I awoke sufficiently early to attend to several activities before settling down to divide my day between watching Durham at Somerset and undertaking some work at the computer or photographing completed sets.
In contrast to yesterday the morning was bright and temperature reasonable. After washing up and washing me, and completing my notes on Helen Keller and the fictional Esther Costello I made my way to Jarrow, to visit Wilkinson’s to see if they had any of black coloured set volumes which I need for the completed MySpace and Google not writing. This was a success with five bought as well as two more red and three bluish.
On the way I discovered that work on the second Tyne Tunnel has commenced creating additional problems on reaching the present entrance area which has to be negotiated before be able to take the road into Jarrow centre and Morrison’s Car Park. The work should be completed during 2012. The second tunnel similar to that on Merseyside has become essential but how effective it will depend on improvements to the approach roads and to the paying of Toll facilities at the North Tyneside end or start depending on which way you are travelling.
On my return journey I forgot to position myself at one junction with the consequence of then having to take a different route which brought me one end of Fredericke Street where the former Plessey Factory and then site of the replacement electronics factory and which once employed over 2000 people has been cleared in an attempt to rejuvenate the area. By coincidence I had written about the factory and the shopping street in December 2007 and only last night transferred the writing from MySpace to Google. I found the connection between the mistake and the recent work interesting.
On return the first interest was the news of those selected for the Test Matches against the West Indies at Lords and then Durham followed by three one day matches where the side for this is to be announced later as well as for the World 20 20 competition. Michael Vaughan former Captain and a centrally contracted player, as is Steve Harmison have not been included. However Graham Onions has been selected for his first cap in the 12 and is likely to play with two spinners in the selection. This means he will not be travelling to Brighton for the Sussex game but Steve will. Liam Plunkett will be available to take his place after appearing for England against the West Indies Touring side.
There was an extraordinary change in the county game with new Batsman Mustard joining not Blenkenstein and struggling to get any runs as Somerset had sharpened up considerably over the previous day. The immediate task was to increase the total to over four hundred runs to gain the final and fifth batting point. I misunderstood the situation yesterday in that it is only possible to gain 3 bowling points making a total of 8 bonus, with four for a draw and 12 for a win.
The uncertainty about Durham position was reinforced when Mustard was run out for 4 and the score had changed from 284 for 3 to 382 for 7 and where the run rate had halved. Then Ian Thorp added 32 in 53 balls with Blenkenstein steadfastly moving towards 150. Young pace bowler Mitchell Claydon also showed competence with the bat and he and Blenkenstein moved the score forward quickly once more with Claydon 38 in 33 ball and Blenkenstein looking at 175. He was out at 181 with Steve Harmison 10. The total had reached 543. Today their Captain said it had been the right decision to put Durham into bat and the outcome would have been different if the four or five catches had not been dropped.
The task facing the Durham bowlers was to take the ten Somerset wickets before they reached a total of 393, thus making them bat for a second time in succession. Given that Somerset had scored over 600 runs in their last game on a similar wicket this might prove a difficult task although it was to be hoped that Harmison would set out to show that the selectors had been wrong to overlook him and Onions that they had been right to choose him.
What happened next was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams as Durham on of their greatest days bowing against one of the strongest batting sides in the country on a batting sympathetic wicket.
When the score was 12 Onions clean bowled a surprised Marcus Trescothick and then Captain Justin Langer one fo the great opening batsmen of all time seemed to have the situation under control although the other opener Suppiah looked as if he was finding the pace of Durham’s openers a challenge. Then for Somerset the sky fell in. Suppiah was caught and bowled by Onions for 12. Hildreth who had scored 303 runs in the first championship match of the season was out leg before wicket also to Onions and the score was 39 for 3. Only one run later de Bruyn was caught behind by wicket keeper Mustard of the bowling of Steve Harmison for 0). Only nine runs later Nieswetter was caught Thorp off Onions for 0. Then Thorp replacing Harmison had his finest ever spell bowing Trego caught Di Venuto for 4, and bowling Banks for 2 and Stiff for 0. It was 66 for nine with Captain Langer standing bemused and helpless at the other end having scored half the total. Onions got his sixth wicket when Captain Smith caught Willoughby for 0 and Somerset were all out for 69 giving Durham record lead of 474.
The bowing figures were
Graham Onions 14.2 overs 4 maidens 31 runs and 6 wickets
Graham Thorp 6 overs 2 maidens 5 runs and 3 wickets
And Steve Harmison 8 overs 2 maidens 29 runs and 1 wickets.
