Oh Lanky, Lanky!

When you think about it, 'Oh Lanky, Lanky, Lanky' to the tune of the Hoke Cokey is about as original as, say 'Middlesex, la la la la' to the tune of the Banana Splits. That both teams have managed - probably deservedly - to become champions of their respective divisions says a lot for their cricket skills but, alas, nothing about the imagination of their fans. C'mon you guys! Think of something original!

Come to think of it, 'I like Glamorgan-morgan' is pretty rubbish too...

Still, singing skills and lyrics apart I think a big congratulations to both sides are due. Especially to Lanky, Lanky, Lanky who last won the championship the same year that the wheel was invented. Dinosaur burgers were on the menu from the food vendors at the ground, and balls were made out of granite and never, ever went out of shape. None of your Tiflex nonsense. Freddie Flintoff? Freddie Flintstone, more like!

The haunted look on the faces of the old octogenarians as they hobbled out of the Oval in 2007, having been brutally done over in both innings by a piece of Ramps magic and some cracking death bowling by Hussain, still lives with me. I heard one of them muttering "we'll never live to see another title." Well, I hope some of them have! That day brought home how much the title means to those who love cricket. Don't let anyone tell you the county championship is unloved, just because the grounds are comparatively empty most days. It isn't just loved; it's cherished in its own right. And not just for bringing on potential England stars of the future. Anyone who loves sport, and loves history, can appreciate exactly what the county championship means to the fans.

I had wanted Warwickshire to win if I'm honest, but this was because of Sarah, our very own Bear-loving Rampant who passed away a few months ago. She would however have been so proud that her team did so well, and that her other team Worcestershire also stayed in Division one. Nor do I think she would have grudged Lancs their win either.

Middlesex too deserve congrats. I'm not going to lie: I did enjoy the squirmyness of the five wickets falling in the afternoon but there was no way they weren't going to chase down the Leicestershire total, and perhaps that (and a dollop of good old fashioned rivalry) is why I am happier with the Lancs win than theirs, which for so long could have gone either way. No doubt another 7 centuries will pass before Lancs regain the title. Women in Manchester are as I type sewing a brand new version of the Bayeux tapestry, complete with fallen Somerset batsmen being hit in the eye by a spinning Dukes ball whilst Halley's comet glides overhead.

Anyhow, now Surrey have been promoted alongside Middle-Middle-Middlesex both teams will be able to take on the might of Lanky, Lanky, Lanky. A chant-off between both teams could be on the cards...