Martyn's Half-term Report 1st July 2007

As your vice president, I think it's about time I did my half-term report. It's no secret that the 1st XI are struggling for runs. Everybody in the 1st XI can bat there is no doubt but it should be 200 plus each week but it's not happening. Why? because everyone wants to smash the cover off every ball then pays the price. It's a 50-over game so perhaps a little more patience or practice is needed I don't know. The bowling is patchy - one week hot and one week cold. On our day we are a match for anyone - look at last season for example. Come on boys - you are my club, I think about it all week (notice how grey I've gone). I couldn't bare it if we went down, you are my mates as well. I know I can't drink like I used to because of circumstances. What better way to start next week, the second half of the season against Rogerstone.

I am delighted that the 2nd XI are doing so well. It's a joy to ring through and say "won again". Hopefully come 1st September will be a great night in the Club. I have to ask the question, so we want promotion? Will it attract players?I hope so. What worries me is we are 75 years old next year, hopefully we will all be around, that if we are in the Premier league we won't win a game and go straight back down. Finally I am delighted we have a 3rd XI - the future of the Club looks great and in good hands. They must not get disheartened if they lose a game or get browned off if they don't take wickets or score runs. Cricket is all about patience and results will come their way if they work at it. That's all for now boys - good luck for the rest of the season. Your number one fan ad Vice President MJ.

Martyn's End-of-season 2006 comments

Well there it is, another season has come and gone so as your vice president I would just like to say a few words. The season for the 1st XI on paper looked good but there were times it could have been better. I know sometimes players blame pitches but I think there are other things too - for example we were too complacent against lower placed teams and we lost patience when getting bogged down instead of waiting for the bad ball. The bowling has been very tight which I feel makes us a containing team. We don't always take early wickets but when we take one then two or three come in quick succession.

The 2nd XI's problem is availability - if they are strong it means that the 1st XI is strong too. Availability in this club is important as we have such a small squad. I think the committee has to see what can be done about it. I love you all and I look forward to my Saturdays as it's the highlight of my week and it definitely makes my week when we have a double.

We are 75 years young in two years time and I have some ideas which I would very much like to put forward to the committee. We are one of the most premier clubs in South Wales so let's prove to non-cricket members in this club how proud we are to be celebrating the great event. As far as the 2nd XI performances, the signs, at times, were encouraging. The game against Whitchurch should have been won with plenty of runs on the board but dropped catches and one or two bad overs meant that it wasn't. Now then Serge, our secret has to come out; do you know the night before he stood down as captain, he phoned me to ask me if I knew a shop where he could get 20 players from and then blow me after the Croesy game Prycee thought he may have to go to hospital as he was suffering from a bad side.

Now we all know practice makes perfect so I am asking you Gentlemen please make every effort to attend net practice if you are available for example not working or going to college. Make other arrangements instead of being sat at home watching the champions league or Coronation Street. One final word on the matter, as your vice president I hope none of you have taken what I have said the wrong way. I am delighted the way things are going off the field. If you want extra money don't hesitate to ask I want us near the top of South Wales again.

As you know my father had a fall in June which meant that he couldn't get the covers or sheet so I am asking the secretary to put the pressure on him for to address this as I don't think he did anything about it. I know we have a cover already but it isn't the best and we got off lightly this summer as it was a dry one. If I hadn't lost my leg, I would be here every Friday night if rain was forecast to put the covers on. Perhaps a Friday night working party could be started again for example putting the rope out, cleaning the changing rooms and showers and, as I say, putting the covers on if the weather looks doubtful. Then on a Saturday, the only thing that has to be done is the flags, the bell and the scoreboard to put out by the time the captain arrives which will take the pressure off him - No I don't mean one or two but I mean everyone that plays home on the Saturday. The ones that put it out on a Friday night then the other team members see to things on a Saturday. I will try to come down when I can, the spirit is great on the field so let's put it into practice. Before I close, I just want to say a couple of thank yous...

1. I would like to thank you all for putting up with me through the season - as I said you all mean everything to me. I cannot do what I would like to do or what I used to do but I just want to feel part of the team again, because at the moment I don't. However I do try and will continue to help and support captains in anyway I can because I feel I am useless to you all. Let's be a club again because at times it felt like firsts and seconds.

2. I would like to thank Jonners, Serge & Prycee for doing a great job on Saturdays. I wouldn't want their jobs if the weather is doubtful or having to drop someone or having to make last minute decisions. You have done a great job - well done!

3. No Kobus I haven't forgotten you. I think you have the hardest job of the lot. On a Thursday night you have a full side and come Saturday night you are trying to get players again and that is the last thing you need after a long hard day in the field - you must be knackered come midnight! I don't come up every Sunday as church commitments and two lots of taxi fares make it difficult but I won't say that you haven't done a great job as I think you really have. Sundays may only be friendlies but it is money coming into the club. I truly believe Sunday cricket has to be talked about as to whether we want it or not...

4. Now then Tommo. Where does one start? Who deserves a gold medal? Tommo does every Sunday morning as the league tables and the fantasy leagues are updated. The thing is Tommo unlike you I have an excuse to go home legless on a Saturday night but there again I don't need one. For those of you that don't know, he works hard for the cricket section and Sarah and his lovely children don't see him much. As well as being a good batsman on his day, he works very hard at his game and is a true and loyal Fugie who gets on with things without a murmur. Tommo I don't think a million thank yous are enough for you so will you accept one thank you instead.

So then boys are we going to work together off the field as well as on it to support our captains? At the end of the day its your club and its your team.

Thank you very much for listening. As we go into our 74th year, let's all work hard on and off the field and who knows what we might be celebrating as we go into our 75th year and what's more I cannot wait. Don't forget committee, I may have some useful ideas because in an uncertain world none of us may be here for the centenary so let's make it special. If someone told me on New Years Eve 1999 that I was going to lose my leg on Christmas Day 2003, I would never have believed them.

Right - time for a beer....

Martin