Triple Wicket Maiden

Sunrisers 116 for 8 

lost to 

South East Stars 118 for 4 (15 overs) 

by 6 wickets 

Charlotte Edwards Cup 

Thursday 6 June 2024 

Played at Lord's Cricket Ground 

Middlesex 173 all out (20 overs) 

lost to 

Glamorgan 177 for 7 (18.2 overs) 

by 3 wickets 

T20 Blast 

Thursday 6 June 2024 

Played at Lord's Cricket Ground 

A Double Header at a (eventually) crowded Lord's. Punters arriving at 6pm for the Men's game.

“Is that seat taken?”

“Is there room for two just down there?”

One entitled young ‘un (to the MCC Steward)

“Could you find me eight seats in a row for my friends?”

I was praying the old…

“Excuse me, would you mind moving down to those seats there? So that we can make these four together? Please.”

didn't materialise. As I was worried I'd knee jerk…

“No, would you mind getting here at quarter past fucking one like we did?”

Luckily, all passed peacefully.

The Sunrisers (the Women's T20 team sort of based out of Lord's) just never got their innings going. Losing early wickets. And then losing frequent wickets. 13 for 2 off the first ball of the fourth over. 27 for 4 off six overs. Big ask from there. Some good T20 cricket from there, mind. To rebuild to 54 for still only 4 wickets off 11 overs. But then, 54 for 5, 71 for 6 and 114 for 8 in the last over. Run rate less than 6 an over. And the feeling was they'd left stuff out there. Florence Miller the pick with 39 not out off 45 balls. 

The South East Stars (the Women's T20 team sort of based out of The Oval) organised their chase well. An opening stand of 38 between Bryony Smith and Sophia Dunkley off 5.1 overs. Although those two both went sharpish, the Stars were well ahead off 13 at 103 for 3. A breeze from there.

In the T20 Blast, Middlesex got off to a monster start. 39 off 4. Begat 102 off 9. A 19 run over in that lot. And only three overs with single digit runs. Monster start. Andersson went for 57, Eskinazi for 48. That was 120 for 3 off 11.5 overs. Piss poor from there. It felt like a wicket every over. 168 for 6 off 17 felt like an opportunity lost. But, it's still the best part of 10 an over. But Tim van der Gugten chucked down a TRIPLE WICKET MAIDEN. Just ten runs off the last three overs. And, you're done.

Mason Crane more than chipped in with 3 for 28 off 3.

It did turn into a - remember, both teams have to bat - game. Glamorgan getting over the line with seven gone. Sam Northeast and Chris Cooke saved the mid innings with 53 run stand. At 15 overs, Middlesex had been 141 for 4. Glamorgan only slightly ahead at that bit - 145 for 4. But, put simply, Glamorgan kept scoring runs and brought it home with ten balls to spare.

“Did you have a bevvy, Phil?”

“Yes, we continued our meme of only drinking English Sparkling Wine at Lord's.”

Roebuck Estates (Sussex), Reserve 2020 at 12%

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier. Lots of ripe apple as you got down it.

Definition, English Sparkling at 12%

I slowly began to realise that's Majestic Wines “own brand”. They say it's from Hampshire.

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Wins On Distance

Glamorgan 221 all out 

v Yorkshire 519 for 7 declared 

Glamorgan 171 for 3 

Glamorgan trail by 127 

Sunday 5 May 2024 

Close of play on Day Three 

Played at Headingley 

The less than a handful of readers who read this Blog for County Cricket Content will know the Carrier Bag Firm are OBSESSED with the beer situation in the Headingley East Stand Long Room.

We are in the fortunate position of being able to visit many cricket grounds on the County circuit. Enjoying, as we do, big boy Cask and Keg beers in fully grown, adult bars overlooking the field of play. With the occasional local independent beer popping up sometimes.

