So, we've reached the halfway point in the cricket season - my first as captain of the Village 1st XI, and it's been an interesting start to the new era at the club.

The first thing that stands out for me is the incredible sense of camaraderie we've built in the side, with everyone focused on achieving the common goal we set out before the season; to win the league. We're really enjoying playing together and it seems like Saturday is fast becoming the highlight of everyone's week, which to me is how club cricket should be.

That said, we've had a mixed bag of results so far, with five wins being knocked down to four, due to the unfortunate folding of Potten End CC. Two defeats and two rained-off games have left us in fourth position at the campaign mid-point. We firmly believe we can make a strong charge for the league title in the second half, given our strong availability and hopefully a drier end to the summer.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the season so far would be bowling out Boxmoor, a strong side, for 17. Our bowlers have really been our strength this season and on that day, our two openers Saahil Mehra and Sam Smith were simply unplayable and a joy to watch.

We are extremely lucky to have such a strong opening pair of bowlers, backed up by the likes of Marcus Cara, Obaid Ur Rehman, and Amit Chadha, who have all been excellent as well this season.

As captain, it's been lovely to see the slow but steady change in our attitude this year. We've set some simple rules, such as a compulsory team warm-up before matches, which everyone is abiding by and enjoying. It's also been great to have the lovely Lottie Atkins putting on fantastic teas at the Village this season, which again, to me is a very important part of club cricket. Lottie has done an incredible job and will continue to be part of our team.

Where I'd like to see more progress, on a cricket front, is with our batting, which has not been at the level it should be. We've had a solitary 50 this season, from Sumit Jadav, and that to me is unacceptable. This is our weak point currently, but we'll rectify this, and provide our bowlers the support they need for us to end the season as champions. I have no doubt.