2007, 10 September - Lord's first ever Floodlit match

A Pro 40 between Middlesex and Derbyshire.

Match began under a lovely sunny sky, warm late afternoon, with Derbyshire winning the toss and electing to bat. Dighton scored 67 and Birt 47 but Debyshire only managed to reach 194 for 9 - Dalrymple took 3 for 36 and I think Murtagh 3 for 26.

Joyce began in style, looked as if he'd single-handledly win it for Middlesex, scoring a quick 68 before he was caught and bowled by Clare. Strauss was classic at times and was out before he reached his fifty. Middlesex then scored really slowly to win it, just, Derbyshire bowling and fielding very well. Clare taking 3 wickets.

The match was not exciting, but the atmosphere was fantastic - some Worcestershire and Lancashire fans added to the fun, ribbing both teams playing. Middlesex fans were mental, in a very fun way - the ground looked absolutely stunning under the floodlights. Only ever seen matches at Gaddafi, Lahore under floodlights before. There's something special about such matches, maybe it's because it gets cold after 9pm!!!!

Being at a match must be second only to playing in one, happiest feeling ever.

General consensus is that Derbyshire are a waste of electricity, but it all looked very pretty on the TV.

Well, their fielding was very decent. It did look pretty, in real too.

Then everybody's happy.

Except Derbyshire. Because they lost. And they're rubbish.

Cruel

Cruel I think AD comes from Derbyshire

That explains why they're so shite . . . they spend all their net sessions surfing totty . . .