Onions but no Mustard

Posted by John Winn Thursday 14th April

Having detoured to avoid Harrogate Flower Show traffic I parked near Burley Park station at 10:30 in time to see men of a certain age (mine)walking quickly, in some cases running,up the hill from the station to take maximum advantage of their first opportunity to see County Championship cricket at Headingley in 2011. The cool cloudy morning appeared to have deterred very few as a decent crowd saw Durham win the toss and elect to bat. Good to see almost a full complement of my usual companions all in apparent good health.
In a previous blog I have declared my divided loyalties when Yorkshire meet Durham. Having been born just north of the River Tees, but having lived in Yorkshire for more than ten years and needing only to trace my forebears back three generations to find Yorkshire blood I have become quite adept at fence sitting, especially in company that is firmly white rose in its support.
Di Venuto and Will Smith made fairly serene progress until 12:45 when Pyrah captured two wickets in three balls to tilt the morning session in Yorkshire's favour. This reversal of fortunes continued after lunch with Durham losing quick wickets and the first batting bonus point seeming a long way off. They were rescued initially by a good partnership between Michael Richardson, the son of former South Africa wicketkeeper Dave Richardson, and Scott Borthwick. Where they left off Plunkett and Thorpe continued, adding 94 for the ninth wicket.Thorpe's dismissal brought Graham Onions to the crease.Given that Onions missed the whole of last season with a back injury and only last week it was said thatt he would not be fully fit until midsummer one hopes both for Durham's and England's sakes his return to first team cricket is not premature. The two England bowlers saw Durham to the close at 326 for 9. Given their position in mid afternoon Durham would have probably drawn more satisfaction from the day, but with no prospect of rain an intriguing three days lies ahead.