Don't ask Oxbrough for directions

There have been some poor excuses for lateness over the years - Jasper Ahern's "I got stuck behind an elephant in Esher High Street" is a market leader - but Mark Oxbrough has managed to incorporate lameness with modern technology as the following email to hbis captain the day after a no-show in the Summer League indicates:

"I was cycling from central London to TD. When I got to just outside Kingston I turned on the TOMTOM on my phone to take me to the Portsmouth Rd. I ended up on a small residential rd in Roehampton 10km later."

Mixed leagues and clean kit

That rarest of beasts – a committee meeting – was held last month and the following are relevant matters which were raised:-

Mixed League
It was hoped that the Club would also run one Mixed side and it was proposed that the Club should consider the feasibility of organising a mixed league to play at TD on Sunday mornings, at 11.00 am and 12.30 pm. Such a league might bring income into the Club, encourage youngsters and draw in new players. It was proposed that there should be eight sides in the league.

Team Selection
It was noted that the move to integrate teams that was started last year needed to continue this year. It was proposed that each team should aim to have a squad of 14 or 15 players, but that there should be movement of players up and down teams as appropriate throughout the season. This would be left primarily to team Captains to implement.

Kit
The club colours are: blue and orange (home) or white (away) shirts, white shorts, blue socks with orange and white rings. Every player is required to play in the club colours and the new style shirts in particular during the 2007-08 season and, in this respect, kit will be available for purchase from behind the bar.


Socials
It was noted that there was a need for a Social Committee, consisting of players from across the club. While the precise timing and format of social events would be left to the Social Committee, it was thought that four dates should be chosen and then advertised widely, including on the website to include perhaps an event at the start of the season, and an end of season dinner with perhaps a quiz night or wine tasting or the like in between. One could coincide with the Rugby World Cup, but this would be left to the Social Committee.


Tour
It was thought that there would be sufficient interest in a modest end of season tour, such as a long weekend in Dublin, Prague or Barcelona at Easter or over the first May Bank holiday, to make it a viable option.

Discipline
After some disappointing years, discipline improved greatly last season. This was to be encouraged again this season. The club will not tolerate bad language or abusive behaviour towards umpires or anyone else. Transgressions will be reported to the committee, as will any yellow or red cards.