Hands going up

Yorkshire 329-6
v Durham
close on Day 1
at Chester-le-Street

Sunday 28 June 2015

Twitter @ball_sup

Yorkshire in someone is going to put their hand up mode. It's still June. There are plenty of points to play for. Too early to talk of Championship deciders. But, this is the top two. With some rain overnight. Lots of clouds. Durham stick Yorkshire in. Looks ominous.

Lees & Rhodes have weathered the first bit & got to 56. All the top 4 have got past 20. But, when Gale goes at 130. Patchwork quilt overseas gunslinger Finch at 152 (for 5 wickets). The innings can go either way from there.

Bairstow & Bresnan put 138 on for the 7th wicket. And are still there overnight. Bairstow got to his ton just before close. They were scoring for fun off the new ball. With less than 10 overs on that, Collingwood has had two out on the hook, and a third man and boundary rider for the ramp/slash on the off.

There was lots of playing & missing early on. Edges not carrying. One genuine miss. Run rate at 2. Some very impressive economy figures. But both the Bs striking at 80. That has hurt Durham.

The chain hotel is a bit isolated. So, it was whatever beer was on offer in the on-site chain pub. An increasing number have some craft bottle offer. This was two for a sixer on Blue Moon, Sam Adams, a Liefman's & the plumped for Brooklyn Lager.

I'm losing it. After 9 nights in the Czech Republic, my palate believes it can taste how well/long beers have been lagered. Anyway, on planet earth, the Brooklyn tasted good. Proper Lager.

156/341