The 2013 County Championship is for Durham to lose

The outcome of a game of cricket is always unpredictable, especially when the weather can play such a major part. The decision to commence the cricket season early in April when once it commenced in May and then to extend the season until towards the end of September when the latest would be the return of children school at the commencement of September is causing havoc for the County Championship. The decision to extend the playing season is not just the issue of squeezing in more one day games which bring in the revenue to the participating clubs but the hope that even if the weather is not good early on it will be better later and vice versa. There is also the argument that all matches are likely to be affected by the weather so that individual clubs will not gain advantage or be disadvantaged by climate conditions.

After the washout after lunch on Wednesday I took a peek outside the window at the Days Inn around 7 am on Thursday 12^th September to see work going on at the Derby Cricket ground across the way. The square was uncovered and the mopping water machine was at work on the outfield. The atmosphere was brighter but still cloudy.

I have thought more about the interview between the Chairman of the Derby Club and the Derby radio commentator yesterday and appreciate much more how difficult it must be to develop a ground or for the ECB to invest funds where the land is not owned by the club. Given the practical problems about the location of the site in terms of attracting larger audiences particularly while work on the Deddesden Road is ongoing leading to major traffic hold-ups especially at peak hours the idea of a new ground similar to what has happened in relation to Durham and Hampshire appeals. What was of interest yesterday is that the prospect of a move was clearly major news to the long term members and I concluded that rather than using the radio interview as a ploy to push the city council into being more cooperative, it was a way of letting members of the club know what was in the wind, and perhaps something even more concrete. Yesterday evening all the local news was about progress being made to the £27 million velodrome and 5000 or so concert centre being built as part of the Olympic games legacy. Clearly the City had the ability to invest so did they have a question mark about the future of the club located as it on the former Racecourse ground and with a park to the immediate west that was also once part of the race course.

Having only been able to purchase milk, margarine and a loaf of bread at the corner shop yesterday lunch time I used the car to go to Lidl’s at Deddesden at lunch time noting the significant traffic including buses going in the opposite direction into central Nottingham. While the amount suggested that the A52 overpass route might be blocked for some reason and fearing the length of the delay joining in I continued through Deddesden until reaching the join A52 roundabout and yes the route was closed off by a fast police car and a motorcyclist but with no indication why this was being done. Later on the local news I noted there had been a major operation throughout the day arresting drug traffickers in the city.

I therefore joined the queue which fortunately proved more fast moving than original appreciated and although late back for the afternoon session the venture was an overall success purchasing some tomatoes and cheese for fresh sandwiches today and tomorrow and some hard boiled traditional lemon and fruit drops in tins (2 200 gram tins for £2). I resisted cakes, chocolates and such like but forgot some fresh fruit!

The milk purchased the previous day was still Ok for breakfast and using the greater part of the single pint over the two days means little waste and I shall go for a second pint shortly as well as posting the questionnaire response at the post box on the other side of the road by a temporary bus stop. For lunch I used the pate with olives leaving part of a sandwich for tea and the evening meal comprised a tin of baked bean and a tin of rice. Today there will be bread and cheese with tomatoes although I may well go for a meal at the ground.

I watched a programme about a London station catering for an event at Henley and what happens when at the weekend the station closes on Saturday to enable line working. At least individuals are allowed to sleep in at the station on the few benches on the cold floors. I then watched the eviction of two of the celebrities from Britain’s Got Talent, a bunch of characters with limited or no appeal although having watched their arrival it was interesting to see who had departed and who survived for the final show at the weekend.

Now for the cricket where given the promise of a full day’s play there were many more in the ground including a good contingent supporting Durham who were spread around the ground. There was even sun during the afternoon which proved warm to hot.

On the first day I claimed a seat used by regulars on the Members Balcony and enjoyed the chat with Derby supporters who were apprehensive about the outcome of the game. Yesterday I moved to the large temporary, semi permanent stand over the wicket and also enjoyed a similar level of chat from Derby supporters which I prefer which add to the experience and also reminds what a special breed the county championship regular remain, different for the Test and one day Brigades.

The weather forecast continues to change with if anything the weather forecast for Saturday now promising to be a clear day brought forward to tea time this afternoon. Sunday by all accounts will be horrendous and depending on progress today and forecasts I may well pack up and be ready to leave tomorrow after the game ends or the likely draw appears more definite. In fact apart from Taunton where Surrey and Somerset are playing the two most likely relegation candidates along with Derby, drawn games appear the most likely outcome in all games. At Taunton the game looked evens Stephens when at one point Surrey who had managed just under 200 runs after an early collapse had 8 Somerset wickets for almost the same number but then a rally has seen Somerset take a first innings 65 lead. Bad light prevented the Surrey innings going beyond 13 without loss. Notts also batted well to create a draw most likely scenario.

Here the decision to put Derby in on a deceptive looking green wicket with an overcast sky this continued to appear wrong choice until after lunch yesterday when Rushworth 5 for 46 proved the best of the Durham Bowlers with Onions taking 4 for 60 something. Arshad showed inconsistency but took the important wicket of Chanderpaul when he was 53 and total 202 for 2 and which opened the gateway after he and Borrington 75, a young man brought into the team, had an impressive stand of over 100. Derby’s Innings closed at 298, two short of what would have been an invaluable third bonus point with bowler Palladino holding up Durham with 22 in a stand of 50. 50 was also the number of extras with 10 no balls providing 20 and then 10 each from wides, byes and leg byes as Durham struggled find the edge of the bats.

