Test Match Special

Whilst back in the North-East I went to the West Indies v England Test Match at the Durham County Cricket ground. It was a present for Fatha's 70th birthday but everyone thought it a good plan so we all went. Not a cheap affair!. 7 people @ £42 per ticket. Mother made ham sandwiches and I prepared a flask of tea to economise a bit on the day but I have to admit I was enticed by the 'dirty burger' stand with it's attractive 1/2 mile queues.

It is a boring game cricket at times and we didn't pick the best day to go, but at least we didn't pick Friday when not a single over was thrown. Anyway my sister's boyfriend came up with a good game 'Spot the celebrity'. The 'posh stand' - The 'Don Robson Pavillion' was directly on the other side of the ground so with the aide of binoculars we scanned for the stars.

After a few false alarms, Fern Britten, Jim Bowen etc. I heard on the TMS commentary that Bobby Robson was watching from the balcony so I quickly scanned the corporate boxes and found a 'silver haired' guy who I then pointed out to everyone. Later I found the real Bobby. I kept a bit quiet about it though.


Will the real Bobby please stand up

It's just not cricket

Strictly come dancing are approaching Monty for next series

I've been watching the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series for the last month. Mainly due to my current employer's flexitime system that I can stay up late when there is naff-all on the box.

Although entertaining and in these chilly months it is nice to see all that Aussie sunshine. I just can't get my head round the tournament format.

Three teams Australia, England and New Zealand. They have to play each of the other teams 4 times. And at the end of that the two top teams in the table play each other in a final 3 times.

Seems like an excuse to just play loads of cricket games to me. Anyway it has been great to watch and finally we get to see England win a couple of matches after 2 months of being utter poo.

Tonight they will show the thriller from the 'Gabba' which England had to win to meet Australia in the final. It went right down to the last over where NZ needed 16 runs from the last 6 balls.

Highlights on BBC 11.20pm