Not long now

In describing a match at New Rover in April 2009 Tony Hutton summed up perfectly the thoughts of the 'professional cricket watcher' at this time of year when he wrote 'The cricket itself does not really matter. The fact that it is taking place at all after a long hard winter brings a smile to the face of the few diehards who make up the small crowd.'
Two long hard winters have passed since then, that of 2010-11 harder and longer than most and so it is with more anticipation than usual that this particular enthusiast awaits the new season.The signs are there: this last week has been unseasonably warm,lawns have been mowed, the clocks have sprung forward, Wisden and Playfair are ordered and we can look forward to cricket where there are no drums, no maximums, no reviews of umpire decisions and no dancers celebrating an edged four.
Yesterday the YCC Supporters'Association held its spring lunch at Headingley. It was good to meet old friends who are equally excited about the new season and April 14th in particular when Yorkshire take on Durham at Headingley in the first home County Championship match of the season.
I am very grateful to Peter for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to this blog and I hope its followers will find something of interest in my season's wanderings.
John Winn