Updated 08/01/2007

After the sorry shenanigans down under, it's almost a relief to report that the new season is almost upon us! Just don't get me started on the Ashes debacle, although I feel in my bones that the forthcoming one-day tournament will be an exercise in damage limitation rather than redemption on the way to World Cup success in the spring.

Yes, I know it's still the middle of winter, although it certainly doesn't feel like it at the moment thanks to global warming, but Mushie Jones has been beavering away to organise nets for you all to show off your newly acquired Xmas kit. Starting this year on January 28th which should give you all ample opportunity to be in "nick" by April...

Some of last year's numbers are in from Statto Johnson, although the cumulative figures are still awaited. I'm afraid there's not too much to gloat about as, with the exception of the shining beacon that is Nathan Haynes, the numbers are as ropey as ever. Perhaps the only other highlight is the ongoing familial competition/dispute between Chris and Tony Timms. Both scoring identical numbers of runs last year at similar averages (allowing for age differences), with Chris edging the wicket count, probably due to Tony being tragically underbowled for the bulk of the season by unsympathetic captaincy (shurely shome mishtake - ed)

Also note that Tour Secretary and Chairman have been trawling (crawling?) round Oxfordshire while you've been enjoying yourselves and have settled on Witney as offering the requisite balance of real ale, curry houses, dodgy nightclubs and a selection of picturesque cricket clubs who've never heard of us. So check out the provisional fixtures and start priming the memsahib that you'll be away from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th July...