Monday 20th August at Scarborough for day two of the Championship game between Yorkshire and Worcestershire. Although I have watched cricket of some description almost on a daily basis throughout the season, this was only the first day of seeing Yorkshire first eleven since Friday 20th April at Headingley, such is the crazy fixture list we find ourselves saddled with. One day county cricket of any description does not fit into my calender, but as regular readers will know there is plenty going on elsewhere.
Another large crowd present to see Worcestershire begin the day on 39-0 after bowling out Yorkshire for just 216 on day one. Only New Zealander Williamson made any kind of a score, with 87 aided and abetted by some late hitting from tailender Brooks. Dillon Pennington, the young fast bowler had destroyed the Yorkshire middle order with a fine spell, which ended with figures of 4-53, probably getting most satisfaction from removing Worcester old boy Tom Kohler-Cadmore for a duck.
Today was without doubt the batsmen's day. Veteran Daryl Mitchell, one of county cricket's unsung heroes, and Tom Fell, still a youngster, who has battled through various health problems, took their opening partnership to 111, unlucky 'Nelson'. A shout of relief from the spectators as the umpire's finger was raised to Brook's lbw appeal. Yorkshire's bowling attack looked rather thin, given the absence of Patterson and Coad, probably their two most reliable bowlers.
So it proved as Mitchell and acting captain Moeen Ali batted, and batted on for the rest of the day. For the purist it was old fashioned county cricket. The two batsmen batted with admirable good sense, taking their time, treating each ball on it's merits and hitting the bad balls for four at regular intervals. The spectators, despite their obvious dissatisfaction with the quality of the bowling, were generous in their applause of every good shot, together with every individual and partnership landmark. It was like old times and for old timers like me reminiscent of the day back in 1990 when Alan Fordham and Alan Lamb put on 393 for the third wicket for Northants at Headingley.
However with both players reaching their century, Mitchell first followed by Moeen Ali just before the close Worcestershire ended the second day on 310-1, with more to come we were sure. After Brooks took the only wicket of the day, the four seamers, including acting captain Willey, all toiled in
vain. One could only feel sorry for newcomer leg spinner Poysden, strangely signed from Warwickshire, who must feel that he was thrown in at the deep end.
Not a day to remember for the White Rose with lots of unanswered questions for the long suffering supporters to ponder. Why make Willey captain? Why sign Poysden? Why are young bowlers like Wainman, Carver and Logan not given a regular chance in the first team? Why are players leaving the club or being released when they are better than the ones being brought in? It is all a mystery.
There was not much optimism about at the start of day two. The regulars were still there in force hoping for a miracle. It was not forthcoming as Mitchell and Moeen carried on where they left off, taking their partnership to just short of 300 before Mitchell was finally out caught by Bresnan at slip off part time off spinner Adam Lyth. The score by then was 405-2. Mitchell received a tremendous ovation on his return to the pavilion.
Enter Joe Clark, another of Worcester's young brigade and talked of as a future England batsman. He made a bright and breezy 34 before becoming Lyth's second victim at 473-3. Moeen Ali was finally out when Bresnan once more returned to the attack. Moeen had already passed the double century mark, again to tremendous applause, and was rightly applauded all the way back to the pavilion after a splendid innings of 219. Worcestershire 522-4.
Poysden managed to pick up three late wickets as the sloggers came in to add to the total but figures of 3-128 tell their own story. Not a home debut to remember. Barnard also enjoyed himself with a rapid 34 before Worcester eventually declared on 572-7. Yorkshire were just about out for the count and their batting during the final session of play left a lot to be desired. Again only Williamson provided any sort of opposition with 61 as Moeen now wreaked havoc with the ball to give his hopes of an England re-call added impetus. Yorkshire ended the day in total disarray on 140-6.
Not many people bothered to turn up on Wednesday morning for the last rites when Worcestershire won by and innings and 186 runs (Moeen Ali 6-49). We preferred to listen to the excellent Scarborough Spa Orchestra's morning concert along with quite a few more cricket followers who had seen enough.
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