Equalised at the death

Sheffield United U23 1 v Barnsley U23 1 

Professional Development League 

Monday 3 February 2020 

Played at Chesterfield 

England 400 all out 

South Africa 183 all out 

England 248 all out 

South Africa 274 all out 

England win by 191 runs 

Monday 27 January 2020 

4th Test 

Played at The Wanderers, Johannesburg 

Crystal Palace 0 v Sheffield United 1 

Premier League 

Saturday 1 February 2020 

SUFC 2019/20 Games 50 & 51 

South African different Beer Ticks - 145 

Twitter @ball_sup 

www.twitter.com/ball_sup 

Untappd ball_sup 

Sheffield United U23s have recently shipped out Parkhouse, Sheppeard, Mallon, York, Broadbent & Ndiaye. So, we’re left with what we’re left with. And, what we’re left with is a highly competent set of U18 players. Who have only lost 3 in 18 at that level. And, recently ran Category 1 Academy, Fulham, close in the FA Youth Cup. Set up as a back three. Belehouan on the right, Ashton Hall in the middle & Gomis on the left. Tommy Williams out wide right, Boyes wide left. Gaxha & Ompreon up top. Zak Brunt, Harrison Neal & Callum Gribbin midfielding. Wilder & Knill in attendance.

The Young Blades only equalised with two minutes left. And, technically, even that was an OG. But, really, we deffo deserved a point at least. We provided the main attacking intent. Although, no drama, Barnsley were well in it. They hit the woodwork twice. It’s true, a lot of our attacking was a bit one dimensional. Lots of channel balls aimed at Sammy Ompreon down the left. Chase it kid, chase it. It got a bit monotonous during the first half. And, wasn’t making owt happen. But, there were positives. I felt Belehouan & Gomis (in particular) were very effective on the old overlapping centre back malarkey. Gomis, Harry Boyes & Callum Gribbin combined a few times down the left. Making the runs. Trusting their mates. Running the angles. Triangles in fact. The tone was set right from the off. Those three combining well. A deep cross from the left finding Belehouan, one of the other centre backs out wide right.

On 18, Gribbin & Gomis double teamed in midfield to try & rob the Barnsley fella. It was actually Gribbin who came away with it. Gomis obvs knew his job. Sailing off down the left wing screaming for it.

I was impressed by Zak Brunt tonight. He covers a lot of ground. He’s got a mean deep high at pace corner on him. As United chased the game late on, I noticed (coach) Andrew Hughes directing that Zak should take the dead balls. Zak has got very quick feet and, tonight, he constantly wanted to attack his man & get through the line. We conceded just before half time. Barnsley were a handful at times. Attacking at pace & catching our lot out of position. They caught two centre backs out wide left. And a bit flat footed. The cross was only half stopped. It fell just right & the fella has banged it home. Barnsley also caught us cold on 49. Building quickly down our right & hitting the post. Despite some positives for United, we kept giving it away & losing possession. Very frustrating.

We had a great spell around the hour. Gomis & Gribbin (again) combined well & fed Tommy Williams running wide right. He drilled one across, but the keeper palmed it for a corner. From that, Jean Belehouan & Nickseon Gomis actually got in each other's way at the back stick - great chance. That was summing it up basically. Pretty good on the build up. Not a great deal happening up top. And nowhere near clinical enough for the few chances that did fall. Reece York, who is supposed to be playing for Hyde United was chucked on with 10 left. That sort of had the desired impact. We went a bit more direct & dynamic. Leo Gaxha had a difficult night. Found it tricky to get in the game. But, fair do. He battled hard to get on the ball on the left byline. Knocked it across. And it turned into an OG as matey has tried to clear it. As I’ve said, deserved that. A bit disjointed, but partly that was the difference between the great (at times) build up play between wing backs, centre backs & midfield & the lack of anything really happening for the twin strikers.

Stats

I have now Blogged from 902 games in 1,994 days

Bullring Mad Saturday

England 400 all out 

v South Africa 88 for 6 

Close on Day 2 

Saturday 25 January 2020 

4th Test 

Played at The Wanderers, Johannesburg 

Twitter @ball_sup 

www.twitter.com/ball_sup 

Untappd ball_sup 

South African different Beer Ticks - 133

Mad Saturday at The Bullring. I can't point the finger. I've been around the block myself. It just feels all a bit full on in Jozi. Your body space rarely feels uninvaded. Everybody is polite. In their own way. But, you never really know what's going to happen next. We started in our proper seats in The Memorial. Thing is, Mad Saturday, they've opened a bar at the back. So, the queues & decanting from cans into plastic encroached a bit. Not to worry. There's acres up the back of The Unity. At Lunch, we blagged in there. Selected two seats on a virtually empty row. No one in front, nor behind. Bliss. Go on then. What happened within ten minutes?

Correct. The sliding doors of the hitherto empty hospitality box behind us were flung open noisily. The first person through the doors was dressed as a chicken. The second person through plonked a Ghetto Blaster down. And started a Disco in competition with the PA. And, we're off. Mad Saturday. Yesterday, Stokes had a stand up with some Saffer over verbals. Apparently England asked for a Security Beef Up. To be told, it's not quantity, it's quality. And a promise to explain to the relevant stewards what to be on the lookout for. Lots of pre game warnings about a small dark room in The Big House if you overstepped. FFS, do the Math. It's Mad Saturday at The Bullring. Two pitch invaders. What else you gonna do on a Saturday?

Very good day's cricket for England fans though. Mad an' all. Pope & Root went through the gears to a century partnership. Pushing the overall rate close to four an over at one point. At 250 and bits for four. I felt they had the chance to put the series out of reach. But, the nagging doubt that they were being too aggressive roosted. 258 for 4 became 269 for 7. Three hundred looked a way off. But, it ended at 400. Wood & Broad hitting 7 sixes. Putting 82 on for the tenth. A new record at The Wanderers I'm hearing.

The Mad Saturday distractions made it a little difficult to work out what was going on when ZA batted. Watchful? Yes? Storm weathering? Yes. But, England bowled beautifully. After 14 overs, it was still essentially parity with just 14 runs. Best part of 19 overs before Malan went at 29 for 1. Then. Just kept chipping away. Nightwatchman Nortje went in the last over. Leaving them an awfully long way back at 88 for 6. Superb day for England. Not so for The Bullring security outfit. All celebrated with….

