Short pitch: and we’re off

One accident report (no lasting damage).

Two late coaches.

Three lost balls.

Four missed calls on my phone as 6 o’clock approached.

5km of walking and running with and between practice groups.

Six.. seven.. yes! eight players confirmed for Wednesday’s under 9 pairs match.

92 brand new club shirts gone astray.

These are the vital statistics of the first day of the junior cricket season. I’m shattered, but a couple of hours after the session, which was attended by nearly 100 boys and girls, and helped by a bottle of Blue Moon from the George Wright Brewery, my anxiety levels have dropped and I am feeling satisfied: we’re off – the season is under way.