World Cup Cricket at the Saxton Oval

Arrived early so we could be sure of getting parking space.  That was no problem and we were in the first batch of cricket lovers.  

Had assumed we would have seats, but in fact we were sitting on one of the grassy banks which surround the ground.  

Plenty to see as both teams were out in the middle warming up and the opening ceremony.

We brought drinks and sun screen with us - both needed as temperatures were up to 20 degrees C, but both were on offer from people dispensing them to spectators.

The ground is small and we had heard that the match was a sell-out but there were certainly plenty of free spaces, particularly in one of the stands - and irritatingly, the VIP seats had plenty of spare capacity.

Being close to Nelson, the Lord Nelson link was brought up by announcers on more than one occasion.  

An explanation may be needed for non-cricket lovers.  'Nelson' is a score of 111 - either for an individual or a team.  It's supposed to be an unlucky score, at least in English superstition, and evidently in New Zealand too.  Players have to beware and teammates or others should stand on one leg until the score has moved on.  David Shepherd, MBE, the former English player and much-loved umpire used to do exactly this whilst umpiring.  Very amusing as he was of ample proportions.  

The connection between 111 and Lord Nelson - one eye, one arm, one leg.  

I had a good chat with his lordship this morning.

I'm known for taking my camera with me on most occasions, "to be on the safe side" - you never know what you might snap.  On the one occasion I didn't have it with me today, I saw saw Sir Richard Hadlee, surrounded by little boys who wanted his autograph and to have their photos taken with him!

All in all, a lovely day, in a lovely little ground with the mountains providing a great backdrop.  Our tickets were in the Family Enclosure, so are neighbours were great and it was super to see the children playing.  The one exception was a couple, canoodling in front of us at the end.

Great show from the Irish fans too.

Dave writes: 

Ireland in historic win

No fluke about Ireland's first ever victory over West Indies, by four wickets with 4.1 overs to spare. They had the opposition on the ropes at 87-5 and although the bowling yielded 198 in the last 20 overs the West Indies' total of 304-7 still seemed chaseable on a good wicket.

Apart from a late wobble, the Irish batting looked at ease with Paul Stirling (92), Ed Joyce (84) and Niall O'Brien (79 not out) all impressing.

A bad day for West Indies, who without the 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Lendl Simmons (102) and Darren Sammy (89), would have suffered even more. Ironically, Ireland are coached by former West Indies batsman Phil Simmons, uncle of Lendl.

Ireland were 3-1 against a win today but I would not bet against them reaching the last eight. The rest of the group is UAE, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India and Pakistan.