Away Day: Somerset v Middlesex

Following the disappointing loss to Surrey the previous night the middlegless lot were looking forward to visiting another part of the country and a mini break in the west country.

The group arrived at Reading station late on Saturday afternoon to make the trip to Taunton. Having friends who lived in Somerset as well as being Somerset fans meant that this was a trip which had to be made and soon the group were speeding westwards towards Taunton.

We're off

Staying hydrated

Lovely countryside

A long way from London

Arriving at Taunton P (Somerset fan) was waiting to collect us and drive us towards the coast and where the group were staying. Once the group had settled in, it was time for dinner in the form of an indian takeaway washed down with some 'cold drinks'. Following dinner it was time for N, T and P to head to stones pub in town whilst E headed off to the cricket club and to meet his friends. Pictures from this night are subject to a confidentiality agreement and will not be published. 

The following morning it was bacon sandwiches followed by the short journey to Taunton to meet other Somerset fans who were also heading to the game over a spot of lunch. Sadly it was chucking it down when we arrived and we were not only soaked but learned of a delay to the game whilst the outfield was dried (where's Lord's drainage system when you need it!). 

Once it had dried up the group made the short walk to the rather lovely country ground. On the way in we were greeted by free samples of the rather nice St Austell's Tribute much to the delight of T who happens to rather enjoy this beer. 

The ground

Get the flag out!

Team:McCullum, Barber, Eskinazi, Finn, Franklin, Gubbins, Helm, Higgins, Morgan, Patel, Scott, Simpson, Southee, Sowter

With the game reduced to 16 overs a side thanks to the weather the middle were in need of a fast start and that's exactly what they didn't get with McCullum falling for 7 off 2 overs. Simpson then managed to run the free scoring Gubbins out for 21. Enter Morgan who managed to send 3 balls out of the ground as he smashed his way to 59 before being caught. The middle finished on 162-6 on what looked like a challenging wicket to bat on leading to all agreeing this was a good score. 

Urm? We came to watch cricket

Sun at last!

Somerset appeared to start brightly until Helm took and fantastic catch of his own bowling to dismiss  Gregory for 25 with Finn then sending Allenby on his way back to the pavilion for 11. The difficult Hildreth offered good resistance until he was caught by Simpson off Helms bowling for 63. This had put Somerset into a good position taking the game into the last over. Unfortunately for the middle Somerset got the runs. 

Following the game it was off to the nearby Plough for post match refreshments. This pub didn't look like much from the outside but inside contained a wonderful selection of Cider! All were happy with this choice. 

Small but fantastic

Following the post match refreshments it was into a Taxi back to the groups accommodation stopping for supper on the way (in another pub), before venturing to Wetherspoons before bed. 

The next morning it was a walk for E whilst N and T attended to business matters. Following lunch it was a lazy afternoon before P took the group back to Taunton where they bored the train back to London. 

Next Up: Essex at Lords! (Post to come soon!)

E