It is going to be a great year for Durham CC but not sure about England (2013)

I enjoyed the cricket for the main part attending on two of the three days of the County Championship game between Durham and Warwickshire. The weather was atrocious and there was doubt from outset that we could get a result.

The wicket was placed to the east of the ground where the development of the additional permanent seating for the Test match against Australia meant that passage from the Members gate at Lumley was not possible until late on Friday afternoon. The work has progressed with the foundations for the new stand extended up to the first bank of the green seats although later that day we learned that this bank is also being replaced. The seats are from those used on Horseguards parade for beach football, 7000 in total with 500 permanent with bat and other facilities to bed completed death after the Test match as the additional seating with be at the back and removed. The capacity for the match will be 15000 with the take anticipated to be over £1m for the first three days.

I attended my first Members evening in the lounge after the first day’s play was completed and pressed about the new developing confirming that the latest development that the new entrance and proposed conference stand behind the Lumley end wickets was no longer an immediate option or the hotel. The club had gained a loan European grants of £1.7 million but this was for the full ground development projects of some £20 million which they had been unable to raise although the grant money remained available. The floodlights projects was also in abeyance in part because of the lack of demand for the floodlit game and it was not yet a requirement for hosting International matches.

There was some questioning about the use of the Castle View Lumley lounges in the new extension with the possibility of use for member when not required but not as an alternative to the existing facility. Interestingly he debacle about the changes to the Members room was not raised. There was a moan about the £80 for the Test match which is to be a one off because of the Ashes and other financial considerations. Apparently some of the original Durham County members before the move to first class cricket were given a £10 life membership offer and I seriously considered the original County Life Membership rate for elders when I became eligible but I was not wedded to remaining in the North East at that point.

Most of those attending the meeting were familiar faces to me and there were those concerned at the new season prices although the Gold Membership deal remains a great offer costing for the all inclusive home games around 46 days of cricket for £88 compared to £80 for a day at the Ashes Test.

Because of the conditions and location of the wicket I made my way to the middle tier of the Durham stand to watch Durham bat first having won the toss. Later the Cricket Director said that the players never knew how a wicket would perform at the ground from match to match and wicket to wicket unlike many other ground where a side could be selected for the conditions.

Stoneman after some remarkable performances was out without scoring. Jennings made a careful 33, Borthwick a more adventurous 36, Smith 46 and Stokes 61, all can be said to have got themselves in before getting out with the explanation that the ball had started to swing. When Collingwood went for 1 and the Colonel for 0 the side was still short of their first batting point with seven wickets down. Spirited defence by Richardson 26, Wood 22 and Onions also 22 saw the total reach a respectable 267 and 2 bonus points.

Warwickshire fared no better with 19 for 0 at the close and 116 fro 7 but again the tail rallied doubling the total to 209 giving Durham a lead of 58 and with 40 on the board at the close this mean 100 for 0 when I went off to the cinema for a showing of the Audience at the Cineworld Bolden having elected to listen to match on the radio while watching the England’s innings in their second 50 over world championship tournament. When I return from what proved an aborted performance, full of disappointment and frustration I was horrified to find that Durham had collapsed to 147 for 8 with the Colonel getting a pair Jennings 11, Borthwick 2 Smith 4, Stokes 5, Collingwood 7 Onion 8, Wood 3. It was only Stoneman 83 and Richardson 55 who along with 11^th man Rushworth not out 11 who brought Durham to a respectable 198 with 42 run last wicket stand which I watched on Friday morning. However as I saw well wrapped and expecting a rain interrupted day, the odds had dramatically changed in favoured of Warwickshire. The Durham innings had ended don a bad note when Richardson was caught by Jarvid, according to the crowd while standing on the boundary rope which brought memories of Nottinghamshire’s Hales cheating several years ago which I witnessed at close hand. In this instance there was no one immediately overlooking the spot but there were a sizeable number of people in the Durham Stand close by who had an overview. Whether he was standing over the line and then moved just inside to take the catch is the only reason I assume he did not admit the 6 runs. Only he and his closes colleague appeared to celebrate with the rest of the Warwickshire fielders and Durham batsmen remaining in position.

Early in rhe Warwickshire second innings the skies darkened and the promised rain looked as if it would fall, but the sky coming from the west was much brighter and it looked that if it did rain in would prove a brief shower. Nevertheless the Warwickshire players sized the umpires decision and walk off but the Durham players remained with the Captain hoping to persuade the umpires that the conditions would quickly change. The umpires continued their walk to the pavilion, the pitch was covered but the delay was around half an hour and the match then continued uninterrupted for the rest of the game until one side became the victors.

Durham had the first success when Chopra and Porterfield were out at 26 and when Troughten at 56 and Westwood at 74 the game was swinging in Durham’s favour. This was view was reinforced when Ambrose went at 127, Clarke at 131 and Barker as 146 ( for 7) There was hen a very uncomfortable period when the dreadful Jarvid ( I trust the Durham crowd’s sight) with Patel slowly built up h core to a potential winning position until Jarvid went caught Borthwick off ions for 55 having stayed at the wicket for two and a half hours. Patel went three runs later for 50 but then Wright and Rankin appeared to steady and slowly moved towards what would have been a legendry last wicket victory when Stokes had Rankin leg before wicket and Warwickshire were all out for 245, giving Durham a potential Championship winning victory by 11 runs. And moved Durham to head the championship before Yorkshire completed their win to lead with 8 matches played 4 wins and 117 points while Durham are second with the same position and 108.5 points.

With the closest sides all drawing Durham kept their position with Sussex who they are to play twice 100 and Middlesex who they play Lords 97. Notts have a game in hand are on 80 which with maximum points still leave Durham ahead and hen Warwickshire, Surrey, Somerset and Derbyshire at the bottom. We play Derbyshire twice so Durham’s game at Scarborough could prove in effect a championship decider. The glory days could be here again.

Today Monday 17^th June 2013 the news has reached tat Surrey have sacked their Director of Cricket and first team coach with Alec Stewart taking over this confirming my impression that the home supporters want Championship success above all else despite the financial and commercial success of the club through hospitality, sponsorship and the holding of International events.

I had written Durham off from getting to the semi finals fo the 40 over competition because of the loss at home, and at Hampshire, but they now head the table with 8.75 points after humiliating Scotland bowling them all out 91 with Collinwood ending the innings getting 3 wickets for 5 runs off 1.3 overs. Onions 3 fro 26 and Wood 3 for 23 also did well. Durham appeared to have no problem in gaining the required runs in 12.5 overs going for a good run rate which could influence the outcome at the end of the league matches.

A lose look at table reveals that every club bar Scotland who have zero points have a chance of being top team after all their matches have been played. Hampshire’s game at hone against Derbyshire on Tuesday evening is important and if Derby win and then win against Scotland they will head the table with 10 points from the same number of games as Durham, and if Hants win they will also go ahead and have a game still in hand. Durham play Hants at home on Saturday in a must win game whatever happens. I shall be at the European Games at Gateshead. However with 12 games in total to play, they league is about half way. Notts with 6 wins from 6 games and walking away in League one as they have a game in over next placed Northants with 9 points. Somerset and Gloucestershire are doing well in the third division with Gloucestershire 11 points from 7 and Somerset 11 from 8 and at present one of these two look a good bet for the best placed fourth semi finalist making a Division win by Durham imperative.

