Before he had a career change to make ‘exceedingly good cakes’ (or so it’s claimed) Mr Kipling waxed lyrical in his ‘If’ about treating triumph and disaster just the same as part of your development but as I’ve seen this week it also applies to teams in many fields.

Ireland has had its share of triumph so far this week. Shane Lowry beat all before him to take the Open Championship, whilst his playing partner of earlier rounds vying for the lead before he stepped onto the first tee at Portrush found disaster and moved from first to almost last in the blinking of an eye (in golfing terms) and his potential triumphant pay cheque of £500,000 disintegrated as did his golf and he walked away with only £ 22,000 for his toils.

The triumph of staging the Open in Ireland must have spread to the Test cricket side (yes…Ireland are one of the new boys of test cricket) as they approached their first ever test against England and at Lord’s. So, the opportunity of witnessing history for the first two days of the test could not be ignored.

England are expected (as one of the leading lights of test cricket) to roll Ireland over by a significant margin without breaking into a sweat so triumph and disaster for each side is regarded as a ‘given’. Failure to do so and also to dominate in every area of the game would be regarded by England as a disaster especially as the Ashes follow hot on the heels of this game – and England need to be mentally on top of their game for those tests because Australia will be!

So, to witness an abject batting performance on the first morning was expected but it was not expected was that it would be England who would be done like a kipper! All out for 85 on the stroke of lunch (a four day game instead of the standard five but not that many fewer overs meant that timings are all over the place).

The weather was warm and sunny – verging on hot later – no real cloud cover; a pitch which looked from afar not to be too green but what followed at 11.00 am was an exhibition of seam/swing bowling by Tim Murtagh (Middlesex player of many years standing so he knows every blade of grass here at Lord’s) to stand tall in the pantheons of bowling. England’s batsmen played as if they had never seen a bat before, let alone a ball and collapsed (more than embarrassingly) to be all out in just over two hours and Tim taking 5-13 in nine overs – so he gets himself on the honours board at Lord’s which is a career highlight in itself but with one of the best set of figures in the history of the game seen at Lord’s.

 

The excuse being rolled out (by those that know) is that the England team had been focussing on winning the one day World Cup that there were mentally tired – that may be so but not all of this team are World Cup winners, so why were they so bad? Some were in one-day mode so why didn’t the ECB organise some four day cricket for them – perhaps, even dare I say, a county championship game? Or even, why play this test now…if England don’t win by a large margin in next to no time it would be seen as a disaster and at lunch on Day 1 that looked likely.  Regular readers will be well versed in my frustration at being unable to understand the ECB!

But anyway…we are where we are. By tea Ireland move to 120-odd for two and the England bowling ineffective and once Plan A didn’t work, Plan B was just to repeat Plan A (now where have we seen this before?) but by the close (as clouds rolled in) Ireland had been dismissed for 207 and a lead of over 100. England send out Leach as night watch man for one over (seen that before!) but for the first time since the early 1950s three innings were seen on the first day of a test.

A casual observer would have looked at the headlines and seen one side out for 85 and the other for over 200 and thought England were all over Ireland like a rash but the opposite was true. Triumph and disaster in one day! Excellent bowling – especially by Ireland – but batting dire in the extreme by England and capable by Ireland.

Day 2 dawned with lists of records and events at Lord’s and the prospect of the hottest day ever recorded in the UK as well as the risk of recently-retired Prime Ministers and other sacked/resigned Cabinet ministers trying to occupy their time at the Test whilst the circus they had left behind transformed itself into the true three-ring variety just down the road – again triumph and disaster in equal measure.

England needed to establish a lead and also get some of the side into some kind of batting form but the one-day approach (seemingly highly contagious as it spread to the non-World Cup guys) reappeared; the shock and delicious irony was that Leach as night watchman made 92 and Roy on debut 72 provided the bulk of the runs. Perhaps Leach is the solution to the opening problem?

But England collapsed around tea time as the clouds rolled in and the Irish seamers found their forte; by the close (taken early since there was a thunderstorm brewing in the Croydon area) England strained to reach 300 and a lead of 180 but with one wicket to go.

And I musn’t forget one of my stable of hobby horses before I close – 12 overs were lost on Day 1 due to slow over rates and 22 on Day 2 – but no one seemed to mind of being cheated out of paid entertainment! Others may not but I do!

So as the match reaches Day 3, there’s the opportunity of triumph and disaster for both sides – but who knows how it will go.

