Less than a week until the start of the new season to be played out of a beautiful new clubhouse. Through the blissful window of early season optimism there are high expectations for all 3 senior teams this season. Entering my 3rd full year on the job I've set out a few thoughts below around how I'd like those of you who find yourselves in the 3rds to approach the season ahead.

New Scoring System
The Team who scores the most runs wins! Bonus points are now awarded as below for both winning and losing teams:

Points	Batting	Bowling
1	125 Runs	1-2 Wickets
2	150 Runs	3-4 Wickets
3	175 Runs	5-6 Wickets
4	200 Runs	7-8 Wickets
5	225 Runs	9-10 Wickets

Off-Field

Communication

1. The more notice you can give me about your availability the better. The best mechanism for this is the NLCC website, though via text or in person is fine too – but keep the info up to date!
2. If you get a late call-up to the 2s or 1s I should already know about it... but text or call me anyway, it’s better to be told twice than not at all.

Punctuality

1. For home games the meet time will be 1 hour before the game starts. For away games it will be at the correct time to allow us to arrive at the away ground 45 minutes before the game starts. I do not expect players to be late.
2. For away games if you are travelling directly to the ground let me know beforehand and be there 45 minutes before the start time.
3. In the (very, very) rare situation where you realise you are going to be late please call or text me asap and let me know when you expect to arrive – it will stop me worrying.

Facilities

1. We have an excellent new club house that has taken a lot of time and effort to put in place. Make sure to keep it in best possible condition.
2. There are a number of small jobs that need doing before and after every game, e.g. boundary ropes / flags, clubhouse shutters, etc that I usually end up either doing myself or asking people to do for me. It would be a great help if you could all just do a little bit each without being asked, it won’t take very long if everyone pitches in.

On-Field

Philosophy

1. Cricket is meant to be fun for everyone involved. I do not bring players just to field and always try to make sure everyone has a proper chance to contribute.
2. The 3rd XI has two key purposes. One is to introduce talented cricketers to playing against adults and as an arena to improve your skills. If it works well then you should all progress up to the more senior teams, but 3rd Team cricket a learning ground, you will make mistakes and you will learn from them, this is to be expected and no one should ever be criticised for an honest mistake.
3. The other key purpose of the 3rd XI is to give those players who find themselves out of the senior teams a platform to display their skills and / or regain form. The team captains talk on a regular basis so good performances will be noted.
4. Do the basics well. Long barriers, walking in, proper calling and running, line and length, not giving your wicket away. The best way to succeed is to always give 100% and always do the basics well, talent and experience will take care of the rest.
5. Game preparation. Everyone should be in whites 20 minutes before the start of the game for a warm up and fielding drills / throw downs.

Conduct

1. Everyone should read the League Expectations of Players and Spirit of Cricket. I agree with them in their entirety which means they are team policy too.
2. Always respect the umpires, they are people too and are giving up their time to do the job. Yes, you will get bad decisions, you will also get some decisions you think are bad but are not. Take a deep breath and let it go, there’s nothing you can do about it and getting worked up will only make you play worse. As a bowler, if you want to enquire about a decision you do so politely and respectfully. As a batsman, you just have to deal with it. If there is a genuine issue speak to me about it and I will raise it after the game.
3. Always respect the opposition. Do not get involved in verbal exchanges with the opposition, whatever they say rise above it. If you ever feel sledging from the opposition is going too far, tell me or the umpire and it will be dealt with.
4. Always support your team mates. Mistakes will happen, support and encouragement is always a much better response than anger and recrimination.