the forecast is good for Sunday although getting Surrey out twice might prove a challenged although Rushworth, Harrison and Wood all posed problems getting the 4 other wickets between them. Surrey are becoming desperate finding themselves at the bottom of the table with 74 points albeit with a game in hand on fellow struggles Somerset with 89 and Derbyshire who had their second win in succession beating Middlesex, previous championship rivals by 56 runs. This means that if Durham win they will leap frog over Middlesex and Sussex to with one win to overtake Yorkshire who they play next week and could prove to be the championship decider, assuming the weather enables a full game and with the forecast good for Wednesday the first day.

I have not as yet mentioned the magnificent way in which Durham hosted the fourth Ashes Test and where I was congratulated by the couple, members of Warwickshire who had gone for a couple of days who helped me get to the ground from the car park,. The weather was kind for the Test and the cricket excellent but everyone commented favourably on the preparation of the wicket which offered both batsmen and bowlers opportunities. They also praised and the hospitality that was being shown. Durham avoided the kind of how to get to the ground problems experienced at Edgbaston by having volunteers in the station and at Chester le street car parks as well a good road sign postings.

I took the opportunity on Wednesday to sit at various points in the new stand which remains up for the 40 40 but where the back part will be removed to the brick pathway which has been relaid. There are good views from all parts of this stand where the surprise was the walkway using the brick path under the stand providing cover as well as mobility between the entrances. On Friday I also attempted to undertake the riverside walk which was signposted from behind the players nets. The public play needs in front have been removed although whether this is the is to be a permanent development is not clear. The walk way has an attractive temporary fence and a bridge over rough ground alongside the Chester le street outdoor leisure centre. However because the club was not in a position to provide a gate steward access to the riverside has been closed off again. It will be interesting to see if it will be opened up again for the 20 20 game a week today.

I was surprised that there was any play at the Riverside on Friday, given the lingering damp and dark start over Tyneside but left for the ground as soon as it was evident that play would be possible. Jamie Harrison skittled out the Surrey tail with 5 for 31 and the innings ending with a pathetic 108 but which demonstrated the bowling failure of the side as much as the skill of the Durham openers. Harrison also Dismissed opener Harinath for the big zero in the third over and Collinwood anxious to see what Arshad could do again early on was rewarded with two wickets in successive balls but Amla with 32 so far is showing great resistance and he was also support by De Bruyn so when bad light and then rain and the cold stopped play for the day just after lunch and a question mark over the weather in the North East on Sunday with although rain not forecast, the autumnal gloom continues this vital win in terms of championship hopes remains in doubt. My good view ended when the hospitality boxes were cordoned off overnight. During today, Sunday I noted a photographer on the baloney and when i walked round it was evident he had broken the tape, presumably with permission.

There was a continuing gloom when I left this morning although shortly after arrival the sun made the effort to come out and there was never any question of bad light preventing a full day’s play. And for a time it looked as if the game could go on beyond the six hours of car parking I had taken. The problem was Amla, a player I know nothing about as he is not included the Playfair annual. He eventual was removed for 89 at 139 after Dr Bruyn had gone for 12 at 101 so with the total 133 for 5 I was confident that Durham would win sometime during the afternoon. It was a brilliant over by Wood with two balls to go for lunch who had Davies caught Mustard and he had Batty also caught Mustard the very next ball. While he did not get a hat trick within a couple of runs he had Wilson also caught by Mustard. Later he had Linley caught by Smith with Surrey all out for 169 having lost wickets at 156 156, 159, 159, 169. Durham had won by and innings and 144 runs thus ending the pain of those terrible hammering at the Oval when Durham first played Surrey as a First Class County. They now have 155.5 points and a game in hand on Yorkshire 15.5 points behind so a win at Scarborough will bring back to the lead with a game in had.

Rushworth 3 for 72 was for one he least success of the bowlers with Harrison 7 for 74, Wood 6 for 79 and Arshad 4 for 34 the best in terms of figures. Collinwood and Jennings also took a turn but with the innings of Borthwick and Smith I doubt if the match would have proved so one sided.

I must mentioned football before covering the last two Ashes Test matches. The result of the first two weeks was a 3,2 win by Cardiff against Manchester City who scored a brilliant goal first and look a class act with their demolition of her Toon in the first match of their season. Cardiff were 3. 1 with only six minuets of extra time remaining and then they had a good headed goal and there was an anxious several minutes which seemed to o on for ever as the Welsh capital city’s team gained their first three valuable points. Not so Sunderland and Newcastle who after their first game defeats, Sunderland 1.0 at home survived scares at the second matches to gain draws. Newcastle with their 0.0 were very lucky at St James Park while Sunderland who were 1 up from a headed corner 3 minutes into the game never looked like holding out against the home side who looked as if they will do well, as do Aston Villa along with the Man U who play Chelsea this afternoon, along with Arsenal, Spurs and Everton. Nothing changes much even with Bale going to Spain for a reported ninety to one hundred million while Rooney who left Moyes at Everton for United once now looks determined to leave at some point.