Not at soulless LS6 though. I continue to salute the fact that they will now serve in actual glass glasses. But the rest of the experience remains … well frankly remains shit.

To the uninitiated, there are convenient, convivial intervals in County Cricket. One is called the Tea Interval. Where you can begin to wind down to the close of play. The Tea Interval begins at 4pm. Here is the sign that greeted us as we assessed our options.

Oh do Fuck Off.

To make matters worse, there is disquiet amongst the Headingley Hedonists anyway. Information continues to circulate about The Arcadia. That - it's not what it was. Therefore, as we congregated in…

The Head of Steam Headingley

11 North Ln, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HG

I'll let one of the HHs take up the story;

“In here? The Head Of Steam? Compared to The Arcadia?. Same loud music here in The Head Of Steam. Same fancy dressers on The Otley Run looking for Lager here in The Head Of Steam. Just not as far to walk as The Arcadia.”

“The Ayes have it, the Ayes have it.”

Atom (Hull) Collab with the Hop Inn, Brigg, Suspension, Hazy Pale on Keg at 4.5%

That was a great beer. Thus vindicating the choice of Pub. Smells fresh. Lots of peach first up. It develops a bit. But more to soften out. Rather than into a bitter finish. Some citrus comes in late. Talus and Citra hops in the whirlpool. Then dry hopped with Citra, Enigma, Cryo Pop. Fermented with Vermont yeast.

Full Circle Brew Co (Newcastle), Waves Of Azacca, Hazy Pale on Cask at 3.8%

Dirty n Dank in the glass. I found it very soft and easy drinking.

When we arrived in the morning, Fin Bean was 140 not out and Root was still there with 92. Already 74 ahead. The plan was, surely, to keep going and press on. Looking to bat once. Or once and short to win. Back of envelopes giving us a 240 lead by the first Head Of Steam interval. (Otherwise known as Lunch).

In the event, both Bean & Root went shortly after their one fifties. Both striking at over 90. Harry Brook and Tatts chipped in with fifties. And Masood waved ‘em in at half two - 298 ahead.

And. There's a good bit to watch now. If Yorkshire take early wickets, they can press on towards a win. If Glamorgan bat superbly, maybe only one gone by the end, they might be able to get out of it with a Draw.

56 for 1. 72 for 2. 93 for 3. The Moriarty n Bess spin twins, with Joe Root chipping in, taking most of the Overs as Yorkshire move to bowling plan D. But a Biiiiiig stand between Ingram and Northeast put the Glamorgan Draw right back in it.

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Celebrated With Custard

Glamorgan 285 all out 

drew with 

Yorkshire 106 all out 

Glamorgan 352 for 4 declared 

Yorkshire 412 for 9 

Saturday 6 May 2023 

Sunday 7 May 2023 

Played at Headingley 

I went on Day Three. Which was truncated by rain and custard. And on Day Four. Day Four was a full 96 Overs. Ignoring the customary Headingley calls to - Get On With It, Glamorgan took that to ten to seven.

Glams had declared at Tea on Day Three, and then it started raining. Leaving Yorkshire to survive all day Sunday. Which they did. And which the final two, Jordan Thompson 55 not out & Ben Coad nought off none, celebrated enthusiastically. Quite a few cheers for the draw from the crowd as well. That says where we are. Sixteen County Championship matches without a win I'm hearing.

I'm also hearing that is the highest fourth innings total ever at Headingley. Bairstow went at 105 for 2 just after lunch. Lyrh & Hill took it to Tea at 241 for 2. Hill had carted Labuschagne for four fours in an over. So, I got the pad out at that point. You know. Just in case. We were looking at 252 from 38 overs. At 6 and lots. Hill went for 60 more or less immediately. And the rate went to 7 and bits and lots and then 8. I put the pad away.

I'll be honest, the draw still felt comfortable at that stage. But the nagger was that Glamorgan would have 16 ish overs with a new ball.

