The Club made a significant and moral decision this week not to tolerate players who habitually turn up late, don't pay their membership and in effect add nothing to the club. We hoped that it would wake a few of those individuals up but instead it resulted in perhaps 4 to 6 players trying their luck elsewhere this weekend, and perhaps leaving us altogether. But then again, a couple of these players do have a history of hawking their skills around the Chilterns League until they are asked to contribute. I was fearful that this might happen and we would replace the frustration of perpetual lateness with the problem of putting out sides. While this remains a threat, the atmosphere at our match with Little Kingshill was altogether ‘fresher'. We played two colts who both shone, and one talented 2XI player who could benefit from a good sports psychologist. I am known as Humbug, but Steve makes Clement Freud appear to be on helium.

We got beat, but 10 players were drinking outside long after the match and six went on to the pub insearch of food. I think I was selfish in wanting a phased withdrawal of our problem players until we had something else to put in their place, ie the emerging U17's, I don't enjoy watching us loose and have to suffer the triumphalism of the opposition. But there are some exciting plans ahead with Dave Forrest's link with BCCA and a renewed focus on membership. While we may have come to the precipice, we have a real opportunity to fly rather than plummet.  

Finally, a thanks to Lardy who may have played his last game on Saturday. When I look back at the characters we have known at the club over the years he can proudly take his place amongst the best. The vivid slap over square leg, the long stride to punch another six back over the bowler, the Wetwang tour and West Country. Thanks for all that lardy, and I hope you won't be a stranger and maybe even take an interest in our talented colts to teach them some of those amazing shots. Nearly 200 appearances, over 6,300 runs and nearly as many sandwiches, as the umpire at Coleshill said, ‘you used to be good!'