Well blogees, you'll no doubt be dreadfully disappointed to learn that I am going on holiday next week, so I will not be bringing you up to date for a little while.
But hopefully, upon my return, I can tell you of how wonderful my first game of the season was! With the sun now beating down and temperatures more akin to July than April, I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to getting out on to a cricket field again.
Now, normally, I manage to get myself out in some bizarre way first game of the season, but I am determined this won't happen this year!!
A couple of seasons ago, I was asked to open the batting over at Bladon on a bitterly cold afternoon.
Not so keen, I reluctantly agreed when I was assured I would not have to face the first ball of the season (and hence be in with a chance of a diamond duck...or whatever it's called).
But this was just a big stitch up from my teammates. Out I strode, very pleased to be there, talking to the wicket keeper...but wait.....he was at my end?!?
The fielding team and our captain had decided that come what may, I was going to face the first ball.
I was bricking it to say the least.....
In came the bowler, and all I wanted to do was avoid the ignamony of a duck on the very first ball of the season.
The ball hit the middle of my bat with a resounding thwack! A quality forward defensive shot.
"Yes, I've survived it....I thought."
But to my horror, I looked up and saw my batting partner charging down my end.
Stupidly, I then decided to run as well....and yep, you've guessed it, I was run out by half the length of the pitch!
So last season, when I was asked to open the batting again, this time at Wantage, I was clued up....no way was I going to face the first ball of the season again.
I smiled as I managed to stitch up my batting partner.
Within a minute, I knew what it felt like to be Ian Bell....as my stumps were shattered at my end with me backing up out of my crease.....
I thought it couldn't have got any worse than the previous year....but to be out without even facing a ball must be a gold-plated diamond duck!!
And as for this year?? Well, I am playing in the first game.....but where am I going to bat?
I think No 12 seems like a good spot!