Sky’s commentary team were universally ecstatic advocates of quality pace bowling and Sky had a memorable television event after the boring and disappointing Test draws over the Winter in India and the West Indies. Durham’s reputation was considerably strengthened and the Sky team were speculating that only Notts might be in competition with them for the Championship this season
It was not to be expected that the rout would continue as Smith continued with the bowlers who had ended the first innings. However the batsmen had found new resolve and determined not to repeat the humiliation and the bowlers had understandable lost some of their fire. Somerset ended the day 83 for 1 with Claydon getting the wicket of Suppiah but Trescothick and Hildreth looking strong. However Hildreth was dropped and one possibility two LBW decisions were not given when they should probably making up for two dodgy decisions which contributed to the Somerset batting debacle earlier. Such days rarely come and joy was to be able to watch rather than listen or read about later.
I enjoyed using pat of the chicken from Sunday to make a Korma curry dish on Monday and yesterday used the remainder for a stir-fry. To day I had the rest of the stir fry and Thai sauce for lunch and then two salmon fishcakes with cold baked beans for the evening meal. There were fresh strawberries for lunch bough from green grocers in Jarrow where I purchased four giant plums the largest I have ever seen. Grapes, bananas and melon have provided fruit over the week so far. I have discovered some thin salt and pepper crackers which are enjoyable on their own or with anchovies, for a snack this afternoon, or with a slice of salami previously.
I missed the third series of Ballykissangel when it was first produced, upset with the departure of the two leading characters. The third series has been that much more enjoyable because my expectations were so low. It was an effective recreation introducing several new characters while retaining the strengths of some of the originals.
The first was the arrival of the son (Sean Dillon played by Lorcan Cranitch ) of a deceased man hated for having created his wealth and built up his farming land at the expense of his neighbours. There were several notable episodes in which he featured with the arrival of his daughter Emma, when he makes his peace with his neighbour (Eamon Byrne- Birdie Sweeney) Birdie was given his nickname as a child because of his ability to mimic birds. Growing up in a poor family of ten he did not turn to acting until in his 50’s. He had 8 children all of whom are now said to live in Philadelphia. The son of his brother also arrives to create a second teenage interest Danny- Colin Farrell who has since had a developing major career in films and TV, culminating with his award winning appearance in In Bruges one of the funniest films of many a year, black, clever and beautifully shot in the City which I have visited. He establishes a relationship with Emma.
Other memorable episodes are when the town forgives him for the his father’s past actions after a tree partially destroys his home and they rally to make the house habitable again.
He establishes a relationship with Niamh the daughter of Brian Quigley after she has married dull and respectable Policeman Ambrose and borne his child. Hit by the death of her close friend Assumpta Fitzgerald she finds the stability of marriage and the demands of motherhood are not for her because of a sense of having missed out on life and the world. When Ambrose dies having discovered the blossoming relationship with Eamon Byrne, she is consumed with guilt and resentment.
The new priest plays a less significant role than before and in contrast to his worldly predecessor has been cloistered in a Monastery for a decade. As the idealist he is counterpoint for Father MacAnally who schemes and enjoys the good life playing golf and drinking whisky, but also is wise and compassionate. He was in his sixties when appearing in 52 of 58 episodes of the series and has continued working into his late seventies. One interesting note is that both the curate priests appeared in the series Father Ted which was religiously watched by my birth and care mothers.
The arrival of the curate priest’s sister provides a friend for Niamh and then for a fiesty relationship with the man who rescues her when the balloon in which she is travelling with Brian Quigley crashes into the sea. For a time it looked as if there would be a relationship with the older Brian who is her kind of strong and adventurous man, As tenant of Padraig for time and who operated the garage she break his heart as well as fancying Eamon Byrne. She is the free spirit running amok in what appears to be a tranquil and traditional Irish community.
The shock of the series is when school master Brendan has a fling with the vet Sioban and they have a child, eventually marrying and living together. We also learn that Kathleen of the village shop who plays the church organ and disapproves of all things modern and of change meets her beau of twenty five years ago and who before going to London to make his fortune, with money given by Kathleen promised to call for her to join him when he was established, but never did.
Brian Quigley continues in his role as the local wheeler dealer acquiring the golf course but shows compassion and understanding when his daughter begins the extra marital relationship and when her husband dies. He also shows hidden talents in the care of her son. The local Doctor is the star of one programme as the winner of the annual horse race on the sands. He appears in 38 of the 58 episodes.
Only two characters appear in every episode and surprisingly this is the pair of self employed workers mainly for Brian Quigley, Donal and Liam. In the latest episode they discover a hurriedly discarded crate of stolen best caviar selling for £80 a tin which they give to the cat before being told what they have. As usual the scheme to sell the find falls apart.