Meanwhile an air of great disappointment continued to grow at the Oval in the Fifth Test with Australia winning the toss and batting well on a flat wicket, reaching 492 for 9 before declaring with Watson 176 and Smith not out 138 securing their places for the second round when the two sides meet again in Aussiland in November. Anderson 4 for 95 was the only bowler to have success after a surprising England move which saw Kerrigan come in instead of Tremlett after Bresnan and Onions were injured, he proved an embarrassment on the flat wicket with 0 for 53 for is eight overs. He was not asked to bowl in the second. England has also brought in Woakes for dropped who has promised to get a big score over the series but always managed to get out soon after getting himself in!. Woakes also had a torrid time with the ball with 1 for 96 as the second spinner brought in one suspect because Monty Panesar who recent appeared in caught over an incident involving a bouncer at a night club. I suspect his is only a temporary banishment and he like Watson will be given opportunity to redeem himself by going on he Ashes tour. Woakes is an a rounder of a sort as England try and find someone to take over the middle order all rounder spot which brought Botham and Flintoff international fame

England struggled during their innings boring everyone with two runs an over and Pietersen of all people getting one of the slowest 50’s of Ashes efforts all time taking 189 balls. In the second innings he made 50 again this time in 36 balls which was the second quickest. In he end although with a bad light evening and no play at all yesterday England were all out for 377 with Root 68, Trott 40 dependable Bell 45 and prior 47 all contributing. Cook with 28 still struggles. Australia to their credit all came out on the fifth day determined to entertain the huge crowd at the Oval where the last test was proving such a damp squib. They declared at 111 for 6 at just less than a run a ball setting England a target of 227 to win off 40 something overs. England played normally for the first 10 overs before Petersen unleaded his attack and England had the prospect of an unexpected an historic 4.0 Ashes win something which no English side had done before. As Australia found way to stall for time, as England had done, the prospect of the game ending on bad light became evident. The rules are quiet clear. Once players go off for bad light the meter reading involved becomes the bench mark for the rest of the game and a reading reaches the same level play has to end until the light improves. Last night in was the progress of the night which enveloped he Oval as play reached t,30 and beyond and even with the lights, the rules are the rules. It was disappointing for the crows who became very excited as the day turned into a one day event with close on 500 runs being score. Continuation would have delighted them and the nation but would have been unfair to Australia who must have been attempted to bat on forcing the welcome draw.

It did not matter anyway because England had won the fourth Test at Durham and taking the series 3.0 which added to the affection in which the Emirates Durham will now be held for all those attending the game or witnessing the win on TV. I have already mentioned the ground transformation for the event and the creation of extras such as the Riverside walkway and cricketing murals in the Member‘s lounge and around the ground. The airship above the ground provided god views of the Lumley castle and the countryside which surrounds Chester Le Street. England won the toss and elected to bat struggling during the day to make 238 with Cook 52 and Trott 49. Lyon the spinner taking 4 for 42. Australia then also struggled but gained a small lead of 32 with their runs coming from the opener Rogers 110 and Watson 66. They were 12 for 2 and 79 for 4 before the stand over 100. Broad 5 for 71 had a very good day. It was Bell who again came the rescue with 113, Bresnan the bowler 45 with Swann 30 after Pietersen had contributed with 44 all created a potential match innings second innings of 330. I say potent ional because the Australian openers then made 100 and with a whole day and a lengthened after tea session because of bad light the previous day, the odds had swung in favour of an Australian win.

I had contemplated investing in a ticket for the fourth day but the weather forecast was no good and so I banked on play being disrupted and an exciting 5^th day where the tickets were £25 rather than the £80 . I w 11 for 121as therefore amazed when i switch the TV on after tea to find Australia collapsing with wickets falling at 147, 168 174 175 179 181 199 211 and 224, eight wickets falling for 54 runs. Broad 6 for 50 became unplayable and was man of he match with 11 for 121 and man of the match. England had won the Ashes with only keeping them after the result at Old Trafford.

With Durham not involved with one day events in 2014 and Cardiff getting the next Test going to a new Test ground in the next Ashes series in the UK, it raises the question of when will Durham next be able to hold such a prestigious game. Lords and he Oval always start and end the five match Test series in the Summer months with Old Trafford, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge and Headingley traditionally competing for the holding the other tree. It is only in recent years that Emirates, the Rose Bowl now the Agius Bowl and Cardiff Sophia Gardens have become recognised Test grounds while others have been selected to hold one day international games.

Having discovered that I have more films and TV to note I will end here and continue the culture later today as I prepare for Scarborough having decided I will give the last 40 40 at the Emirates a miss keeping one eye on the game involving Notts and Kent and Chelsea’s clash with Man U in 3D this evening.

2482 20 20 Finals cricket

Despite not seeing the greater part of the final of the 20 20 competition at Edgbaston I had a very enjoyable day, despite the difficulties of getting to the ground, and then getting back to Perry Barr where I was staying overnight, and despite the constant drizzling and later heavy rain. I had prepared well for the kind of day it became with waterproof leggings and the thicker top water and wind cheater purchased at Croydon, the fake straw hat and the small umbrella that quickly became damaged in the wind and needs to be replaced, something io forgot to do when going to the supermarket yesterday evening after an excellent day watching cricket back at Durham Emirates International ground at the Riverside.

In the first game 20 20 semi final last Saturday Northamptonshire won the toss and elected to bowl. Essex lost Smith when the total was only 13 and were contained for the great part although Rutherford hit 2 fours and 2 sixes. Pettini made 3 fours, and Bopara disappointed with just 1 and 14 runs. It was the arrival of Napier joining Foster who potentially changed the game with Napier 38 from only 15 balls which included 3 fours and 3 sixes while also got 3 boundaries and one six in his 32 from 24 balls. The total appeared likely to be around the 140 until the contribution from Napier and the innings ended 168 for 5 and with everyone amazed that the game had proceeded without rain interruption.

