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[uknsaunders]

I moved at the end of last season to Milton Keynes. I had a few games at a couple of clubs, netted at a couple more over the winter but nothing really grabbed me. All were good clubs and all were good blokes to be around. I was probably heading towards the status quo anyway and sticking with Wolverton CC who I played for last season, when an interesting proposition came along from the club. I got wind they were without a 2nd XI Captain, and after an initial chat they seemed pretty keen to have me on board as captain. I had played a few games last season and been to nets, so I wasn't a total newbie but it's still going to be a challenge to get up to speed in a club I'm still relatively new to. Things are made harder by the 1/2s having successive relegations so I'm hoping even mid-table will seem like a triumph!. Im also hoping Cherwell Div 8 will be weak enough for me to get some runs and wickets to help keep the side competitive.The club seem to be going places after a down period, with new 30k nets, sightscreens and covers.

I have a fair amount of experience at captaincy at various levels so I should know most things regarding captaincy. Admin being key at the moment, getting a list of players together and assessing how many players we are short. Then most likely going on a recruitment drive, like all clubs at this time of year. Recruited a VC who knows the club and colts well. Any other thoughts?

[Northern monkey]

Cherwell div 8!
You'll get Loadsa runs

[Seniorplayer]

Good luck Nick  a new challenge  along with the motivation to do well can raise your performance and
the performance of your team mates

[meats]

Fill your boots in Cherwell div 8!

[uknsaunders]

Bit of an update on this.

Well it went better than I hoped and we were promoted at the first attempt! Would love to put it down to inspirational captaincy but from what I gather we've had much better availability than previous years. Our 1st's were also promoted as champions.The club had turned a corner, money from sponsors came in, things got done and there was a willingness to get stuck in.  Problems still remain within the club but for the moment they are minor and we have some renewed hope for next season.

On the captaincy side, things went pretty well. The biggest challenge was getting a competitive team out every week at the start of the season. The only 2 games we did lose we were carrying 2/3 third teamers and it showed. Things got easier once our uni lads came back mid season. This did bring a man management problem as a few guys were dropped but I think by the end of the season everyone was on the same page.

The Cherwell points system is a big issue for me, 25 points for a win v 6 points for a rained off game is too much. Once side nearly got promoted due to dodging bad weather and that can't be right. Also too easy to rack up points simply by sticking teams in, you get 10 points for bowling (1 per wicket) but only 6 points for batting. Lose the toss and 99% of the time you'll bat first. Looking forward to Div 7 next season, with a relatively young side - we have 6/7 guys under 21, we can only improve and I know where else we need to improve.

On a personal note - 96.1-29-170-24 at an average of 7 with the ball and 146 runs at 36.5 with the bat isn't too shabby  . Didn't have to bat much in the second part of the season thankfully!