England were disappointing against Sri Lanka in their second of three games in the Champions Trophy after creating a reasonable total of 293 with Trott 76, Root 68 and Cook 59 but where Morgan 13 Butler 0 Brennan 4 and Broad 7 failed to capitalise on the great start push the total to over 325. It was Bopara with a magnificent three sixes two fours, two fours and a two who added 28 runs in the final over who set the challenge. Unfortunately England’s bowlers on a good wicket could find no extra life or twist Sangakkara 134 who sealed are fate reaching the total required in the 47^th over and with seven wickets in hand. It all depended on the last match at Cardiff where rain threatened a no play which would have seen England out of the competition, Fortunately the rain stopped and then held off to enable a 24 over match against New Zealand. England made a good 169 although early on with Cook hitting sixes (64) a total of 190 or more seemed possible/. Again some fo the lower order batsman failed to connect in the way hoped. With the visitors 14 for 2, 48 for 4 and 62 for 5 they looked home cut and dried. However a good fight saw a much closer encounter with England winning after New Zealand could only reach 159 form 8.

Australia had to reach 254 runs in 29 overs to have a faster rate and get the fourth semi final spot. If they get the runs then New Zealand go through and not Sri Lanka who are they are playing. Going for the runs Australia lost wicket and when the 9^th went at 196 it seemed all over. Just when it looked as if Australia would win and send New Zealand into the Semi final they were all out so that as heading group India will play Sri Lanka in the second semi final with England leading their group playing South Africa on Wednesday at the Oval.

Andy Murray won at Queen Club again after missing out on the French open because of injury although he never has done well at the clay courts there. He lost the first set came back to win the next two in am march which was unable to start on time because of rain.

The interesting but as yet unconfirmed news is that Joe Kinnear Newcastle manager who had to give up the job because of a heart attack is coming back as Director of Football responsible for brining in new players. However the club are yet to make any statement.

I have a comparatively quiet start to the week, with writing, some exercise and watching the cricket today. Tomorrow I need to go for some shoes but on Wednesday there is the Opera relay from Red Square. I should have seen the Audience with Helen Mirren last Thursday but they failed to get the sound working again so I walked out and rebooked for a second showing. Unfortunately only when i got home I found that it clashes with the Euro Athletics on the Sunday. I will judge what to fo depending how week the Opera from Red Square goes on Weds and the Athletics on Saturday. There is the important semi final game involving England which will also take place on Wednesday with a 10.30 start

Engalnd and Durham toil i wintry conditions May 2013

Now to cricket. Apart from one day it continues to be football weather First the two Test matches between England and New Zealand. I watched the first day of the game on Thursday on Sky TV when England struggled to score runs on a flat wicket taking spin and where despite good starts batsmen failed to progress with Compton going at 43 for 16, Cook for 23 at 67, Trot for 39 at 122 and bell for 31 at 165. There was hope when young but brilliant Root came to the wicket with fellow Yorkshire played Johnny Bairstow.

Root this season has started amazingly although is first match in the 40 over competition he scored 0 and bowled 2 overs for 18 runs. Against Durham in the Championship he made 49 in the first innings and a match winning 182 in the second taking his championship average to over 100.In a weak Derbyshire aside he then made 236 giving him an average of 156 runs although his team mate Hasid is even better with 200 being not out in three of his scoring innings. Bairstow also made 186 in the Derbyshire game.

Root went on to make 40 and Bairstow 41 in the Test on the second day but the wicket fell quickly after Roots departure at 192, Prior without scoring, Broad 3, Swann 9 Anderson also 9 but it was Finn who with Bairstow added 20 who helped with some respectability to take the England total to 232 at a rate of just over 2 runs an over for this public paid substantial ticket prices. Southee for New Zealand took 4 for 58 off 28.2overs.

New Zealand also found run getting difficult although Williamson for 60 and Taylor 66 appeared to provide the base for a good total. It was Anderson 5 for 47 and Finn 4 for 63 who changed the situation resulting in the side only making 207 giving England a modest lead of 25 runs.

England then had another disastrous start with Cook and Compton going when the total was only 36. It was Trott with Bairstow who raised hopes by an excellent partnership of 123 before Root went for 71 Bairstow 5, Prior for another duck and then Trott so Finn came in as the night watchman with England in trouble once again. It was Broad with the bat who hit a lively 26 Sunday morning as England were all out for 213 setting new Zealand a gettable target of 239 over a day and two thirds. At that point New Zealand would have felt satisfied with their performance and a good chance to win. Southee added to is 4 first innings wickets with another 6 and a match bowling of 10 wickets for 108 runs. A matching winning performance in most circumstances.

What happened next demonstrates that cricket can prove unpredictable in that it was Chris Broad, sometimes awful, sometimes brilliant, never know what he is going to do who put in an amazing man of the match winning performance taking the first wicket at 1, the second and third at 10 and the fourth at 21. Sometimes these great bowling starts become thwarted by dogged performances from the arriving bats, as was happened with Durham 40 odd for 4 in the one day against Hampshire they rallied with some virtuoso performances to reach an impressive 241 in 36 overs, match reduced because of the late start through rain.

In the instance of England the bowling continued to excel with the first New Zealand wicket taken at 5, then at 25 and 6^th at 29. The question became how low would be the final score. A little rally before the seventh at 41, then 54, 67 and all out 68 meaning that England won by 170 runs, leaving New Zealand, routed, crushed, humiliated and deflated. Only two bowlers were needed with Broad 7 for 44 from his eleven overs and Anderson 2 for 23 from his 11.3 over. The last wicket ended in a farcical way with ball skied but the substitute could not hold and tried to palm the ball to someone else who was able to throw to the wicket keeper who ran a batsman out.

New Zealand with their former great players who could make a difference to any match retired have become a better competitive side through organisation, team work and good captaincy. They are vulnerable to collapsing and was demonstrated yesterday. England on the other hand have still more good work to do before they can be confident giving Australia good competition.

The weather forecast was not good and the first day of the second Test played at Headingley was a wash out. The second day, last Saturday and the fourth day of Durham’s game at the Emirates Chester le Street was one of brilliant sunshine and hot warm from dawn to dusk. At Headingley England was put into bat and Compton failed again scoring 1 run from 11 balls received. Cook 24, Bell 30 and Trott 28 all made good starts , albeit carefully but at 67 for 3 it looked as if it was the same as recent. It was Root, playing at home who rooted the innings first with Bell and then with his Yorkshire team made Bairstow. Root went onto make 104 becoming one of the few and potential greats scoring his first century in a test match at his home ground, along with Yorkshire legend Geoff Boycott who could not disguise his delight on the TV edition fo his radio broadcast which I saw on Channel Four when I got back from Durham. Bairstow went soon after for 64 but by then total had reached 279 and with Broad going for 0 at 286 it was left for Swann and Prior to see the innings continue to the Sunday. I did consider taking the offer a ticket from another member to drive Headingley if Root and or Bairstow had continued to bat, but I did not have a good previously and the thought of driving there and back in a day did not appeal. It proved a good decision.

I watched the game on TV on Sunday with England continuing to 354 with Swann not out for 26. New Zealand seemed to have a good start with the first wicket going at 55 but then another of their famed collapses with the second at 62, and then 72, 79,81, 82 119, 122 ad 122 for 9. With the follow on target reduced from 200 to 150 because of the loss of a full day, it looked as if the last wicket pair would manage this but Wagnar was bowled by Anderson for 22 at 174 with Swann 4 for 42 and Finn 3 for 36 dong the main damage.

