TWO days, two overs, two runs to each of the two batsmen and basically two massive disappointments.
Is the Colchester cricket festival meant to be this year?
The last two days have summed up the summer, which never arrived.
And they also represent the season Essex are having – a wash out.
From Pro40 champions two years running and real promotion candidates they have sunk to the bottom of mediocrity.
And should they stay there, the fans will not be arriving through the gates, come rain or shine.
This is supposed to be entertainment.
But even if Essex get on to the pitch and play, what can we expect from them?
A lame batting effort – so characteristic of recent months.
And a seam bowling attack, with the exception of Andy Bichel, which carries as much threat as Hurricane Dean does to Eastern Europe.
With Ronnie Irani gone, Graham Napier cast on to the sidelines and Darren Gough’s grin having gone back North, what do Essex have that is going to get fans through the gates?
Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara yes.
Both are away with England, though.
This is the problem with County Cricket. People don’t want to pay money (a lot of money) to watch an extension of club cricket, with a couple of token Kolpak players thrown in, whose expenses are forcing ticket prices up.
So, is there enough on show for the crowds to come in now the grey skies have lightened?
If a result cannot be manufactured by the two sides then the festival has been a waste.
Professional sport does not exist without the viewers.
Let’s hope they get out there, play one innings each, Essex set Leicestershire a winnable target and a rip-roaring finale is produced later on tomorrow.
It’s not too much to ask.