Redrock Brewing Co, Firebird IPA in a bottle at 4.2%. Not quite. Halfway between English Bitter & English IPA. The early malts actually worked quite well. But, everything was all a bit too gentle.

Stats

I have now Blogged from 898 games in 1,985 days

Mad Giant Art_Sup

Arsenal 1 v Sheffield United 1 

The Premier League 

Saturday 18 January 2020 

SUFC 2019/20 Game 49 

England 192-4 

v South Africa 

Close on Day 1 

Friday 24 January 2020 

4th Test 

Played at The Wanderers, Johannesburg 

Twitter @ball_sup 

www.twitter.com/ball_sup 

Untappd ball_sup 

South African different Beer Ticks - 131

Short, sharp precision strike by the Carrier Bag Firm for just this one Test. Squeezed in from Heathrow between Arsenal away & Palace away. Basically, unless "something weird happens", it's going to be mainly Room Beers. I started this trip on 121 ZA beer ticks. But, a few days to spare before Stuart Broad can get at 'em. We rustled ourselves to downtown Jo'Burg. Bang opposite the imposing (and frankly decaying) Johannesburg Central Police Station.

Ahmed Timol was a 30 year old teacher, political activist & member of the South African Communist Party. He was also a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the Military Wing of the ANC. In October 1971, Ahmed plunged to his death from the 10th floor of that Central Police Station. An official inquest into his death in 1972 backed the Police claim that it was suicide. But, a subsequent 2017 inquest overturned that ruling. Ahmed had been murdered by The Security Police. The last prisoner to die in the Johannesburg Central Police Station was Clayton Sithole. Found hanging in his cell just 11 days before Mandela was released. His death was ruled a suicide. Fuck Sake.

Anyway Mad Giant Brewery speaks to different times. Thank Fuck. Stuck in a cavernous warehouse. With a sprawling patio deck & beer garden. First up. I'm a bit of a fan of ridiculously over the top, statement Street Art. Inner City Jozi is tagged to within an inch of it's life. And, there is a remarkable bit of work inside Mad Giant. By Justin Nomad. From my Daytime Operations Base at the other side of the bar, it looked like a "painting" of a young lady's face. A hoodie pulled over her head, covering one eye. Her hair tumbling out of the hood. Eye Catching. But, when you're actually over there. Having a look at the Pump Clips. Planning a route through the Ale. You realise it's NOT a "painting". It's actually a sculpture cut into the plaster & brickwork. Truly remarkable.

Mad Giant, Killer Hop, Pale Ale on keg at 5%

I was a little disappointed with that. At first I found myself searching for the sugar. And found the merest hint of peach. But, not sure how, that grows a little too much into spooned in Tate n Lyle. That killed what was in any case, very little Hop Action.

Mad Giant, Urban Legend, IPA on keg at 6%

That was much better. Tan Loafer Brown. Very inviting. Carping, there was a little too much sugar up top. But, once the Hops kick in ready & rough, you're back in the game. A little sweetness in the finish tidies it all up.

Mad Giant, Sho't Left, New England Pale on keg

Matey rushed me over a taster of that one after I'd ordered the Cannabis Beer. Presumably he thought I couldn't handle it. Anyway, it came up great in the taster. Juicy never Gloopy. Growing flavour. Mysteriously, not all that seemed to survive once I got a proper glass on. Still thoroughly enjoyable mind. Levelled out into diluted orange squash in the finish.

Mad Giant, Rogue Unit, Funked up Brett Barreled & other shit, from a bottle at 5.2%

Deliberately I'm sure, virtually no carbonation. He was very keen to pour it for me, so I got some, but not all, of the sediment. Lots of Strongbow Cider on the nose. First schlurp, a bit harsh. But softens as you crack on. Quite a bit of Sherry. Don't ask me why, but my noggin went - needs ageing. The best before was 2023. Keep one for me. We'll be back.

Somewhat annoyingly, Outstanding Beer Of The Day was not from Mad Giant. But a guest from Jack Black's Brewing Co in Cape Town. 

Jack Black's, Mega Ale, Imperial IPA on keg at 8%

One of those lovely, don't piss around with it, down the line DIPAs. I swear you could tell it'd be great just by looking at the head. Tobacco bitterness. Thick n rich from the off. Excellent.

Up top, on a rain & light restricted day, Sibley & Crawley got through the longer than usual initial session.  But, then went within 15 balls of each other. Leaving us on 116 for 2. It looked like there's some pace in it. But, I didn't feel it was hooping around. Just a touch of finding a way to get out really. So, they did. Stokes scratched around for two. Sub 200 for 4 isn't awful. But, a platform was being built. Lot on for Root & Pope come the morrow.

Stats

I have now Blogged from 897 games in 1,984 days

Old Hands

England 37 v South Africa 21

Saturday 12 November 2016

Autumn International

Played at Twickenham

Twitter @ball_sup

Let's have it right. I don't know much about Rugby. I've done the Ball Supping trips. Rome, Paris, Dublin. And a World Cup in New Zealand. But, I know very little about the players. Who is who & what is what.

I understand the game as a pattern. I'm reasonably good at the basic rules. But, not some of the more technical stuff.

But, I'm a day tripper. Tourist fan. I very rarely get a shot at a ticket for Twickenham. I was seduced into this England football, England Rugby Union, England Rugby League weekend.

So, no proper analysis. England looked utterly dominant at times. That scoreline lets The Saffers off a bit.

We got into the Twickenham Fine Ales impromptu brewery bar bang on opening. Good job. Because it filled up quick.

I had Twickenham Fine Ales, Redhead on cask at 4.1%.

Later, I had Hopstuff, A.P.A. on cask at 3.8% in the 'spoons at Highbury & Islington.

It transpires that Twickenham are also brewing under a new & additional pumpclip of convenience. Called Old Hands.

Good job too. As that was the Standout Beer Of The Day was Old Hands, Session IPA on keg at 4.7%. Fresh. Effervescent. Citrus hit into intense bitter. Superb.

402/823

Beer Hunting South Africa

South Africa 475 all out
v England 342 all out
South Africa 248-5 declared
England 101 all out
South Africa win by 280 runs

England win the Series 2-1

Tuesday 26 January 2016

Centurion, Pretoria

Twitter @ball_sup

Final Tally of South African different Beer ticks 121

Right. A big Blog. Here's the contents. Go to your own bit.

