Captain s'Log
27th April 2007: 2007 Season Looms...
So here we are approaching the 2007 season, my 30th for the club. My first match was at the end of August 1977, at Thrumpton, comfortably bowled by occasional ‘spinner' Ivan Adkin, better known for his stubborn batting at the top of the order, umpiring and milk bottle bottom glasses. Not a great start but I was only 13. I probably turned out in a formal white shirt, goodness only knows what trousers and some kind of whitish trainers. No bag on wheels filled with hundreds of pounds worth of branded kit. No helmet, flashy bat or sunglasses.
How times change.
Well how can we top last year? What a season. It seemed to have it all. Hopefully though this year it won't include a rain off for the first match. Therefore we aim to get the DCC machine in motion at Repton School on Sunday May 13th.
But if we manage to win, it won't be the clubs first chalk of 2007 as I took a team to a recent Basford Hall OB's quiz night and managed to scoop first prize. The team of four consisted of my Dad and myself and two ‘bit' players………. Benno & Spenno.
Well Dad & I each got a question or two right but it was a real hoot watching Spenno start writing the answer to a real difficult one about half way through the question!
I mean Benno is awesome but Spenno is genuinely stunning.
But it's a team game ofcourse and the DCC representation scooped the first prize and a bottle of vino tinto each. A fair return for the entry fee of £5 per person (at least Dick Turpin wore a mask).
Anyway back to the cricket, we have had a boost with the news that the Vicar has decided not to retire after all! Hurrah! Good news indeed as Andy's move into the Police will restrict his availability. Ian informs me that Steve Gregory will be involved this year which is also great news. Steve has guested before – he is a powerful batter and a shock and awe bowler, with a very sharp effort ball.
Good to hear that alec is turning out atRepton (new date 20/5/07) and that Dean Blake is looking to get more then a fewmatches in - terrific stuff.
I expect Bradley to play pretty regularly this year and could easily give the keeping role a nudge – which would free up Jonny as I would like to see him bowling a bit more this year. Having said that watching Jon batting in the nets you have to say he looks pretty good – brutal on leg side. I think we could see more shots to leg, just like ‘That Six'. If we are dead lucky then first choice keeper Adey Cooper could play a few more matches and surely Rob will get match fit and grace us more often.
Fingers crossed we are blessed by a guest showing or two from Alec, a fuller season from Nick, an injury free Benno and more Dogging from the Browns.
I think the batting award could be a real battle with Ian smarting from no trophies last year and Jamie undoubtedly eager to retain the award. Although Jez will miss the first and third matches you can't bet against him and only a lack of matches may deny Nick a true challenge this year. Dark horse will be Dean who giventhe chance can demolish opposition bowlers - remember he still holds the club record for highest individual score!And with a bit of luck (and a not out or two) I would like to mount my own challenge. So much so, I took a bit of advice from the England under 19 cricket coach in the pub last night. It was a pleasant night of chat – getting more stories from the world cup and plenty of advice on my new role – Kimberley under 12 cricket manager.
Anyway the season beckons, hopefully the weather will hold good and we can enjoy a great season – see you there.
Paul