It was Northants opener Levi who impressed, as someone who did not feature in the quarter final at Northants with 4 fours and 4 sixes making 57 from 35 while it was White who made 4 of each in his 57 against Durham, assisted in the first semi final with 36 from 25. It was his not out partnership with Crook who had been run out by Collingwood for a duck, who made 46 with 3 fours and 4 sixes to see Northants home with the first ball of the eighteen over having lost only the 3 wickets. Kyle Coetzer who had opened well for Northants against Durham run out Mustard 44 this time was out when 18.

Essex who had been the favourites to win this game left as did many of the supporters from the seats in the same row as me

With Lancs looking strong candidates for promotion back to division 1 of the Championship with six wins from 11 played, Northants are looking best placed to join them some 27 points ahead of Gloucestershire with both having also played 11 and Essex with a chance having played one game less and 27 points behind. They are also in with a chance of reaching the 40 40 quarter finals with Notts on 17 points and they have 16 both away playing away their last game on Monday afternoon.. By one of those quirks of the fixtures Northants are at Essex this week into the second day of their important championship game, they are 530 for 9 with peters 101 and Sales 131. They only added 1 and Essex started badly losing 5 wickets for 187 but yesterday appears to have been badly rain effected so a draw is the most likely for them. I am not sure if they have effectively two sides one playing 20 20 and another the Championship. I know that Kyle C was injured during the 20 20 final’s day.

There was no hesitations about who I supported in the second semi final after lunch when the weather improved with some sunshine where Surrey, my boyhood club was playing Hampshire who I have still not forgiven because of the way we were treated at 20 20 Finals day. Surrey won the all important toss and elected to field. Apart from Ervine with 47 from 32 and 2 fours and 3 sixes, Hants never looked like gaining ascendancy, losing their first wicket at 8 and three down for 38. It was Mamood with 2 for 9 from his overs who did the damage. They were 9 down for 142 which I felt was 20 to 40 runs short of a winning first strike.

Surrey who only scored 1 six at the end nevertheless always looked the likely winners playing strong batting strokes than cow corner slogs. It was former Somerset’s De Bruyn who made 41 not out with 4 fours who steered he club to the final, getting the required runs with 4 balls to spare in what became a close game after the fifth and sixth wickets fell within one run when the total had reached 111. De Bruyn was assisted by Ansari making an excellent 21 from 12, getting the only six of the innings plus 2 fours. All credit to the Hants supporters behind who stayed for the final determined to make the most of teir day.

I explained in the first piece that I felt shattered, laying on the carpet in the Real Ale Lounge for the greater part of the 90 minute interval before the 20 20 Final as the rain fell strongly and I had not enjoyed a small burnt burger costing £6. When the game was interrupted by what appeared heavy rain I took the decision to leave and return to the Hotel before darkness and listen to the commentary on radio having left behind the headphones required. Because of the problems encountered in trying to return to Perry Barr I arrived only to hear the hatrick which ended the game in favour of Northants, It was not until returning home the following day that I was able to watch the highlights.

The final was extraordinary with Northants put into bat scoring a significantly above par total of 194 for 2 from the shortened game fo 18 overs because of the rain delay. When Levi went with the total only 14 Surrey and their supporters would have felt they made the right decision Willey who had not been required to bat against Essex and only opened because of the injury to Coetzer. He smashed 4 fours and four sixes in his 60 in 22 balls and was thn followed by Wakely 59 from 30 and 7 fours and two sixes while White provided another good innings with 54 from 39. The total if 194 would have daunted any team, especially in the final.

Surrey were never at the races and were all out for a pathetic 92 in 13 ,3 overs a good half an hour earlier than anticipated whereas had I got back to the hotel in the half hour to an hour anticipated I would have been able to listen to almost all the game after the rain delay. Willey took 4 wickets for 9 runs in 2.3 overs including the hatrick which ended he game. He also made one catch and was responsible for the running out of Davies for the second wicked at 39. Needless to say be was the man of the final and has got the whole fo cricket talking. For Northampton this was their first trophy in two decades and their first success in this competition and it always pleasing when a team that beats your own goes on to success.

Last Saturday week plus a couple of hours I had a good sleep having enjoyed a bottle of Pepsi and a Snickers on return and made up the remaining bread rolls with the salami for lunch which I eat at the Wakefield service area having also had a comfort break at the first service station on the M42 which i joined from 453. I was back around 2.30 after briefly stopping at Morrisons Sunderland for petrol and a shop for milk and two cartons of red grapes for £3. Because of fine weather there was a crush of cars along Seaburn, and before this I had noted that a huge Tesco Extra is now opened replacing most of the former premises on the site close to the Football ground at one end and the Blockbusters site at the other. There was the annual visit of the Romaney’s with the picturesque small caravans, some dozen plus the horses and traps who I had noted on my way out but whose numbers had increased significantly by the Sunday. Because of the traffic I entered the Morrisons site from the back rather than taking a close look at the changes made to the sea front promenade and which I will walk one fine day later in the year. All was well when I arrived home.

2481 An interesting car journey to Perry Barr via Tamowrth and Sutton Coldfield and getting to 20 20 Finals Day at Edgbaston and back

It is rapidly approaching midday on 20^th August 2013 and I have only been up an hour having returned to bed around seven and sleeping until 10.44, frittering away the time playing games against the computer since rising, On Friday morning last after eating that consolation breakfast I had purchased some healthy bran with nuts and dried fruit from an Aldi next door to the Travel Lodge at Chaddesden Derby after crossing over the road to see if the hairdressers also offered a service to men, but seeing only one assistant in the midst of a full perm for a female customer I decided not to wait and commenced the journey to a Travel Lodge at Perry Barr on the north west outskirts of Birmingham close to the M6 for a good night’s sleep before rising early for 20 20 Finals Day.