What is clear from two days is that England’s batting was poor, their attitude and approach suffered a shock on that first morning and first day and what are the mental implications for the Ashes?

Ireland did themselves proud as they stepped onto the large arena and embarrassed England with their professionalism and better skill on the first day. And I can say that I was there!

 

And…there’s the opportunity for more triumph and disaster across the Channel as the Tour de France reaches its climax; disaster for last year’s winner as he slips down the order and probably out of contention, and possible triumph for France in having their first Tour winner for over 30 years.

But then just as the Maillot Jaune changed hands in the Alps but with an opportunity to change back as they descended from the highest peak of the whole Tour, a freak hailstorm caused the stage to be abandoned so from triumph to disaster to the hope of triumph to disaster was unprecedented!

And as Mr Kipling muttered through his crumb filled face – treat triumph and disaster just the same and you’ll be a better person/team etc – let’s hope England don’t get kipled by the Aussies but we shall see

I fully understand the need for increased security in the current times we live in but I’m fascinated about the varying levels of scrutiny I’ve experienced.

At Lords I’m questioned about any miniatures I may have under my hat, at the WACA in Perth umbrellas were regarded as blunt instruments (trombones were ok), in Sri Lanka no one worried, at the Oval it’s a open arm welcome and jolly banter when there’s a search (tests and internationals only) but at Chelmsford it just gets bizzare!

The last two days my bags were thoroughly searched and the contents broadcast by the security guy for all to hear. Rest assured there’s never anything inappropriate in my backpack!

When asked if he could do ‘the usual bag check’ I asked what that was. I was told that he’s looking for cannabis or a revolver! Now, whether that’s for his own use I didn’t ask but I sit here wondering what such a combination would do at a first class cricket match.

Given the average age of those attending I would venture that some may have experimented with the former many years ago (remember most of the Tory leadership candidates had done something at sometime) but I reckon the most radical thing the current group of spectators would do is join the provisional wing of the Women’s Institute and use strawberry rather than raspberry jam in a sponge! And as for the revolver…not quite sure about that.

Anyway today’s check was ‘any glass in there mate?’ as he pointed to my backpack. No…I replied, ‘Ok… thanks’ and I was allowed in. What worries me now is who in the crowd has the revolver!

By the way, after 45 minutes Warwickshire can’t remove the Kiwi night watchman as Essex progress to 116/1 and Sir A another 50. Lead is now 200

By lunch, the Essex ‘net’ progresses to 169/4 off 62 overs (33 in session!); thanks in the main to 83 by Sir A (still not converting those 50s into centuries…but then no one else is doing so either here at Chelmsford- home or away teams).

A minor collapse in losing three quick wickets was somewhat stabilised but losing another two in the first over after lunch by Brookes sees the score move to 190/6 by 2pm and a lead of 275.

Only two scores of over 300 have been made here all season (and both by Essex) and on the evidence of Warwickshire’s first innings, this should be ample but bat until tea, lead by 350 and bowl after tea.

Tea arrives, almost on time, as Essex reach 299/7 and a lead of 383. Lawrence has made a fine 74 and Harmer 43 as they grind the opposition down. There’s been an element of declaration batting but nothing too serious.

Wickets today fall in clumps; Wheaters attempt at a second reverse sweep ending his innings prematurely. Reverse sweeping 32 years ago didn’t look good (M W Gatting will know) and it doesn’t work now.

There’s only one result for this game now and Warwickshire have been off the pace ever since ball one on Saturday and don’t look like working miracles.

The World Cup effect seems to have started with an excellent crowd here for a working Monday – the top of the Pearce Stand looks full. There’s also a bigger smattering of youth here today – some I suggest have played truant – but also younger people than average. Nonetheless care homes must be empty today and people can roam the streets free in the knowledge that most of the old folk are at the cricket!

What will be interesting is how long the effect lasts – shall we see such numbers when we have to wear ski suits to watch cricket ? And also the response of the ECB to the public reaction and the vast numbers watching the free to air Final and following on line – I’m told the final had more on line followers than all other sports combined yesterday. Come on ECB…ride this wave, make the changes, ditch the Hundred, resurrect the county 50 over game and bring cricket back to the people!

Rush of blood after tea by Lawrence sees him return to the Pavilion post haste. The only reasons the cognoscenti can see for continued batting are – Lawrence to reach 100 (didn’t happen), Harmer to reach 50 (which he didn’t), Essex to score over 300 (yes they did) or to set a target of 400 (which they did).

