In another article about how we got on collectively in 2008, I thought we should take a look at the area of match day duties.

We now have a good pool of competent scorers who do large chunks of the innings every week. Particular mention here must go to Nick and Trucker. Not only do they pick up the book without being asked to do so, they are now both excellent scorers.

The other major duty, that of umpiring, also has a pool of competent regulars. This is a very hard discipline of cricket as on some occasions you can come under intense pressure from both the opposition and your own players. Mr Bell has probably spent longest out in the middle in the lab coat, and he has been backed up by a large supporting cast.

But in amongst all the positives is a slight negative of not many players being competent in both duties. In particular we seem to have reluctance to learn how to score. Some players, including senior contracted players, need to really step up to the mark next year.

Scoring is simple, and with the cheat sheets and experienced scorers to keep an eye on individuals less experienced, we should be able to bring the whole squad up to the required standard quickly.

Contracted status could well be at risk if players do not take up the challenge as soon as we get underway in 2009. Two years have been more than enough time to learn, and Tony has proved that even complete newcomers to the sport can become proficient quickly.