The great talking point was the decision not to enforce the follow on. My theory is that because the crowds had been poor with the ground less than half full despite comparatively low prices it was decided to continue the game for as long as possible. New Zealand could not win and therefore the series was not in doubt and win or draw would not affect the World rating.

This perhaps explains that England to bat cautiously in their second innings. Extraordinarily Compton had only scored 7 from 86 deliveries when he failed again and his place is in question unless the bats well for his home county in the meantime before the Ashes Tests. He did not start in the game against Yorkshire which commenced on Tuesday though. Cook made a good 130 and Trott 76 taking the total to over 200 before the second and third wickets fell. Root and Bairstow made some quick runs 28 from 36 and 26 from 20. They went on until the total was 287 setting the visitors a world record fourth innings win of just under 450.

When they lost their first wicket at 21, second at 40 and third 65 only the weather could prevent defeat. This looked a strong possibility as rain and cloud prevented an immediate start on the final day and England just about managed to bowl the New Zealanders out before the weather would have prevented a win. They were all out for 220, a victory by 247 runs.

Swann took 6 for 90 and ten wickets in the game. A feature of the first game was that Anderson became only the fourth English bowler to get more than 300 wickets in Test Matches. Ian Botham has 383, Bob Willis 325 and Fred Truman 307. His second wicket in this match brought him equal to Fred Truman’s 307 and if injury free the Ashes series could see him exceed the total of Bob Willis.

Durham with three wins from their five First Class games came into the home game with Middlesex confident and with banishing thoughts of relegation and the prospects of a third championship season win. The weather forecast was not good however I made by way full of expectation to the ground for the start of play. The wind was from the North East so I found myself a position at the back of the Park end stand next to the white sheeting covering the of the green coloured seats.

Work had already commenced with the foundations for the permanent addition seating, a development which should have taken place last year. I do not know the extent of the proposed development although a note on the site of the Test and County cricket Board and on the Durham News Board talks of a mixture of permanent and temporary seating. According to one colleague we have purchased over 5000 seats used at the Olympic Hockey stadium. If so this will significant increase the ground capacity. My understanding is that he hotel project has been cancelled and if as also understood some of the sears will replace the horrible green for ever temporary seating behind the bowler’s arm then it is also goodbye to the proposed new entrance and conference centre development .

While the work in hand is being fenced off and involves lifting by hand the brick pathway brick by brick onto pallets presumable to replace or for the bricks to be reused. This suggests the new seating will occupy a space greater than previously planned. In addition to the fenced off area there are foundation markings continuing and then at the end of the Park end seating. It is all interesting and puzzling.

|Middlesex won the toss and decided to field. Durham were pains taking in their innings which end at 259 with two bonus points Borthwick 52 and Mustard 62 were the two batting performances of note. Borthwick as a Middlesex man commented ( staying at the Castle) does not look a number 3 player but he is settling to the position with several competent and key knocks of over 50. Stoneman 5 and Collingwood 1 were the failures.

I decided not to go for the second day given the weather forecast and the prospect of Middlesex batting. In the event Middlesex were all out for 196 with Graham Onions taking 5 wickets for 39 runs. Middlesex were 35 for 5 at one point so did well to reach nearly 200.

There was more heavy rain on Friday morning preventing any play before lunch. Because Durham had hired out Members facilities for a Prom Dance for a local school some 200 young people, a live band, stretch limos and a transformed location we were moved after lunch to the new wing and provided free coffee or tea. I decided irrespective of the weather and prospects of play to view the facilities and the experience of using the balcony which is superior to that provided by the two row Members balcony. There was play at 4.15 but then a further interruption fo nasty spotting rain in the wind and then one more spell with less than half the overs. 36 overs had been intended but in the event there was less than half. The view is better than the Members balcony but it was cold so for the second session I was able to get a seat at a window after a mother, her son and two other boys primary school level departed having watched the first quarter of an hour of what proved a three quarter hour session ending at six for the day.

Incidentally the son of this well spoken family spent at least fifteen minutes with his feet on the back of the chair balancing himself on the table in front. He was in danger of toppling the chair and himself quite part from putting his feet on the back rest. His mother said nothing and appeared to ignore the behaviour..

The final day, Saturday was glorious and I forgot to put in suntan but fortunately did not get burnt with the help of a large sun hat. I felt, and was not alone in this that Durham did not score quick enough and went on too long before the declaration. The declared at 240 for 6 just after lunch setting Middlesex an impossible 300 runs to win, which despite 50 overs was not possible on the wicket. Borthwick made 82 after Stoneman 50 and Jennings had put on 68 for the first wicket.

Although Middlesex opener Robson was out with the total 12, Denly never looked challenged and completed the day 73 not out with the other opener Wood making 50. There was some home when the third and fourth wickets went quickly 147 and 154 and again at 194 and 200 but there was insufficient time and Middlesex looked safe for a draw leaving Durham only gained a 2 point catch up on their rivals from this game. Middlesex and Durham do not play this week and Sussex only commenced their game at Notts to day, unfortunately missing the bad weather which has affected other games. They are at home to Notts who are having a hard tine scoring 120 for 6 by tea time and this does not augur well where a draw would be the best result. However I did not appreciate that Patel was not just holding one end but scoring runs and at the close he was 143 not out and were 279 for 7 so it is game on. As predicted Somerset also managed to hold out against Yorks at Taunton but with maximum bonus points and the draw they now head the table played 6 games and 87 points. Sussex are second with their 5 games and 86 points. Middlesex third with 6 games and 85 points and Durham 78.5 both also having played 6 games. Notts if they win against Sussex will come to the 70’s with a game in hand so a draw will help the Durham cause.

I have now booked up to attend the Durham game at Lords in early August and then in September I am going to the Derby Ground for the first time having secured accommodation at the Day’s Inn which is at the ground in a great deal at £30 a night around half price. However I have an amusing tale regarding the last match of the season at Sussex where I discovered that I had booked for period when Sussex is at Durham, 5 nights for £20 in a great deal. I will still go and managed to get a seal with travel Lodge at Worthing and a double room. I shall travel my train and there is a good service from Worthing to Hove for just under £5 a say return although for a few pence more the return can go on to Brighton. So I now have five trips planned before October with a trip to Mansfield in July.

While Durham are doing well in 4 day game their position is bad in the 40 over game with 2 losses and no result to go with two wins, the second of which took place on Monday bank holiday although I gave it a miss. Durham made a good score of 273 for score with Collingwood 79, Stokes 40 and Muchall 57 but then bad weather intervened but fortunately Derbyshire were able to bat for 16 overs making 73 for 3 giving Durham the game under Duckworth Lewis calculations. Chanderpaul played and was out for 11. We may have a harder job in September. I may go to the next home game on Sunday even thought we have no hope of qualifying as the fourth team highest runner up in the three groups even if we win every game left.