South African Beer overall wrap up & Awards.
South African Beer tidy up, last few days.
Cricket, Day 5
Cricket Series Wrap

South African Beer overall wrap up & Awards.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my trip through the South African craft beer scene. The research and planning side of it made easy by Holger Meier (The Beer Book & Craft Beer Map) & Lucy Corne (Beer Safari). And, of course by the Internet.

I've got no real idea, but I'd guess that it's easier to get from home brewer/micro startup to retail in South Africa than in England. And, I think the SA scene is reaping that benefit at the mo.

Overall impressions. In general, I've enjoyed keg beers more than bottles. Just seem fresher & full of flavour. I'm still a HopHead and PROUD. I've enjoyed the hop forward bitter beers more than the others. I've found many South African beers nice but safe. Nothing wrong in that. But, only a few Wow Factors with Klaxon Alerts.

A few beers have not been as described. “How the Hell is she/he calling that an American Pale?” for eg.

I applaud & support any brewer who is trying stuff with local South African herbs, plants & particularly Hops. Keep going fellas. But, have to say, nothing of that nature has grabbed me.

Outside of the Hop Bombers, I've really enjoyed the Wit/Weiss. Seem to come out well from the water & ingredients. And, they're well suited to the Summer climate & lazy afternoon bevvying. And some of the American Pales have been very well put together.

The Awards

Hop Bombers Top 5

5. Cape Brewing Co., Cape Of Good Hops, Imperial IPA 7.5%.

4. Woodstock Brewery, Californicator American IPA 6.5%.

3. Devils Peak Brewing Co., The King's Blockhouse IPA 6%.

2. Sabie Brewing, Dravidian Draught.

1. My favourite South African beer. Anvil Ale, IPA.

Best Wit/Weiss - Wild Clover, Eagle Weiss 4.3%.

Best Lager/Pilsner - Cape Brewing Co., Pilsner 5.2%.

Best Stout/Porter - Long Mountain Brewery, Porter 6%.

Best American Pale - Long Mountain Brewery, American Pale Ale 4.5%.

Best range - Anvil Ale, Dullstroom. All Winners.

Best Find - Those Mitchell beers on keg in the ground at Newlands.

Annoyingly, a few of the standout beers were drunk right at the beginning of my trip. I've been waiting for them to be overtaken. But, they never were. I'm thinking particularly of Anvil Ales & Sabie Brewing.

I benefitted from three belting bottle shops. Step forward - Riverside TOPs, Nelspruit, Hillcrest TOPs & Liquorcity Claremont. You will remain Gods in my little corner of South Yorkshire.

South African Beer tidy up, last few days.

The cricket finished before they'd got to the drinks break. So, we had ages to head up to Capital Craft in Hatfield.

The waiter was superb. But, the place was trying a bit too hard. Hipster. Too cool for school. And, the two beers we chose were off. Recover.

A lot on. Therefore, a good place. I went;

Stimela Brew, Straight Arrow, Amber Ale on keg at 5%.

Hate City Brewing, Insurrection Steam from a bottle at 5.4%.

Last knockings alert. Chuck all your Rand into the kitty. Airport Craft Brewers, Domestic Landside at Tambo Airport. I'm not sure. The kit is there. But, nowt going on. I've surreptitiously tried to follow the pipework. But I can't quite see enough to trace the kegs back to the visible tanks.

I've given them the Inquisition. Barman says, Kegs brewed at Swagga.

Anyway. Nominally six on keg. I've gone;

Airport Craft Brewers, Country Ale on keg at 3.8%. Over ripe peach sweetness. Dry, hardly there bitter in the finish.

Airport Craft Brewers, English IPA on keg at 5.8%. Hmmm. Not much going on there. Only a hint of bitterness. Can't really tell the difference between the two.

Airport Craft Brewers, Red on keg at 4.5%.

Cricket, Day 5

There is a context. But, that remains very poor. With respect, finished like a Championship Div 2 game with a long drive home for the away team. Players playing for their places. Ranking points at stake.

Fair play to the Saffers. They made it happen. But, when batting to save the game. Best plan is bat to save the game. None did. That is how you define failure.

Cricket Series Wrap

Glass Half Full. Superb from England. I'm thoroughly privileged to have been with the tour from the start. You earn this, they have. Poor at times, maybe. Superb when it mattered, definitely.

The mind sticks on that 399 stand between Stokes & Bairstow at Newlands. Double whammy for Bairstow’s first Ton. And, that Broad spell at The Wanderers. Taylor’s short leg catches.

There are questions. No pussyfooting. Hales failed. Be decisive. First Test of the Summer. Compton up top. Ballance at three. Do it.

No pussyfooting. Anderson underperformed. When fit, the four seamers are surely Anderson, Broad, Finn & Stokes. Wood is fifth. But, Woakes has not uprooted trees.

Glass half full. A great, young nucleus. Away series wins are rare. This. Was. One. Salute.

271/553

3 Ducks in a row

South Africa 475 all out
v England 342 all out
South Africa 248-5 declared
England 52-3
close on Day 4

Monday 25 January 2016

Centurion, Pretoria

Twitter @ball_sup

Very poor that. There is still a bit of cricket to be played. But, poor.

The game drifts. South Africa clearly didn't want to give England a full four sessions at anything. So, they don't really need runs. We can't take the wickets. Time must be taken up.

I thought England did OK. With the Ball. They kept the run rate in check. Without being spectacularly negative. When it got to de Villiers time, the target was ridiculous rather than impossible.

But, three down in 21 Overs at the close. Poor.

At least I had a great time in the morning. Felt like a teenager again. De Villiers bagged another two ball Duck. Which was his third Duck in a row.

He's been in the Papers a bit. His workload needs to be managed. Sat on your arse after 3 Ducks is gonna help. The lure of IPL Rupees. And, he'd had a pop at Anderson in the Papers. So, The Cricket Gods had him lbw bowled Anderson.

Don't know why. But, I let him have it. He also did an Ego DRS Review. The Fool. Meat. Drink. Plumb. In the Coup de Grace, I suggested he “go and count his money”. Titter. I'm not proud of myself. But I bloody enjoyed that.

Nice beer to round the evening off. Darling Brew, Thunder Bird, IPA from a bottle at 6.5%.

270/552

Be AB

South Africa 475 all out
v England 342 all out
South Africa 42-1
close on Day 3

Sunday 24 January 2016

Centurion, Pretoria

Twitter @ball_sup

First up, let's deal with the inground Beer. Nothing for the discerning drinker. Castle, Castle Lite, Miller & various flavoured beers. There isn't even anything on keg. It's all poured out of tins.