Two established film and TV actors also make appearances. James Nesbitt appeared as the estranged husband of Assumpta Fitzgerald, before making his name in Cold Feet and Murphy’s Law. James Ellis plays the eccentric Uncle Minto in 4 episodes. James had some 50 mainly TV credit shows and series which he has continued
It was a good day but two in a row is not expected
In contrast to yesterday the morning was bright and temperature reasonable. After washing up and washing me, and completing my notes on Helen Keller and the fictional Esther Costello I made my way to Jarrow, to visit Wilkinson’s to see if they had any of black coloured set volumes which I need for the completed MySpace and Google not writing. This was a success with five bought as well as two more red and three bluish.
On the way I discovered that work on the second Tyne Tunnel has commenced creating additional problems on reaching the present entrance area which has to be negotiated before be able to take the road into Jarrow centre and Morrison’s Car Park. The work should be completed during 2012. The second tunnel similar to that on Merseyside has become essential but how effective it will depend on improvements to the approach roads and to the paying of Toll facilities at the North Tyneside end or start depending on which way you are travelling.
On my return journey I forgot to position myself at one junction with the consequence of then having to take a different route which brought me one end of Fredericke Street where the former Plessey Factory and then site of the replacement electronics factory and which once employed over 2000 people has been cleared in an attempt to rejuvenate the area. By coincidence I had written about the factory and the shopping street in December 2007 and only last night transferred the writing from MySpace to Google. I found the connection between the mistake and the recent work interesting.
On return the first interest was the news of those selected for the Test Matches against the West Indies at Lords and then Durham followed by three one day matches where the side for this is to be announced later as well as for the World 20 20 competition. Michael Vaughan former Captain and a centrally contracted player, as is Steve Harmison have not been included. However Graham Onions has been selected for his first cap in the 12 and is likely to play with two spinners in the selection. This means he will not be travelling to Brighton for the Sussex game but Steve will. Liam Plunkett will be available to take his place after appearing for England against the West Indies Touring side.
There was an extraordinary change in the county game with new Batsman Mustard joining not Blenkenstein and struggling to get any runs as Somerset had sharpened up considerably over the previous day. The immediate task was to increase the total to over four hundred runs to gain the final and fifth batting point. I misunderstood the situation yesterday in that it is only possible to gain 3 bowling points making a total of 8 bonus, with four for a draw and 12 for a win.
The uncertainty about Durham position was reinforced when Mustard was run out for 4 and the score had changed from 284 for 3 to 382 for 7 and where the run rate had halved. Then Ian Thorp added 32 in 53 balls with Blenkenstein steadfastly moving towards 150. Young pace bowler Mitchell Claydon also showed competence with the bat and he and Blenkenstein moved the score forward quickly once more with Claydon 38 in 33 ball and Blenkenstein looking at 175. He was out at 181 with Steve Harmison 10. The total had reached 543. Today their Captain said it had been the right decision to put Durham into bat and the outcome would have been different if the four or five catches had not been dropped.
The task facing the Durham bowlers was to take the ten Somerset wickets before they reached a total of 393, thus making them bat for a second time in succession. Given that Somerset had scored over 600 runs in their last game on a similar wicket this might prove a difficult task although it was to be hoped that Harmison would set out to show that the selectors had been wrong to overlook him and Onions that they had been right to choose him.
What happened next was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams as Durham on of their greatest days bowing against one of the strongest batting sides in the country on a batting sympathetic wicket.
When the score was 12 Onions clean bowled a surprised Marcus Trescothick and then Captain Justin Langer one fo the great opening batsmen of all time seemed to have the situation under control although the other opener Suppiah looked as if he was finding the pace of Durham’s openers a challenge. Then for Somerset the sky fell in. Suppiah was caught and bowled by Onions for 12. Hildreth who had scored 303 runs in the first championship match of the season was out leg before wicket also to Onions and the score was 39 for 3. Only one run later de Bruyn was caught behind by wicket keeper Mustard of the bowling of Steve Harmison for 0). Only nine runs later Nieswetter was caught Thorp off Onions for 0. Then Thorp replacing Harmison had his finest ever spell bowing Trego caught Di Venuto for 4, and bowling Banks for 2 and Stiff for 0. It was 66 for nine with Captain Langer standing bemused and helpless at the other end having scored half the total. Onions got his sixth wicket when Captain Smith caught Willoughby for 0 and Somerset were all out for 69 giving Durham record lead of 474.
The bowing figures were
Graham Onions 14.2 overs 4 maidens 31 runs and 6 wickets
Graham Thorp 6 overs 2 maidens 5 runs and 3 wickets
And Steve Harmison 8 overs 2 maidens 29 runs and 1 wickets.
