Bears on Tour: Lords

As a cricket enthusiast there's one ground above all others that I've been particularly keen to visit - Lords. Recognised the world over as the home of cricket, the timeless base of Marylebone Cricket Club was set to host the County Championship fixture between Middlesex and Warwickshire so Stephen and I made our way to St John's Wood for a couple of days...

- Aylesbury Vale Parkway -

Travelling down to London on Sunday 31st May proved to be an adventure. Engineering works were affecting Chiltern services on the line between Birmingham Moor Street and Marylebone, hence we had a virtually empty replacement bus service instead from Dorridge to Aylesbury Vale Parkway (a station I must admit I'd never heard of before). A connecting train here completes the job, meaning we arrived at Marylebone just before quarter to midday. 

- Cricket Corner -

We hadn't missed any cricket though, a damp morning in the capital bringing about a delayed start so we could take our time getting to the ground. Lisson Grove leads us almost directly to the Grace Gates, erected in honour of the legendary W.G., then we continued along St John's Wood Road and Wellington Road towards the North Gate, pausing for an ideal photo opportunity.

- St John's Wood Underground -

With play still not imminent, a general look at the surrounding St John's Wood area sounded appropriate. The church gardens are a nice feature, flanked by a curious green hut on Wellington Place that I later discovered was a preserved cabbies shelter. St John's Wood High Street was a rather fashionable location with a selection of boutique stores plus the Duke of York perched on a far corner, while the local library, Barclays Bank and the underground station all caught my eye for bonus pictures.

- First glimpse of the Pavilion -

The weather had been drying up quite nicely up until this point, but another prolonged shower combined with gusting winds soon set in. A fellow Bear in need of directions joins us as we scamper back to the ground, then its £17 entry and a seat in the Edrich Stand with fingers firmly crossed that the rain relents. Even in the miserable drizzle the iconic Lords Pavilion is a sight to behold (even if the pitch covers were less of a thrill).

- The Media Centre -

Our wish is granted as conditions do gradually improve, and I was truly impressed by the drainage systems in place here that meant large puddles on the outfield literally disappeared before our eyes. While the groundsmen set to work, we have a stroll around the stands and I get a glimpse of the modern face of Lords; I'm not entirely convinced about the architectural merits of the Media Centre but I can't deny it is a striking feature at the Nursery end of the ground.

- Play underway -

3 pm and we have cricket! Middlesex won the toss and asked Warwickshire to bat, the home team presumably keen to try and make the most of some favourable bowling conditions. Progress is of the steady but unspectacular variety - Chopra, Javid and Webb all departed relatively cheaply but Jonathan Trott and Laurie Evans saw the Bears to the close on 148 for 3 with 50 overs completed. For me an ambition has been achieved - I can now say I've watched live cricket at Lords!

- Chiswick Bitter in Paddington -

The sun has typically come out just in time for the cricket to finish, but at least it shines down as we brave the busy Edgware Road (no relaxing Sunday evening walk here, it was more like the Monday morning West Midlands rush hour). We locate our digs in Paddington, grab a bite to eat and then round off the day with a couple of pubs. The Monkey Puzzle was handily located on Sussex Gardens near our hotel but my favourite was undoubtedly the Victoria on Strathearn Place, a Fullers establishment where some Chiswick Bitter is accompanied by opulent detail and a wonderful friendly sense of community.

- Regents Canal at Lisson Grove -

Monday 1st June and it's encouragingly dry as we head to Lords in anticipation of the second day's play. On the way we briefly investigate a short stretch of the Regents Canal where it passes beneath Lisson Grove via Eyre's Tunnel. The canal in full links the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union with the River Thames at Limehouse, passing through Regents Park (with views of London Zoo), Camden Lock and Kings Cross.

- Bears on duty -

We settle in on the upper tier of the Edrich stand as Warwickshire continue their innings, eventually battling their way to a useful 342 all out on a testing surface. Laurie Evans made 98, narrowly missing out on what would have been a memorable century, and there were entertaining contributions from Barker and Patel who both made 37 with a smattering of sixes. We keep up to date with events in the test match at Headingley, where New Zealand seem increasingly in the ascendancy, and catch up with Nick and Ken who are here for the day. Nick is eager to enjoy his first Lords experience and has come dressed very smartly with a dapper jacket and tie combination ready to grace the inner recesses of the Pavilion.

- A damp end -

The Middlesex innings began straight after tea but only 12 or so overs are possible before rain once more intervenes. Chris Wright did at least manage a Bears breakthrough, claiming the wicket of Burns lbw for 4 as the close of play score proved to be 39 for 1. One last lingering look at the famous Pavilion and then it was time to head home, the 19:15 departure from Marylebone doing the honours. Despite the weather's best efforts, the magic of Lords still shone through and I can understand why cricketers across the planet aspire to play here. It truly is a special place steeped in sporting history and tradition, and I hope these last two days will just be the start of many visits to come.