Malan went LBW to Harris at 281 for four. Lots of "noise" when Lyth went at 325. Was he cross because he didn't think he was out? Or was he cross because he'd gotten out after a lot of hard work? 174 off 220. Bess went next ball to McIlroy. Game On (a bit). 

James Harris (with a shiny red 'un) had Shakeel and The Fish in the same over for 377 for 8. Eight overs left. Game On (a lot).

Edwards gone at 408. One over to survive. Thompson on strike. Dot. Four Byes. Dot. Dot. Dot. Dot. Cheers.

It was Custard Sessions 2023 in The Arcadia. Wheat and Oats. Lactose and Vanilla. From Turning Point Brew Company (Knaresborough). 

Turning Point Brew Company, Pink Matter Custard on Cask at 6%

Raspberry purée and even more vanilla whacked in. The raspberry gives it an almost perfume smell. You do get custard with a good sugar balance. The raspberry waves. Sometimes feels a bit too much. Sometimes just right. Glad I tried it.

Turning Point Brew Company, Collab with Northern Monk, Death Matter Custard on Cask at 14%

Imperial Chocolate Stout. Good Lord. Can't get past the "booze". Thick. Luxurious. Flavours last for ever. Bitter in the finish. Is that Hops or Chocolate. I'm thinking it's the chocolate.

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Headingley And Radlett Contrasts

Worcestershire Rapids 172 for 9 

lost to Yorkshire Vikings 175 for 3 (18.1 overs) 

by 7 wickets 

T20 Blast North Group 

Wednesday 25 May 2022 

Played at Headingley 

Glamorgan 168 all out (20 overs) 

lost to Middlesex 172 for 6 (19 overs) 

by 4 wickets 

T20 Blast South Group 

Sunday 29 May 2022 

Played at Radlett 

A brief period of T20 at VERY contrasting Headingley & Radlett. I deffo wasn't T20 match fit. I've got a long concentration span. Not a short one. Quick chat to your mates. Trip to the loo. Visit to the bar (Radlett ONLY). A lot has happened on the field.

"What have I missed?"

 I still have this feeling that it's basically make 14 off the last over to win. But, for the Carrier Bag Firm, it's about the occasion, not the action.

For the Headingley game, we were able to warm up in;

Kirkstall Brewery

100 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds LS3 1HJ

I'll be honest, when we first pitched up, I think we were the only drinkers who didn't work for the Brewery. Seven of their own on Cask. Eight of their own on Keg. Great choice.

Kirkstall Brewery, English Bitter on Cask at 3.8%

I think that's part of the "Revival Series". Bringing back traditional styles and older recipes. Well. I have to say that was glorious. In superb condition. Excellent balance. Some biscuits. And more bitter than I expected. Beats "standard" oversweet English Bitters hands down.

Kirkstall Brewery, Judicious, Hazy New England Pale on Keg at 4.8%

Lots of flavour in that one. Just the right amount of juice. Chewy without being gloopy.

Understandably, we're not getting fucking involved with the beer offering inside Headingley. Still some corporate shit in paper (paper) cups.

Radlett has a nice pavilion bar. Very well organised with queueing lanes. Happy to serve the ale in a glass if you were staying in the bar. We were front & centre on the rope in a wicker chair. So it was plastic for us. The offering was all keg. Fuller's London Pride (on Keg) & industrial lager. But, I went;

Fuller's Brewery, Frontier Lager on Keg at 4.5%

Perfectly decent. Suited the occasion and the mood.

Yorkshire won with 11 balls to spare. Root & Brook still there at the end. Brook's 60 off just 27 balls the key. Lyth had also house on fired early on. With 40 off 24. In real time, it felt like The Pears were going to post a mahoosive score. Jack Haynes was gone for 61 at 123 for 3 on 12 overs. But even in the Bun Fight, wickets change games. They went from 142 for 3 in the 16th to 172 for 9. Jordan Thompson conceded a wild 22 off his first. But finished with 3 for 35. That emphasises the roller coastering. Just seven off the first two overs. 63 off the next four!!!