An interesting footnote is you can have Beer (& other food groups) delivered to your seat. The future. Order on an App on your phone. Paid for by your registered Card. Lady or Gent brings your order to your seat. Tip nicely. Job. Done.

Superb from Rabada today. Smooth as silk run up & action. Bit of pace. Put it on the spot. Tight & right lines. Rewards come. English bowlers note.

So, be AB. They don't seem to like declaring less than 450 ahead nowadays do they? Currently 175. 275 at Lunch? 375 at Tea? Get a shift on, 425 at Tea?

But, the Series has gone anyway. Is there weather around? What would McCullum do?

It wouldn't surprise me if they were still batting at Tea.

England, of course, can change all that by being Rabada.

Today's Beer was Jack Black's, Skeleton Coast IPA from a bottle at 6.6%. Nice beer. But, ever so slightly disappointing if I'm honest. Light brown in the glass. The sweetness & bitter seem all a bit mixed in. Rather than hitting your palate in phases. It is helped by a strong lingering bitterness.

269/551

Eat it an Over at a time

South Africa 475 all out
v England 138-2
close on Day 2

Saturday 23 January 2016

Centurion, Pretoria

Twitter @ball_sup

Well. In a way. Look at the scoreboard. It doesn't look too bad. Alright, they've conceded a lot. But, they've got their reply going. Eat it one over at a time.

But, that masks it. Utterly devoid of ideas with the ball. Save short & wide. A horrendous mix up between Bairstow & Cook off Woakes. Hales survives just 13 balls & is out before the end of the sixth over. Compo scratches 19 off 52.

Root & Cook have dug ‘em out from 78-2.

I really enjoyed de Kock’s innings. Played his shots, got his rewards. “Best Bowlers in The World” bowling at him without a Slip.

I've said before. Root not out overnight. Out in the morning. My Words Mark. Hope I'm wrong.

Today's beer was Big City Brewing Co. City Street IPA from a bottle at 5.5%. Lovely Hop smell. Begins Seville Orange. Nice bitter finish.

268/550

8-1 Off Side field

South Africa 329-5
v England
close on Day 1

Friday 22 January 2016

Centurion, Pretoria

Twitter @ball_sup

We did one more Brewery between the 3rd & 4th Test. As is traditional, there was a marvellous bit of Saffer nonsense. (earlier Blogs) Remember no photos at Wild Clover & the only people not allowed to eat at Wagon Trail?

Oakes Brew House in Modderfontein. The kit is in one building. Fronted by a lovely small bar with a bottle fridge & 4 taps. Blonde, American Pale, Weiss & Stout. The guy doing the brewing comes out to serve us. He told me only the Blonde & American Pale were on. No Drama. I'm a big fan of American Pales.

He said if we wanted to eat lunch as well (we did), we needed to sit outside the bar at a restaurant table. We chose one 10 yards from the bar.

The waitress trots over. Asks us if we'd like a beer. And explains the Weiss & Stout are the only ones on.

Whaaaaat? He (pointing 10 yards) has just said they're off.

But, the drinks for the restaurant came from a DIFFERENT 4 taps at a DIFFERENT bar front. Still Blonde, American Pale, Weiss & Stout taps.  But, only Weiss & Stout actually on there.

Essentially if we didn't want to eat we could only have Blonde & American Pale. If we did want to eat, we could only have Weiss & Stout. No Really.

You can't argue. So, I'll eat & have a BOTTLE of American Pale. But. Bottles are for takeaway only.

All this shit means something to the Saffers. They've got me beat hands down.

I was allowed to drink;

Oakes Brew House, Wise Beer on keg at 5%. Full of flavour. Citrus, maybe just a touch too sour. Some custard at the death.

Oakes Brew House, Butt Stout on keg at 5.5%. Great beer. Complex. Sweetness at first, some smoke & toast. Nice bitter end.

Cricket

Despite some late wickets, that was South Africa's day. A neat (unbroken) 56 run partnership between Bavuma & de Kock only adding to it. Here is a made up Stat. Having taken the New Ball, England never take a wicket between the 80th over & close on day 1.

To stem the runs, England resorted to an 8-1 off side field, bowling as wide as they dare. No. Tight line & length, patience, make them earn every one. They did create nicks. No absolute howlers. But, they went down.

I was made up for Stephen Cook though. Over 11,000 First Class runs. And only now does he get his Test chance. Which he grasps.

I got confused when de Villiers was out. I thought that was Cook. So, I missed my chance to give AB all three barrels. One of the great things about cricket is you can take an irrational & illogical dislike to someone. Don't like the bloke. Piss off to the IPL for me, if he likes.

I'm celebrating his small demise with a bottle of Sir Thomas Brewing Co., Hangklip Ale at 5%. Billed as an IPA. But doesn't really get there for me. Nice beer, though. Opaque. Terry’s Chocolate Orange bitterness. Sweetens a bit. But, the finish is OK.

267/549

Just Ridiculous

South Africa 313 all out
v England 323 all out
South Africa 83 all out
England 74-3
England win by 7 wickets

Saturday 16 January 2016

The Wanderers, Johannesburg

Twitter @ball_sup

Just ridiculous. Broad 6 for 17. They're saying 5 for 1 run in one mini spell.

Just ridiculous. Taylor’s two catches at Short Leg.

Just ridiculous. Run needers Hales, Cook & Compton getting out in a small chase.

But, mainly Broad. Ridiculous. At each wicket, I kept shouting “come on, let's bust through ‘em”. Wildest dreams.

I give up. I've no idea how this game works. Superb. South Africa are in a bit of trouble. They've swapped Captains & Keepers mid series. They've had injuries to Steyn & Abbott during the series. They've subsequently jettisoned an opener. But, they were number one. That's still Amla & de Villiers in Broad’s pocket.

And of course, that's the Series. Two up, only Centurion to come.

Finn is lame again. I hope & think they'll go with Woakes. Hales, aaarrrggghhh. I don't think he's got it. Technique nor Ticker. But, I'm OK with the plan to have an attacking batsman up top. But, then he's moribund. 18 off 46 in the second. One off 10 in the first.

Um. Er. You know what. It's a tough game. Ask Carbs, Compo, Robson & Lyth. Me, I'd get rid. Cook, Compton, Ballance.

But, they won't.

