Some rantings on a great day

Iain Brunnschweiler and James Schofield: who are they? That was the question being asked around the ground, as these two young men were there at the end of one of Hampshire's most memorable games of cricket ever. I make no apologies for the use of the word ever.

'Braunchy' as he is affectionately known, despite his elongated surname was born in Southampton. The club's reserve wicket-keeper, he has been performing admirably in the Second XI this year. James Schofield was born in my home town of Blackpool, and I'm sure his eyes must have been as bright as the famous illuminations from the seaside town. Earlier in the match he took a wicket with his first ball for the first team, having already excelled in the seconds this season.

In years to come, those 3,000 or so spectators will be able to tell their grandchildren: 'I was there'. Can you remember where you where when Kennedy was assassinated or when England's football team won the World Cup? I can and I will remember the day Hampshire beat the mighty Australian World Champions. I'm sure that the 3,000 will probably become 10,000 in the fullness of time.

You could have cut the atmosphere with a knife as the target became closer, and Hampshire's old pal 'Warnie' was trying so hard to put his old mates' day down. He bowled magnificently on a pitch that after three days had become a square turner.

This article is not really about the cricket - there are many articles around about the play. Thank goodness Saints Reserves were not playing Accrington Stanley Reserves otherwise the papers would not have had the room to talk about such a great day in the history of the club.

It is rumoured that the county made something in the region of £100,000 over the three days; good on them they deserve it...

The first day when the Aussies were tumbled for 97, with 'Big Al' and young Schofield taking advantage of early moisture, there may have been a worry as to whether this would go into a third day. Robin Smith, the 'Judge' (what a time to get his 47th hundred for his boys), will have a couple of pints with his good mate 'Warnie' over that I'm sure. Neil Johnson has fitted into the club with pride and he won a much-deserved Man of the Match award for his efforts - £500 from Vodafone. And there was £11,000 to Hampshire for their excellent team performance. Another old-boy also did well: 'Matty' Hayden, with a magnificent century - it was great to see him back.

Credit must go to Steve Waugh, who surprised many by declaring when the ninth wicket fell to set up a memorable evening for all there, but none more so than a great old friend of Hampshire, Norman Olden. Norman who lives in Shepherds Bush has, for some 80+ years, spent his summers between Hampshire and Lord's. At 92 he has found it more difficult to get around, but a few of his friends put their heads together and collected him from his home. He spent the day as a guest of the Hampshire Committee, and remarked that it was a most fantastic day. It was a real pleasure Norman, we all had a fantastic day too.

The e-mails have been rolling in, last night and the morning after, and I hope to post some of these on the web site, with some photos from the 'Big Match', but would you believe it, I had one this morning, not even mentioning the cricket, just whinging about the PA, mobile phones, playing on the outfield etc. Needless to say I shall not bother to post that one! If you have something positive to say about you visit to the Rose Bowl and the victory, please send an e-mail to me: victor.isaacs@btconnect.com and I will try and post as many as I can over the coming days...

So, where do Hampshire and their magnificent stadium go from here? How do you top that? Only one way, of course, promotion in the CricInfo Championship and Norwich Union League would top off the season very nicely thank you very much.