January 1998- Preparations are somewhat hampered by 
    the fact thatthe skipper has been overseas and will
    remain so until the end of the month. The usual 
    rumours of defections, retirements, discontent
    filter through. Are we going to have enough players?
    I'm Getting too old for this?, the wife won't let me
    play, etc. The skipper's able deputy, Sid is left to 
    deal with these and must ready himself for the first
    committee meeting on Jan 20th where numerous important
    issues will be discussed. Indeed we are not sure if 
    the skipper/pro is returning for another season.