Well the gig went well. Elim is a quality venue for sure – great light show, great sound system and a great night. Charlie brought a touch of class vocally, and was pleased with how the songs came across.  At the end ‘She kissed me on the cheek’ this bloke went “Tuuuune”. So I guess that means he liked it. But I’m not street.

 But my mood – boosted by success at Elim and the England rugby team’s Gandalf impression in Paris (YOU – SHALL NOT – PASS!) – has been somewhat deflated by cricket nets yesterday.

 It seems, dear reader, that after a fairly encouraging start to bowling last week, I have the Yips.

 The first three balls yesterday were abysmal. I just couldn’t time the release of the ball. I literally smashed it down about 3 yards in front of me.

 Cue a very pregnant and awkward silence in the sports hall.

 So I volunteered for ‘Remedial bowling 101′ with a tennis ball against the wall while the big boys played real cricket. Recovered things slightly -  enough to bowl a guy and then a beauty that started outside leg, swung, pitched middle and seamed away to slip. But then the beamers  and leg side full tossescame out. I stomped down to Globe Sports at lunch and bought all kinds of paraphernalia to aid practice before net practice next Sunday.

Those of you that pray – I’d appreciate. I’m not much of a batsman . . .