For Durham Stonman started well but as is his want was out after appearing to establish himself scoring on one run more than his County average. Jennings also went leaving Borthwick who looks in fine form scoring 21 with Smith, no (longer Scratcher Smith) 3 so the team had reached 82 for 2 at the close. My view is that unless Durham experiences a collapse they will continue to try and score between four and five and over, first to get the maximum batting points and if this achieved to then open a margin of at least 200 and have a chance of bowling Derby out on Saturday after lunch. The weather as I anticipated from the outset will play the major factor but 11 points the maximum from a draw will see Durham, hold their lead over Yorkshire at the top as long as Yorkshire do not manage to snatch a victory themselves

It is now approaching half past seven on Friday evening and the decision has been taken to return home tomorrow morning after breakfast. It has proved an all round disappointing day. I did not sleep well of but was sufficiently alert to go out for a second pint milk and to post a questionnaire sent by the local Tory Member of the European Parliament. However having reached the post box by the bus stop passing the private Lace Club I found the box was closed because of the ongoing road works. On the way back I found a second corner shop and bought the milk 65p nearly twice that of the local supermarket enjoyed the cereal breakfast made ready for the game going over around 10.50 but with chatting to a door steward the first over was about to commence so waited until this was over to climb the steps to the top of the 1800 seat Falcons stand where I found that one of the regulars from Durham was located. In fact I saw and spoke with two other regulars as well as the organiser of the Durham tours. There were Durham supporters located all around the ground.

From 82 for 2 over night 159 runs were added before Borthwick at 89 hit a full toss from part time bowler Chanderpaul after lunch as it commenced to look that Durham were on their way to getting close to 400 runs within the allotted 110 overs. When Smith was then brilliantly caught short of his 100 the situation was a replica of that the previous afternoon. Perhaps appreciating the similarity Richardson with Collingwood were cautious and the runs came slowly when the predicted rain commenced just before 4 o clock after the tea interval although it was bad light that caused the umpires to lead the players off the field. The rain has continued solidly since. It is my understanding that with Yorkshire scoring more than Sussex at Hove and the home side two wickets down there is the prospect more of Yorkshire win unless Sussex put on a good performance throughout most of tomorrow.

I have been back and forth all day to my room and the car, first making cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch, then return at tea time but getting going back to the ground just before the game was called off, returning to the room but then deciding that I wanted some soup, bread and cheese for the evening meal with the second tin of rice. I am not sure that all this bread and the cheese has helped my weight although the expense has been limited. There was a party of a dozen well dressed people who arrived at the Cardamom club at lunchtime and afterwards I wondered if this was a group from the City Council meeting the Chairman and officers of the cricket club to discuss the future of the ground as part of the future of club. In theory my weigh should be Ok given the kind of options that have been available. I will see tomorrow or on Sunday although I am prepared for the worst.

On Saturday the atmosphere outside my room was still damp and looked it would remain an unpleasant day for watching cricket, The first options was to pack has planned and go to the game investing in the price of ticket at the fate and reviewing the position at lunchtime as by then the likely draw would be confirmed. I had already ruled the option of staying and taking the opportunity to visit the town centre or go and see some attraction in the county returning to stay for the booked night and then going back on Sunday morning when the weather forecast suggested winds at over 50 MPH along the coast, rain and cold. Back home I could watch England at Cardiff in the 4^th one day Cricket International and there was also Warrington at home in the Challenge Cup play offs. I had ruled out going to Sunderland for the game against Arsenal where it was a cert they would lose, or travelling south to watch Newcastle at the Villa, but I could listen to one on both games depending on how things went.

I was also anxious to watch the next Young Montalbano episode although it was on record. There was also the first appearance of Gareth Bale for Real Madrid. I could watch the X factor Judges auditions at eight and given the weather I would watch the Great North Run on BBC TV rather than walk to the finish standing the rain, wind and the cold.

There was also the possibility of a miracle win given the performance of Durham against, Surrey, Yorkshire and Sussex but this kind of miracle is rare so i decided that even if I missed experiencing it live, I did not mind and it would be embarrassing to witness the humiliation of Derby, with a loyal band of supporters where the season had promised much and then seen their hopes dashed.

So taking all these considerations into account, I enjoyed a cereal breakfast having moved the milk, cereal, tomatoes and cheese inside, packed everything and loaded the car in one visit, sighed and set off, travelling through Deddesden. Having resisted the temptation to stop at Toby Inn by the Travel Lodge for their £3.99 want as much you want breakfast. The M1 was busy most of the way and although I had set off around 9 it was 1 before I needed to stop at the service area before Durham and then made myself a single cheese and tomato sandwich. The service area was packed with Sunderland and Arsenal supporters, including three coach loads. The traffic was very slow from their until the South Shields turn off with both lanes towards Newcastle via the Angel of the North At a crawl. There had been one similar experience which given the two ambulances at the road side plus a motorcycle and car being taken away suggested there had been fatalities.

I called in a Tesco for more milk also purchasing some grapes and some half price porridge oat packs and on arrival checked he post noting the replacement Tesco card and a bank statement, took the car into the lane for find the phone and watered the plants at the same time and then unpacked. I located the charger for the touch screen mobile phone but not the wireless mouse charged the phones and the radio and for the evening meal enjoyed a barely warm ham and pineapple pizza. I will record my experience of the second Young Montalbano separately and enjoyed some of the acts on the X factor. Charlotte the Geordie self proclaimed slag for Geordie shore won celebrity Big Brother before an hysterical crowd of the moronic the previous night. Andy Murray has won a single and the doubles in the Davis Cup round against Croatia for us to take a 2.1 for today’s two singles after Dan Evans had lost his tie.

