By Barmy Kev
March 1 2011

The forum starts off with a hair raising exerience and finishes with some hot air. In between some information about prospects for the coming season. Read on, its a gas.

The evening started with reunion amongst those who have not met all winter. Vinny walked in and warmly greeted Kimmy to the extent her hair was caught up in his jacket buttonhole.  As they were untangling Kimmy was complaining about her expensive hair do being ruined, while Vinny was concerned about damage to his expensive jacket. This set the tone for the evening

Kimmy suggested for the report, that I should write saying I can only include matters that were asked not to be kept in confidence and then do a blank report.  Then I should update this the next day.  Ken suggested I should leave out key words and have a guess the missing word competition. e.g. Physio says Berg is xxxx. But given everything that was said here was for public domain and the potential confusion of Ken’s idea, I’m writing more or less how it was.

So on to forum. We have panel of I Luvit (IL), Gus and Richard Scott (RS).  The turn out was lowest I have ever known for a forum.   It was introduced with quote from our website regarding forums. First one of year is optimistic, 2^nd one saying perhaps not doing quite as well as hoped and 3^rd one apologising for promises of 1 and 2. IL said he was asked not to be too upbeat by RS. 

However, he started off by congratulating Strauss for winter achievements- resounding applause.  Also Finn and Eion were praised for their England roles.

1^st question, well statement from Fingers who said wanted to get in early, as had to leave soon as had better offer elsewhere. “ Glad we didn’t go for KP “- muted applause and diplomatic reply from panel.

Lower Pav- then asked identical question from last forum making point that Richo not injured for Worcs, yet constantly was for us. And IOB comes to us injury free and then breaks down. He asked about Iceman and Rogers fitness.   Reply was sharing frustrations with injuries, but said all counties suffer and our Physio team is top class.   Iceman recovery is slow but has started bowling of shorter run. Crook is kind of cover in this area (This all left me still concerned.)  Rogers has recovered from knee problem and any doubts are just rumours.

So I put hand up and wasinvited to ask question straight away. Once I worked out that I needed to switch mike on to be heard I asked about wicket keeper situation– hopefully once and for all. RS said Simmo playing in Aus, which is helping his game. He will be first choice at start.   Ben Scott is fielding coach and is very enthusiastic and hungry for 1^st team action. He will be challenging if Simmo’s standards drop. IL mentioned the challenge of Adam Rossington and performances for under 19s.

Dingy Bags asked who’s lined up to replace Ace at no. 3.   Assuming Strauss unavailable it will be Sam Robson.

Kimmy asked about coaching staff.  It will be much as you were.  Mark O’Neill (batting), Richard Johnson (bowling), Jack Russell (keeper)  

A high profile member asked about 2^nd team development.  Dan Housego/ Adam London are expected to be fighting for place. A series of young players were mentioned showing we have plenty in pipeline. We won an ECB under 17 competition.  So looks good here.

The most challenging question was asking about Ace interview with him saying, “ the culture needs to change at the club.” I liked the tongue in cheek response now he’s gone it has changed. It was also mentioned we are developing young players and pre winter programme as evidence of change.

There was shortage of hands up say the new domestic structure was discussed.  The clubs line will be to recommend. Keeping 16 championship games (applause). Reducing to 10 20/20 group games (more applause). 4 groups of 5 for 40 overs –with ¼ finals. If Div 2 CC no’s reduced push for 2 up 3 down.This obviously is just our clubs position in very big picture.

Lower Pav then asked, I’m sure this been asked before too, about committee structure. I switched off during answer, but confirmed 2 bottom people on votes were re-elected and they are encouraging new people. LP elaborate if you wish.

Grounds were discussed, Radlett not moving as fast as we’d like. Lords will be closed for any cricket purpose (even staff quarters) during Olympic 2012.

Someone asked why we would be playing during Olympics when there is some kind of ban on major sporting events.  It was deemed perhaps Middx v Derbys county cricket not a major event.

A good question was asked about Rayner being signed showing lack of faith in Smith. Just said cover needed and we may play 2 spinners, they have been impressed with Ollie.  He will return to Sussex when Monty expected to be picked for England Lions and thwn Ravi Patel will be available for us after Uni.

Winter training programme was highlighted. Started 2^nd Nov.  Break for Xmas continued 5 Jan. Players are certainly now fitter and stronger. We will be training at Loughborough, Lords, indoors if necessary and have plenty of pre season friendlies.   Dext is playing in SA- he volunteered to come back for forum, but thought beneficial if he kept playing.

Cheeky question about Chief Exec of Sorry leaving sign they were in "disarray".   IL stated new guy is trying to treat their fans (both of them) like fans not customers, bit like us.

As evening drawing to close IL said Gus working with “Team England” re availability of ECB 3. Strauss likely to play just before test series. Eion, who is now with team, will play more unless he gets a test place. Hi FI will be more in frame and is now part of our training programme and highly motivated. He wants to play against Cambridge and will play an integral part in our season.

As various bowling options were discussed a member let off in our area a gigantic audible fart.  By all accounts the individual did not disguise it as him.  Maybe this was his opinion on matters.   As evening closed with the hot air resounding, the traditional Tavern drink did not happen due to its refurbishment.   Most who would have said or heard things that were not to be repeated were at Bowlers Bar. I was not suitably suited and booted so was Star for me, where footie dominated conversation as little to talk about from forum.

Roll on April.