Johannesburg Beer Wrap

The Griffin & Hogshead Illovo are both near the cricket. Maybe just a bit too far for the Lunch session. But, good hits if you nip in after Close. The Griffin was a bit mental. Very busy. A few Castle Casualties.

Both had nominally double figures on tap. But, both had a few off. The Griffin had a v short SA bottle list. I was of course celebrating a just ridiculous Day 3. And trying to find my way through nonexistent Days 4 & 5. But, I'd thoroughly recommend both.

There is also a great Norman Goodfellows liquor store in Illovo. With a lovely South African Craft bottles selection.

And finally, Gautrain & Gautrain Bus (S5) will get you up to the Montecasino complex. Wind your way from there across to Beerhouse Fourways. Nice SA (& imports) keg range. And a very well organised 99 strong bottle list.

All told, Broad had the following in his honour,

Citizen Beer Alliance, Amber Ale from a bottle at 5.5%.

Mad Giant, Punk Hop Pale Ale on keg at 5%. Gets there late but lovely pineapple into bitter finish.

Brewhogs, No. 4 India Pale Lager on keg at 5%.

Brewhogs, No. 3 Black India Pale Lager on keg at 5%. Nice beer. To be honest,  not enough Black nor Hops for me. A bit gentle.

Jack Black’s, Lumberjack Amber Ale on keg at 6%. Nice balance. A lot of sweetness. Malty, toffee, like a rich cake.

Mainstream, APA on keg at 6%. Great beer. Very woody, powerful bitterness.

Smack! Republic, Braamfontein Brawler IPA from a bottle at 5.5%. Tropical fruit sweetness upfront. Gently bitter.

Agar's, Jozi Blonde on keg at 4.5%. Nice, easy drinking. Pleasant, bordering pineapple, sweetness in the finish.

266/543

Full on Saffering

South Africa 313 all out
v England 238-5
close on Day 2

Friday 15 January 2016

The Wanderers, Johannesburg

Twitter @ball_sup

A few marvellous bits of upside down Saffer nonsense to report.

Firstly, the rows. On the tickets, my seats are in the Upper Tier, Row A. So, I was a bit worried about being on the front row in the sun. Saffered. Rows are lettered from the back. Row A is the BACK ROW.

Secondly, the Hospitality Boxes. Actually, Row A is not the very back. There is a small fence & then two more rows. Which front the Hospitality Boxes. Except. Saffered. They do not like walking ALONG rows to get to the aisles & the Castle. They firmly prefer to climb over seats.

Naturally, this extends to climbing into the Boxes. Where the rows are wider. So, if you've rented a Box. You are on Saffer Route One to the bar. They're constantly climbing over the fence. Walking along the box. And climbing back over to get back in the Aisle.

Thirdly, my personal favourite. Maybe 800 metres from the entrance to the ground. There are hoards of traffic police & Hi Vis stewards. Dozens. Why so many?

Saffered.

Well. Because the ground entry plan requires pedestrians to walk down the middle of the main road. And the cars, to drive DOWN THE PAVEMENT. So, Plod & The Stewards are busy making sure all cars turn off the road onto the pavement. And, pedestrians vice versa.

Fourthly, as the Castle kicked in later on. Two Saffer ladies walk in front of me with a bottle of white wine each. Clearly liberated from a hospitality box. They take it down to their mates in the cheap seats. A problem ensues. No corkscrew.

One of the Saffer fellas takes control. He looks like he has a foolproof way of opening bottles without a corkscrew.

He takes one trainer off (adidas as it happens). Puts the bottle in the trainer “as if it were the leg”. Holds the neck of the bottle horizontally. And bangs the bottle & shoe into the wall. Sole of the shoe into the wall. While holding the bottle horizontally.

He inspects the cork as if some undiscovered law of physics will have expelled it from the bottle. Said cork intact.
What does the Fucker do? Calls for a different type of trainer from one of his mates. And has another fucking go. Saffered.

This was a new Test Cricket day. It's going to take time for me to get used to it. I'm having to rely on scorecards rather than nouse. England nabbed the last three wickets regulation enough.

Bairstow has DROPPED the record equalling seventh catch. On a normal day he'd have left it for Cook anyway.

“Petulant Peter” Anderson has been binned for running on the pitch. Stokes takes over the over. And gets the Tenth with that one ball.

Batting frailties exposed. Cook goes to Viljoen’s first ball in Test Cricket. And at a ridiculous place to start a counter attack, Root & Stokes start a counter attack at 91-4.

120-6 looks shit. But, that weren't it. It was 202-5. And 238-5 at close. Root pushing on to 106.

Topsy Turvy all round.

The beers were;

Jack Black’s, Pale Ale on keg at 4.5%.

Darling Brew, Bone Crusher from a bottle ar 5.2%. Great high quality Wit. Love that. Swirling flavours.

265/542

100 South African Beers

South Africa 267-7
v England
close on Day 1

Thursday 14 January 2016

The Wanderers, Johannesburg

100 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

Good partnership by South Africa has got them somewhere. England were piss poor not to get the eighth wicket with the New Ball. That is what it is for.

It looked to me that they were bowling too short with both new balls. Broad in particular. But, the batsmen did continue to get out to short ‘uns. They'll be disappointed. Won the toss. Batted. Got starts. Got out. Seven gone.

I wish at times England would just stay patient. Tight lines. Dry it up. Too many effort balls coming to nothing.

Good game ahead.

Cape Winelands Microbrewery & Craft Beer Pubs wrap up.

I mentioned;

Wild Clover Brewery
Cape Brewing Co.

in my last blog. Both had their idiosyncrasies. The Wild Clover people didn't want me to post pictures on the Internet. The CBC tasting room can only sell small tasters, not pints & big drinks. Although you can get their stuff on site at other Spice Route outlets.

But. No gripes from me. Both great places. I'd happily recommend. But, the rough at the edges, little niggles did continue at ALL the Micros & Craft pubs we tried.

Wagon Trail Brewery at Anura vineyard. Superb place. Fermenting vessels & kit behind glass on one side. The beers are a bit safe if I'm honest. Pleasant, but safe. We went on a Saturday & the adjoining restaurant was very busy. We were told at the front desk that we couldn't eat in the bar as the kitchen was too pulled out.

Problem was, group after group came in, sat down & ordered grub. Turned out no one had told the Waiters. So, everyone in the gaff was eating except for me & Mrs Ball Sup. A few prams are now toyless. They recovered enough for us to go back on another day.

