Captains Message
To all of the 1st Eleven squad.
Hello gents, firstly let me congratulate you on a good start to life in Division 1. We are currently in fourth position and our development up the tiers in local cricket looks set to continue over a long period of time.
I would like to mention that a number of players have performed very well. Ashley Palmer has stepped up in the middle order and has shone with the bat; Mandy and Mark seem to be building a positive opening partnership with the ball. Adam Smith and Mandy have scored runs in the middle order, and our lower batting order, have got us over the line in a number of games.
I’m confident that our top order will begin to improve now that practice facilities are available.
However, over recent weeks, I have noticed a few potential areas of weakness that we need to sharpen up on to ensure that we as a team continue to function well.
Underneath I have outlined the key areas and changes that I feel will assist in making our first eleven stronger.
1, Practice
Unfortunately we as a squad have not been able to practice to the levels required due to the restoration of our nets. During the next week, the nets will be completed and thus, I am going to launch a training plan for all of our first eleven squad.
1.1, How it works
Every player will have a short meeting with the me and the coach to outline a couple of main weaknesses that their game is highlighting. Those areas will be recorded on the training plan sheet and stored in the folder and kept by the captain.
Every Tuesday when we net, the relevant batsman’s template will be produced and the player and coach will then work through weaknesses in order to progress their ability and in turn benefit the first eleven squad.
After a three week period, all the targets for each player will be re-
1.2 Justification
I feel that recently our practice has lost focus and structure and players don’t seem to be working on faults. If we are to succeed, then we all need to be working as hard as possible to develop our game and take the club to new levels.
I strongly feel that this training plan will focus all the players, and structure their development.
1.3 Further practice information
On occasions our players feel that net practice should be low key, I would like to
see bowlers off a full run-
2.0 Fielding on the pitch
I have noticed over the last 4 games that our fielders tend to wonder out of pre set positions. I am going to speak to all the players to ensure that every fielder makes a mark on the pitch and sticks to the game plan. Too many singles have been given away recently, and this needs to stop.
I personally feel that we are not as good in the field as we think we are. Broomleys taught us a harsh lesson. All of us need to take more responsibility for our fielding, which starts at training.
3.0 Overall game play
I am pleased with the start we have made, but I can see so much more. I firmly believe that we have enough talent to compete against the best. If you (the players) decide to, then you could take your game to the next level. That can only be achieved by focussed practice, hard work and graft.
I sincerely hope that you will take this message as a rally call, an incentive to take your game to the next level.
Lets do it together, lets make history by being the most successful players this club has ever had.
Up the Town!!
