Well it’s that time of month when I put pen to paper so to speak and ramble on a bit about what’s been happening over the last month and as usual, it’s been a busy month at UCC. Firstly, we welcomed Connor Smith to the club when he arrived off his flight from Perth and in true Upton style there were plenty down throughout the afternoon to say hello before he ‘crashed’ with the effects of travelling for 24 hours. He seems to have settled in well and having spent a fair bit of time with him over the last couple of weeks I can see he’ll fit in really well at the club. Off the pitch he’s not had too bad a start, managing to secure a job lifeguarding having been in the country less than 48 hours and is currently doing some work for one of our Country members (thank you Colin Laidlaw) down in Moreton. On the pitch, it wasn’t too bad a start as he picked up three wickets in the first league game and showed plenty of promise with both bat and ball before falling LBW. With the 1’s being on the road for a couple of week’s now, I’m sure you’ll get the chance to get to know Connor over the coming weeks.

Cricketing wise, the mixed April weather has meant it’s been a stop/start or rather start/stop opening to the season as we basked in baking hot sunshine on week 1 to then face Storm Hannah for week 2. Having gone down to the club early doors on Saturday to see how dodgy poor conditions were I was confronted with the covers having nearly blown on to Old Greasby Road. A quick rescue mission got them secured and prevented any damage – certainly not the start I want to endure on a Saturday morning. Fingers crossed the weather forecast stays fine now for the rest of the season!!

Talking of Storm Hannah, our very own Hannah (McGowan) looked to be in fine form as she returned very tidy bowling figures of 1 for 9 from 5 overs in the Ladies XI’s opening day fixture against Stockport Georgians last weekend - come on – I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity as a Segway into Ladies cricket was I!!! Unfortunately it wasn’t enough as the hosts claimed victory with four overs to spare, but still a very useful workout as this team continues to develop in just their second season of competitive cricket.

Looking ahead, the season is now in full flow and on a personal level I’ve got four days golfing in the Algarve to look forward to starting next Wednesday. Now the more astute of you will recognise that it’s this weekend that magic normally happens – no, not with me on the golf course unfortunately, but with the teams playing cricket. Over the last three years we’ve had a 100 point Saturday, Luca’s 142 and then last year was Chris McArthur’s 138 against Sale. No pressure lads, but who will I be toasting from a bar on the marina in Vilamoura this year!!!

Enjoy the month ahead, and I’ll see you around the club.

Cheers
Jez