I have booked to attend the European team championships being held towards the end of June over two days at the Gateshead stadium costing only £19.50 and under cover albeit on the opposite side to finishing straight. I forgot to check when tickets went on sale for the anniversary games at the Olympic Stadium and of course they are all sold out. Have watched one Warrington Wolves Rugby league where they are third in the table at present. Newcastle Falcons have got back to the Rugby Union Premiership at their first attempt, winning the league and then the playoff final. Not had time or inclination to watch more Indian premier Cricket 20 20 competition, the recent Motor Racing Grand Prix’s the French Tennis Open but did catch a little of the Italian Road race to see how our boys were doing with Sky.

2012 2013 Football season ends

The football season has ended and for the local teams they survived relegation but only just but at least they both had a hand in settling that it is Arsenal and not Spurs who gained the fourth Championship League position.

There has been one result of great joy as Crystal Palace beat Watford in the play off for the premiership on Monday and return to the top flight after nearly a decade, and also after going into Administration three years ago. I investigated getting a ticket for the home semi final play off game against Brighton which took place on the Friday of my Croydon visit but the released tickets were only available to members and season ticket holders. I listened to the game on the radio which was a draw with Brighton the inform team as Palace had gone through a bad patch losing games and dropping out of a certain promotion position.

As I continually remind I went to watch Palace at Brighton in my youth with a win required to prevent Palace going to the new Fourth Division rather than the Third after the decision to abolish the separate Third Divisions North and South. The loss fuelled rivalry although nothing like the problems with Millwall. On return home I watched Palace win at Brighton through Zaha who after ten years they have sold to Manchester United. He has earned his place in the sun and big money but he gave everything in both games to enable Palace to reach the Play off final which I was able to watch in 3D.

As with most of these finals both teams played cautiously knowing that one goal can settle these encounters and where the stakes because of start up funds and parachute payments if they immediately return, are said to be worth £120 million. As the 90 minutes came to an end, Zaha was brought down in the penalty area and the kick was given Kevin Phillips who had started with the opponents Watford from a league side and then moved to Sunderland where he became a goal scoring favourite and call up to the England squad. Although approaching 40 he was taken by Ian Holloway to strengthen the Blackpool squad during their time in the top flights and attempt to return. Holloway was brought to Palace to replace the manager because of the slide down the table. Holloway had then brought Phillips to Palace and put him on the field with half an hour to play. Phillips smashed the ball into the top of the net with minutes left on the game.

I watched the early part of the FA Cup Final in the President’s Tea Room at the Oval but decided to make my way back to Croydon when rain ended play. I was delighted that Wigan won although they have since been relegated and lost their fine manager. Likely to prove a good candidate for the Everton post vacant after their manager took over at Manchester United after Alex Ferguson retired in glory..

I also watched Chelsea win the lesser of the two European competitions and all four semi finalists and come into the competition have been knocked out of the Champions league. I should have placed my long shot bet on them this year as I did successfully last but went with the heart for Newcastle.

It now seems a long time since going to Newcastle to watch them play at West Ham in a large screen in a pub. The match was not being shown at the pubs/Clubs in my immediate vicinity and having left going out late I decided to take the Metro to Newcastle and find a pub there. It was pleasantly warm and which a coat I was overdressed. Ticket barriers are being installed and on return from the trip to London I visited the local transport shop in Shields for an instant renewal and found that the separate card is being replaced by adding the Metro to the plastic Bus pass which means they will introducing an Oyster type swiping system as they have on some buses.

Previously I have watched a Newcastle game in the bar at the far end of the Gate complex next to entrance to the Casino. This time I followed Newcastle shirts to the two story bar at the entrance where I noticed 18 year old plus only sign at entrance but did not grasp the significance until half time in the game. I had noticed a young woman sitting on a stool to one side on her own behind an area roped off. At the Interval she commenced gyrations to music on a pole and after a few minutes removed her top to reveal she was not wearing bra. All was revealed as they say.

I did not see if there was a similar act in the other corner of the first floor where there was a large HD screen with small screens placed in various parts of the two bars. There were seats, comfortable sofa chairs but these were understandably all occupied as I arrived just as the match was beginning and clutching a dizzy drink purchased on my way in I spent the rest fo the game hugging a wall or holding the back of an sofa’s reluctant to go back to the bar in fear of losing the prized location. The match ended in a 0.0 draw an overall fait result although the ball just about crossed the goal line in a disallowed goal for Newcastle but which goal line technology might have also given the referee the benefit of the doubt.

Newcastle then played already relegated QPR on the Saturday of my London visit, I had attempted to go to a match at the Club the previous year but only members were able to get tickets I addition to season ticket holders so I had joined and received emails but again have only been able to go via the Newcastle away supporters tickets system. However I not realised this game was taking place so listened to the last half on a London radio station. Newcastle won the game by 2 goals to 1 with goals from Ben Arfa and Gouffron. A win which because of other results took then out of the relegation zone and they would relax for the final game of he season, at home against Arsenal. If Newcastle won this game and Sunderland lost at Spurs, then Spurs not Arsenal would take the fourth Champions league spot next season. Because of the interest in both games they were shown split screen by Sky, although I watched both games full screen time to times when it looked that both might take the lead.

Sunderland had achieved safety with two home draws recently. On May 4^th a 1.1 draw against Southampton at home, in match marking the 40^th anniversary since Sunderland won the FA Cup with 11 of the 12 players involved in the game paraded before the game commenced. Unfortunately Sunderland had a woeful first half giving a goal in 9^th minute and then going down to 10 men. However they rallied in the second to get a goal and the draw. On May 12^th there was a home draw against Southampton which placed Sunderland in peril until Wigan lost at Arsenal in the subsequent mid week and also removed the pressure Newcastle at the same time.

As previously reported the main controversy at Sunderland has been over the appointment of Paolo Di Canio because his previous apparent support for Italian Fascism although his clear denial of present day support following the resignations of David Miliband as a Vice president and threatened withdrawal of the Durham Miners, banner (the ground was created above the former Sunderland Coal mine, hence its name as the Stadium of Light and large Miner’s helmet light at the entrance) has had the effect of calming things down.

Spurs should have had a penalty against Sunderland early on as Gareth Bale was pulled down but to compound the injustice he was booked for allegedly diving. Sunderland were further lucky as goal bound shots clipped the posts and rebounded out. However justice came but too late for Spurs with a brilliant goal from Bale, perhaps his last for the club as this talented winger is open to offers from one of the great clubs offering Champions league football next season.

It was too late because Arsenal had already scored at Newcastle to secure their place. Newcastle performed better than the previous two humiliating home games losing 3.0 to Sunderland and then the highest home lost for decades. The problem has been the arrival of those eight Frenchman ad difficulty of creating an effective spirit and play with the threat of relegation. Alan Pardue their manager with his eight year contract appears to have survived talks with the owner, but not so Roberto Mancini at Man City. It is interspersing that he has not survived after winning the League title last year and at Chelsea the Interim manager remained interim despite winning the other European competition whereas Arsenal’s manager has won nothing for five years and survives.

I had no interest in the meaningless friendly between England at Wembley and Eire. This match has not been held for close on two decades as The English Defence league types went over to Eire close on two decades ago and wrecked the stadium, There was no trouble last night in what appears to have been a boring match. England lacks creative players in midfield. I also ought to record that David Beckham is the most well known of a number of seasoned players who retired, The season is best forgotten.

