Problems to Solve
Not the best of starts to a new season unfortunately - both teams lost - but given the circumstances it wasn't the abject failure it may seem. There's always a story behind the result, and this week was no different.
It seems to be a perpetual problem to raise two full teams for the opening day, and this year was worse than usual. Four frantic days of searching, begging and cajoling from Jamie and Dale resulted in a first team comprised mostly of second team players, and a second team short of players. Last minute negotiations at least meant we had eleven in the firsts (thanks Steve & Biggie) but against a strong side like Oakworth we were still vastly outgunned. The reliance on second team players meant their team also suffered - with a full complement I feel they would have secured a victory.
But before I expand any further on this topic, let's say a little something about each match. The first team, despite their obvious weakened state, really dug in. Aftab Khan looked assured and seemed to get straight back into last year's form, Steve Kernan stuck around for nine patient overs and Mick Cryer relished the opportunity to move up a couple of divisions and dealt with most things Oakworth threw his way, showing the virtues of the training he did over winter. 47 runs was obviously never going to be enough, but at least the four first team players managed to get a game and a few overs under their belts.
The seconds made more of a fight of things. They had Eldwick on the rack at 66-7, but a couple of late partnerships saw them finish on 153. Impressive bowling figures from Mohammad Qadeer led the way. In response Dale Pinkerton in his new captaincy role showed his troops the way with a fine 67, with Darren Shields and Akeel Rashid both ably supporting him, but the nine men eventually succumbed 27 runs short.
As I said, the problem with lack of players early in the season is a common one. We're not the only club to struggle. But surely there's something that can be done better. The main problem seems to be communication. And that problem goes both ways - the club didn't engage with the players early enough and the players didn't alert the club to availability issues at all. There are other examples of poor communication that have become all too clear this week, so something needs to be done. It's not impossible, we just need to discuss it and work out an approach.
Some people are away. Some have decided to take a break from the game. We've lost some players to other clubs (we've also welcomed a couple of new players to the second team - welcome Rahim and Matthew) Some have work or family commitments. Nobody is blaming anyone for these things - they're perfectly sound reasons and nobody expects cricket to be put before family or work. But it would be helpful if we knew about them in advance. We still don't know who is available this season properly. We don't know which players are willing to step up to the 1st team. If there's no 1st team, the 2nd team can't play. So both teams are harmed.
At an extreme, do we need to look at going down to just one team? It's an option - what do people think? Do we end up conceding the first few matches? Should we request to drop down a division even if we avoid relegation at the end of the season so the step up isn't as great for 2nd team players filling in? Has anyone any other suggestions?
There is a club meeting next Tuesday (May 2nd) night at the club house at about 6:45 - there's a lot to discuss, some of it potentially vital to the players and the future direction of the club. It would be really good if as many players could attend this as possible. The more views put forward the better. What do you think the club is doing wrong? Air your grievances, see if a solution can be found. So please do try to attend.
Oakworth complimented us on the state of the pitch and the clubhouse. Greg says he's not seen it looking better on the opening day before. We just need to get both teams looking as good as the surroundings - please help us.