'I Don't Like Cricket .. I Love It.'

Photo © Anne-Marie Minhall

In the Summer of 1978 the group 10cc had a No.1 hit with Dreadlock Holiday.

They had the top spot for one week before Grease mania gripped the country and the chart.

It's a cracking tune which includes that line about cricket in the chorus. 

So the story goes, it was based on a real conversation which the bassist Graham Gouldman had in Jamaica.

The reason for mentioning this is that last week I found myself back at Lord's for the 2nd Ashes Test. I'd been looking forward to this since, well, last Summer. My word what a Test Match it turned out to be. Full of great play at times from both teams but it will also be remembered for some controversial moments as well. 

Very controversial moments actually. A Just Stop Oil protest. Disputed decisions about catches, stumpings, LBWs etc ..

I can already see RJ frowning. 

My time at Lord's was very special as it always is. My father loved cricket, played it for most of his days, too, he was a great all rounder & I have many of his cups & trophies in my home. I always raise a glass to him whenever I'm back in NW8 at the home of cricket.

On our visits there & to other grounds around the country I took care of the catering. Cheese & ham sandwiches usually, a salad of spring onions, tomatoes, radishes, (he LOVED them). No lettuce or cucumber - too watery to last until a 1pm lunch when you're packing the picnic at 7am. Some days, a Pork Pie, others, a Scotch Egg or two. Maybe pâté with good crusty bread. There'd be some token fruit in the box plus sugary sweet treats. A bottle of wine also made it. There'd be a couple of pints from the ground's numerous bars for Michael & usually a G&T for me.

For this match, it was just me & I wanted to travel light for Day One. 

0430 Awakening

0600 Cab 

0630 Queue outside Lord's - it's a mile long - LITERALLY

0825 Grace Gate & I'm in

0830 Reserve my seat in the front row of the Pavilion

0835 Hit the Harris Garden for a bacon butty - 3 slices of thick, salty bacon in a Brioche bun 

0837 Butty? Dispatched

1100 C R I C K E T

1300 Lunch - still full from the hearty breakfast but it's time for a glass of MCC Champagne in the Long Room Bar - £14.00

1302 Deep intake of breath until I realise that as a Member I do get a discount

1303 Slight relief

1305 Perched & took in the atmosphere 

So the day and the match continued for the rest of the afternoon until I was homeward bound.

I was slightly sunkissed despite my new hat. 

I was very happy with my day at the Test Match. 

How lovely it is to have some constants running through your life.

AMM