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• The young professional- Matthew- drove his car in through the gates of the County Club and into the parking space allotted to him.
• I followed with the intention of visiting the cricket office to send out some letters. As I parked, there appeared -in no time at all - a walkie talkie member of the groundstaff to check that I was only dropping something off.
• My flying visit over I returned home to watch the match on teletext.
• The seagulls who have been roosting on our roof during the wet weather -15 miles from the sea - must have heard that the match was on as they disappeared about mid morning.
• Sussex put in to bat and the first three players are all foreigners - Montgomerie, Goodwin and Zudierent - and, although I wish them well, I would prefer to see a Sussex home and bred batting.
• To the wicket came the slim, Michael Yardy - the young player who appeared unsuccessful last season in his few visits to the wicket as an opening bat. I watch the text until Michael scores 10 and feel relieved and satisfied that he has reached double figures.
• Returning some time later to the screen I note that Michael shared in a stand of 104 and made 59 runs before being out. He had a point to prove to some of his critics and he must be well satisfied with his performance.
• The next player is a foreigner from Kent
• Ah ! now RMJ is in - he's a Sussex player through and through - Oh! dear he's gone for a duck.
• Two batsmen later MJ.PRIOR comes to the wicket. After what seems to be a short flourish he is back in the pavillion for 6
• 243 for 7 seems a reasonable score for Middlesex to chase. They are fielding 2 of my Daily Telegraph Fantasy Team - so I am expecting a close finish.
• Ct Prior good
• Fleming Stumped Prior bowled Davis - great. A stumping is far more rare for a keeper and, as such, is thus more satisfying.
• So much for my knowledge of First Class cricket . Middlesex need nearly 70 off the last over and fall short by 64 runs.
• RMJ overcomes his duck and takes 3 wickets in the 8 to fall.
• Matthew and Sussex CCC record a win.
  
• To date he has achieved his aim of a place in the One Day side. He has , in addition, gained a place in the First team in the 4 day games.
• I had expected to follow him in 2nd X1 matches and , at this stage, to pose questions like -"What does he need to score to be considered for promotion?"
• It has all gone so well for him . Six months ago he could not drive a car without L plates. Now - at his first home game - he can park at the ground whilst administrative staff have to park in the nearby roads. Such are the benefits of the young professional at a County Club. Bring on the sponsored car !
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