The American ESPN British edition which provided coverage of 18 Premiership games, the Europe Cup competition hence all the Newcastle Games home and away, and the FA Cup has been taken over by BT who have taken over the Media centre at Queen Elizabeth Park, the Olympic Stadium site and are making available its two channels free to those who take the Internet and telephone line package. I will investigate if changing will be worth while.

I decided to do this immediately, At present my Sky Broadband costs £7.50 a month plus £15.85 for line and call package and the ESPN £11 a total of £406.20 a year and £812.40 for 24 months. Although new BT contract 18 month contract for unlimited broadband( not fibre optic infinity) is available the best deal involves paying for the TV line and call package annually at £129 2 years £258. Broad is available at £16 a month with six months free that is £288 for two years a total of £546, a saving of between £150 and £250.Just had a chat with Annabel at BT ( I wonder if she works at the South Shields centre!) and she confirms that the HD version of BT Sports will be available free for one year but still not clear if the standard version will continue to be free. Watch this space.

A May 2013 visit to watch Durham win against Surrey at the Kia Oval

And now for the cricket. I decided against visiting the Oval last season when Surrey returned to the first division of the County Championship, preferring to reacquaint myself with Lords first who like Surrey had languished in the lower division. This was a good choice but only in the sense that there was no play at Oval because of rain while the game at Lords was washed out on one day and severely affected on others resulting in Durham unable to press their advantage for a win.

Durham have never won a game at the Oval and I have experienced some humiliating losses in the past especially in those early years.

In1993 Durham lost at the Oval by a massive 195 runs and by an innings and 159 runs1995. And where I was present at both occasions. They also lost 1997 was by 9 wickets but in 1999 the loss was only by 2 runs. Until 2000 there was only one division so the games were played in alternate years home and away with Durham losing their first championship game at Durham City by 4 wickets in 1992 and then losing by a massive by 290 at Darlington in 1994 , followed by losses as Stockton by 8 wickets and by 1999 at the Riverside by 121 when both teams were in the same second Division. I witnessed most of the day’s play at those defeats as well.

Durham won their first game against Surrey in 2000 at the Riverside by 231 runs and then lost at the Oval by an innings and 68. Then was then no match until the 2008 season when Durham again lost at the Oval by 6 wickets with game at Durham drawn. Then was then no further championship matches against Surrey until 2012 when as mentioned the game at the Oval was washed out but they then ad the second and overwhelming win at the Emirates as the ground was now called by an innings and 38 runs. The absence of matches was caused by being in different divisions and the win at the Emirates makes he significant change in fortunes with Durham winning almost every game in 2009 to take the championship for the second year in succession.

Since my last visit to the Oval which I believe could be more than a decade ago the grounds has been developed three times. I did experienced the first development which involved the creation of new stands either side of the main pavilion. The Stand to the East of the Pavilion obscured the previous view of the Lord Tennyson school where masters, pupils and friends would assemble on the roof after school hours, at weekends, including test match days to obtain a fine view from across the main road. The stand on the western extension housed the professional cricketers association and on visiting appeared the same as previously experienced.

The second and latest transformation of the three has taken place covers the main pavilion and eastern east side extension stand which now have to be viewed as one unit. Previously there was a separate entrance to the extension stand and a large restaurant bar on the first floor. This has now been converted into players dressing rooms and other facilities with the entrance marked for players and officials. My impression is that this also provides the facilities for the Test and County Cricket Board when they are in residence in relation to International fixtures. It is possible to view the game from the seating below the player’s accommodation by access is only by walking from the end of the stand and ground level and walking upwards. It is also the reorganised east stand that what is described as a convenience store has opened but if charging £2,70 for a Feast Ice Cream is anything to go by it is unlikely to do much business.

I cannot remember having visited every part of the main pavilion before and therefore can only describe what I found together with what I gather are the main changes or developments arising from the reorganisation. There appears be no changes to the three levels of spectator seating which I shall come to as I progress from ground level upwards. There are two entrance at ground level with what appears the new main entrance and rather a curious affairs as one is confronted with an inner wall and the reception in one corner with a couple of comfortable seats in the other. There is access to male and female toilets and a machine offering a choice of plain water or iced water. I appreciated this provision at Lords last year. There is also the lift.

One can only access the first level of spectator seating from the first floor level and the second entrance at the side of the pavilion leads to the staircase where the choice is go directly to the seating behind the wicket of to what is described as the President’s tea lounge, a cafe serving tea coffee and cakes and biscuits from which there are three tables providing viewing depending on the location of the sight screens and TV. It is called president’s Tea room because in the corridor is the record of all those who have become club Presidents, including most of its most famous players

There is also the long room which is similar to that at Lords but without a central door. The tables are at right angles to the window with two large Television and a splendid array of original paintings of famous Surrey players. There is also a selection of daily papers to read. With the wicket central to the ground the sight screens obscured the view from the greater part of the Long Room for the County game. Behind the Long Room there is a bar, technically two bars at either end of the room and for here there is also access to the veranda at the front of the Pavilion with steps leading down.

The second level leads to the second area of spectator viewing over the bowler’s arm and there is a gents toilet by the corridor leading to west side of the seating. There is also a room similar to that of the Tea Lounge which can be hired for hospitality as it was on the Saturday of my visit.

On the third level there is the new roast carvery restaurant at £12.50 a helping and with tables alongside the large window area enabling customers to go for an early lunch and continue to watch the play if they wish. On the fourth floor there is the cafe offering the dish of the day and a Surrey stuffed Yorkshire, a Yorkshire pudding filled with veg an I assume a meat or chicken, The size of the Yorkshire limits the extent of the filling and at £7.20 I considered not good value for the portion size. A bacon roll and coffee is available in the morning for £4.50 and a Cream scone Tea for a similar price in the afternoons along with a selection of pastries. I restricted my purchases to coffee and in one instance a diet coke from the bar which is also in the room. There is a TV on which one can watch the play. You can reach the third level of spectator seating from this level on from the fifth and top fop floor where there is also a bar which I did not explore.

Opposite the main pavilion and associated stands is the impressive new Surrey stand with its cantilever style arched roof which extends down to above the general spectator searing areas. It is the upper levels of seating, debenture seating, hospitality boxes and other hospitality seating which provoked comment on international days because spectators tend to linger over their arrival coffee and bacon rolls, their lunch and their tea to get their money worth and make presentations to their customers. There are various levels of hospitality including at roof level. The boxes seat 24 and table groups are encouraged other levels for the “chaps” to sit together, The Oval makes its money this way.

Because the stand has depth their is a vast area of covered space underneath for access to public spectator facilities and for this end of ground view on county match days and offering cover from the rain. Interestingly the outside reveals an unattractive metal construction which is hidden by a large trestle screen on which has now grown greenery.

By the main entrance there was a large mobile food outlet offering fish and chips and scampi and chips at around £7.20 or a carton of chips for £3, £2 at the Riverside. There was also another mobile offering Indian food with a curry at £8. Throughout the County game commencing with the one day 40 overs a side match Surrey were hosting a so called real ale festival offering a selection of 50 beers. This was house in an open sided covered area which also proved useful as a place to eat the two portions of chips purchased. For wanting the beer there was a separate stall desk where tokens and a glass were provided at £3.50 a pint and £5 although I was not sure if this was a special offer for 2 pints or a special strength brew. It appeared to have a steady trade throughout the day as well during the lunch and tea intervals, breaks in play because of rain and at the end of the day.

