The Sun DID always shine..

Given the current period of poor weather, it's tempting to believe that we are experiencing a uniquely wet cricket season.  One senior Crosser has posited that since 1996 the summers weather in the Edinburgh area have become decidedly wetter-more like Glasgow.  Is he right? 

The weather was always like this

The figures below suggest that -as with popular music-things really were better in the past...  Or are there other reasons why more fixtures were completed? Tougher men? Were cancelled games resheduled?

Number of HX Ist XI league fixtures completed (from Hugh K's stats):
note 1984!!

1975 11 out of 12
1976 10 out of 12
1977 13 out of 14
1978 13 out of 14
1979 12 out of 14
1980 12 out of 14
1981 12 out of 14
1982 10 out of 14
1983 12 out of 14
1984 18 out of 18
1985 13 out of 18
1986 16 out of 18
1987-14 out of 18
1988-12 out of 18
1989-16 out of 18
1990-16 out of 18
1991 17 out of 18
1992 16 out of 18
1993 16 out of 18
1994 14 out of 16 

1995 17 out of 18
1996 16 out of 18
1997 14 out of 18
1998 15 out of 18
1999-13 out of 18
2000-13 out of 18
2001 15 out of 18
2002 11 out of 18
2003 15 out of 18
2004 13 out of 18
2005 16 out of 18
2006 16 out of 18
2007 12 out of 18
2008  9  out of 18
2009 15 out of 18
2010 17 out of 19
2011 12 out of 19
2012  6  out of 10

Crossers on shortlist for Government Advisor Post

Matthew d'Ancona (political correspondent at the London Evening Standard) reports that:

'David Cameron has been telling senior Cabinet colleagues that the Coalition must get much better at "pitch-rolling": that is, preparing the ground adequately before the first over of any political cricket match is bowled'.

No. 10 is currently searching the nation for experienced pitch rollers and two of our club members have been mentioned in this context on an influential political blog (no, not Broonster's).

They are this man and this one.

Age of Austerity hits Arbo.

Because of the impeding spending cuts, a number of major capital projects have had to be shelved by the club treasurer. It is hoped that some or all of the projects may be completed when the economic climate revives (The President forecasts this to occur in the 2nd quarter of 2028 - when the first term of his presidency will end).

The projects postponed include:

1. Clubhouse extension plan:

a. The Graveyard Bar (proposed by Ellis Snr/PVB with Presidential support).
A peaceful snug-away from the boisterous atmosphere of the Green Room.
Here the more mature Crossers can enjoy their real ale, malt whiskeys and cigars in front of a roaring open fire - and listen to 78’s and watch ladies tennis.

b. The Safety Room (KF/S. Bonfield/ BAF):
Combined poker and smoking room. Stocked with supplies of papers and snacks.

c. Entertainment Wing (Bainbro/ Andy G/ G. Lohan)
For use during inclement weather. With facilities for Ping Pong, bar billiards, and pole dancing (no, not Ziggy). Also includes space for a 6-piece band.

2.Ground Improvements.

a. Combined hover-cover/ Tea urn (cje).
Sensitive to moisture (any significant rain triggers it into operation) this cover can extend to protect the entire playing surface. Plus the water collected runs directly into a massive urn, providing fresh Assam or Darjeeling tea 24/7.

b. Deluxe combined heavy roller/ mower/ scarifier (Coco/ Smudger).
Weighing 10 tons and with a top speed of 25mph. For lengthy stints of pitch preparation, it comes with a well-stocked fridge, cigarette machine and bunk bed.

Heavy Rolling

Message from our Facilities Commissar:

'The Arbo square has been cut & rolled & is looking goooood. However, it needs more, especially rolling.

I'll be up tomorrow [Saturday 10th] between app 10.30-13.30 (pre rugby) but my unglamorous assistant (McGill)has succumbed to a virus & piked out, so I could do with a replacement.

Apart from that, anyone anytime with a spare couple of hours should spend it rolling. It's a relaxing & stress relieving activity that the square can't get too much of at this time of year. The two end strips are being cut shorter for the pre season matches & these are the only ones that should be rolled in the direction of play. All other rolling at this stage in the pre season should always be either at right angles to play or on the diagonal.'

Please assist if you can. If we put the work in now, scores like that depicted will, Smudger assures me, become a regular feature of matches at Arbo.