Franschhoek Station Pub & Grill. Wonderful. The old railway station. Very nice renovation/conversion. You can eat in the Parcels Office, The Platform or THE TRACKS. I asked the waitress twice whether ALL the keg beers were listed on the menu. Yes. On the third asking, I pointed to two pumpclips I could see, which clearly weren't on the menu.

Oh & those…….

Even more ridiculous at a pub called The Thirsty Scarecrow. We walked in. Asked for a table for 2. Got sat down. I went up to the bar to have a look at the taps. Very disappointing. The pumpclips turned out to be wrong & there was nothing on that I could tickle. Not what I'd been lead to believe by my research.

I went back to the table resigned to Diet Coke. Mrs Ball Sup pipes - “this isn't it”.

Whaaaaaat?

No really. To get to The Thirsty Scarecrow you have to WALK THROUGH this other restaurant/bar which we were now sat in. Again, walk through. ….

So, Take Two. Once we got into the actual Pub we were aiming for, it was great. Nice keg tap selection & good bottle list.

All told. I'd warts n all I'd thoroughly recommend;

Wild Clover Brewery
Wagon Trail Brewery
Cape Brewing Co (& other Spice Route outlets)
Franschhoek Station Pub & Grill
The Thirsty Scarecrow

Just, get yourself ready, strap yoursen in, summat will throw you.

I've done

Wagon Trail Brewery, Pale Ale on keg at  4.5%. Great easy drinking pale. Grapefruit, mandarin into a bitter finish.

Wild Clover Brewery, Double Owl, English Brown Ale on keg at 5.5%. Nicely balanced. A good earthy & woody bitterness.

Saggy Stone, Big Red Ale on keg at 4.5%.

Lakeside Brewery, American Pale Ale on keg at 4.5%. Maybe a little too honey sweet. And I'd prefer upfront bitterness.

Cape Brewing Co., Pilsner from a bottle at 5.2%. Great beer. Bohemian style. Unusually for me, I love the sweetness. Crisp finish.

Darling Brew, Slow Beer on keg at 4%.Lemon on the nose. Citrus in the taste. Bitter finish.

Apollo Brewery, India Pale Ale on keg at 5.3%. Looks the part. Fruit cake smell. Hopping gives a dry taste. Good & bitter.

Wagon Trail Brewery, Settlers Weiss on keg at 4%. Pleasant & refreshing. But not a great deal going on with the flavours.

Wagon Trail Brewery, Long Road Lager on keg at 4%. Nice beer. Maybe needs more sweetness upfront & more bitterness at the end.

Wagon Trail Brewery, Ox Blood Amber Ale on keg at 5%. Good sweet banana backbone. Just enough hop kick to keep me interested.

Cape Brewing Co., Red Weiss from a bottle at 6%. Interesting hybrid beer. A malty bite against the bananas from the wheat & yeast.

Cape Brewing Co., Cape Of Good Hops, Imperial IPA from a bottle at 7.5%. Hop Bomb. Initially sweet, then intense bitter end.

Brewhogs, No. 2 Original Red Lager on keg at 4.5%. Candied Apple smell. Nice n malty. Some raisin.

Jack Black’s, Lager on keg. Vienna style. Red & malty.

My 100th different South African beer. Swagga Brewery, Blonde Ale on keg at 4.8%.

264/541

Brainless but Onwards

England 629-6 declared
v South Africa 627-7 declared
England 159-6
Match Drawn

Wednesday 6 January 2016

Newlands, Cape Town

77 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

How the hell do you get yourself in that sort of pickle? Once 4 wickets go, you're in trouble.

Root has done the petulant swish of the bat, the kick of the turf, the eyes to the skies. He's been given a life when caught off a No Ball. But still gets bowled all ends up. He's got the performances behind him. We should believe the hype. He must not. Knuckle down. Make runs when it counts.

Stokes shot was B for Brainless. Caught on the boundary to make it 115-5. To be fair, I was too angry to be worried. I just wanted it to be over (and a Draw). Rain & Bad Light helped.

Regroup. One up. Two to play. Onwards to The High Veldt.

Today's drink was a novelty act. Cederberg Brewery, Voertsek, India Pale Ale at 6% & Cederberg Brewery, Boggom, Blonde Ale at 4.5%. You're encourage/supposed to buy them as a Pair. A Double Act. To the extent that the bottles are joined together by a rubber ring around the tops.

Apparently named after a pair of characters in a poem. Who may or may not be Baboons.

Perfectly OK beers. Although the bitterness in the IPA missed it for me.

262/533

Do The Hustle

England 629-6 declared
v South Africa 627-7 declared
England 16-0
close on Day 4

Tuesday 5 January 2016

Newlands, Cape Town

75 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

It is Test Cricket. What's it a Test of? What have you got? What sort of answer is that? It's a Test to see what you've got.

If you ain't got patience, discipline, focus, the Test will find you out. One team showed that today. England didn't.

My acid test. When they fucking start practicing Golf Swings on the outfield. That's you Broad. What message does he think that sends?

You hustle. And that helps you stay focused. And then when the leading edge comes. You're still focused and you catch it.  You don't run the wrong way like Root did. And when there is nothing to hustle for. You hustle for when there will be.

At 5pm after 203 Overs, there was effectively a queue of England bowlers/fielders waiting to get off. With not enough 12th Men to relieve them.

If you can't win The War, win The Battles.

To have the Saffers declare on effective Parity after that extraordinary innings from Stokes is poor.

Salute Temba Bavuma. First Black South African to make a ton for the Proteas.

I drank to forget the rest. Devils Peak Brewing Co., The King's Blockhouse IPA from a bottle at 6%. A lovely bitter Hop Bomb.

Garagista Beer Co., Tears Of The Hipster from a bottle at 5%.

261/532

Medium Grade Saffering

England 629-6 declared
v South Africa 353-3
close on Day 3

Monday 4 January 2016

Newlands, Cape Town

73 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

The Beer situation in the ground is turning into a right bonus. Today, the Mitchell’s bar behind the President’s Pavilion had two new beers on. I'm now beginning to worry that I've missed some!

I've now ticked 4 in the ground. They even let me taste one before I dived in. Some great medium grade Saffering up there as well. I was queuing up behind 3 of ‘em. I couldn't tell if they were getting served or just using the fairly small bar frontage to eat sausage. So, I looked busy. Fair dos. One of ‘em has let me in as “they're getting served”.