So to the cricket. The weather forecast was not good for the Thursday later afternoon 40 over game which Durham were anxious to win after their home defeat against Essex on Sunday, although some of the damage was repaired by a good win on the Monday against Lancs at Old Trafford, Lancs could only make 216 for their overs while Durham with Mustard 91, Stoneman 32 and Collingwood 38 made this score with 5 overs and 1 ball plus 5 wickets.

I arrived at the Oval in good time for the game shocked at having to pay £20 and not the £15 on line but too late to get a comfortable seat in the Pavilion Long Room and with the pitch to the left it was possible to view all the game from behind glass. Depositing the bag I went on an explore of the Pavilion and enjoyed a cup of coffee in the cafe bar on the fourth floor not having discovered the President‘s Tea lounge..

The announcer set the scene by warning of persistent rain forecast for later in the day. Durham won the toss and elected to bowl in the hope that they would get sufficient overs in before the rain came to win the game on the Duckworth Lewis system for calculating the result in rain disrupted matches. Although the first wicket was taken at 17 James Roy, in particular was scoring runs at nearly ten an over and ended the innings with 117. However the rest of his team found run getting difficult and although a score approach 300 appeared possible at least to the pair behind me some good bowling from Stokes 28 runs from his 6 overs and 2 wickets and Paul Collingwood 2 for 32 from his 6 resulted in keeping the score down to 216 all out in 37 overs. However there was wet in the cold wind which although fast blowing, brought a long spell of rain and although some of us lingered until just before 9 the game was called off at that point and Durham had to be content with a no result, or as I suspect, discontented with the 1 point which leaves them out of contention of a semi final place unless they can produce an amazing display at the likely league winners Hampshire who they play this Sunday. The thing I remember most about this game is the cold.

I did encounter one Surrey man in conversation with a visitor from Durham who said he was born in Durham in a mining village and I resisted the temptation to comment that I was a Surrey man now forty years in the geographic County of Durham, now Tyne and Wear. There was an interesting conversation going behind me where I imparted the info that tickets were still available for the Ashes game and that book two months in advance and cheap train tickets were available. I break off and book a £15 ticket homeward journey for my next trip to Lords in August and where Middlesex is the next team to visit Durham with the match commencing on Wednesday of next week.

I made sure I was in plenty of time for opening day of the championship game on the Friday morning and finding that the wicket was central made my way to second level to experience the first morning looking over the bowlers’ arm, a treat which it is not possible to do at Durham.

I quickly learned that the wicket had been used the previous home 40 over game and was not only slow but took spoon. Fir this reason it appeared that Durham were giving an opportunity to a youngster who had only played Academy and Second ll matches, 19 year old Ryan Buckley from Darlington. For the greater part of the innings he bowled economically and just under three runs and over and took two wickets in the middle order when both players Solanki 38 and Zander de Bruyn 57 looked as if they were coping with the difficult batting conditions. It was Callum Thorp who did the damage early on with Burns out for 1 and Roy after his century out for 17. Harinath had also looked settled in going as the fifth wicket down with the total had reached 221.

What happened next is difficult to explain as Borthwick bowled a full toss which bowled Davies who was also well set with 52. Borthwick also had Batty out for 0 and Buckley then had three wicket with two of them caught by Borthwick and the side was all out for 237. Buckley had 5 for 86 in his first championship game and led the team off the field.

However the way the pitch was playing indicated that Durham would have just as difficult a time batting. There was a surprisingly good start to the Durham innings with a stand of 66 between Stoneman who went on to make 77 and new opener Smith who went for 27. The score was significantly boosted by Benkenstein with 74 and Stokes and Mustard added another 50 between them so that Durham was able to reach 287 and a lead of 50 with Buckley holding the innings over night as three wickets had fallen as the day was ending when the total was 267. The day was rain interrupted and I left early afternoon assuming there would be no more play and intending going to the pictures but having to return to Croydon in order to collect the cinema voucher which I had forgotten.

On arrival back tired I had a rest and then a freshen up before checking on the state of play and finding that play was to recommence made a hurried return although this time the journey took close to an hour instead of the 40 minutes earlier in the day. I returned for the last 45 minutes of play. Because of the use of spin bowlers the over rate was exceptional throughout the match which meant there was no need for play continue once the 96 over were completed on the day.

The following morning I decided to relax and listened on the laptop to the commentary between 11 and close of the Durham innings when hungry I decided to go for an early lunch and on to the cinema for the early showing of the film. Returning after a quick shop around 4 pm which meant that I was able to listen to the closing overs. According to the score card there had been a steady loss of wickets at 11, 37,86, and. 87 and 5 for 138 and 6 at 155. If Durham could remove the last four wickets before lunch on the last day and for less that 200 runs this would set a very gettable 150 runs or so to win. I went to bed full of expectation for a win.

The weather was scheduled to be good on the fourth and final day but the clouds were dark with a hint of moisture in the air as I arrived at the ground and took my seat in the second level over the bowlers arm. It did not rain although there was an unpleasant chilling wind. Surrey appeared to have no difficulty in scoring as the total quickly rose to 200. At that point I decided to move position in the hope that doing would bring the loss of wicket. This has never worked before in the way that it did because by the time I had gone down the stairs, to the toilet and then re-entered the stadium in just lower tier of the west end extension to the pavilion not one but two wickets had fallen and significantly the two good scoring players Batty Out for 27 and Wilson for 26.

I moved again not in any expectation of another wicket having worked out that given the direction of the wind the stand opposite the pavilion should provide full protection. This involved a much longer walk and joy of joys the 9 wicket fell before I found a place at 224 but I did see the final wicket with the total only 229, just two more runs the first innings and which meant that with their first innings lead Durham only needed to score 181 to win. Will Smith failed again, out when the score had reached only 7 but then Borthwick joined Stoneman and I was soon able to relax as they quietly scored in such as fashion that they reduced the number of runs required from 3 and over to two.

After lunch I decided to move to the west part of the stand opposite the Pavilion where I could sit both out of the wind and also in the sun however I found that the walk through under the stand had been closed off into two places and the entrances also shuttered off so I had to make my way to almost the last entry and then walk along rows between seats in order to get close to a position behind the bowlers arm sitting at the back adjacent to where there were four banks of three places for journalists with lap tops or cameras available. The Durham men continued adding a stand of 100 runs to 107 before Borthwick was out for 42 and afterwards rightly declared the man of the match because in addition this crucial innings and his 14 in the first innings with his 2 wickets for 22 from 9 in the first Surrey innings plus two important catches, he had taken 6 for 70 off 22 overs in the Surrey second innings and therefore 8 for 92 for the match.

His departure led to several moments of nerves as Stoneman went soon after for 67, Benkenstein for 6 and Collinwood for 9. It was left to Ben Stokes not out 35 with the Colonel, 6 so see Durham the winners by 5 wickets, and their first ever victory at the Oval in a championship game.

I was so pleased for Ben Stokes because towards the end off the first day afternoon session he had made an amazing catch reaching backwards to hold on to a powerfully hit shot over his head and falling backwards onto his back from which he appear initially unable to move. He was moved onto a stretcher and during the interval between innings I noted that an ambulance had been called. However it revealed the following morning that he had full recovered and although he had not been called onto bowl he was able to bat making 20 in the first innings and his 35 not out to win the game. It was an excellent all round team performance which with three wins out of 5 games took Durham well away from the relegation end of the table.