Sunderland managed to equalise against Arsenal despite being overwhelmed for most of the game and the 2,1 loss leaves then at the bottom of the table. Newcastle despite their inability to score goals early on go from strength to strength and technically are equal second with seven points but in 8^th position with Man City leading the group followed Man United, Chelsea and Stoke. At the moment Arsenal and Spurs from North London head the table on 9 points but Liverpool presently third also have 9 from their three games and will take a good lead if they win their game away to Swansea on Monday evening. Warrington also took a good stride in the Challenge Cup with a 40 to 20 win at home against Leeds to reach he Semi Final.

I listened to cricket along the journey home as England after putting Australia in to bat in Cardiff had Finch out at I and Watson 11 and then March and Clark followed when the total was only 51 and 57. England had keep pressure on the openers through Finn and Rankin and after Durham’s Ben Stokes was hit for two fours and a total of 10 runs in his first over he had Watson caught by Butler and then bowled several overs for a few runs. However Australia were not beaten into a low score as Bailey after taking care commenced to score freely targeted Treadwell and Bopara hitting 3 sixes and 5 fours in his 87. However when there was talk of the total getting as high as 250 and more Wade, Faulkner, Johnson, and then Bailey ere dismissed with Treadwell getting revenge with three wickets ending 3 for 53. The innings ended at 227 and a very gettable target despite balls rising unexpectedly.

There would have been a shock in the good crowd at Sophia Park when Petersen was out followed by Trott and Root in successive balls and England were 9 for 3 Oh No. It was Carberry, nervous at first who kept steady with captain Morgan and the two reach their 50 but then Morgan went 53 and Carberry for 63. Josh Butler has promised some big hitting before but this time played the brilliant innings of contest hitting 65 not out and closing the game with a massive six. From onoy 48 balls. He was joined by Ben Stokes ho also looked as if was to close the game not out having made 25 from 29 when he was bowled showing a lack of concentration or perhaps the excitement of the occasion after taking his first International wicket at the top level. The England win levelled the series 1 all with two games with the result all now hanging on the final game on Monday at Hampshire.

So what was happening in the County championship. Surrey who I had hoped would rally against Somerset always looked second best especially after only making 197nin their second innings setting Somerset just over 130 runs to win which they achieved for the loss of three wickets. This leaves Surrey rooted at the bottom of the table although they still have two games to play against the remaining games of Derby and Somerset. Middlesex were able to draw against Notts thus removing the pressure on Notts who play Durham at the Emirates Riverside next week before going down to London on the Friday for the 40 over Final against Glamorgan at Lords on the Saturday.

There was a questionable attempted end tot eh game at Hove where Yorkshire enabled Sussex to reach a massive 333 for under 50 overs with Nash not out 167 and Hamilton Brown 126 leaving Yorkshire to get 300 in something like 57 overs, Presumably they knew the weather forecast was bad and wanted to entertainment for those who had at the gate.

There was at least one stop for rain before bad light and then rain ended play with Yorks only 81 for the loss of two wickets and with the total points for batting, bowling and the draw, the total points and with Durham all out bowled out for 326 in their second Innings Derbyshire progressing to something like 20 for 1 at the luncheon break as I was pulling into the service area outside of Durham City on the AIM a similar draw would see the position of the two teams at the top of table remain as they had been before the matches started.

Then the magic dust was spread over the Durham supporters present at the ground as Onions reminded the selectors what he had to offer adding another five wickets for 23 runs to the four of his first innings as Derby collapsed losing nine wickets before the scheduled tea interval to be all out for meagre 63 so that Durham had only 27 runs to gain for a remarkable victory and almost seal the County Championship for the third time in their short 21 year history, thus destroying Boycott’s hopes of another win in their 150 year and his chairmanship of the cricket Committee or it may even be the club himself.

Now for the facts and figures. It will be remembered that Durham commenced the day seeking to gain as many bonus points a possible within the 110 overs permitted. They were all out to the excellent bowling of Palladino who took 6 for 90. Onions match total was therefore 9 for 85 with Rushworth also have a great match with a total of 8 for 78. Arshad who was punished for his one wicket with 63 runs finished off Derbyshire with 2 for 2 in 2.1 overs and is at the top ten of the averages with 13 wickets fro around 10 runs.

Now to the Championship table where Durham top with 225.5 and nine wins todate the highest number of wins in any of their previous seasons including when they won the Championship. Surely Paul Collingwood will be noted at one the five top cricketers in the Whitakers Annual? Obviously if the Championship is secured possibly later this week at home against Notts or away at Hove against Sussex. It can be expected that Yorkshire with 194 points, more than one win points below Durham can be expected to win their home game against Middlesex at Headingley.

A win by Yorkshire with say 8 bonus points would see them on 216 so even if Durham lost they with say only 6 bonus points they would have 227.5 so that even if they also lost the last game and Yorkshire could onoy draw at Surrey Durham would still remain at the top and Champions. This is the measure of the position they now have. Just as crucial for the top as well as the bottom of the table visit of Surrey to Edgbaston next week.

