First Ball At Lord's

Fri 12 May

Headed to London Bridge to meet an old friend Hannah who works at Monmouth Coffee at the Borough Market. I was a bit early so I had one of their famous coffees - on the money (even though it was gratis!). Had an unspectacular lunch at the market though, but this was more than made up for by the mango smoothie.

I farewelled Han and walked along the Thames to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Next to Buckingham Palace and through Green Park to catch the tube to Lord's (St John's Wood on the Jubilee Line) where I hoped to catch the last session of day two of the first test between England and Sri Lanka (got it!). Tickets were only a tenner (my sort of price point) so I cruised into the Mound Stand beer in hand (my seat was about mid-off if bowling from the Media Centre end). The first ball I saw was a wicket (Mubarak lbw by Hoggard for a duck); how about that!

After 20 overs I decided to head off. As I was walking out I saw a familiar face - well not too familiar as I hadn't seen him for years, but at least I recognised him - Mike O'Byrne from StAC. What are the chances? Mum reckons one in a million. He was hosting clients, but they had long since gone so I joined him and a colleague for a sandwich, an Australian beer (Fosters) and New Zealand red wine. After the final ball we walked out with the masses, past the Spearmint Rhino limo (and therefore skantily clad ladies) to a public house for a beer. Justin (Mike's mate) produced some cards so some drinking games were played and lost by all.

At about 11, Mike, worse for wear, went home but the three of us kicked on to Club 92 (or something like that) for a final beer before making our way home. I think they Justin and the other guy were introducing me as a movie director! Sweetbix!

I navigated my way back to Russell and Wendy's just fine...arriving at 1am. Lovely.