My route took me towards the centre of Derby a city I have only previously visited on its outskirts to Pride Park, the home of Derby County and which is located also just off the A 52 known locally by its official name, the Brian Clough Way. Finding the ring road I went in the wrong way round for the A38 going South remembering my experience on the previous visit to Mansfield and taking the A38 to reach the home of Nottinghamshire cricket, Trent Bridge, using the Park and Ride Service. The A38 south is a fast two lane dual carriage way which I continued until reaching the A453m a cross country route which take one direct to Perry Barr. Around midday I was full of thirst from the six slices of bacon, eaten with four sausages, three fried eggs, scrambled eggs and tomatoes wolfed at breakfast. Coming to a roundabout and seeing the sign Tamworth four miles and believing this was going in the opposite direction I nevertheless took the turn deciding I would take a break, buy myself a cold drink, although I was still full from the morning’s excess and did not want lunch. Not having breakfast this morning, this reminder of that breakfast makes me hungry and I will prepare lunch shortly.

Tamworth is one of those towns which in ordinarily circumstances I would have no cause to visit, no football league club, no cricket or other, to my knowledge would cause me to go there or pass close by. According to Wikipedia “Tamworth is a large market town and larger local government district in Staffordshire, England, located 14 miles (23 km) north-east of Birmingham city centre and 103 miles (166 km) north-west of London. Tamworth takes its name from the River Tame, which flows through it, as does the River Anker. At the 2011 census the town had a population of 76,900.[1] Tamworth is the second largest settlement in Staffordshire after Stoke-on-Trent.Tamworth is the home of the historic Tamworth Castle and Moat House, and has a non-league football team, Tamworth FC. The Snowdome, the UK's first full-sized real-snow indoor ski slope is located in Tamworth, and only a short distance away is Drayton Manor Theme Park.The town's main industries include logistics, engineering, clothing, brick, tile and paper manufacture. It was also home to the Reliant car company, which produced the famous three-wheeled Robin model and the Scimitar sports car for several decades.”

I discovered car firms another business complexes on entering the town and noted signs to a whole range of car parks having passed by one of the rivers and signs to the Castle. Although Friday afternoon there were no many pedestrians about apart from two parties of young people mainly female and several with bright luminous coloured hair. Later watching local news I found out that this was the weekend of the V festival which is held at two sites, one in South Staffs at Weston Park, the other at Chelmsford Essex but where the same major acts going from one venue to the other and this included the only performance of Beyonce, plus Kings of Leon, Jesse J, Basement Jaxx and over 100 groups and individual artists included a comedy stage,, a futures stage among the 5 stages available at each site. Wikipedia mentions criticism at the commercialism of the venture with water confiscated at the door and costing £2 and programme £10 without which you do not know which artists are playing where and when. I am still hurting from having to buy a small bottle of water for £4 at the Rosebowl 20 20 which had not been chilled.

Unfortunately my tour around the inner ring road with various indications of enclosed shopping centres did not reveal the kind of local news and tobacconist likely to have a cold drinks store. I decided to continue on the journey, hoping to do better at Sutton Coldfield which although larger that Tamworth 106000 to 76000 came across initially as a pleasant market town and indeed it become a commuter town for Birmingham located about eight miles from the city centre. My first encounter was deceptive but led to an extraordinary coincidence.

I found a small car park off what I believed was the main street and close to the railway station, intending to head for the nearest place offering a cold drink and also a comfort break. However immediately opposite was the sign for barbers and from the looking inside their appeared to be no customers or again populace about the streets although the others buildings appears small commercial operations such as solicitors, estates agents and the like.

The barbers appeared to be run by a woman who admitted during the conversation to being born in 1961, two years before I attended Birmingham University for a year. The younger assistant who tended my hair was born in the 1980’s although she appeared early 20’s than later. Mentioning that I lived near Newcastle led to mention of my lack of regional accent and to saying my family came from Gibraltar, Spain and Malta. It is here the coincidence occurred because shortly before my arrival they had attended a customer who had raised the issue of Gibraltar and the antic of the Spanish Government. The younger assistant had not grasped that Gibraltar is more than a Rock and has a resident populations around 30000 with about the same number of Spanish citizens employed and several million tourists arriving each year by sea, plane and coach. This discussion also got on to the issue of parentage.

On arrival I had mentioned the accident of finding them when searching for a cold dink and the colder assistant, manager owner offered a black current cordial which went down in two swallows. The younger appeared never to have travelled far from her home town and never been abroad. Given the time that was taken plus the cold drink the cost at £6,50 was excellent and set me fait for the rest of the day which was just as well as

I had a merry dance finding the 453 again, heading at one point for Sutton Park a huge areas of lakes, activities including restaurants and then finding the road went sailing past the Travel lodge , located back from the road, going passed the greyhound stadium on the opposite of the road which ought to gave alerted that I had missed the left hand turn, continued until reaching Perry Barr roundabout where there is also an under pass/overpass, cannot remember which straight into the city, took the wrong turning back and then had to reverse before taking the slip road back to the greyhound stadium and then heading northward until spotting the Travel Lodge on the right.