At present Surrey are bottom with 193 points 17 points adrift of Derbyshire who have 120 but who have only one more game to play as do Somerset on 136 with Notts with two games on 132. I was banking on Surrey winning at Somerset so that they and Derbyshire went down retaining Notts and Surrey for visits next season. I had always believed that Surrey will win against Yorkshire at the Oval in their last game of the season weather permitting. If they win both games they could reach 150 points which would see them only in safety if Somerset lose away to Notts in their last game and even with a draw they could pip Somerset depending on bonus points. Notts themselves if they lose badly at Durham could find themselves below 140 points and depending a good draw to avoid the relegation fate, something which it is worth reminding every cricket commentator suggested could be Durham’s fate when they predicted at the beginning fo the season. This the relegation could prove more interesting as the season ends that the Championship. I hope so

Duham win vital Championhips games against Yorkshire and Sussex as September 2013 begins

Given that Yorkshire County Cricket Club had responded with a second wicket stand 280 on Friday evening August 30^th, 2013 I set off for the two 20 20 International games at Durham Emirates ICG at the Riverside Chester Le Street early on Saturday full of anticipation and confident that I had made the right decision to return home and not arrange to stay for the concluding day of the top of the championship table contest. The result would be a draw. I was wrong and there was to be Durham glory at Scarborough and then at home..

I had planned my day well assuming that similar to the experience at Birmingham that if I arrived early I would be parked in a good position for an early get away should the game and opportunity merit. This was so and I was parked in the front row with straightforward access away should I wish.

(While I read through my writing I am listening to a magnificent TV recording of a concert with Anna Netebko and Rolando Corazon two of the great contemporary operatic soloists)

The forecast last Saturday was a cold wind and was it a cold wind so I left the vehicle with a shirt, the summer blazer and the Winchester on and even with these buttoned` the wind was cold and unpleasant for the majority of the day as my seat at the back on the lower level of the Durham stand, an end of aisle seat row J number 001 was almost in the shade throughout the day.

I was greeted by a Durham Steward I know from over the years at the entrance directly from the car parks after using the under road tunnel and who I promised to keep informed about any news of Durham’s progress. I am hopeless at estimating crowds but there were several thousand in for the commencement of the Ladies International with Australia where this year for the first time points were awarded for the single Test match and then for the series of one day 50 50 and 20 20 games. By winning their last game the English team had secured the Ashes of a cricket ball first created in the 1980’s.

Throughout the day there were at least a thousand people around the ground, queuing for the toilets, for beer and for food. On my complete tour of the ground I had counted at least thirty assistants waiting in the beer concession along the embankments behind the Durham and new east stands. I enjoyed a coffee for £2 after finding that my usual machine providing supply was out of plastic cups and although it was repaired on Wednesday it was out of order again yesterday. Nor could I get a nutrient bar yesterday with the money slot appearing jammed, eventually revealing a brand new £2 coin, so new and shiny that I suspect a fake. I may try in a change slot at the same vending station when I return in two weeks and if it fails take it to the bank to check out its legitimacy. The machine was demanding the correct price as the change had run out.

Last Saturday the media were provided with meals in this building and the indoor cricket centre appeared to be used as a centre for staff. In addition to the Durham stewards who were in control of ground arrangements a security firm had a large number of officers available and did an excrement on compared to what happened at Edgbaston. No one was allowed to take their seats while an over was in progress and they were also able to show people where to go for their seats. At one point I advised a senior officer that I would write to the ECB to congratulate and to make comparison with what happened at Durham. The concession food prices were significantly better and appeared better value for the money.

The English ladies won the toss and decided to field getting off to great start with the claiming the first wicket at 1 and after that by a steady fall of wickts together with the large boundary meant that Australia were only able to score singles and twos with only five boundaries achieved throughout the innings which ended at 91 for 7. I was able to listen to the commentary on headphones and the point about the size of the boundaries was well made although reducing the boundaries could mean teams concentrating on building their physical strength rather than skills. It was evident that the the Ladies compete on skill rather than crah bang wallop which leads great cricketers like Iain Botham and others unwilling to devote time to the short game which they feel is more akin to baseball than cricket where at least the pitcher (bowler) is given even chance with the surface of the bat restricted than the wider bat

England then carried on as they have over the previous five 40 nd 20mover games and demonstrated their superiority as batswomen. And despite the loss of three wickets for only 14 runs which rang alarm beels form some of the crowd myself included, suspected the celebrations for wnning the Ashes series two evening beforehad taken their toll, a stand of 78 saw a hiome win by seven wickets andnsome 22 balls to spare which is a huge win by any standards.

Bceause of the decision to focus on weight reduction and fitness again I did not stay for presentations and lap of honorough around the ground which felt a betrayal of my support but after a comfort visit I made my way through the member’s entrance car park to the pahway under the road bridge and an into the Riverside Park and across to my car. The area for those who had purchased tickets in advance looked almost full with some cars parked in front but still leaving my vehicle able to exist quickly when I wished. I enjoyed my prepared salad without touching he grapes, having enjoyed some soup on arrival.

As I had left the ground there was a good crowd standing on the walkway overlooking the nets where the two teams were getting ready. Although the crowd had built up steadily during the first match it was evident that a substantial number were arriving for only the men’s match which is disappointing. The radio commentary was talking of nearly full ground of some twenty thousand whereas for the Test I though the maximum capacity was seventeen and indeed not all the blue seats were occupied with several hundred, but no more spaces noted towards the back of the stand.

The atmosphere had built up considerably on returning to my seat and although I witnessed some continuous drinking by a group sitting close by there general atmosphere was of having a good time rather than of wildness although the cricket did appear incidental at times especially for the young people some of whom, of both sexes were scantily dressed, insulated by the drink and perhaps some other stimulants and appeared unconcerned about just how bitter cold it was.

