When I told my “Girl Friday” Kirsten that I was planning to get up with the lark and travel a round trip of 500 miles to watch a day’s cricket, her polite reply was “you’re bonkers!!” On reflection I decided that perhaps she was right and I would go to plan B. That entailed going to my nephews in Northampton, staying overnight and on to Colwyn Bay Friday morning. 

I set off taking Diamonds advice and playing loud music. I had with my “Driving Anthems” which I turned up the volume for, much to the disgust of Tara, my dog, who wanted to sleep in the back seat. Just before I got to my nephews I was onto The Stranglers, and I got a strange look from a woman in the car next to my as I was singing along  loudly to “Something Better Change” and the line “ stick my fingers right up your nose “ !!! 

Next morning, having rested and been watered and fed, I was off at 7.15am, heading up the M1/5/6, stopping only at a service station for a “comfort break”, cup of tea and bun. The rest of the run was remarkably clear driving into Rhos - On - Sea at about 10.45. By the time I parked up and walked to the ground play had just commenced. It was the first time I had been to the ground, and it had a lovely look and feel about the place. 

MORNING SESSION

 Hopeful of a good, and full, days play. With 90 odd overs lost so far it was going to be hard to get a good result. I reckoned we needed to bat all day. Some chance, after 10 overs the innings, not for the first time, was in tatters. Billy the Kid was the first to go, after playing a couple of cracking shots. Adam Shantry let him have a “jaffer” which he had to play but left him late and he was caught at slip. Morgan followed shortly after playing one he really should have left and was caught behind. 70-4. Eleven runs later and it was five down when Malan, who didn’t look at ease, was caught for just two, giving Shantry his fourth wicket of the innings. Shantry, playing just his second game for the home side, is 6’3”, L.F.M. and bowled straight wicket to wicket and was getting some movement, took four wickets in an innings v Essex last week.

Scott and Udal then set about trying to repair the damage and bring a small cheer when they past 113 and saved the follow on! With all due respect the home attack didn’t look that fearsome without him and Scotty and Shaggy, not for the first time, saw us through to lunch at 148-5, with Scott on 35, and Udal 40no. Have my lunch, and then I think a brisk stroll along the promenade. 

AFTERNOON SESSION 

 Although not raining, very overcast and there is always something a bit depressing about the seaside when the sun is not shining. Did spot a veggie restaurant though, so that’s my dinner sorted before my long journey back to Northampton. Locals tell me the forecast for later this afternoon is not too good, but one confidently told me “it won’t rain” 

We are going well now, Shaggy got his 50, (62no) having hit four sixes and Scotty needs just a couple. It is getting more overcast now, no need for my “kiss me quick” hat then! Glam have had both Cosker and Croft on for awhile now, not much in the wicket for them so far. Cosker did ask the umpires to have a look at the ball when it was retrieved from one of Shaun’s maximums, while they were in a huddle Jamie D engaged in a long conversation with Ben, what every was said brought a smile to their faces. I think I’ll have a meander around the boundary. 

Three wickets have gone down for just 14 runs, Scotty having got his 50 fell 2 runs later bowled on the back foot by Croft and Dial M caught bat/pad off Cosker for 3, then Udal having just hit Cosker for six, tried again but holed out to Harrison on the boundary, the ball being to turn. Looks like Glammy are going to have a first innings lead. Bit of fun from The Special One as he hits both Cosker and Croft for big sixes, Richo bowled by Cosker for 7 at 219-9 but thanks to TSO we get to 20 runs behind before Evans is bowled by Harrison for 9, leaving Murli 25 not out.

 Tea is taken. 

FINAL SESSION 

Don’t want to jinx this but the sun is trying to come through. Could be an interesting last session. If we could knock over four of five by tonight a fascinating finish might in prospect. Steady start for the home team, Rees and Grant putting on 62 for the first wicket. Richo having the unusual figures of 5 overs for just one run. Murli was on quite early and he did the trick as Rees drove him straight to Richardson at mid on. Danny Evans had been a tad expensive but bounced back to find the edge of Hemp’s bat and Scottie did the rest, 89-2.

Grant looked in good form with 7 x 4’s in his fifty but in an entertaining last half a dozen overs they lost 3 more wickets for 21 runs. Grant (63) well caught by Scott, cutting at Kartick, then Jamie D out 4^th ball caught by Joyce, and with the 1^st ball of the last over Cosker pushed forward to Udal, got an edge, and was caught behind. 

So a thoroughly entertaining days play ended with Glamorgan leading by 130. Looks like the spinners in both teams hold the key in what promises to be a cracking last day. Off for my dinner now, and then the long drive awaits, now what music shall I play?????

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