Q1. We are already into the second half of the
season, are you satisfiedwith Ley Hill's league position?
A. The team have underperformed drastically this season. Hopes were high at
the start of the League campaign but following a number of disastrous
results early on, we are now looking at mid-table obscurity. This has been a
major disappointment particularly where our batting has been well under par.
To date there have been three individual scores in excess of 50 which is not
good enough, and therefore not surprising that we are not higher in the
League.
Q2. Have there been any notable performances?
A. Some of the bowling has been good, on a Team basis and we have bowled
sides out for relatively few runs. All the bowlers have had their moments at
one time or another. Batting has been woeful, and it was not until two weeks
ago that Andy Rennard hit 96 not out to record the best individual League
score for the Club to date.
Q3. Are there any new faces in the League Side?
A. We secured the move of David Viney from Amersham 2nd XI at the start of
the season and David has settled in well with the rest of the squad. His
son, Andrew, aged 13, is a regular in the 2nd XI. Sadly, our Overseas player
from Zimbabwe, Tristan Alves, had to return home for family reasons and he
is sorely missed both from his performances with the ball and his general
enthusiasm for the game.
Q4. What could Ley Hill do to improve their league position?
A. We need to start getting the top/middle order scoring some runs as they
are all capable but not producing the goods so far. I am sure that we can
move higher up the League when this situation turns around.
Q5. Which opposition sides have impressed you most?
A. Bucks CC and Widmer End have both had good all round teams and it is no
surprise that they both occupy the top twp places in the League. Apart from
those two we should be capable of giving the rest a run for their money and
third place in the League is not an unreasonable aim to have over the rest
of the season.
Q6. Can we expect a Jon Lown century soon?
A. I very much hope so. Despite a number of low scores in the 50s and a 78
not out, the century has not yet arrived. Efforts will be made between now
and the end of the season to achieve that target which was set at the start
of the Campaign.
Q7. Which Ley Hill member has been most help to you this season?
A. Paul " Packet " Green. Almost single-handedly he has run the bar - a
monumental task in the first year of having the bar facility. In addition
Paul helps with the collection of Subs, Match Fees and can be relied upon to
provide a Tea at a moment's notice. More recently he has been seen preparing
the ground on a Saturday morning following the decision of Patrick Ward to
cease his help with the Pitch. This allows me to concentrate on Team
Selection and bring the Financial Accounts up to date.
Q8. Are there plans to improve the net facilities?
A. None at present. We are looking at levelling the outfield at the start of
September and with this being such a huge task, everything else is taking
second place. We do of course have the mobile net which is well used by the
Colts but it would be highly beneficial if some of the Senior players could
attend a Net session mid week. Perhaps this could be looked at in greater
depth over the winter months in anticipation of next season.
Q9. It has been said that you are a very negative captain. For instance you
usually prefer to chase runs (and settle for 5 points less) rather than take
the game to the opposition. How do you react to this?
A. This is news to me and it is generally accepted within the side and teams
generally that the best way to win the game is to chase a target.
Unfortunately, our batsmen have not been up to the task to date. I believe
all the players are behind me in this philosophy but if anyone is not happy
then I would be pleased to talk about it with them.
Q10. A few years ago, a member of the Lords ground staff played a number of
league games for Ley Hill and helped to coach the colts beforehand. Now
that the club is potentially wealthier, would you like to see a paid professional
undertaking a similar role at Ley Hill next year?
A. Not really. We now have a number of properly qualified coaches within the
Club looking after a large Colts section. Up to 50/60 children are trained
under the supervision of our Colts Leader David "Bob" Peterson and he and
his team do an excellent job. Funds can be utilised elsewhere far more
beneficially.