Sky’s commentary team were universally ecstatic advocates of quality pace bowling and Sky had a memorable television event after the boring and disappointing Test draws over the Winter in India and the West Indies. Durham’s reputation was considerably strengthened and the Sky team were speculating that only Notts might be in competition with them for the Championship this season
It was not to be expected that the rout would continue as Smith continued with the bowlers who had ended the first innings. However the batsmen had found new resolve and determined not to repeat the humiliation and the bowlers had understandable lost some of their fire. Somerset ended the day 83 for 1 with Claydon getting the wicket of Suppiah but Trescothick and Hildreth looking strong. However Hildreth was dropped and one possibility two LBW decisions were not given when they should probably making up for two dodgy decisions which contributed to the Somerset batting debacle earlier. Such days rarely come and joy was to be able to watch rather than listen or read about later.
I enjoyed using pat of the chicken from Sunday to make a Korma curry dish on Monday and yesterday used the remainder for a stir-fry. To day I had the rest of the stir fry and Thai sauce for lunch and then two salmon fishcakes with cold baked beans for the evening meal. There were fresh strawberries for lunch bough from green grocers in Jarrow where I purchased four giant plums the largest I have ever seen. Grapes, bananas and melon have provided fruit over the week so far. I have discovered some thin salt and pepper crackers which are enjoyable on their own or with anchovies, for a snack this afternoon, or with a slice of salami previously.
I missed the third series of Ballykissangel when it was first produced, upset with the departure of the two leading characters. The third series has been that much more enjoyable because my expectations were so low. It was an effective recreation introducing several new characters while retaining the strengths of some of the originals.
The first was the arrival of the son (Sean Dillon played by Lorcan Cranitch ) of a deceased man hated for having created his wealth and built up his farming land at the expense of his neighbours. There were several notable episodes in which he featured with the arrival of his daughter Emma, when he makes his peace with his neighbour (Eamon Byrne- Birdie Sweeney) Birdie was given his nickname as a child because of his ability to mimic birds. Growing up in a poor family of ten he did not turn to acting until in his 50’s. He had 8 children all of whom are now said to live in Philadelphia. The son of his brother also arrives to create a second teenage interest Danny- Colin Farrell who has since had a developing major career in films and TV, culminating with his award winning appearance in In Bruges one of the funniest films of many a year, black, clever and beautifully shot in the City which I have visited. He establishes a relationship with Emma.
Other memorable episodes are when the town forgives him for the his father’s past actions after a tree partially destroys his home and they rally to make the house habitable again.
He establishes a relationship with Niamh the daughter of Brian Quigley after she has married dull and respectable Policeman Ambrose and borne his child. Hit by the death of her close friend Assumpta Fitzgerald she finds the stability of marriage and the demands of motherhood are not for her because of a sense of having missed out on life and the world. When Ambrose dies having discovered the blossoming relationship with Eamon Byrne, she is consumed with guilt and resentment.
The new priest plays a less significant role than before and in contrast to his worldly predecessor has been cloistered in a Monastery for a decade. As the idealist he is counterpoint for Father MacAnally who schemes and enjoys the good life playing golf and drinking whisky, but also is wise and compassionate. He was in his sixties when appearing in 52 of 58 episodes of the series and has continued working into his late seventies. One interesting note is that both the curate priests appeared in the series Father Ted which was religiously watched by my birth and care mothers.
The arrival of the curate priest’s sister provides a friend for Niamh and then for a fiesty relationship with the man who rescues her when the balloon in which she is travelling with Brian Quigley crashes into the sea. For a time it looked as if there would be a relationship with the older Brian who is her kind of strong and adventurous man, As tenant of Padraig for time and who operated the garage she break his heart as well as fancying Eamon Byrne. She is the free spirit running amok in what appears to be a tranquil and traditional Irish community.
The shock of the series is when school master Brendan has a fling with the vet Sioban and they have a child, eventually marrying and living together. We also learn that Kathleen of the village shop who plays the church organ and disapproves of all things modern and of change meets her beau of twenty five years ago and who before going to London to make his fortune, with money given by Kathleen promised to call for her to join him when he was established, but never did.
Brian Quigley continues in his role as the local wheeler dealer acquiring the golf course but shows compassion and understanding when his daughter begins the extra marital relationship and when her husband dies. He also shows hidden talents in the care of her son. The local Doctor is the star of one programme as the winner of the annual horse race on the sands. He appears in 38 of the 58 episodes.
Only two characters appear in every episode and surprisingly this is the pair of self employed workers mainly for Brian Quigley, Donal and Liam. In the latest episode they discover a hurriedly discarded crate of stolen best caviar selling for £80 a tin which they give to the cat before being told what they have. As usual the scheme to sell the find falls apart.
Two established film and TV actors also make appearances. James Nesbitt appeared as the estranged husband of Assumpta Fitzgerald, before making his name in Cold Feet and Murphy’s Law. James Ellis plays the eccentric Uncle Minto in 4 episodes. James had some 50 mainly TV credit shows and series which he has continued
It was a good day but two in a row is not expected
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