Blog - Frankie Brown - Looking Forward to 2010

8 April 2010

I'm writing this just after our first-class game against Surrey.

Despite fears regarding the pace of the Surrey attack, dogged resistance with the bat and accuracy with the ball saw us put up a decent show against a very strong side, and we emerged with a creditable draw. Having netted for a couple of weeks beforehand, it was good to finally get some time in the middle. Pre-match dinner in Nando's, combined with the inspirational words of Weasely Nick Lee and Commander Chris Scott, clearly worked.

Atmosphere in the squad is really good. The previous week's "sports psychology session", all jokes aside, seems to have got the guys together and there's a real feeling of unity in the team. With a strong core of experienced players, this should be a really successful season. Last year our one-day cricket was average at best, so a lot of thought has gone into producing a winning formula this time around. Ireland under 19s sensation Benjamin Ackland, when not composing his own Wikipedia page, has come brimming with ideas honed on the Emerald Isle. With new superstar Pete Turnbull swinging the ball at pace, who knows the limit to what this side can achieve?

In all seriousness, it should be a really good season. A long batting order and a brigade of accurate bowlers will hopefully stand us in good stead.

Sadly Ballard's incessant wittering about his minor counties chums doesn't show any sign of ending, but Richard Hesketh has arrived to make everyone happy. Although not a man of size, his sharp wit has resulted in a banter-filled dressing room.

Looking forward to it all starting!