I had hoped that the rain of he past days would affect the dour championship games taking place this week but Middlesex who Durham play next at home have started to play well and won their game to take them to the top of table with 79 points for their 5 games followed by Yorkshire who without Root and Bairstow playing for England in the first Test against New Zealand at Lords also won taking their tally to 3 wins from 5 games and 76 points with Durham in third with their 3 wins from 5 games 70.5 points. Sussex and Notts have only 2 wins but from four games with 64 and 53 points and therefore with a win for their extra game they could also go above Durham in what promises to remain a competitive season. Warwickshire the champions last season also have 53 points but have played he extra game (6) leaving Somerset, Surrey and Derbyshire at the bottom with no wins from their 5 matches and 33. 33 and 21 points. Derbyshire is already looking doomed with only one drawn fame from their five played.

I will comment on the first Test and the amazing performance of Yorkshire’s Root this season so far separately.

Supberbowl XLVII disappointment

In addition to supporting Durham and Surrey County  cricket clubs, Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace in association Football, Warrington in Rugby League, I had followed the Chicago Bears and San Francisco Forty Niners for thirty years and in so doing watched more than half the Superbowls regarded as a World Cup in the USA  despite the fact that only teams from the two Premier Football leagues in the USA compete.

On Sunday night into the early hours I watched Superbowl XLVII when I was  almost in tears before the start as the Sandy Hook Elementary School chorus sang America the Brave with Jenifer Hudson..

I became interested in American Football game when it was first shown on television in the UK and watching a game on a projected large screen during my month at the Henley management Colleges was one of my highlights there. This was the era of the Chicago Bears and the fridge. Because a relative could not find a shirt for the Bears in the shops one Christmas I was given the bright red, white lettering with brown helmet shirt for the San Francisco 49ners instead. This was a shrewd purchase because the 49ners had commenced an extraordinary decade of triumphant under coach Bill Walsh and quarterbacks Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. My enthusiasm was such that I bought a computer game in the days of tapes and also saw  two pre season warm up games at Wembley  with the 49ers playing in one. 

San Francisco won 5 Superbowls between 1981 and 1994 The team has remained in San Francisco throughout its Franchise and for a couple of decades had close rivals the when the Cleveland Rams moved and became the Los Angels Rams 1946-1994, a rivalry similar to that between Newcastle and Sunderland.

It was the arrival of Joe Montana as the Quarterback whose influence helped bring the first Superbowl title in 1981 breaking record after record and in the 1984 season the team lost only one game of the sixteen, winning all the others. And although a 16-0 has been achieved their record of 19 successive wins remains to this day. They beat the Chicago Bears to play in the final and beat the Miami Dolphins to take the title for the second time. Their entire defence was chosen for the subsequent Pro Bowl, the first time.

In 1985 there was the arrival of another legend Jerry Rice a draft pick from Mississippi State university. After winning their third Superbowl with Rice named the most valuable player (Montana was named three times) coach Bill Walsh retired but this did not stop the team continuing their run of success as they gained their fourth title beating Denver 55 to 10, the biggest margin of victory in the competition to-date. They were the first team to win back to back Superbowls under different coaches. The last of the five wins came in 1994 after a number of major team changes.

As the decade and millennium drew to a close family disputes led to legal actions over the controlling interests and which appeared to signal a downturn in the playing fortunes of the club.

The appointment of Jim Harbaugh as head coach in January two years ago and the arrival of Colin Keapernick as first choice quarterback. Has changed fortunes one more and brought the 49ners to the Superbowl once more.

Jim Harbaugh was born just before Christmas in 1963, the son of a college football coach and his brother John is head coach of the Superbowl rivals the Baltimore Ravens, A sister is married to the head coach of the men’s Indiana basketball team. He has had cardio vascular surgery to correct  an abnormal heart beat and is a co owner of Indy car Racing Team, the Panther racers.

I first encountered Jim ( on TV) when after his career in college football he was a first draft pick as quarterback for the Chicago Bear in 1987, He moved to the Indianapolis Colts 1994-1997 and eh also played one season for the Ravens, he continued playing until 2001 but from 1994 he also gained experience as an Assistant coach to his father at Western Kentucky University. He then became quarterback coach for the Oakland Raiders and in 2004 became head coach at the University of San Diego, moving to Stamford University for the 2007 season before his appointment to the 49ners.

A new stadium to replace that at Candlewick Park commenced to be built in 2012 at Santa Clara outside the City although all the titles and legacy will remain when the team moves to the new state of the art premises for the 2014 season, where on the site is already the training facilities and administrative offices.

The game was a great anticlimax as San Francisco made mistakes from almost the first moment when a gain of 20 yards first down was riles out because of an illegal line up formation. They never recovered from this with Baltimore scoring three touch downs and taking a 21 to 6 point lead just before half time. During the  interval between the first and second quarters, the BBC (two) had a American football fan Olympic gold media list rower who was attending his first live game in the USA and was sitting a couple of rose away from  legend Jerry Rice. He was too shy to ask for a photo with the man although the BBC team no doubt arranged for one after saying he should mention was an Olympic gold medallist, The second half guest  while the  entertainment was being prepared was the British Rugby player Martin Johnson who captained the Lions World Cup success in 2003. He had been a strong American Football and 49ners supports having attended their training session where he was introduced as the worlds greatest rugby  union player. He had never seen the team play live and was very disappointed with how things were going. They went from bad to worse as at the kick off by the 49ners the received caught the ball on the one yard line and touched down to make the longest return run in the history of the competition for Baltimore with 109 yards in 11 seconds to lead 28 to 6.  When the lights in part of  the ground and there was a temporary delay I decided enough was enough and went to bed. I was both wrong and right.

In fact the temporary break provided the opportunity for the coach to impress upon he team the need for considerable improvement in he execution of he  play book  Colin Keapernick finds Michael Crabtree who avoids two tackles to reach the end zone and the score becomes 28 to 13 after the conversion. Frank Gore then runs the ball into the end zone to make the score 28 to 20 after the conversion and for the first time the Baltimore fans realise the game is not over. Could this be the greatest turn around in Superbowl history? After another couple of minutes San Francisco are able to add another three points with a field goal and the gap becomes 5 points. 17 points scored in four minutes of field play. This brought to an end the third quarter with everyone now tense as the fourth commenced. Of course by then I knew the outcome as I watched the rerun of the game the following day.

Baltimore can only get a field goal themselves tot take the score to 31 to 23 so San Francisco need  a touch down with a two point conversion to tie the game. The clock is running down. San Francisco get another touch down. Is history to be written? Unfortunately the two point conversion attempt fails. It is 31 to 29. The Ravens retaliate with a field goal but the difference is only five points so the 49ers ruin the field clock down to the two minutes before making their push for a winning touch down. The play is brilliant and they get with six on the fourth which fails. The coach claims he player was held back but his pleas are ignored. Baltimore concedes a safety and two points. They know what they are doing. The final score is 43 to 32. In fairness  the 49ners never took the lead and were always chasing the game after such a s disastrous start, There  is always next year.   

