Scooping the Sweepstake

On a day when Mr Ramprakash passed 35,000 first class runs, and went 39th on the all-time list, I had my own, albeit it comparatively miniscule, success: my second ever betting win. (See Grand Ambitions for the first.) Today was Day 2 of the County Championship match between Surrey and Glamorgan at The Oval. Despite Mr Ramprakash's milestone, Alviro Petersen's maiden double century and a record third wicket stand for Glamorgan against Surrey, it hadn't - like yesterday - been the most exciting day of cricket when the tenth Glamorgan wicket fell a couple of balls after lunch. Enthusiasm was reasonably high for a sweepstake and, somewhat predictably, the Surrey score at close of play was selected. Guesses ranged from 205 to 281, with number of wickets down from the supremely optimistic none to five. Bids were noted, pounds produced and a banker appointed. Only one of the participants seemed at all concerned about the outcome, assuming that, even before scoring slowed and wickets were falling, his lowest total would prevail. We heard many plans of what he'd be doing with his winnings and his repeated clarification with the banker that the nearest number would win rather than going bust when one's score was passed.

For a while, it did seem that his faith would be rewarded. However, as the number of overs remaining neared single figures, uncertainty began to enter his voice. The batsmen kept up a reasonable rate and his total, and then the upper limit of his range, passed with overs still to be bowled. It seemed that Surrey might make nearer 250 than 200 - and so it turned out. Play concluded at the end of the sixty sixth over, the score was 240-6 and the nearest guess 243. And it was mine! Good job that wickets down was only to be used as a tie-breaker since, with the usual optimism of my simple plans, I'd gone for without loss. The pot was handed over with much goodwill and now I have the hard job of working out exactly how best to spend … six quid!