Pedigree not respected

Middlesex 255-1
v Essex
Close on Day 1

County Championship Division One

Played at Lord's

Friday 21 April 2017

Twitter @ball_sup

Fall off a horse. Get straight back on it. The last time I was here at Lord's, Middlesex beat my County (Yorkshire) to the County Championship title. I've come back early season to purge those demons.

Go on then. What is the most recognisable cask beer brand? Fuller's, Deuchars, Doom Bar? Marston's Pedigree has got to be right up there hasn't it? Major sponsorship by Marston's here at Lord's. They've rebranded it. They've even renamed it. Marston's Pedigree Amber Ale. Madness. No need. Why do that?

Anyway. Handpulled Pedigree & Ringwood Razorback on in The Long Room bar. Along with Revisionist Lager & Stout on keg. I saw Marston's 61 Deep on keg in The Outer. Five English Pounds a pint mind.

I had Marble, Howgate & Kemp, New Zealand IPA at 6.4% from a can. Opaque & very very orange in the glass. A lovely beer. Interestingly, it comes up quite sweet, even sugary. But, I found that to be pleasant. It does, of course, give way to a strong bitterness. Maybe grapefruit dominates in the bitter. But, some tropical fruit in there as well. Easy drinking. (Watch out it's 6.4%). Great beer.

Middlesex looking very strong there. They got put in no toss remember. The day was shortened by bad light. I think Gould & Baldwin probably suggested to ten Doeschate he rest the seamers. They were banging it in to Robson in particular. Fair play to ten Doeschate, under the pump, take time out of the game. Refused. And, off they all trot.

Gubbins went in the last over before Tea. 101 from 195. Robson still red ink. Good weather on Saturday, and they might take it away from Essex.

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