Saturday 13th May 2023
County Championship Division 1 (Attended Day 3 of 4)
Final Result: Match Drawn
Lancashire 1st Innings (batting second) 326 All Out
Somerset 1st Innings 361 All Out 2nd Innings 398-5 Declared
Logistics: A 300 mile trip from Cornwall to catch my favourite couple of County Championship sides playing each other. The fact Manchester United were playing Wolves across the road in the Premier League slightly complicated my parking, access & egress plans. I ended up parking a few miles west of Old Trafford & arriving via the impressive tram system the area has benefitted from, just £3.90 for an all day ticket. It literally dropped me a few yards from the Cricket Ground.
Duration: I was at the game for 1 day only, the 3rd of 4. A rain affected first day and most of the second day had witnessed Somerset build up a hefty total of 361. Lancashire replied during the majority of the third day which I was in attendance for.
Weather: I picked a great day for Cricket. Non stop warm sunshine. The wafting aroma of sun tan lotion was very much evident across the sections of the ground open for the match. I managed about an hour before I surrendered to the calming shade under the shadow of The Point section of the stadium.
Match Rating (for the day I attended): 6/10 This looked very much a batting track. Lancashire had lost early wickets in the after tea session of the previous day. Slowly, steadily they clawed themselves back into contention with an excellent 105 contribution from New Zealand International Daryl Mitchell fresh from the Kiwi tour of Pakistan. Somerset applied combative bowling primarily from the pace of Craig Overton, Kiwi Matt Henry and the reliable spin of Jack Leach but the home side stood firm eventually achieving a respectable 326. Sadly the final day saw the game fizzle out into a boring draw with neither side seeming interested in making a game of the situation. Somerset Captain Tom Abell decided to keep Lancashire in the field all day without chance of reply. The visitors eventually declaring on 398-5.
Grub Menu: Had a stroll during the lunch break to watch the hordes of footy fans traipsing up Brian Statham Way towards the United football stadium. Took the advantage of a busy, reasonably priced, decent looking Burger Van. Got a tray of Curry and Chips for £4.
Bring Your Own Chair Necessity? Don't be daft 😊
General Facilities & Viewing: Its a lovely modern stadium which even now is still being developed even further. I remember the old place with a fond heart but progress is progress. There are some great vantage points to be had.
Some snaps of the Ground:
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