This is a four storey building with parking under cover to one side on the ground floor and a cafe on the other side where I was delighted to drink not one but two cans of a lemonade based soft drink called lilt. The cafe closed later because of staffing difficulties and I decided to resist the morning breakfast options discovering a local convenience store combined with a Subway sandwich outlet where I acquired a pack of rolls to add to the two packs of two ciabatta plus a pint of milk. This provided breakfast on two days with the fruit fibre and the salami rolls for food that evening ( two ciabatta) and for the cricket the following day, (two ciabatta and one roll) and for lunch on the way home on Sunday). To one side of the lodge was a car dealership and across the way a large Wicks store and then further out on the same side a Halford Motor centre. On the same side as the Lodge but set back and using a small road was a Goal project, which three floodlit all weather small football pitches and one indoor providing a commercial opportunity for young people to test their improve their skills as well as play small friendly, or not so friendly games. The rest of the large area was vacant grassed over space plus wooded background hiding a road and railway.

I stayed in for the rest of the day putting off the challenge of getting to the ground and back late at night in darkness. I continue to debate whether this was a good or not so good move. The following morning I set off between 7.15 and 7.30 and in fairness I managed to find Calthorpe Park with my blue pre paid car park pass although the signs were small and useless and will be the cause of complaint to both the ECB and Warwickshire, and not marked blue. Given that Edgbaston has been awarded the competition for four years my protests will be loud and clear.

However this was nothing like the problem I experience on the return journey when after rain which prevented further play I decided to leave before it got dark appreciating that I was going to have difficulties locating the road to Perry Barr again, It is impossible to remember all the failures and bad decision although the lack of good street directions and the pressure from other motorist bullies was considerable, thus confirming my hatred for the place, in part because of the unhappy time I had there when studying and training at the University after my Oxford experience. I did gain a tour of the city centre passing the home of the Birmingham Symphony and where an active nightlife was growing apace.

I also went south, east and west on separate occasions. I managed to find a garage which in addition to topping up on badly needed petrol provided a large size map of the UK which offered some help. The assistant showed me the route on his phone but the case for Sat Navigation became a strong one although my trips to Scarborough, Brighton (Train) Derby, and Hove via South Croydon are now familiar to me so this is something for the future.

The information was clear but I made two major mistakes. The first was not checking when I needed to get off the A/M 38 and ending up at spaghetti junction with three motorway like M6, M5 and M38 and all taking me to the east of where I needed to be. I tried to gain info local convenience store when going north on the A38 knowing I was no where near where i wanted to be. They could not help and three local lads on bikes did advise going back to the shops and turning right but I headed back where I had been before and then on a road towards Sutton Coalfield and then Erdington and had I continued along either of these road I may well have reached the 453. However I stopped and asked a man who was on way back from a pub who thought carefully for a few minuets and said I should continue north and then turn left at traffic lights and continue for sometime and then he paused as if unsure how to explain the next apart of the journey. I decided to following his initial advice which fitted into what my now was an accurate sense of direction required and travelled what in effect was a road parallel to the 453 but lower. At one point I was unsure given signs saying Aston Villa parking but a query with local lads revealed that the Perry Barr roundabout was a short distance away. I eventually as back long after the darkness and two hours after setting offing four times the length of journey of the morning. It could have been worse.

I paid the price for not making the effort the previous evening and then for not getting Geographa’s Midlands Birmingham guide. I thought I had one but could not when searching the car and my map collection beforehand. Was I glad to be back although instead of being able to listen to game I had left my digital radio headphone back at the Lodge and was only able to hear the closing over back on arrival. I had to wait until yesterday evening to watch the highlights of the final over one hour. Now to the 20 20 Finals day and my beefs with the hosting ground.

As mentioned signing from the centre of the city was pathetic as before this was no indication where Edgbaston was located and I found the link more by luck than judgement. The entrance to the parking entrance was down a side street and it was only the presence of parking attendants which signalled I had found the entrance as there was no immediate markings. There was also rain in the air which did not help to raise spirits. I was one of the first vehicles to arrive around 8 am about an hour before the ground officially opened. However when I left early the number of vehicles in the car park was surprisingly low so how the majority of the 20000 made there way remains a mystery although has mentioned in another piece i was able to attend the final day of a Test here in which Flintoff and Pietersen were batting and parked within a sort distance of an entrance in a residential street similar to the situation at Leeds.

I enjoyed coffee and snooze and as the weather appeared to improve and some of those parked commenced to make their way along a path at the roadside to the left of the park and with the impressive floodlights which are at an acute angle over the playing service from the uprights. I decided it was time to venture out of the car. Parked at the verge meant that i would be able to leave quickly when I decided to so.

I joined up with two Edgbaston members who expressed concern at the lack of signs and were uncertain themselves as to the best way to get to the ground as one entrance was closed because of building works. Fortunately the closest entrance was at the back of the ground to the entrance but almost immediately opposite the entrance to the Wyatt stand I needed.

I had chosen an aisle seat on lime to well up the stand but below the walk around space which creates a nightmare for those sitting the other side. My second beef is at the stewards who failed n two significant counts. First they appeared to have no idea of the seat numbering and blocks and for the greater part fo the morning people struggles to get their places. Secondly once the play commenced, bearing in mind this is only a 20 over innings, they failed to prevent people entering the stand for their seats. This was deplorable.

Facing me across the field is the new huge multilevel stand which occupies more than the playing surfaces. I was able to explore the ground once the seat was secured and I relaxed for a time.

