A triple treat at Trent Bridge

posted by John Winn

I have been fortunate these last three days to be part of a carload leaving the Lower Ure Valley making the two hour journey to Trent Bridge to be in good time for the call of play, even with the 10:30 September start. 'In good time' rather understates the case for we have pitched camp in the Radcliffe Road stand with its marvellous views of a marvellous* ground before 9:30 each morning, possibly upsetting some Notts' supporters who on arrival found 'their seats' occupied by Yorkshire supporters exhibiting varying degrees of optimism about the outcome of the game.

Today Yorkshire will surely clinch their first title since that historic moment when David Byas, and was there ever a surer pair of hands, stood under the catch that came out of the Scarborough sky, followed immediately by rain, at 12:13 on August 24th 2001. On that occasion the faithful had waited 33 years, this time, and I accept that this might tempt providence to visit Trent Bridge today, it will have only be 13. Work, family commitments, even a blood test prevent me or any of my travelling companions from making the trip today but we can look back on three days of beautiful September weather enjoying the company of a large gathering of Yorkshire supporters and particularly for the last couple of days, a group of well informed Notts' members who have remained even tempered and philosophical as their team's season has nosedived in to the Trent in the last few weeks.

No need to dwell too long on the play, for even The Guardian, whose coverage of the championship is shameful, have devoted most of the back page to yesterday's events, so most readers of the blog, even if they were not present will be aware that this morning Yorkshire need to take five wickets before Notts score a further 180 runs to take the title. It is disappointing, however, that The Guardian chooses to focus on the dismissal of Samit Patel, suggesting through the words of Chris Read that the stumping was rather sharp practice. Sufficient to say that amongst our friends from Nottingham it was seen as just another example of Patel's ability to get himself out with only minimal help from the bowler.

 

There are of course matches being played elsewhere. What happens at Lord's and Hove today could just about settle the relegation issue but if Lancashire and Durham both win then Middlesex and Sussex will face a couple of anxious weeks before the season finishes two weeks today. In Division 2 Worcestershire have rather staggered towards the line but a maiden first class century by number nine Jack Shantry has given them an outside chance  of victory of Surrey which would seal their return to First Division cricket after a two year absence. A nice touch at New Road is that when play resumes at 10:30 VS Solanki will be at the crease.

Earlier in the week, just as more of their players were signing  for other counties Leicestershire II won the Second XI trophy with victory over Lancs and next week will face Essex in the SEC final at Chelmsford. The Minor Counties Championship was won by Staffordshire after a close fought game with Wiltshire, their first win in the competition for 16 years.

*but two's a queue at the ticket office