Warwickshire reappear (Essex with substitute keeper) to bat for 3 and a bit sessions, 110 plus overs or score 400. Based on their first attempt that doesn’t look likely. But they stick to the task manfully and reach the end of the day at 67/1. The one falling to Beard. The plan tomorrow must be for Harmer to take one end and rotate the quicks from the other.

But that’s for tomorrow and I wonder what I’ll be searched for but I couldn’t find the revolver!

On a day overrun with the prospect of excellent sport – Wimbledon, Grand Prix, Tour de France and the World Cup Final – all on TV as I’m not prepared to pay exorbitant prices even if tickets could be obtained- I take myself off to the CloudFM County Ground for Day 2 of Essex Warwickshire.

There’s about 600 or so others here at the start of play so it’s not being played to empty grounds; although there is the option of watching two of the above events in the Pavilion (members only) but why would you when you’ve..,

Warwickshire start their first innings and reach 57/4 lunch off 30 overs; not a poor effort but a very poor one. No one seems to have any idea against some excellent fast bowling and seem dumbstruck by spin; ok, they’ve lost two key men to the Lions match but the standard on display would surely shame second eleven games.

An extended afternoon session…just because Warwickshire were nine down at the appointed time sees them dismissed for 161 off 66 overs. No one really settled although Burgess and Ambrose (not sure if spies or a comedy double act) showed the most cohesion but when clouds rolled in a bit more, Siddle was offered the ball and ripped out the middle and lower order as if turning a herring into a kipper. But with a lot less smoke! Five for 33 all told was as fine a display of fast bowling, seam and swing as you’d ever see and the experts here at Chelmsford have him picked for the Aussies in the Ashes.

Overall it’s five wickets for the Aussie, two for SA, one for NZ and one for England born players! Suppose it says it all about County cricket!

Essex have a lead of 84 – not quite what they had in mind earlier before lunch and Warwickshire making a bit better effort this afternoon; but we’re half way through the game, it’s still cloudy and forecast to be that way, but I wouldn’t want to face Harmer batting fourth!

Essex enjoy what looks like an extended net with no alarms or concerns and have a lead of 150 or so at the close. The only blemish being Browne falling to Rhodes just before the close. Rhodes is becoming a ‘golden arm’ – the player you turn to when you need a wicket.

The World Cup Final is building up nicely…time to pop home and see the end. Wonder how it will go?

Look at the spectators in the background- some found it too exciting!

After two weeks of being a tourist, I’m back to the day job of self employed cricket watching. It’s day 27 of the season for me and rocking up at the CloudFM County Ground for Essex v Warwickshire; originally scheduled for September but swapped since Worcester was not able to cater for the home fixture due today. Confused? Warwickshire and Worcester are different counties, home matches switched round and so forth…It will all become clear!

However the cricket today was absorbing and a true four day pace. Essex reach 73/2 at lunch off 32 overs with Cook (Sir A) taking root whilst Browne And Westley were too extravagant on such a day and surface. Overcast yet on the cool side of warm meant that the Warwickshire bowling caused issues from early on. Hannon-Dalby so far bowling seven overs, six of which were maidens! Slightly indifferent bounce especially from the Hays Close end meant that patience and perseverance are key.

By tea Essex reach 169/4 off 65 overs (bowled within the four hours expected!) but could have been better. Cook (Sir A) went to a false shot outside off, Lawrence caught behind having made 84 and 61 respectively and were sitting pretty at 157/2. The Warwickshire bowling has looked indifferent this afternoon, lacking the penetration needed but applying pressure via maidens. It wasn’t until Will Rhodes appeared just before tea to nip out the two batsmen that things improved. Rhodes looks quite slippy and is more of a handful than batsmen think.

But by tea I suppose each side is reasonably happy, Essex the more so but given that there’s only been two scores of more than 300 here all season, then a clattering of wickets can only be expected later. Warwickshire would have 240/250 in their heads as a good days work having elected to field, but let’s see.

Honestly…I write each part of the blog at convenient intervals so my hint of an Essex collapse was no more than that; but I’m equally not surprised when they collapse from four down at tea to be nine down an hour or so later at 197/9. Other than Lawrence and Sir A, no one has shown any tenacity or more importantly patience to wait for the bad ball…too many loose shots for most people’s liking.