The stand opposite had an uncover area throughout its length providing cover for several thousand people. Most fo the outside seating is also covered, there is also a wide undercover space close to main entrance and there was a cinema size screen showing the TV coverage, There were two other large screens outside which showed the Man U game against Swansea. Along there the covered walkway there were also smaller screen similar to those along the walkways inside football grounds. This was impressive. Close to the entrance of my stand there was a Real Ale bar which also provided good seating including armchairs with TV screen and good carpet on which I lay relaxed during the 90 minutes between the second semi final and the final.

There was a good range of food concession around the stadium and here is by third beef because I went for a burger in the evening which was advertised as having various fillings but was served plain and over cooked to burnt and had to make do with mustard which I managed to get along the side of my face according to a helpful passing couple!

Now to the other positives because given the rain in the air which fell at times the amount fo uncover facilities is impressive. I had come very well prepared wearing the over trousers on leaving the car as well as the rain and windcheater, my fake straw hat and the small umbrella which is damaged and needs to be replace, yet again!

The atmosphere, significantly alcohol fuelled was excellent through the day, in part created by the entertainment provided by the club and comprised a 12 person drumming group, split into four groups of three and where the surface was such that the drumming sticks caught fire at times. The instrumentalism was brilliant with sessions between the three games and shorter pieces throughout the day. There was also some flame swallowers later on and around my side of the stadium and opposite there were the electronic flame burst which wafted hot air towards when the wind direction was right. The younger people turned up in fancy dress agogo and on my travels around the stadium I was asked to take photos of one group of excited young people dressed as animals..

The amount of alcohol consumption continued to amaze with one group concentrating on jugs of Pimms, three at a time and where refilled half dozen to dozen times. I was lucky in my viewing position because in front was a very tall man but they appeared to have been allocated three seats and the seat on my side was also kept vacant so I had an uninterrupted view. Two young men were not fortunate but they were pleased to be able to move down the row after Essex supporters left after their team was defeated in the first semi final. Now to the cricket and the way the day went was perfect.

2480 A cricket trip to Derby for an important 40 40 game August 2013

It is Monday August 19^th 2013 and I am slow getting going after another memorable cricket travel to the midlands at Derby and Birmingham to watch another successive disastrous Durham County Cricket club performance, this time in the 40 40 competition followed by an excellent day, despite the rain at the 20 20 Final’s day before another getting lost in a city, this time fortunately I was in my car.

Although I was away only for three nights there is that feeling of being away a long time, in part because over this and next month I am in fact away from the house for more time than I at home.

I set off on Thursday morning early having packed well the day before but failed to get a haircut. There was an amusing moment of a kind on the Wednesday when I went to the Morrison’s garage at Seaburn and put in £32 pounds plus of petrol then could not to find my credit cards but fortunately I had just the right amount of cash to hand. It was on returning home that I realised that I did have the cards with me, in the pocket of my shirt! I went out immediately to Morrison’s for two small salami sausages, some milk and more soft liquorice at £1a packet, some tomatoes and a small pack of raspberries. I resisted the sprats and will continue to do so unless I am prepared to eat without the bead crumbs and batter and grill or bake rather than swamp in oil.

I went to Lidl’s for some breakfast cereal and for a haircut but the barber was closed - Wednesday afternoonitis. I could not resist purchasing two bars of nougat having also purchased a pack of salted peanuts at Morrisons. I had half the peanuts and one of the nougat during the evening and the rest when I returned Sunday, Both indulgences require punishment. I stopped at Seaburn on the way home yesterday afternoon for more petrol but found I had left the points credit receipt at home so will top up on my way Scarborough in ten or so days time, I bought milk and tomatoes again and some grapes, two packs for £3, and resisted the sprats and peanuts. I am yet to weigh myself but will do before lunching. I did find one barber’s open but there appeared to be half a dozen customers waiting as I drove past and on.

I decided to stop for a coffee after I set off at the McDonalds just before reach the Boro overpass and then continued until making a short stop to advise of my lunch companions for the expected time fo arrival. I was early and had to wait half an hour enjoying a lemonade which I topped up when the party arrived, and read some Montalbano while waiting. I enjoyed a chicken and bacon salad for my meal. I then made my way to Derby and a travel lodge located at Chaddesden. The residential village is to be found just before the city centre off the A52 which is known to everyone locally and further affield as the Brian Clough Way joining the Cities of Derby and Nottingham when here and a brilliant career with Derby County and Notts Forest.

Without Sat Navigation and relying on brief notes and a sense of direction I took the wrong turn at a roundabout and ended up back on the A 52 into city. This was a master stroke because as the road ended at a major roundabout I spotted the sign to Chaddesden and moreover the entrance to Derbyshire Cricket ground just along this road- truly amazing, with the Travel Lodge next to a Toby Inn along the road about a mile further,

The following morning I commenced to write having just eaten a ginormous consolation breakfast comprising two heaped plates with a total of four sausages, six pieces of bacon, three fried eggs, some scrambled eggs and slices of season tomatoes plus a refreshing large glass of delicious orange fruit juice with a little ice at the Toby Carvery all you can eat breakfast for £3.99 plus the cost of the fruit juice. All that salty bacon was to create a great thirst which led to a an enjoyable break at Sutton Coldfield in the day. More on this in the second piece.

