TRACTOR'S TALES.

Convincing victories in those back-to-back tsl games last bank holiday weekend against Leicestershire and Surrey ensured we went into our inaugural 2005 C&G match in an upbeat mood.

Unfortunately, the spoils went to Leicestershire by just 3 wickets in what proved to be a low-scoring game, effectively decided on the toss of the coin (bitter? me? only slightly).

Next up, Stockton for the championship game away to Durham. Caddick's heroics got us close to that first championship win, but alas no cigar, losing a closely fought encounter by just 4 wickets.

Then one of my favourite fixtures, the tsl game away to Scotland, where the pasty and Blackthorn are substituted for the haggis and Deuchars. Another cheap flight from Bristol to Edinburgh to sample those cultural delights of Edinburgh: The Foot Of The Walk, The Standing Order, The Dean, The Milne, The Abbotsford, The Guildford Arms, oh and The Grange cricket pavilion.

On Tuesday evening, The Standing Order was showing Man Utd v Chelsea live. Ghastly! Football being shown in a traditional cricketing venue such as Edinburgh! Luckily my dismay was tempered by the result.

For Wednesday's cricket, this fashion-conscious Tractor Driver decided it was a day for the ultra-white checked troozers, Tractor Tartan Tour 2003 teeshirt, Ray-ban specs, exquisitely topped off with the jimmy-hat, all designed to blend in with the locals; other Somerset supporters remarked how difficult it was to spot me! Somerset decided to bat first, and after a steady start, pressed the accelerator pedal and amassed a formidable 264 for 7 with 51 from Laraman (off 54 deliveries) and a rapid 86 from Blackie (from just 40) who shared a ton partnership with Hildreth (unbeaten on 36 from 29).

The Saltires reply started with a confident, brisk opening stand of 50. Despite losing their top 4 in the next 50, they were still around the required rate. Laraman eventually broke the prolific 5th wicket partnership of 70-odd. A subsequent threatening stand of 50-odd was ended by Caddick who virtually extinguished the Saltires challenge claiming 2 vital wickets in successive deliveries. Johnno was rewarded for his economic bowling claiming their no.8 & 9 batsmen. Wickets for each of our 6 bowlers and a 16 run win for the 'Rab C Turner' men from down south, their 3rd tsl win from 5. A good day's work.

There was just time to congratulate the team after the match before rushing off to Edinburgh's centre for one more celebratory jar, on the way bumping into someone who obviously didn't have a clue what time of day it was.
"Och aye the noo, tis a moonlicht nicht t'nicht?" I think it asked.
"A quarter past ten, old chap" I replied, pleased I was able to assist.

Thursday morning, and time for a leisurely stroll around Edinburgh, purchasing a fresh haggis to take home (the butcher said there'd been a successful haggis-shoot the previous night), and further cultural visits before the afternoon flight back home. Another splendid Scottish visit.

Celebrity birthdays today include Harry (Sussex, NO!!!) Enfield, Steven (At my signal, unleash Hell) Gerrard, Mel (What's up Doc?) Blanc, and Bob (Cricket Reform Group member promoting a reduction in number of professional county teams) Willis.

Today's opponents Sussex boast one of the finest spinners in international cricket, but let's not forget that it was Somerset who taught Mushy all he now knows about the artistry of spin bowling. Last season, they ran out victors by just 6 runs in both home and away encounters, I reckon today it's the turn of our West Countrymen.

COME ON SOMERSET!!!