Someone sat there....

New Zealand 173 for 3 

v England 

Friday 29 November 2019 

2nd Test 

Played at Seddon Park, Hamilton 

Different New Zealand Ticks = 103 

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Jesus. Now I know how Civilians feel after they have to listen to me rattle on for seven hours. I've "experienced" some right old Carrier Bag Firm behaviour today in The Willows Lounge at Seddon Park. We've taken out Northern Districts Cricket, Seddon Full Membership for this one. It's a great set up. A small five row set of seats. Effectively above the dressing rooms. A nice air conditioned lounge with a row of stools with backs on facing the windows and the pitch. A small bar (bottles of fucking Heineken). Pictures, bats, trophies, scorecards adorn the walls.

Because I messed up some logistics, we had to arrive at the ground very early. In fact, they had to find the key to unlock the door to the Lounge and let us in. No idea on etiquette. We just bagged two good stools, front & centre. With a sort of high table (drinks for the use of) running the length of the window. Second set of fellas in introduce themselves. And remark on the lack of "Reserved" labels on the stools & tables. Odd, I thought. What are they driving at?

Eventually, my immediate stool neighbour arrives. Quick chat. He's English. Came to NZ in '98. Now considers himself a Kiwi. Will be NZing. Fair enough. I turn my back at one point. When I recover my position. Sure enough. There are bits of paper with "Reserved" on - all over the table. Including where I am. I don't want scenes. So, I gently ask. "What's the set up? Have I sat in your usual place? I didn't see these Reserved signs. Sorry"

No. It's alright. He says. I print these at home & bring them to the ground. So, that The Northern Districts "lads" can have their seats. (He's 79 btw). Top CBF. He's printing his own Reservation Signs. For a Test Match. I meet fire with fire. I tell him he must autograph one for me & I'll take it home to England as a souvenir.

Rain pissed about with day. Bit disappointing after picking the seamers. Winning the Toss. Inserting. One of the openers already tonned. Only three gone.

I settled in with;

Double Vision Brewing, Beer Friends, West Coast IPA V2 (tin) at 6.8%. Bought at the excellent Hamilton Beer & Wine Co. That was powerfully hopped. It felt a bit harsh at first. But, further down, the initial sugar came through a bit more. The richness developed off that.

Stats
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