Thankgoodness that the Hutton Think Tank's idea of erecting a huge screen on Hutton Hill to allow the populace to watch the Oval test Match through the comfort of their own binoculars was not taken up. I say this as Huttonian has an uncanny effect on the course of play even at 375 miles distance. If I turn on the TV to join Channel Four's 8 million viewers it will either result in the immediate loss of an English wicket or the New Zealand Umpire with the crooked finger refusing to agree that an Aussie batsman is out even if all three of his stumps have been removed by Mr F or Mr H. So no giant screen, no viewing. I will hang on to about 4pm when I shall have a quick peep by which time it might be clear if the open topped bus for a victory parade on Tuesday can be given a quick dusting or whether black crepe and half master flags are to be in order.
I have seen little sign of cricket mania in Hutton. No little urchins waving bats in front of stumps whitewashed onto garden walls, no trail of broken windows down the village street, no screeches of 'Howzat, as a would be Ponting is despatched by a future Flintoff. No applause from the massed ranks as the Hutton School openers walk to the wicket to confront Chirnside's finest. Problem being, no urchins, no school and no wicket. Perhaps the newly appointed Borders Cricket Development Officer for Primary Schools can do something about it on the back of cricket mania sweeping, somewhat selectively, the country. And we are only two miles as the six soars from England. If Scotland could defeat England if only in a one day international what a difference that would make to popular enthusiasm.
R.Bruce caught ER1 bowled Butcher Cumberland 100,
Lord Home retired with loot 4,
B.Heart (aka W.Wallace) not out 206
M.Gibson (Oz Guest player) Not out 35
Total for 2 wickets 345
(England All out 344-Y.Mc Arafat 6 for 56 R.Eiver 4 for 150)
-Scotland winning by 8 wickets at Flodden Field Oval. Now theres a thought.
