The All New Jon Lown Interview

Almost midway through the 2003 season, Jon Lown reflects on the season so far, and urges his charges to push on with their promotion push.


Q. How do you think the season is going?

A. I have been very pleased with our start. As at 21st June we lie fourth in the table after some encouraging results. It was disappointing to be rained off in our first match against Lacey Green whilst everyone else played, and I am sure we would have won that and therefore be even higher up the table. Team spirit has been excellent and there is a good core of players to call upon. I expect some tough decisions on Team selection when everyone becomes available at the same time.

Q. Who have been the stars so far this season?

A. As last year, our bowling has been impressive and we have regularly been bowling sides out. Liam O'Neill and Craig Ottaway have been bowling well, and I have been pleased with the contributions from Gary Helm who has adapted well to life in the first eleven. The star of the show so far on the bowling side has been Rob "The Refridgerator" Thompson though, who has proved he can be relied upon week in week out to keep the runs down and pick up vital wickets.

On the batting side, I have been pleased with my own form at the top of the order and also the progress being made by Mark Curtis who scored his first 50 for the Club on Saturday at Monks Risborough. Andy Rennard has chipped in with some useful innings and I look forward to some of his big scores we have been accustomed to seeing in the past. The middle order still promise much but I would like to see them deliver more regularly.

Q. Are you happy with your own form? With your 55th birthday approaching, have you decided to retire from bowling?

A. My own form has been good. With the end of June approaching I am nearing 500 runs and although just recently the big scores have tailed off, I hope to be back in the runs soon. My early season injury to my shoulder and arm has now just about cleared up and after a few early overs a couple of weeks ago which were "looseners" I was pleased with my bowling in the Cup win over Monks and hopefully that form can continue through the rest of the season. With Keith Richardson still managing to get his arm over I feel that a decision to retire from bowling at this time in my career may be a little premature!

Q. What is your view on playing in the Mid Bucks Premier?

A. I am quite happy with the Club playing in the Mid Bucks League. We have struggled as a Club over the last few years for players and this season has been vastly improved. We have a stronger squad and by the end of the campaign I hope to be challenging for promotion. The current format is good and we have had some good games this year.

Q. Do you think £450 is good value for an Elizabethan mahogany dressing table - or should we gamble on the Chinese vase?

A. I feel the dressing table represents value for money and reflects the class we try and portray as a Club. If anyone feels they have items to assess I would be delighted to offer my professional opinion. Please avoid the first two weeks of August when I will be topping the tan up even more! I would be interested in some of the relics Duncan Mallard mentioned in his recent article.

Q. We have all been impressed with the form of the Seconds. What do you think the Firsts can learn from their successful start to the season?

A. In fact, I feel they have been learning from the good start we have made. Chris is always receptive to the advice I give and it is pleasing that they seem to be adhering to it! Both teams have stronger squads to choose from and the fact that there is a more solid core of players in both teams has helped team spirit and results as a consequence. Hopefully, both sides will be near the top of their respective tables come the end of the season.

Q. What can Ley Hill players do to continue their good start to the season?

A. I would be encouraged to see them attend a midweek net at the Club which would help them considerably. If anyone is interested please let me know. In addition, a few Sunday games would help their form whilst a good run in the Cup will also benefit them. One or two lack total concentration throughout the whole game and I would like to see this improved. Hopefully, our vice captain can work on this psychology over the rest of the summer. Finally, this is the cricket season and there have been far too many feeble excuses just recently as to why people can't play regularly each week - come on the Hill do you want success or what??!!

Q. Are there plans for a players' night out, and will it be a gentlemen's evening affair?

A. I believe plans are underway - should be a good affair - with a number of heavy drinkers now within the Club. I would like to hope that a Club Tour could be organized shortly and if anyone would like to take responsibility for organizing this then I am sure the members will back them by making themselves available to tour.
 

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