I thought I'd break the ice with the young fella. “Which one you getting?” “We tried the Lager, but didn't like it. So, we're getting” mumble, mumble points to 90 Shilling tap.

I watch & wait. Double take. Strike me. They're getting mixed pints. Goldens. Snakies. Half of Lager in with Half of 90 Shilling. Three of those Barman. One each. What goes through their heads?

Anyway. I went Mitchell’s Brewing, 90 Shilling on keg at 5%. Then Mitchell’s Brewing, Milk & Honey Ale on keg at 5.5%. Both were lovely. Full of flavour. I'm usually a bit sniffy about honey beer. But, the honey sweetness smoothed it out.

Hey. You know what, I had a glass of each. With no mixing. I'm not a Savage.

Don't know what to make of it out there. What are the Talking Heads saying? Is it a Road? I'm pissed off, but not fussed. Why declare? But, a draw suits me fine.

260/531

Ben Stokes

England 629-6 declared
v South Africa 141-2
close on Day 2

Sunday 3 January 2016

Newlands, Cape Town

71 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

Just ridiculous out there. Three wickets all day. Two of them were run outs. That stand between Stokes & Bairstow was 399. In a sense, it wasn't even Perfect Storm territory. England were in a spot of local bother at 230 odd for 5.

But, from Ball One this morning. Couldn't be controlled. Stokes was just a Robot. His hand/eye coordination & bat speed were just in sync. And, at times, when needed, both played flexibly.

But, it was such a special innings/partnership that 629 doesn't do it justice. I wouldn't have declared. Special innings, special total. And, of course. Two teams have to bat. It would have looked a little different if Root had held on to a fairly straightforward (if pacy) chance at slip.

There's even the bonus of Independent Craft Beer in the ground. Mitchell’s of Knysna. The Forester’s Lager on keg at 3.6%. The Bosun’s Bitter on keg also at 3.6%. Both refreshing and decent. Not much going on with the Bitter. So, I actually preferred the Lager. A nice bitter finish coming off well balanced sweetness.

259/530

Location & Dispersion

England 317-5
v South Africa
close on Day 1

Saturday 2 January 2016

Newlands, Cape Town

69 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

Forget Root’s average (54.68). What's his standard deviation? (Statistics lesson follows). You can average 50 by scoring nought & 100 in alternate innings. Or you can average 50 by scoring 50 in each & every innings.

We statisticians like to know what the average is & how far on average each score differs from the average. Dispersion. Variance. Alternating nought & 100 has high dispersion/variance from the average.
Fifty each & every innings has low dispersion/variance from the average.

We cricket tragics don't know what we want. Deal or No Deal. But, Root is annoying me now. It feels like he's making his average in each game & not going on to 100s.

Churlish. Some brainless cricket out there. Compton giving it away on the stroke of Tea & exposing Taylor. Who is out first ball after Tea.

223 for 5. When Root was out for his average was Piss Poor. After the starts everyone except Taylor got.

Stokes & Bairstow have got ‘em from ordinary to bossing it a bit.

Devils Peak Brewing Co., First Light on Keg at 4.5%. Turns out I'm a reciprocal Member at the exclusive Kelvin Grove Club. Through (of all things) my Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Membership. Further turned out there is a tick or two in their Pool Bar.

Woodstock Brewery, Californicator American IPA from a bottle at 6.5% KLAXON alert. A Hop Bomber. Superb. Orange bitterness.

Gallows Hill Brewing Co., India Pale Ale (Centennial) from a bottle at 6.5%. Quite an extreme bitterness. I like it. But the bitterness is a little one dimensional. Just very bitter. Little else coming out.

Aegir Project, Giant IPA from a bottle at 6%.

258/529

Four players of colour

England 303 all out
v South Africa 214 all out
England 326 all out
South Africa 174 all out
England win by 241 runs

Wednesday 30 December 2015

Kingsmead, Durban

65 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

Mullered ‘em. The tendency is to look their way not ours. Older players retiring. Lack of form. Injuries. But, that was a great, simple performance all round by England.

Sure, there are issues. The openers aren't firing. Hales needs runs. The middle order are finding ways to get out. Not converting into centuries. Bairstow will have question marks over his keeping. Anderson’s injuries/age & who is the fourth seamer.

But, they got the job done. We can now play Series Cricket. Not defensive. But nice & calm. We don't have to chase things for a bit. Keep them in the field. Knacker them.

South Africa are juggling possible changes. I want to give my wholehearted support for their one arm tied behind the back approach. I'm sure it is very difficult for the players & fans. But, I'm convinced they should keep the so called quota system.

I was never here during Apartheid. It's my eighth visit to the country. It'd be pompous to say I've seen changes. But, Apartheid was such an extraordinarily extreme set up. You have to make choices to get somewhere new.

I'm ignorant of the reality. But, affirmative action, fast track, quotas. Call it what you will. If they think it's a good idea, I'll stand behind it & cut slack.

But, of course, it gives them headaches when they might have to make changes because they've been Mullered.

On the way back after the early finish, we popped in to watch a few overs at the delightful Northwood Crusaders Cricket Club. MCC are out on a tour which shadows part of the Test Series. Owais Shah made a fifty while we watched.

I need a quick beer round up. Many of the beers I've drunk on this Durban leg were sourced from Hillcrest TOPS. A superb offie. Even beats The Grove TOPS in Nelspruit. Rack after rack after shelf after shelf of SA Beers. And very helpful staff.

Long Beach Brewery, Green Room IPA from a bottle at 6%.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co., Laughing Donkey from a bottle at 5.5%.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co., Flat Tail Ale from a bottle at 8%. Thick chewy. Nice n bitter. Balanced sweetness.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co., Blackdog Bitter from a bottle at 6%. Bordering on Stout. Sweet Red Fruit. Chocolate. Spice.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co Karoo Red from a bottle at 5.5%.

257/526

I prefer Lard

England 303 all out
v South Africa 214 all out
England 326 all out
South Africa 136-4
close on Day 4

Tuesday 29 December 2015

Kingsmead, Durban

60 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

The Cricket

Come on. Come on. It'd be superb to go to Newlands one up. Few cracks appearing in the Saffer ranks. Grow confidence. Come on.

That said. England's innings fizzled out. Root giving off the face slip catching practice. Stokes done going for the reverse. FFS. Just milk the runs that are available.

Nice knock from Bairstow though. Paced it right.

And then. Maybe they didn't bowl at their best. A few wide ones. Runs at will at times. But Elgar & Amla ended up chasing out wide & getting out.