The Chaddesden Travel Lodge is among the best I have stayed with a comfortable room fitting into my needs including four large pillows, usually three thinner ones, good power points and a large flat screen TV which I can connect my lap top if needed plus the full range of digital and radio TV channels. Unfortunately with only a one night stay I was unable to take full advantage of the quite residential location and a small shopping community which includes two mini supermarkets and a local Tesco’s. I am staying at the Day’s Inn just by the ground when I visit again in September otherwise I would have returned to Chaddesden.

Overnight I reflected night on the number and range of Travel Lodges I have stayed at commencing with the Greater London area, Croydon Central (1) a dozen time or more, (2) South Croydon(when another chain controlled but staying and this September) and (3) Caterham-Whyteleaf plus (4) Maldon Surrey with (5) Kings Cross in central for general visits to the capital and cricket at Surrey C C and Middx County Cricket and Lords On other visits primarily to watch Cricket, stays have been at Brighton sea front (6) Brighton and Worthing for Sussex CC (7) and where I will be going back to both in September. I think it was at Eastleigh (8) I stayed for the 20 20 Finals Day at Hampshire CC and I stayed at Leeds Bradford Airport (9) for Yorkshire CC.I am staying at Scarborough for another Yorks game (10) having gone to the ground earlier this year a one day game by coach and back in a day. I booked but did not stay at Trafford Park and Manchester Sports City for a game at Old Trafford cricket Ground Lancashire, although I have visited the ground before staying at the M62 Birch Services site (11), as I have for visits to both Manchester United and Manchester City Football. I did stay Liverpool Aigburth (12) to watch Lancs CC at the ground across the road and had booked to stay at Warrington Lymm, but decided to comeback straight home. Only earlier this week I made my first visit to Northampton central for Durham V Northamptonshire CC (13) and yesterday to Derby Chaddesden (14) for Derbyshire CC V Durham. I think it was the Birmingham Bromsgrove (15) to watch Worcestershire V Durham and I am now back in Birmingham North Perry Barr (16 )because of ease of parking and cost for the 20 20 Finals day tomorrow although the ground is situated in the southern half of the city. I have stayed at least twice at Nottingham Riverside (17) for Nottingham CC v Durham but also stayed at Nottingham Donnington Park (18), Nottingham Trowell (19) and Mansfield (20) for games of cricket.

I cannot remember the location of all the Travel Lodge sites where I have stayed in transit and nto as the main place of stay for a particular visit and this includes Scotch Corner (21), A1/M62 Pontefract(22), A1 Blyth (23), A1 Newark North Musk ham (24), Retford Markham Moor (25), Grantham Noteworthy (26) and Grantham South Witham (28). There are also two others, one on the a road between the A1 and M1 29 and the other to the East of the A1l (30) and then at the end of the AI and the M25(31) although this and that at the first service area from London on the M1 (32) are no longer shown. On the M1 I have stayed at Teddington (33) and I think at Watford gap (34) for Silverstone. There is also Bedford Marston Moretaine (35) and at Wakefield (36).Other transit stays remembered included Portsmouth (37) for the Island of Wight and Littlehampton (38) and Burford Oxfordshire to collect my car broken down when going to 20 20 Finals Day at The Rosebowl Hants.

I now come to Travel Lodges not already mentioned for visits places other than for cricket and which includes Hull, South Cave (39) and Hull central (40) Wirral Eastham (41) for Chester and Bromborough, Chippenham both sides of M4 for visits to Calne( 42 and 43) and also for a football visit to Cardiff. Keighley (44) for Bronte Country, Newport (45 for Isle of Wight). Bicester Cherwell valley for Oxford (46) and Penrith M6 for Northern Lakes (47) just remembered another Transit stay on M 23 Gatwick Airport for Gibraltar (48). The list does not included Premier Lodges at Croydon(Waddon) Hull Bridge or Innkeeper Inns Hull Willerby or what used to be South Croydon now taken over by Travel Lodge. Sometime I must do I piece on all the lodges encoding the photos when I remember to take them.

It is 11.30 and time to do the washing up, finish unpacking, enjoying a glass of lemonade, weigh myself after toileting before returning to the disaster of the Durham CC visit to Derby for the chance of reaching the 40 40 semi finals in early September and where I have already booked my place for finals day. I am writing again while enjoying the lemonade and with a hang over but from the travels rather than any alcohol. I have completed the washing up and sorted out clothing for washing or ironing and enjoyed the lemonade. I have eight main course meals in addition to the chop for today and the next effort to establish my programme until the to Scarborough.

I have today and tomorrow to complete writing up the trip and then on Wednesday watch the Oval test before going to Durham Riverside on Thursday for the vital Championship game against Surrey, the first of four days followed by he no longer of interest 40 40 game with then 26 preparation day for the next cricket travel eights days so I will defrost and fill the freezer also on that day, I have two quiches one for today, at least two portions of prawn salad and will use one to two tins of salmon with sardines, beans and spaghetti, cheese toastie options for the second meal. I wrote this before remembering that out to the cricket for potentially four days, even five I use the baguettes and may need some fillings although with cheese and prawns I could make do.

There will be no cheese omelettes, bangers and mash or all day breakfasts but instead the nutty oats which I resupplied on the visit to Lidl’s, plus which I will mix with the fruit fibre I purchased at Deddesden together with porridge oats as back up plus packet soups so that apart from more salad and some fruit I will limit supermarket visits until preparing for Scarborough and Brighton which follows closely on.