A waggle of the tail – Beard and Quinn – add a level of respectability – and wag until the 94th over of the day before the innings closes at 245. Both sides are probably content with their days work…but a bit more patience could have meant…

And to make it clear why this match is being played now:

Warwickshire’s home ground – Edgbaston – has been under the control of the ICC for the World Cup

No other Warwickshire Ground was available/made the grade

Agreed to move the home fixture to Worcester

Worcester is then flooded during June and Ground is not fit for play.

Solution – move the Essex away fixture to a home fixture and move the home one away in September!

Simple!

One of the delights of Canada is the sheer variety of things to do and see, places to visit and enjoy…especially when it comes to the great outdoors (the climate is such that when it’s warm, you get into the great outdoors since winter lasts so long!).

So today it’s the delights of Hamilton (Ontario), waterfalls along the Niagara escarpment and early evening down by the lake (Lake Ontario that is…one of the Great Lakes). One thing you learn a lot about when you visit Canada is geography!

A brief stop at Castle Dundern in Hamilton (there’s little else happening here on a warm July Monday); but…for Castle read ‘manor house’ (guide book) or ‘Villa’ (as the explanatory signs said) or just ‘house’ – my Essex (UK) readers will understand when I say Hylands House is larger!

And so to waterfalls…for which Hamilton is renowned (as well as being the first host city of the Commonwealth Games in 1930…pub quizzers please note). The famous Niagara Falls cut through the rocks of the Niagara Escarpment (in essence a high ridge of land stretching for miles and miles) which has fertile soil and climate for grape growing (and wine) as well as providing the local rivers with something to fall over. (Told you there’s lots of geography here!). And so some photos of a couple of waterfalls, the escarpment and a bridge for my own ‘I’m a self employed cricket watcher…get me out of here’ photo op!

Views from Dundas Peak looking towards Hamilton

Webster Falls named after a Mr Webster from Gloucester

And finally, Lake Ontario looking first towards Toronto and then towards Hamilton from a lovely little lakeside village called Port Credit (pronounced PorCredi…v French); and given the size of the properties and yachts dotted around you need a lot of credit to live here.

Hence, as a self employed cricket watcher…get me out of here!

One of the hidden gems of Toronto is the Toronto Islands Park. It costs C$10 to get there by water taxi from the harbour front – a journey of less than 10 mins. It has everything you could want for a day out in all seasons including a ‘clothing optional beach’ and it’s where Toronto goes to relax.

So here’s a few photos to whet your appetite for a visit when you visit!

Tranquillity can be found anywhere in the park (even when teeming with people).

Taxis ply for trade…but people tend to go back on the free ferry; doesn’t seem very economical as far as the taxis are concerned.

Bike hire is the best way to get around the islands…they’re car free but home all year round to 700 people, who don’t seem to mind having tourists and park goers passing by every ten seconds or so!

I have more photos but looking at other people’s holiday snaps can be one of the worst types of torture known to man!

One of the first intercontinental family holidays all those years ago was a week long trip to Toronto (using accumulated air miles etc) and a day trip to Niagara Falls complete with Maid of the Mist boat trip (the last boat on the last day of the season that year…so we only just made it).

So on my nth trip to Canada since then took in a full day in Niagara Falls, the wineries of Niagara on the Lake and some spectacular views all round…so enjoy!

And this time…the walk behind the water!

If you only make one visit to Canada, make it here. Add it to your bucket list!

No one has yet made it to their 152nd birthday (although I’m told pension actuaries have calculated that the first person to live to 150 has been born and is alive somewhere on the planet – some people need to get out more!) so this birthday celebrates Canada being formed exactly 152 years (and now one day) ago.

So, following my own advice, I’m getting out more to experience Canada Day at first hand in Mississauga Ontario (Mississauga is Canada’s fifth largest city…a useless fact unless you’re doing a pub quiz or TV game show for money…remember you saw it here first!).

Some of my readers will be pleased to see I’m off on more travels which means fewer words and more photos; whilst others may welcome the break from my feeble attempts at reporting on cricket. I’ve left the runfest which is the World Cup behind but should be back to cast an eye over the later proceedings from the UK.

The celebrations are a time to reflect on the nation as a whole, the equal and welcoming society it has become; ok it has its problems (the neighbours are kicking up more of a fuss than of late) but Canadians are judged on being Canadians, not where they came from, what jobs they do, where they live, what they believe, what they look like or any of the hang ups Europeans and especially Britain has been clinging on to in an anally retentive mode for decades.

It has taken Canada not time at all to be this welcoming – perhaps others can learn how to do it too?