Kent Spitfires 173/8, Middlesex 178/6 (9th June 2024)
This was only the fourth cricket match I’ve been to, after two in the world cup five years ago, and one day of a test match in 1986, so I can’t call myself an avid attendee, but the lure of chance to have a look round the historic city of Canterbury, followed by a T20 game in the afternoon, was enough to have me getting up early on a Sunday morning for the two hour drive east.
My other two cricket visits had been to Lord’s (twice) and The Oval. I’ve also been in the grounds at Headingley and Old Trafford, as well as Worcester, but this would be my first game at a more provincial venue. Located a ten minute walk from the centre, I actually arrived too early, perhaps regretting baulking at the £17 admission fee for the cathedral. It seemed like a lot, but as it happens that’s the same price as cheeseburger in one of the nearby pubs, so not that much, all things considered.
I had opted for the ticket upgrade to the Frank Wooley stand, so I’m not a total skinflint, and this would offer me the a decent view for most of the game, not fancying having to stand up for three hours on the banking.
This was one of several stands, and there rest looked to be more of a members variety, all huddled together on one side, which gave the ground a homely feel. Of the other half of the ground, there was a large scoreboard building, a side full of food options, and a section taken up by flats, many of whom’s residents chose to sit on their balcony’s and watch the match for free.
After losing an early wicket, Kent seemed to hit fine vein of forming, smashing boundaries in all directions, and looked to be on target to set a total of past 200. Then it suddenly turned, with the bowlers really tying the batsmen down, and the runs, so freely flowing before, were now in singles and two, rather than fours. Frustration grew, and wickets tumbled, leaving Middlesex with a target of 174.
After a surprisingly short break, Middlesex took a while to get going. A very early wicket certainly gave the home fans hope, but after looking like the Kent bowlers might stifle Middlesex, the away side found their rhythm, and boundaries, including many sixes became more common.
This was my first county level game, and the first which sounded like it didn’t have any away supporters. Seeing sixes being smashed over the rope to silence, or worse still, the occasional groan, was a novel experience.
As the game progressed, it became clear that a Kent victory was getting less an less likely, and fans began trickling out, waiting by the exit just in case of a miracle. It didn’t come. In the 2nd ball of the 20th over, another six was smashed over the boundary to win the game in style. It was eighth of Middlesex’s innings, while Kent didn’t manage a single one. Regardless, I enjoyed it, even if some of the moaners were, by the sounds of things, not quite so impressed.
Stadiums and Cities 