It needs patience at times. And so. We got to a regulation position. A good few runs. But four wickets eventually. New Ball will be just after lunch. Come on.

Sponsor Bollocks

Can you hear me Clem Fandango. High Fives all round at the planning meeting. Sponsors invading the space & your ears is the norm now. But, they're surpassing themselves here at Kingsmead.

Main sponsors are Sunfoil. Sun tan cream. Am I right? No. Cooking oil. So in no particular order. Big inflatable bottle of oil as tall as the scoreboard at Cow Corner. Two dozen beach parasols and flags forming a cooking oil enclave.

But, it's at lunch where the creative minds have delivered. A sort of English fan vs Saffer jokey Masterchef. No. Really.

They bring out the job lot. Gas bottles, cooking rings, whisks, the lot. They are given a host of ingredients. To be fried in Sunfoil natch. And they have a fucking cook off. There. At Long On to the Right Hander. With commentary & mid cook interviews. The Lot.

As you leave the ground, you are offered Cook Books. No. You really are. And on Day 2. Margarine. All this shit is normal now. But, write it down & it's mental.

In the North Stand, I had the misfortune to sit near a fella who would have a title like - on field sponsors reach coordinator. He was Mission Control. Making sure the geezers with microphones mention the Sponsors names the correct number of times. He had a discussion IN MY HEARING on the merits of an on field cook off involving separating egg whites. Big thumbs up from The Sunfoil Suits.

The Beer

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co., African Veld Ale, Pale Export from a bottle at 5.5%.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co., Kalahari Gold from a bottle at 4.5%.

256/525

Worse than Ball Tampering

England 303 all out
v South Africa 214 all out
England 172-3
close on Day 3

Monday 28 December 2015

Kingsmead, Durban

58 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

Ball Tampering

An incident today shows how far we've fallen. During the England innings, the Umpires changed the ball. On their own account. They were not hassled by the South Africans. Indeed, while they were doing it, Amla seemed very concerned as to what was going on & why.

My antennae twitched. Hint of ball tampering. The journalists present barely mentioned it in real time (for eg Twitter). But, it appeared to be cleared up at the end of day presser.

Apparently, the South Africa team manager explained that the match referee told him the ball was changed because it was damaged hitting an LED advertising board.

Phew. A ball tampering scandal averted. Except.

FFS we appear to think it's alright for the Sponsors Advertising Boards to damage the Ball. You know. The Ball. The Sacred Ball. You get one every 80 overs. It's precious. But, hey, the game stealing Bastards pay a fortune. So, their Shit can damage anything it can afford.

Soul Sold.

Saffer Beer Antics

Right. Let's deal with the drinking. Some of the younger Saffers are bang at it. The (SA) Sunday Times even had a minor by-line. “Drunken Debauchery Marks Durban Test”. I'm not quite sure what was happening. At one stage on Day 1, the bars were shut for a period on Police advice.

Boxing Day is a big one. Clearly some of ‘em have just come for a drink up. You can get on the Grass Banks for 4 quid. Or in the stands for six. So, that's low damage if you don't see a ball bowled.

A group of fellas behind me did three things all day. 1 drink. 2 sing some inane “Tell Me You Love Me” type dirge to any female who walked past. 3 form a circle and sing “There's an (insert profanity) in the Ring” “tra la la la la etc” “he looks like he needs a drink” …. matey in the middle downs in one. Repeat.

Very low attention span in general. Push past some older English tourist as 2nd ball of over is bowled. Sit down. Back up again as the 5th ball hits the Keeper's gloves. Things On Springs.

As is the norm. There's nothing beer wise to interest me. Castle Lager, Hansa Pilsener, Castle Lite. I've ticked all them. And there's Miller & Carling Black Label.

But. Their choice of vessel & volume. Epic. You can get your Castle in your regular 330ml can. Or you can Supersize to your 440ml can. If you prefer your keg draft. You can get that in your routine half litre/500ml plastic glass.

But. Oh no. Your cuddly Saffer’s nose is turned up at those. Because, She & He are going, every time, rain or shine, for the Classic Two Litre Jug. Gotta love ‘em.

And, the more delicate may occasionally decant from the Jug into glasses. But, let there be no mistake, the preference is TO DRINK FROM THE JUG.

If you really must have only 500ml, and from a glass, there is no need to visit the Bar. Look out for the younger lady wearing white plimsolls, a white vest & a very short white skirt. Er, with a Red Balloon floating above her head. And carrying a water spray bottle (like you use in the garden). She will be flitting & flirting up and down the aisles. She will happily take your Rand. And her lovely Male assistant will give you a lager from the tray he is carrying. If her attire gets you hot and bothered, she'll cool you down with a spray from her water bottle. A few lucky punters even get a free Castle Lager Sunhat.

Sexist nonsense. Although, the young ladies do come in many ethnic guises. Rainbow Sexism. You heard it here first.

Like Ball Suppers the World Over. As soon as the Saffer has had some jugs. He/She wants to do all the Shit they can't. Smoke were you can't. Go in the Stand you ain't got a ticket for. Climb on things. You know the drill.

They are very fond of making a mobile call, to their mate in the other stand. And the phone clearly won't work if they're seated. Indeed, they'll get a better signal if they stand on their seat.

It is not necessary to tell their mate “I'm at Third Man to the right hander batting at the Umgeni End”. Much, much better to wave so that he can see you.

The Cricket

Tale of the Tape there. 261 ahead. 7 in the shed. Including take the game away from them mongers Stokes & Bairstow. Make no mistake. England must have played well to get to that position.

Steyn’s got some shoulder problem. SA have shelled catches. But, must have played well. Failures for Cook & Hales. Compo gave it away. But the 89 lead chiselled out by the Bowlers. Priceless.

We know what will happen. Either they'll be bowled out. Or all the experts will say he's left the declaration too long. Play sensibly first hour. Try to get through the New Ball. Might be 330 ahead at Lunch.

Press on. Try and get at them for an hour tomorrow night. I feel England are well in it.

The Beers

The Standeaven Brewery, Lager X from a bottle at 4.5%.

Toti Brewing Co., Toti Gold from a bottle at 5.8%. Great beer. Mandarin orange. Sweetens on the lips. Crisp & refreshing.

Toti Brewing Co., Winkle Weiss from a bottle at 5%. A touch sour. But nice coriander & gentle spice tones. Banana in the mix.

255/524