Note: Message from Coach Vic Hodge

We are now well into the swing of the season and we need to take stock of a few matters to ensure that we remain organised, consistent in our communication, and considerate of our fellow players throughout the club.

Twenty/20 Cricket

As you will all be aware we have entered two teams into the competition and our goal is that both teams will face each other in the Grand Final. Our aim is to field the strongest sides available on the park each fortnight on Tuesdays.

It is fair to say that the first week was somewhat chaotic and disorganised to say the least. So some decisions have been made. As Coach I am compelled to make you all aware of the plans.

Matt Thomas will be captain of the team playing in the West and Stephen Ward will be captain of the North team. Their deputies will be Amit Chaudhary and Bede Gannon respectively - unless otherwise advised.

The intention is that both teams will be selected on Thursday nights alongside the usual selection process. Whilst we want to pick the strongest squads available, be assured there is no exclusive right to selection, as availability, form and fitness will all be taken into consideration.

Please ensure that you let the respective captains know your availability for each and every fixture. Furthermore if you are selected and for whatever reason you find that you are no longer available then it is up the individual player to advise their captain – and NOT for the captain to find out on match day!

As the matches are scheduled on Tuesdays, mainly fortnightly, there will still be training – predominantly in the nets. Non selection for the Twenty/20 fixtures does not provide an excuse for non appearance at nets. If you want to improve, as you all tell me that you do, then you have to make the effort - not only for yourselves but for the club.

It has been clear that the turf team captains and their teams have an inconsistent and generally inequitable approach for putting down covers on the eve of Saturday and Sunday games. Its is a team responsibility.

Right now it is the same people who end up with the task of having to travel to the ground to lay the covers. Consequently it has been agreed that from now on, the captains of any turf team will be responsible for covers.

This means that as captains you need to organise members of your team to make sure it happens. Refusal to contribute is not a solution and is simply not acceptable. Persistent offenders will be noted and sanctions will be enforced. As Coach I ask you to consider the club and the opposition. As yourselves ………..Why train hard in the week and then leave the pitch to the elements?

Whilst we cannot control the weather we can prepare for it. Remember………..” if you want the rainbow ………..you gotta’ put up with the rain!”

It is noticeable that attendance levels at training have dropped significantly over these past two weeks. You only need to look in the score books to see the effect that it has on your game and the team performances. At the start of the season I asked you all what you wanted to achieve for the season . To a man ( and woman) you all stated that you wanted to improve. So I ask you, are you all being true to yourselves?

I fully understand and appreciate that a number of you have work commitments, whilst others travel significant distances. In reality I would rather you come late, than not all.

We all know that you cannot practice in a match or in the clubhouse. So if you are serious about your game then I am here to help you as much you want to help yourselves. As keen as I am, I cannot do it for you!

Remember………….. “Consistent performers practice consistently”.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment I look forward to great things and good results for you and the club.

Wishing you all the very best for the season

Vic Hodge