Australia won the toss and decided that England would bat. England made 195 for 5 with Hales making an excellent, I nearly forgive you 94 and Lumb Wright and Morgan all contributing. I anticipated the score would be enough on the Durham wicket but after the extraordinary outcome of the first of the games two nights before, In this the Australians had made 248 for 6 score which had one of the batsmen Finch getting a world record 156 for this limited over game. England had also done well getting one of their highest 20 20 totals with 209 with Root 90 not out, as still no English man has reached a 100 in an international 20 20 event. Bopara reached 45 and Butler 27.

I enjoyed another walk about in sunshine during the interval returning just after the Australian innings commenced and just in time to see captain Broad dispatch Finch for 5 with the total 9 and when Watson was brilliantly run out by Morgan for 7 with the total 15 the crowd were able to relax and enjoy themselves. When Warner went for 45 as the fourth wicket at 111 a win looked certain.

I planned to beat the traffic by leaving with two overs to go and walked quickly to car listening to commentary on the radio. I was surprised that there was no third game in this format enabling one of the sides to win the series 2.1. Yesterday while at Durham an experimental England side went to Ireland for a 50 over game in advance of the game tournament against Australia throughout September.

The International Cricket organisation is keen to increase the number of countries where cricket can become a major sport and where the game develops into Test condition playing as well as Internationals in other formats. This can only help achieve greater commercial clout and increasing earnings for players and financial viability for cricket clubs. Whereas cricket appears failing in Scotland with the national team pulling out of their own regular competition with English clubs losing all their 40 40 over games this season,, in Ireland it has flourished with a number of Irish player playing in the Championship and representing both countries, in fact there is a switching between playing for the England and Ireland as the Irish team grows in strength and pubic interest improves. Two years ago although there was good crowd but the game was rain affected . There year there was an audience of 10000 on a perfect sunny late summer‘s day although when the fixture was arranged for early September there was apprehension about the weather prospects.

Ireland were put into bat by England and performed exceptionally well largely through Porterfield who started showing lack of confidence but with some luck achieved a century batting almost through the innings with 112. Ed Joyce from Sussex who once played for England in this fixture hit his wicket gently dislodging a bail and was out for 21. Other in the lower order contributed and with a total of 26 fours and 3 sixes the team made a total of 269 in their 50 overs.

Michael Carberry , the black Hampshire player got his first play for England at the age of 32 after being selected to the squad but failing to dislodge the tried and trust opened of Hales and Lumb in the 50 over game and who do the same job for Nottingham. He dropped a dolly of a catch and then another more difficult and appeared to go to pieces in his fielding. I hope there was no racism in the relish in which his behaviour was greeted by the partisan Irish crowd and there was also relish in the condemnation for the Irish commentators contributors in the radio relay. I hoped for his sake he would have a good bat but he, Luke Wright from Sussex, and the diminutive James Taylor from Notts, closely followed by Gay Ballance from Yorkshire and England appeared to be in the more at 48 to 4 to a somewhat hysterical crowd. Captain Morgan, an Irish man whose boyhood club he was now playing in Dublin together with Bopara then stuffed the Irish good and proper winning the game with a great stand, possibly an International world record with a stand of some 230 124 and 101 not out respectively. That quietened the crowd demonstrating the great gulf that still exists and the men achieved their victory with nine sixes and eighteen fours. Hee hee!

Ben Stokes of Durham was also given his opportunity and the all rounder for whom the English selectors have had great hopes in the past before his injury and some mixed fortune appearances did not get his opportunity to bat but as given his full ten over allocation but was not able to take a wicket conceding 51 runs, OK in the circumstances and it will be interesting to see if it was enough for him to be selected for the game against Australia at Headingley tomorrow when a day of rain is forecast,

As I explained in my previous writing and here I returned home for the England Australia 20 20 International at Durham ICG having debated to stay for an extra day as Durham dominated Yorkshire at Scarborough until the second and third sessions of the third day when after being asked to follow on at lunch time and losing a quick wicket Jaques and Williamson mounted a record stand of some 262 before the second wicket fell on the morning of the fourth day. Everything still looked set for a draw although I did not know that the last time Yorkshire avoided a home innings defeat was back in 1956.

What happened net has already become a Durham legend as wickets steadily fell during the morning and early afternoon from 282 for 2 to 284 313 349 351 357 and then only a stand with Plunket 42 prevented an immediate collapse with further wickets at 410 and 419 and 419. This left Durham to get 120 odd runs with some 38 overs. They gained the required runs with 10 overs to after Stoneman had gone for 0 after his first innings match winning 120 along with the centuries from Stokes and Richardson.

The victory meant that Durham closed the gap at the top of the table establishing themselves with 179.5 to Yorkshire’s 185 but with a game in hand. Sussex to Durham commenced to play for the first time this season at the ICG are in third position with 156 but have played one more game although a win would bring them into contention and Middlesex also with the extra game played could not be ruled with 150 points. One goes back to the first season when Durham won the Champion and they sneaked ahead as other teams failed to win. Nothing in cricket in certain until the eight challenged ladies sings! Although Notts have only 1 point more that Somerset in 7^th position they also have the extra game to play. Similarly Derbyshire have played one game less on 91 points to Somerset’s 91. Surrey at the close of lay on Saturday had only 76 points but were still playing their 12^th game. They won the game against Derby to revise position and take a 1 point lead and with a game in hand.

