The Jon Lown Interview 2003
 

Ley Hill 1st XI supremo Jon Lown is grilled on his team's and the club's prospects for 2003.

1. Were you satisfied with 2002's performances?

2002 was hugely disappointing. The season promised much at the start with our Zimbabwean overseas signing Tristan Alves joining the Club but too many of the experienced top order batsmen did not perform during the season. This all culminated in going into the last game of the season with the threat of relegation still a possibility. Thankfully, we survived, primarily to the fact that the two teams below us were playing each other and drew! Despite the poor batting form of the whole team (with the exception of the Captain himself and Andy Rennard) I have been shocked at the apparent lack of commitment to putting this right by non-attendance of our batsmen at winter nets.

2. What do you think Ley Hill's prospects are for the 2003 season?

I hope that our prospects will be good for the coming year although we will continue to be affected by players still being at University early on in the season and then people sloping off to summer parties/bar-b-qs/cutting the grass/etc during those June/July days. I hope that players play to their abilities in which case, if they do, then we should be pushing for promotion, rather than struggling against the drop. Everyone needs to closely examine their own contributions and how they are going to benefit the team this year.

3. Are there any new players?  Will any of the colts feature this season?

I am not aware of any new players but they are always made welcome so if anyone knows anyone who wants to play then bring them along. Hopefully, some of those players who started playing during the second half of last year in the thirds will progress to the seconds this year and put some pressure on places. Likewise, anyone impressing in the seconds will be given opportunities in the firsts and underperfomers will be ruthlessly dropped. If any of the colts are considered good enough then they will feature too.

4. Which players are expected to shine in 2003?

I expect the usual established players to make an impression and believe myself and Andy Rennard will be competing for the leading run scorer. I hope that Messrs Brewer, Leadbitter and Lee will be making far greater contributions than last year with the bat. I hope that Craig Ottaway returns to form with the ball and I expect our new vice-captain, Ian Birkett to make strong all-round contributions both with bat and ball and with his fielding prowess.

5. Are there any changes to the club facilities?

We have an exciting new innovation "The Captain's Mate" which I look forward to seeing, together with the extended patio area which has been under construction thanks to our resident handy man, Lofty. The main change is of course the fact that our outfield was dug up at the end of last season and has now been levelled - I am sure we all look forward to playing on the new improved Ley Hill pitch.

6. Which teams should we look out for?

An interesting league programme this year with a couple of local derbies - Bovingdon and Chesham Bois. Teams to look out for will include Bucks CC, Flackwell Heath whilst Potten End will be an unknown quantity. Some pleasant grounds to visit include Bradenham, Monks Risborough and Flackwell. Crucial results will be those against our local rivals and I know "The Hill" will be up for them.

8. How many brownie points have you accrued during the winter?

Not as many as usual. A few trips to Elland Road have not helped the cause but I still expect to be seen regularly on the field of play on Saturday/Sunday during the season and of course in the midweek Cup games.

9. What international cricketer would you most liken yourself to?

Interesting question and it would be intriguing to see who the Ley Hill players themselves would choose! Being arrogant, I would say Jacques Kallis of South Africa as we are both top order batsmen and regular bowlers taking crucial wickets, with a strong will to win!!

10. In the mid-1990s, John Caple led the 2nd XI to promotion. It is widely believed that the team - particularly Keith Richardson - was motivated by a buxom blonde scorer, who often wandered into the changing room before and after games. Is this a role you have requested Eleanor to fill in 2003?

It hadn't really entered my thoughts! Eleanor has been known to wander into the changing rooms whenever she feels like it so she doesn't need asking! If anyone is aware of an available buxom blonde (or brunette) then I would be happy to teach her the art of scoring! Any other motivational techniques would be welcome.

11. Players also respond to a good tea. Who is your tip for the best tea lady of 2003?

Best tea lady would undoubtedly be Wendy Holman with her lovely homemade cakes. Unfortunately, we only get to experience these once a year! It therefore remains that our only tea lady is likely to be Ma Green, who continues to provide sterling work on behalf of our lazy players who can't be bothered to help out.

12. Over the winter the club has improved its patio facility, increasing the area on which players can enjoy post-match drinks. Does this mean that you will be staying for more than one drink after games?

We'll have to see on that one - hopefully we will have some more victories to celebrate and keep me in a good mood!

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