Newcastle V Chelsea Febuary 2nd 2013

I listened to Newcastle playing Chelsea at St James Pak on Saturday afternoon February 2nd 2013  on BBC Live 5 via the TV and then watched the whole game as Sky’s match of the day at 8.25 and then the highlights and analysis on Match of the Day. Newcastle started confidently with Gouffran having a shot in the first minute and Cabaye in the third who had two more  attempts in the 21st minute as well as one before in the 19th. However it is Cisse who had the better opportunities in the 4th and 19th, Moussa Sissoko was playing well but no indication of the performance to come. Juan Mata and Frank Lampard for Chelsea were  threatening but as yet finding it difficult to get into the game. I, and I suspect many other supporters in the ground was becoming concerned that with all this dominance but no goals, the team would go behind when Chelsea got themselves into full gear, I have witnessed so many game where if dominance fails to be converted into goals, the game is drawn or lost. A third of the game has passed without an indication of the excitement to come.

There were then two incidents which changed the game. Jonas Gutierrez, who has been captain this season indicated to the club that he wished to return to Argentina for personal reason before the Winter Transfer period but has been persuaded to remain until the end of the season. As if to mark this development he scored a rare goal, with his head, glancing it into the corner beyond the reach of the Chelsea goal keep in the 41st minute. This was fair reward for Newcastle after controlling much of the first half. However this was marred  when  Demba Ba about to head the ball into the Newcastle net received a kick to the nose which in most circumstances would have resulted in a penalty and a sending off. After being patched up he returned to the play but was forced to leave in the 42nd minute to be replaced by £50 million man Torres.

Chelsea were ordered out early onto the pitch at half time and scored two goal in the 55th and 61st minutes which were outstanding and unstoppable. The first by Frank Lampard dipped into the goal and the second from Juan Mata swerved into  the corner, At that point it looked as if  my premonition about playing well but not converting opportunities would prove accurate.  I am not sure when it was the TV commentator made the point that given their recent  arrival, especially Sissoko who not played many games recently their substitution was likely but after a great piece of moving play, the Chelsea goal keeper palmed the ball into the path of the Frenchman who calmly poked the ball into the net away from the goalkeeper in the 67th minute. This lit his and the crowd’s touchpaper and where in fairness the crowd has remained loyal and supportive despite the recent setbacks.

A few minutes later there was the first of two star performance runs by the player. In one, playing on the right hand side of the field he out run and manoeuvred one of the best English defenders to have his shot saved by the goal keeper and  in the other he made another run against a defender on the left side of play to also have his show saved with John terry stopping the corner from Cabaye who than had a  shot coming in from the wing just past the outside of the goal post. Both teams then had chances with Cabaye for Newcastle, Meta and Lampard for Chelsea.

It was then the legend was made when in the 89th minute Moussa Sissoko who had  placed himself in the centre of the play received a pass from the wing and drilled a  powerful  lowball into the back of the net to win the game for Newcastle 3.2. In order that the crowd could show their appreciation the manager substituted Moussa a few seconds later although there was 4  minutes of extra time to defend with two shots having to be saved by the Newcastle goal keeper.

Needless to add the home crowd had become delirious and players did a full lap  of honour around the ground to about a half the stadium who stayed to enjoy the experience. The whole game, the Newcastle win and performance by Sissoko was then praised by all the commentators and news reports. While this is only two wins out of two, for many the season has now begun and relegation no longer appears the threat it still remains.

Next weekend Newcastle are at fourth placed  Spurs and the game is covered by Sky while ESPN are showing the first knock out stage home tie in the Europe League on the 14th with the return leg a week later at 6pm and I have booked a ticket for the 1.30 but not the televised home game against relegation strugglers Southampton on the following Sunday and after that we shall see the progress, (or otherwise) before booking further tickets and with Sunderland, Liverpool and Arsenal coming as visitors and Man City, in form Swansea, relegation fighting QPR and also on the slide West Ham as away fixtures, Wigan and WBA are also away with Fulham and Stoke at home. There are no easy fixtures or points. But the hope, anticipated excitement of a return to glory days which I felt last season, returns.

The French invasion of Newcastle United 2013

For the first time in weeks I gave undivided attention to two sporting events on television although I went to bed in the early hours shortly after the second half commenced of the Superbowl between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens.

Although I expected Newcastle United to lose against  the European, former Premier League  and F A Cup winning Champions, Chelsea I wanted to view how the new arrivals from France were performing after an excellent win, the first away win of the season against lowly Aston Villa last Tuesday evening, The commentators had noted the rally by the Villa in the second half and suggested that the Newcastle would find Chelsea a different proposition because of the defeat against Swansea in the FA Cup and the succession of recent 2.2 draws.

To mark the French invasion of new players into the squad the club shop had ordered 1000 berets and these had quickly sold out and the pub next to the ground the Strawberry was  reported to  have changed its letter board to the French equivalent. There has been these kind of marketing stunts before, some of which have taken off but given the dramatic loss of form this season compared to last and the selling of Demba Ba to Chelsea something was desperately needed to move the club out of the relegation zone.

Ba was replaced by Frenchman (1)Yuan Gouffran  b 1986, with 69 goals to his credit, 12 this season to date and European playing experience. I thought his performance was very encouraging, Newcastle’s problem this season has been the comparative failure of Papiss Cisse  from the French speaking player from Senegal who has still scored 7 time but missed a host of chances and whose all round play is also being questioned. They join the locally born Ameobi brothers and one other Englishman (Ranger)

The Newcastle midfield was already dominated by Frenchmen with one of the most creative players in the Premiership, capable of  dazzling runs (2)Hassam Ben Arfa b1987 who scored a brilliant goal during one of my few visits to the ground last season, scoring 7  in total  with 3 more this year (32 career total). His return eagerly is anticipated after two months of injury to which he appears prone. He has played 13 times for his national side. (3)Yohan Cabaye b 1986 can also score goals, often long range shots which delight the crowd and who also has played for his country 19 times. He has scored 42 goals in total with 4 for Newcastle this  season.

(4)Gabrial Obertan b 1989 is more  of a holding midfield player with 7 goals, 1 for Newcastle and is commanding a  regular first team  place,  (5)Silvain Marveaux can also score goals 19 in total with 2 for Newcastle in his 23 appearances this season, joining the club last January, (6) Romain Amalfitano b 1989 has played  5 times for the club this season from Reims. I will write more about the other new signing from France bringing the total  number of midfield Frenchmen to 6 alongside  Dutchman Anita, Gutierrez- Argentinean, Tiote-Ivory Coast, Vukic-Slovinian  and. Birgirimania- Burundian.


In the defence there is (8)Mapou Yanga -Mbiwa b 1989 from Montpelier club and who has played three  time for his country this year.  (9) Massadio Haidara  by 1992  from Nancy club is only 20 and is yet to play for the first team (10) Mathieu Debuchy b 1985 from Lille club has played for France 13 times, (4 this year) and played  4 times for Newcastle. They join six Englishman including local man Stephen Taylor, one form Northern Ireland, the Argentinean Coloccini and the Italian Santon while regular first team goal keeper Krull is from Holland with Englishmen Harper and Elliot.

So with ten French outfield players in the squad it is no exaggeration to talk of a French invasion.

Gouffran, Cabaye, Debauchy lined up on Saturday afternoon with the new midfield man  and immediate Tyneside legend Moussa Sissoko  born 1989 from the Toulose Club where he scored only 23 goals in 200 appearances, Yanga M’biwa and Marveaux came on as substitutes,