This was the perspective in which I attend the crucial game against Sussex over two days of glorious hot early September weather having decided not to visit Brighton and still with a cough which could go either way.

Durham won the toss and elected to bat on the same wicket on which the 20 20 games were played on Saturday. The first day proved a strange one as apart from Stoneman Durham struggled to score as the ball appeared to have that extra bounce and twist. With the forecast of heavy continuous rain on the Friday it appeared that throughout the two divisions every effort was being made to create wickets where a result would be possible in three days. Stoneman made 96 and Durham 245 from just other 75 overs.

It was Graham Onions returning to the side from his broken finger who did the early damage ending with 4 for 50 having had one poor over from which 14 runs were score. Because of injuries to Wood and Harrison after their Yorkshire triumph and with Thorpe also out, Durham called on Claydon to return from his loan at Kent and he seized the opportunity taking 3 for 25. I previously mentioned that i was impressed by Usman Arshad, the recent captain of the second team squad who like Onions bowl wicket to wicket and who dismissed two batsmen in one over in both innings against Surrey. He did the same thing again taking 3 wickets for 16 runs in his second championship game. Rushworth whose evident as the proud granddad while failing to claim a wicket contributed well with giving only 2 runs from his 14 overs and Sussex avoiding the follow on were nevertheless 133 behind on the first innings.

Durham had scored 212 for six at the close of play a lead of 345 and with every prospect of a win on Thursday although I anticipate that the team will bat out until at least lunch time given what happened with the declaration against Yorkshire. Everyone contributed some runs but a stand of 93 between Collingwood and Mustard was crucial with Collingwood out 45 and Mustard not out 57 with Arshad 14.

Elsewhere low first innings scores were something of the order of the day. Somerset collapsed all out for 103 against Derby but after dismissing the home side for 298 have rallied to 234 for 4 and this game could still go either way. Surrey looked doomed again when they were all out to Middlesex for 145 but they too are rallying after Middlesex had scored 294 but are 133 for 5 although they are still likely to win if they gamble and declare with the threat of heavy rain tomorrow. Notts and Warwickshire looks as if a draw is likely while Yorkshire sit and watch. Lancs are also sitting out this week while Northants had a good chance of reinforcing their claim to first or second spot and promotion with over 400 runs on the first day but in one day form Hants are 160.2 to a draw again looks likely while Essex look likely stepping up their challenge with a first innings of 351 and dismissing for102 a lead f 251. Worcester are still some 80 runs behind with 7 wickets left at the end of the second day.

This was rhe scene I set off n another warm to hot day although there was much cloud about and indeed the temperature also dropped significantly as the afternoon commenced. Although Durham decided to bat on it was evident that batsmen had been given instructions not to hand about. Overnight Mustard was 57 and Arshad 16 with the total 212 for 6. They went in to 268 fir 8 setting Susses 401 to win Mustard went fir 73, Arshad 34 and Claydon and Rushworth achieved he required target for declaration. With the use of the heavy roller I did not think the pitch offered as much bounce and swing as it had over the previous two days. Although Wells with the total four Yardy and Nash appeared confident and score good runs before a sudden collapse again with wickets falling 71 73 77 and 82 and 82 for 6 there was the scent of a thrashing but with more clouds the sky darkened and the possibility of bad light rather than rain occurred to me for a short while. Fortunately the sun shone again and this heralded the demise of the opposition with wickets going at 104 110 and 110 and Durham won by a massive 286 runs and topped he Championship table.

The problem Sussex encountered was not Onion or Rushworth who bowled well but Claydon and Arshad who again took three wickets apiece as they had in the first innings and extraordinarily special young Arshad again took two wickets in an over, the fourth time in four innings. Claydon who has signed a contract to play for Kent year smutch figures of 6 for 56 and Arshad 6 for 34 with Onions 7 for 86 and Rushworth 1 for 41 in 31 overs and remarkable set of records.

Alas Middlesex beat Surrey by 146 to make their situation more perilous while Somerset and Derby are the only game able to continue to day because of the continuous rain everywhere else. At the time of writing just before lunch at 12.30 with the earlier starts in September at 10.30 Derbyshire require 56 to win with Chanderpaul at the crease. Derby got Somerset out for 103 in their first innings but the home side rallied with 428 the total 541 for the match. Derby did well in their first innings with 298 but at 127 for 5 he game looked to being towards Somerset.

The table at present has Durham played thirteen 8 wins and 199.5 points and Yorks with 6 wins from their 13 games and 185 points so only for Durham to lose or draw in one game will Yorks take over at the top again. Sussex who have played one more game are on 159 so Middlesex on 150 will take third position if they will their extra game. If Derby win they will leap from bottom above Surrey and Somerset and with a point of two of Notts, Thirty Four runs are now needed but two more wickets have fallen but Chanderpaul is still at the increase. Chanderpaul who was crucial in the year when Durham won the championship without losing a game has steered Derby to an unexpected 2 wickets win which places them fourth from bottom as there continues to be no play at Nottingham and therefore the anticipated points for a draw are yet to be recorded. As also anticipated England‘s one day game against Australia at Yorkshire has been cancelled without a ball being bowled just to add the woes of the Yorkshire’s faithful.

Yorkshire V Durham Scarborough Festival 2013

The main purpose of my visit to Scarborough was the 120 something Cricket Festival with Yorkshire County Cricket Club celebrating the 150^th years and playing Durham County Cricket Club celebrating its 21^st Year. Durham was in second position in the County Cricket Championship Division one having become cricket champions by default for the first time in 2008 when other clubs failed win and take the title on the last day but the following year they won again at a canter without losing a single game. They also won the one day competition in 2007 and reached the Finals day of the 20 20 competition subsequently.

