Middlesex v Kent Twenty20 match report

Soviet Onion writes:

I returned from a holiday in Sri Lanka last week, and within minutes of getting home I did what I usually do after work and went through lots of pages on Teletext (does anyone else still do this?).

On page 354 I noticed upcoming cricket fixtures – the standout being Middlesex v Kent at Uxbridge. As I live not far from Uxbridge – and as I usually have Tuesdays as my day off – I decided to make that game my first experience of live cricket!

The night before, I decided to ask my dad if he fancied coming along, as he has been sitting at home for a while after having his appendix removed for no real reason. To my surprise he said yes, even though he has shown no real interest in the sport in my previous 28 years of life. I think he just wanted a few hours away from my mum.

I had to drive as my dad was unable to, due to big stitches in his side, which was disappointing as I couldn’t have a drink. I wore my fancy new Sri Lanka top which I paid over the odds for in Negombo as I am too English and unable to barter.

The place was not very busy, and we were not sure what a good seat would be from the options available, which included two stands and some chairs around the boundary.

Decided to sit on the chairs around the boundary, not in the big stand. We watched the players warm up by playing football and throwing to each other whilst wearing a baseball glove. I pointed out the England players to my dad. He hadn’t heard of them. I then had to phone my mum to check if my dad could have a beer. She said yes, so we both had one and it cost £6 for two pints of Foster’s.

When the game started, my dad laughed at the name Yasir Arafat who played for Kent. Justin Kemp signed loads of autographs for kids whilst on the boundary. Darren Stevens signed about two whilst on the boundary.

At the interval my dad had a beer and me a shandy. Still cost £6 though. I queued for a hog roast bap and they cost £4.50 each, which was a rip off, but I bought two due to lack of other options.

In the Kent innings we felt sorry for Eoin Morgan as he had to go from one end of the pitch to the other after every over. No one else moved much.

All in all a good day and next year if they return to Uxbridge my Dad said he will go again.