Finding the positives

I only caught little bits of tonight’s T20 game against Middlesex due to ‘technicals’ (a computer that decides to switch itself off without prompting doesn’t help matters) but I have to say under the circumstances it’s probably for the best. In short, we got thumped.

And in fairness you can’t really argue with the result because we were outplayed in nearly every respect. That we actually made it to 120 in the end came as something of surprise given the rather grisly start Surrey got off to. It was a rather unfortunate game for the Rampants, in that (due to more technicals) when the commentary cut in, Ramps was immediately run out without a score on the board. Not the best start. And when Roy went for 0 as well, it sort of set the tone for the game.

As I’m not really in a position to relay what happened in either innings, and because I prefer to be positive in adversity (following on from half an hour of superstition-led ‘mea culpas’ and banging my head off the desk), let’s just say the better team won on the day, just as Surrey were the better team against Middlesex at Lords. However, make no bones about this: our chances of qualifying for the next round of the T20 has gone from ‘possible but difficult’ to ‘oh look, there’s a whole squadron of Gloucester Old Spot flying over the OCS stand...’

On a personal and selfish level, I am a little disappointed. Not with the fact that we won’t qualify but because I do love the idea of beating Middlesex in London derby’s. Oh, well...there’s a championship game coming up in the near future. *rubs hands*

And I’m sooooooooo not reading any on-line papers for a week, or visiting Oval World or indeed the rather amusing Middlesex forum either. If I want to be depressed I’ll watch the EastEnders omnibus.

I challenged myself to find a positive after tonight’s drubbing and I’ve managed to come up with one: we got to hear Michael Brown in the commentary box again! If there was a T20 for commentary the Surrey boys would win hands down. The Rampants are rather taken with Browny. He fits in very well with Churchy.

He’s honest, loquacious and likes a slice of jam sponge.

*************

Okay, next morning and feeling a little more positive than yesterday. It's Friday, the boss isn't in, and I've made a few decisions regarding the trip to the Oval in September that were weighing on me a little. Feeling much happier than before and can only attribute last night's uncharacteristc angst and gnashing of teeth to the uncertainty of this past month. Going to just chill out and listen to the game tonight. Qualification is a virtual no-no, but as one of the Rampants said "the fat lady ain't singing yet."

She is frantically polishing her trident before she goes on stage, however!

Why the Rampants like Chris Schofield

Not many years ago, Chris Schofield was sleeping rough in haystacks and living off curly wurlies, watery Ribena and cornflakes to stay alive.

Actually, that’s a huge fib. That was me, aged 10, at school camp.

I digress. Chris Schofield, having parted ways with his former club Lancashire, was living out the boot of his car and playing minor counties cricket. And then one fine day he was signed by Surrey, and was able to get a bigger car. Not only that, he did so well for Surrey in 2007 he found himself receiving the attentions of the England selectors.

Maybe I should rephrase that.

Anyhow, it made for one heck of a comeback story. Schoey’s journey back to the ranks of first class cricket was so phenomenal, there was speculation on Surrey Radio as to whether ‘Schofield: The Movie’ would make it into production. I’m assuming it fell through when they couldn’t decide between Daniel Craig and Ewan McGregor for the title role.

A bucketful of northern grit, interestingly highlighted hair and, last but not least, a considerable amount of talent with a cricket ball has meant that Chris Schofield has become a favourite amongst the Rampants. Not to mention his incredibly dexterous, Inspector Gadget-like elastic arms. And if that weren’t enough, he knows a card trick or two!

But the real reason Chris Schofield is so beloved of the Rampants? Because last week he had the misfortune to be struck twice squarely on the nadgers in the space of a day – and he still got up and carried on!

And that, ladies and gentleman, is the sign of a real man!