I miscalculated what the
weather was going to be like on Saturday morning deciding against the blazer,
grey fleece and waterproof for the suit and waterproof which proved inadequate
against a nasty biting wind coming face on when sitting at Lords. I had a good
start making my way to get to Victoria station by 8 to the Wetherspoons not
appreciating there is another in the street across from the bus stops at the
side, to be explored on another visit to see if the prices are any less. The
charge for coffee is £1.99 and breakfast something like £4.50/53/57. I had a
good bench seat inside and did not have to wait long for the food to be cooked
which I enjoyed and three cups of the coffee which was also hottish. Bought a
travel card at £8 compared 2 X 4.05 for separate singles to London stations
avoiding queuing when back at Victoria after the game).
Had to wait a while for the 82
bus looked as if I had just missed on but by the side entrance from which I
spotted the second Wetherspoons across the way. Because of the one-way system
the bus takes a different route from Oxford Street and I alighted at the
entrance to the park the stop before the usual where are some shops on the way,
not needed this time but worth noting for the future and then walked along to
the entrance which leads directly to the Mound Stand when I was immediately to
discovered the cold wind and also that I had not got the seats from last year having reversed the tow and
seat number to I was still at the aisle
but the second row from the walkway and
the other side of the aisle. Had a good chat with someone support Surrey
sitting a few rows behind and then solitary individual sitting next seat who
appears out posted Surrey supporter but thrilled to be at Lords seemed first
time and a casual supporter as still working in management mentioned job not disclosed here.
Surrey won the toss and
elected to bat which was unusual and where decision appeared to have been taken
because it was an old wicket which had been glued and was not expected to last
the 100 overs in the day. Surrey started very well with Ray and Davies who is
going to Somerset to keep wicket as Surrey now have several who can do this
role. With the run rate at over 7 I predicted a score closer to 350 than 300 but the reality
proved so different with Surrey all out 136 in 40 overs. Sangakkara looked set as he was playing anchor
role when out seven wickets then fell for 30 runs with no one staying with
Burns who made a creditable 40 but 4 of the last 7 made 0, one 4 one 7 and the
other Sam Curran who did the damage at the Riverside 13. I had a poor coffee at the interval and made
the decision that unless 5 wickets were down when Warwickshire reached100 I
would leave.
The problem was he
required run rate and with Bell and Trott in the side quick wickets were
unlikely. The runs required were gained in 30 overs thus we were short changed
30 overs of cricket in the day but the Warwickshire supporters did not care
about that. Trott made an unbeaten 82
and I left when the s core was 100 for 2.
Did not have to wait long for the bus which stopped in the bus station by Victoria station. Train back to East Croydon became very crowded people standing and entrances exits blocked. Was very happy to reach the warmth of the room with no inclination to go out for meal and anything else so settled on picnic in and TV.
