Dignity at all times

Well, that mountain on Mars I mentioned proved impossible for Surrey to climb, as anticipated. I would have liked a little more fight from the boys as a unit, even if a frisky Middlesex did bowl very nicely, but at least Steven Davies proved it was possible to play a well-measured innings in the face of adversity. Still, given that Maynard found himself stabbed in the back by lady luck in the first innings you kind of knew that Davies wasn’t quite going to reach his century. And sure enough he fell just short, another cruel victim of the nasty nineties.

Well played Middlesex. My teeth are gritted, but congrats all the same. They were the only team that deserved to win when all was said and done.

What bugs me more than the result – which was disappointing given the amount of talent out there for Surrey – is that the pitchfork waving doom mongers will be out in force calling for Chris Adams’ head on a platter yet again. It’s getting a little old. Surrey need to rediscover some backbone as a team and, if I may be so bold as to venture, the supporters need to do exactly the same. Losing in such a humiliating manner is never nice but if we do, a degree of dignity goes an awful long way...

Anyhow, that’s the bad stuff out the way. The slightly more hopeful news is that Mr Ramprakash, he of the 113 first class centuries and slightly dodgy knee is playing for the Surrey 2nds tomorrow! South London prayers will no doubt be said for the continuation of his rapid recovery from injury and that the 40 over game will not aggravate the problem at all. Should all go well he may find himself in line for the Leicestershire game in a week’s time, which would be terrific news all round! The Rampants are rather excited at the prospect, and I imagine all the Surrey supporters are too! I guess they are all hoping that he brings with him not only all his skill, elegance and experience but that most vital ingredient in cricket: a little bit of luck!