The net practice just gone was probably the best session yet. 11 of the clubs squad went through their paces, and the overall standard was excellent.

However, the session may not even have taken place with a last minute fiasco involving the grumpy caretaker. Jim was questioned for five minutes and had to show every document in his car including his driving licence and passport before Rosaneri were allowed to enter the sports hall. The final clearance was only assured when Nick wore a head scarf, smoked a cigarette and read out a letter of apology on Caretaker TV.

Once the session got underway it was very pleasing to see new players to the game showing brilliant potential. The real star of the night was Kirk. His bowling was full of pace and he maintained a very tight line and length considering he hadn’t bowled a single ball for over two years.

The benefit of these sessions has been immense, and any doubts to their necessity have now evaporated. We now have two left at Winchmore School before we move to a new venue on the home straight to the first game.