That’s now sorted in my mind. The opportunity is taken to prepare a display book for the next trip with the tickets and accommodation bookings made. That’s now sorted. And lunch preparations but first the weigh in back home and three pounds over, only should have been worse having consumed the greater part of the salami, the paté, with rolls and baguettes and that breakfast. Enjoyed lunch of a pork chop with lots of vegetables cooked from frozen and liquorice afters finishing off the substantially opened packets with watching Dick Powell for the umpteenth time as Philip Marlow in the Big Sleep and the latter part of Flog it, no it was not the other show at lunch time Bargain Hunt. I feel tired but will press on, where was I. At Derby Chaddesden after checking in and sorting the clothing, the sleep Apnoea machine and my food for the evening, a baguette with paté and olives I made my way to the roundabout and then took the wrong turning going down a road parallel to that I wanted and having a great ring around the roses to get back to the roundabout and this time talking the right turning and getting into the right lane for the ground with the other for the Virgin leisure centre and with the large Days in further back, I think I must have gone past the entrance when I took the wrong road. I was shepherded round to where stewards were taking cash or checking parking tickets £4 and placed me on the from row of the over flow with not a clear indication of how I was to get out later. I and already purchased by entrance ticket at £12

Derby, like Northants, is not a well appointed ground, functional one can say at best although with many good features such as a huge stand overlooking the wicket. To the left was a large strange building which has two functions. On the first and second levels there is hospitality and banqueting facilities. There is an indoor sports hall at ground or was it basement level with a martial arts programme underway. There were good toilets and a club shop. There appears to be a separate entrance from housing and a car park. Further around to one side and overlooking the wicket is the Members pavilion, functional, two storeys with a lounge offering what appears a good choice of main dishes, cheaper than Durham but with space less than half that of Durham and small veranda proving space for a single row of movable seating. There was room for the committee at the far end and the players pavilion next to this. There was another eatery providing sausages beans, eggs chips sandwiches and drinks all day at reasonable prices and a separate tea room. The selling of beer did not appear to be regarded as a major activity. The other side of the sight screen there was a fair size marquee pavilion providing some reward scheme, could be volunteers related to the club or community volunteering in general.

There was the hint of rain, and some rain throughout he evening although the match was able to progress its disastrous way from the Durham viewpoint. Durham won the toss and asked Derby to bat and at first things went well with Derby losing wickets at 17, 35 and 36 but then a stand between Madsen 72 and Hughes 73 sealed Durham’s fate although things were made worse by an over from Rushworth towards the end which yielded 20 runs giving him 1 for 39, Breeze 0 for 32 from his 5 was expensive leaving Collingwood who impressed with 2 for 25 from his eight the best of the bowlers and followed by Pringle 1 for 12 from 5 with Wood 2 for 32, Borthwick 0 for 18 and Smith 2.19. The total of 217 for 8 from the 40 appeared to give Durham a steady and gettable target.

However losing their first wicket at 4 with Mustard and then Borthwick at 14 shook Durham and they never recovered, with only Collinwood appearing to get a start until he gave a soft catch when 25 and you felt it was all over. Durham then collapse all out at 110 with the last wicket going in the same over at the 9^th as I was making my way back to the car. Another car was leaving so waited to see which way it went and it headed along a grass and earth track along the fence which proved a nightmare full of deep rut it did my suspension no good at all even tough I went as slowly as possible. I went back to the comfort of my room, the four pillows and flat screen TV and the huge consolation breakfast in the morning.

In the first group of the competition the battle for leader is between Notts 16 points who missed out on 20 20 finals day and Northants 15 with game to play while in the third group the battle is between Somerset who also missed out and Gloucestershire, another club I must visit one year at Bristol both with 15 and one to play and Glamorgan with 13 but two to play.

In Durham’s group Hampshire, surprise surprise 16 points and two to play look certain to take the semi final spot but with Lancs 13 and two to play looking for the 4^th spot. My estimate is that only Hants will go through from this group so again the semi finals and finals could again be dominated by Southern clubs.

Lancs could do themselves a favour by beating Hants on Tuesday evening on Sky and Derby could create a surprise if they beat Hants bank holiday Monday with Lancs to beat Essex at Old Trafford to complete the unexpected and get there 17 points to 16. Durham had they won and win against the Surrey in their remaining match would have come second with 16.75 points, the fined 2.25 points behind Lancs who impressed me with their two wins over Durham. Notts and Northants are both away for their last games. Gloucestershire play Somerset in their final game which makes it the tie of the final day. Glamorgan are at home on Sunday and then away to Yorkshire the following will find that game difficult. I am watching Worcestershire at Edgbaston and Moeen Ali has scored 114 in their penultimate 40 40 game but with 300 a good possibility for their innings they are collapsing to 255 for 5 at present but still creating a target Warwickshire are unlikely to beat,

I will keep an eye on this game as I turn channels to watch Newcastle play their first game of the new season at Manchester City and their new manager. Yesterday on returning home I watched Chelsea with their homecoming manager beat Hull while Spurs appeared to have more of a challenge away at the Palace back in the big time with Ian Holloway. Sunderland lost by 1.0 at home to Fulham.

This afternoon I watched the highlights of the last day of the Sonheim Cup, the golf competition for ladies between the USA and Europe, played in alternative years to the Ryder Cup and where Europe who hold the cup then won on USA soil for the first time and featuring the youngest ever European player, Captain’s pick Charley Hull who won her singles on the last day as well as one of the two foursomes in which she played, Europe won the match by 18 points to 10 and could be said to have given the USA a trouncing.