There was lots to take from the recent trip to Jack of Diamonds...

On a positive note the contributions towards scoring and umpiring were excellent - Nick was thrown into the deep end with the scorebook after last weeks crash course and managed to pass on the knowledge to Coxy who got stuck in and really got to grips with it well. Slaps, Shel, Mat and Marcus looked after the umpiring.

The overall attitude was also good this week - it was obviously a comprehensive defeat but the mood remained upbeat after the game and while there was some analysis of the game it was more focussed on the positive aspects rather than criticising mistakes. We are all still learning and the results will come if we continue to have the right attitude. Marcus' gutsy bowling performance was a clear indication of how the right attitude will help us to improve.

There were some negative aspects that were evident this week all of which can be easily remedied:

1) While the situation has improved greatly there are still a few characters who need to get more involved with duties. Essentially, if we are batting and you find yourself doing nothing other than chatting then you are not pulling your weight and probably distracting the scorers. As an absolute minimum you should be watching the game closely and assisting the scorers (while trying to learn) or updating the scoreboard. Scoring requires lots of cover as people inevitably have to go in to bat so everyone needs to know how to do it. If you are a regular player and you don't know how to score or umpire then you need to learn quickly - don't leave it to everyone else.

2) Preparation is also important - there were difficult circumstances this week and some of us have a long way to travel but in future we need to try and meet earlier and for away games travel together where possible. There will always be exceptional circumstances but the majority of the team should be at the venue an hour before the game. It is very difficult especially for those trying to organise things when we are running late. Better preparation provides a more focussed approach and that will also help the performance of the team.

3) On a final note - please remember to bring your match fees (Kirk!). There is no I.O.U culture (or "defin" as it has become known) as there has been for the football side of the operation. As far as I know we all earn enough money to be able to afford the fees so please make every effort to have the money with you. The club understands that the occassional lapse is sometimes unavoidable and we would rather you be on time with no money than late because of a detour to a cashpoint but persistent offending won't be tolerated.