I was delighted when Jim asked me to be Captain of the Rosaneri Cricket Team for the first fixture of the year against Tendring CC on 5/5/2007.

Hopefully it will be an opportunity which comes up again, but in case it doesn’t, I wanted to share some key objectives I have for the game against Tendring CC:-

1 – Give a good account of ourselves – we have had some comments from the Portsmouth team we play in Hoddesdon, that they are considering dropping the fixture against us because we don’t give them a good enough game (?). In fairness, the way we threw away a first innings lead last year was woeful and they may have a point.

This makes it important; therefore, that we give a really good account of ourselves against all the sides we play this year – starting with Tendring. Clubs will not want to play us if they think it will end in a easy win and a wasted afternoon.

Did you know the Rosaneri were undefeated in their first 3 cricket matches, the first being in 1997?

2 – Get everyone involved and enjoy the day – it’s a fine balance between giving everyone a game and playing to win – but the practice sessions at Winchmore School have been invaluable and have shown me that most people have a good eye for batting, and/or the capability to be excellent with the ball. Giving everyone a game and remaining competitive should not be a problem. Everyone will be involved, either with bat or ball or both – guaranteed.

3 – Bat for a full 40 over's – It’s been said before, but it is vital!! – if we don’t, we are unlikely to win. Let’s make sure we make the most of the batting practice and stay the distance.

4 – Bowling and fielding – If we do it as well as we can, we won't have a problem. Some of the spin bowling by Nick and Jim, pace bowling by Kiwi Graeme, Matt and Steve (Shewring) and swing bowling by Pitts, Andy (underwood) and Marcus (to name but a few) has been superb. My money would be on us bowling them out before their overs are up!!

Question – who were the two opening batsmen for the Rosaneris' first ever cricket match – played in 1997 against the Old Bell at the Enfield Grammar School?

Answer at this weeks net session.