In the second game, Middlesex left arm twirler Thilan Walallawita took 3 for 18 as Glamorgan were all out on the last ball of the innings. Toby R-J cleaning the tail with an impressive 4 for 22. Joe Cracknell (47) and Max Holden (41) doing the good stuff in the chase.

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To The Cricks'

Yorkshire 230 all out (48.5 overs) 

beat 

Glamorgan 226 for 8 

by 4 runs 

ECB 50 Over Cup (Group Stage) 

Thursday 12 August 2021 

Played at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff 

Did I hear that right? While immediately celebrating that Yorkshire win in the pub, news began to filter through that we go to a Quarter Final at Chelmsford on Saturday. And. If Yorkshire win that. We're back here at Sophia Gardens on fucking Monday for the Semi.

What a marvelous format this "best of the rest" Cup is. Final group game today. Two Quarter Finals (two, yes, I know) to come. Two Semi Finals to come. And we'll know the winner by this time next week. I was going home on Sunday. After The Blades at Swansea on Saturday night. Now, I'm going to wait & see what happens at Chelmsford in the hope I have to stay down in South Wales two more nights. Marvelous format.

Right. Rewind. The celebration.

The Cricketers, 66 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9LL

In which…. the bloke getting served in front of me turned & said….

"I don't know how we've lost that"

"I haven't lost that mate, I'm from Sheffield"

I jousted back.

"Wow, I'm a Glamorgan fan, but I live on Ringinglow Road in Sheffield"

My new found fellow traveler lobbed back.

It was one of those days.

The Cricketers is one of a number of pubs on the main road right alongside the Sophia Gardens ground. I picked it out of the CAMRA Guide because it's owned by Evan Evans Brewery out there in Llandeilo in West Wales. Now, my Welsh Cousins will surely forgive me when I say - a brewery called Evan Evans is UNMISTAKABLY Welsh. Great name. Great beers. Get at it.

Seemed appropriate to go through the four strong card. All on Cask.

Golden Export Ale at 4.4%

WPA Welsh Pale Ale at 4.1%

Warrior at 4.6%

CWRW at 4.2% (Welsh for Beer, think "cooroo" ish)

I preferred the first two paler incarnations to the latter two British Bitter styles.

Who knows? Felt to me like Yorkshire just concentrated on staying in touch in that game. Then Glamorgan wilted (something, something about daffodils, don't know, I'm not a comedian) under a bit of pressure. And Yorkshire got it over the line. Top of the table Glamorgan chasing 231 to win (we'll come back to that). They got over halfway there before they lost their first wicket. Hamish Rutherford for 58 at 121 for 1 after 27.4 overs.

His opening partner, Nick Selman, looked like he'd make a century for all money. But he went caught Ballance, bowled George Hill for 92. That was at 187 for 4. Wickets two through five all went within 19 runs. 51 off 53 balls with 9 wickets left begat 34 off 22, with just 5 wickets left. And, crucially, numbers 6 & 7 out there, with nobody set. 

George Hill took 3 wickets for 2 runs off just 6 balls in that spell. (By my reckoning, but who's counting?) He then conceded just an under the asking rate 6 runs off his last over. Leaving Revis & Waite to defend 24 off two overs. Two wickets fell in the 50th (Waite). But the important bit was those were Dot Balls. And. Not. Enough.

All this after Yorkshire were struggling on 88 for 4. And absolutely reeling on 132 for 7 off 34.1 overs. Waite & Jonny Tatts did the old rebuild before Matthew was out for 44 off 42. Tattersall topped with 53 off 62. Dabbing & sprinting. Finding gaps to chip into. Just two fours in his lot. The feeling was very much - stayed in the game, at least it's a defendable target, could have been worse. Got better. Oh yes.

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