Last year they were in danger of relegation until Paul Collingwood took over as captain midway and since then they have stormed up the table and despite the financial and other troubles before this season commenced and when all the cricket writers and Durham as one of three clubs to be in the relegation zone they were now within a couple of wins of the top of the table the table and one of these was a game in hand over Yorkshire. Yorkshire under the chairmanship of Geoffrey Boycott were determined to win the championship especially have been recently relegated to the second division and failing last season at the 20 20 Finals day against the winners Hampshire.

As previously mentioned I had paid £4 for a two day parking ticket at the roadside by the Villa apartments where I was staying and with a full rucksack with a vacuum of hot soup and salami rolls I caught the bus stopping close to the Esplanade in the town centre walking back until reaching North Marine Road for the cricket ground.

I mentioned on my previous visit, the first to the Scarborough ground, that it looked magnificent in terms of the colure and condition of the whole play area although now after the summer it was looking frayed and a walk about revealed the field not to be the rich flat surface I had assumed. I had first taken a seat in the good high stand above the wicket where I had sat for the 20 20 but immediately found the sun was very very hot. I therefore moved round across to the seating reserved for member and which was in the shade, including a cover over the rows at the back where there was also a walkway along the side of the ground including an access to Trafalgar Gardens. I had an excellent view and close to rhe wicket, perhaps as close as anywhere in the ground but sufficiently high to be able to see something fo what the ball appeared to be doing.

According to Boycott the pitch would prove a flat batsman’s paradise as long as you survived the first half hour or so at the wicket. It also had the reputation for being lively with the start of the a game and this proved to be the situation when to the delight of the majority of the huge crowd Sibebottom had Jennings LBW for 0 although the umpire took a long time to give consideration. Borthwick came in and looked stunned when the umpire also gave him out first ball also LBW and Durham were 2 wickets for 5 runs.

My seat was in the midst of the most passionate and biased of the Yorkshire supporters among a huge crowd said to be close to six thousand and the largest at any championship match this season. Because of the festival a northern Park and Ride was added to the two from the South and West. There was a tented hospitality areas with guest speakers and visitors with Dickie Bird the Yorkshire umpire spotted and Mr Boycott as well as others associated with the club.

The 5 for 2 wickets score line left the good Durham support in silent shock and we prayed that there would no immediate further wicket by Stoneman and Smith who had scored the magnificent 120 against Surrey in the one day game played carefully against Sidebottom who appeared rampant. Ryan had recently gained one more wicket than his fathers huge total of 596. A Yorkshire born lad from Huddersfield he spent a couple of season with Notts after helping them to win the County Title in 2007 as he had done with Yorkshire in 2001. He returned to Yorkshire and saw them relegated and back this year. In addition to the 600 county wickets achieved in this match and he has 79 Test wickets plus 29 from other Internationals.

However it was Brooks who added to the gloom descending upon Durham supporters when he had in form Smith caught by Williamson for 20 bringing Stokes to the crease with Stoneman. Stoneman played brilliant innings attacking the bowlers who maintained a close field and with slips and saving the one run challenging the batsman to hit for the boundary and miss or give a catch. Stoneman made 122 with 23 fours and one six before falling to Sidebottom with the total 195.

Stokes had played more adventurously than his batting partner, surviving appeals and several swipes which missed butt also commenced to score with great power and reached 27 before his and Durham’s 5^th wicket fell at 315, 17 four and one six. The speed of the scoring meant that Durham were in sight of gaining all 5 batting points with the first day of 96 overs and they closed over 400 around 425 from memory. I returned to the Villa apartments walking through the town centre back across the valley footbridge and up the hill. Leaving the rucksack in the car I went to Sainsbury’s local when I purchased a beef in black bean sauce and rice, a carton of grapes and a six pack of Pepsi and enjoyed my evening with the food and drink and watching television although I did not have a comfortable night, excited I suspect with the everything that had happened to date on the visit.

The following morning there was a nasty wind and much cloud with the possibility of rain although none was forecast. I arrived early before the ground opened and sheltered and amazingly found two seat at the back of the members walkway with the walkway behind. The previous day I had brought the heated hot soup from the previous day and salami sand rolls which I had enjoyed early on. Today I came light and having secured the seat made my way to the food concession for a sausage bap with tomato and mushrooms for £2.50, excellent value given the £6 paid at 20 20 Finals day. At lunch I had a burger with onions for the same price with tea/coffee at a £1.

Early in the morning I was joined by a seasoned Yorkshire member from Huddersfield who was involved in the production of a history of grounds at which Yorkshire had played championship and who was connected with the clothing industry and with strong views about the impact of joining the EEC and the ending fo major manufacturing in the UK. There was no discussion possible and at least devastated by the eventually result of the game he will cheering that Huddersfield and finished top of the Rugby League beating the favourites Warrington who are in danger of having a season without a trophy.

He was of the opinion that Durham should have declared but I explained that we had came not lose but and to gain bonus points which were a factor if we did with one game in hand. Durham not only batted on but continued where they left the previous evening with Collingwood going for a good 81 but the surprise o the game was the performance of Richardson the second eleven wicket keeper originally from South Africa and who had come to Durham as an MCC young player. He made the third century of the innings for Durham and together with Mustard 421, Wood 20 and Harrison 35 Durham amassed a grand 573, their highest total of the season.

