Diary Of A Vegan Cricketer (Week Twenty Two)

C is for …… coaching (decision), NBCC LGBTQ+ first game (first win), an early end to the season in preparation for winter nets at Edgbaston, and initial thoughts on next season.

2024 Season Week Twenty Two: August 25th – September 1st

As I started the thought process for this weeks diary (yes some thought goes into it, honest!) the decision regarding coaching was whether to do any during the season next year as this season I found playing 2 or 3 games a week and a couple of coaching sessions left no time or energy for practice. I had decided not to do any coaching during the season: off season is for preparation and the season is for playing.

In the last couple of days however “talks have started” about NBCC getting involved in helping a club to develop a new team, which would include some coaching, playing and provision of players during the season. NBCC has a number of coaches so it would not all be on me, but I would be expected to play 8 to 12 games during the season.

My deadline for decision and negotiations is the end of September, after which I will be concentrating solely on my my own fitness, game and the coaching at Edgbaston

Monday saw the first NBCC LGBTQ+ Team game, a competitive game against Rodley CC which saw NBCC register a win. NBCC is growing year on year, and the partnership with Out4Cricket will see it grow even more, and is now my only ‘vehicle’ for helping players develop and enjoy their cricket be it social or competitive.

Tuesday saw the Staffordshire Seniors Over 60s First Team limp (literally) to an end, with a loss over Suffolk. I wasn’t planning on playing 60s cricket this year, but have played the majority of games, with mixed but steady performances. It will be interesting to see what next season brings, but it is my priority playing wise next year.

No golf this week, but a couple of days at Edgbaston watching some cricket, catching up with friends and finalising the details for the NBCC Winter Nets, which I am really excited about. They start on 13th October which is one reason I have called an end to this season (with a few charity and NBCC games scheduled) so I can have a rest, do some rehab, pop over to Spain and hopefully be ready to start coaching and working on my own game.

Sunday ….. if ever I need any walk on music it will be Mission Impossible! Batting 8, in ‘as usual’ at 120 for 6 with 25 overs to go. Hung around, ate up some overs, got a few runs. Set them 160, and we won by 10 runs. Didn’t bowl, two catches (one very good) then sat on M6 for over an hour on way home. Still, always good to see the Graces.

It seems mad to be thinking about next season already, but I want to target my off season on a specific role so I am looking at;

Saturday: League Cricket when available with no leadership role
Sunday: Development, Charity and NBCC
Tuesday: Staffordshire Seniors

Will see how it pans out.