Over the delayed lunch break I left the ground after eating burger with onions to work out car parking the following day passing the Crazy golf in the small park before descending the hill and crossing over to one side of Peaseholme Park where later in the afternoon the weekly battle of mini ships in the Lake with fireworks entertain a large audience of holidaymakers.

There are two car parks around the corner one at the main road level one above next to an indoor swimming pool. The cost for an over 6 hour to 24 stay is £6 for the lower and £5 for the upper with special rate for a weekly stay. Across the road from the lower car park is the entrance to the large 6500 seat outdoor theatre which reopened in 2010 after closure in 1986 with stars of the order of Elton John, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Jai McDowall, Aled Jones appearing that year, Dionne Warwick, Russell Watson Olly Murs, JLS with special guest Alexandra Burke in 2011 and this year Leona Lewis,Status Quo,Katherine Jenkins and McFly. There are also family centre free shows weekends Monday to Thursday. There is also a small railway located.

I returned to my seat just in time to see Yorkshire lose their first wicket at 18 with Lythe 10 and then Jacques (an Australian) who went with the total 72 and captain Gale 107 and as then Williamson and Bairstow appeared to settle in for the day I and the majority of those present assumed we would see Yorkshire begin to amass runs the following morning and perhaps throughout the day. My companion put forward the view that Yorkshire if they could would declare stopping Durham gaining bowling points and setting the challenge of Durham to gain a score which would provide Yorkshire with the opportunity to gain the runs required to win as well as Durham time to bowl them all out. The total was just under two hundred at the close ( I think) with close on 800 runs being scored over the first two days.

This time I made my way back via the Valle Bridge Road as I had gone to the ground in the morning working out how I would get to the Travel lodge after returning to the car which was parked in a space just by the Apartments and then went back along the road turning right at Traffic lights just before the Valley Bridge. Reaching the roundabout by the beach I took the left branch up back into the city and followed my nose and ended passing a pubic car park outside a hotel before coming to the way one way system along the Grand Hotel and Travel Lodge with cars parked in the middle but not a space in sight.

I registered and found that although there was a lift to the second floor the room allocated also involved a short flight of stairs I would describe the room as OK as there was no artificial light over the desk k and when the bathroom light was turned on a loud noise commenced soon after. However there was a good ledge by the window which served good place for the margarine, milk, lettuce and tomatoes brought with me plus the Pepsi and remaining Snickers bars. Without unpacking I had immediately gone down stairs and to my amazement managed to find the only vacant and free car parking space at the far end of the public car park against a side wall.

The following morning I packed early and was down for the car just after eight setting off for the car park adjacent to Peaseholme park. I managed to undertake a grand tour of residential Scarborough before finding my way back to North Marine Road from which I knew where I was going. I was able to park the car in the only shaded area where i rested until deciding I would arrive at the ground around 9.15. On my way I noted down the various B and B establishments which back on to the cricket or are close to it and the restaurant which serves a good range of basic breakfast and main meals for reasonable prices. Jalna House, Tudor House, North Sands Lodge, The Marina, Wickets, The Brindley, Argo(AA) Sunnyside and he Boundary.

What happened at the cricket where I selected an aisle seat in partial sunshine with go down in legend for Durham and as a horror show for Yorkshire. Stokes came on and with his in first ball of his first over had Williamson LBW with the total 211. Bairstow went for a second run and Balance was run out by an excellent hitting the wicket throw. With Rashid going at 219 and Yorks having lost five wickets the prospects of a following on and innings victory for Durham loomed large. Bairstow was trying hard to make amends for his rashness and when joined by Plunket they managed to progress the total but at 253 Bairstow was out and with luncheon interval ahead the prospect of seeking the extra half became a reality when Plunkett and Pattison went with the total 257 and although there was a further defence the side were all out for 274, a massive 399 runs behind.

I left the ground for the car when I had left my lunch which I enjoyed and noted the two hotels there overlooking the Park Manor Health and Lynwood. On the way back I enjoyed a cold Pepsi sitting in a bench outside the local store and newsagents and whom will make sandwiches fresh to order. Durham had enforced the follow on and I was faced with a dilemma. Should I try and find somewhere to stay for another night with the prospect of an historic Durham win and if I was to leave should I stay for the whole of play or leave as planned at tea time?

When Lythe went again for 10 and the total this time 19 I swung one way and for a time it looked as if another wicket would soon fall with appeal after appeal all turned down and with the local growing hostile to the Durham cause.

By tea Jacques and Williamson had commenced to look in control so i decided to make my way home and what appeared the right decision as the two remained not out and put on over 250 at close of play.

It was also a good decision driving relaxed over the Yorkshire Moors but sufficiently alert to cope with the blind summits and those drivers determined to travel at rhe maximum permitted speed and over. Approaching the Boro I failed to take the turn for the 174 which by passes the ton back to the A19 and went through the town centre, coming by the Cineworld and the travelling the dual carriage. way fly over to Stockton before joining in the A19 and home ward, calling in for milk.

I checked the House and the post and made an effort to unpack but concentrated on preparations for the 20 20 International at Durham the following morning. I had used the pocket digital radio to listen to commentary from Martin Emmerson Radio Newcastle and Callaghan from radio Leeds during the three days although the service was also shared with coverage from the US open from four. I guessed correctly that if there was to be cricket commentary on the Saturday it would be from the Emirates and not Scarborough. Had I made the right the decision?