We've blown our chances, admits Jones
Thursday, 18th July 2002.
HAVERHILL skipper Steve Jones admits the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties League Division Three title is out of reach.
But Jones hopes his third-placed side can put recent disappointments behind them against Dunmow tomorrow.
"I think the title is beyond us now," said Jones. "We have dropped too many silly games. We have lost three games that we should never have lost.
"I can't see them (second-placed Woolpit and leaders Harwich) losing three more games to be honest, although you never know in this league.
"Because we are such a young club probably (the aim is) consolidation this year and see what happens next season."
After last week's capitulation against Brightlingsea, when they let slip a strong position and lost by five runs, Jones is looking for an improvement, but he admitted players' confidence was down.
"The last couple of weeks we have thrown it away in the last 10 overs, certainly on the batting side," he said.
"We should have won the last two games."
Wicketkeeper Steve Rinaldi has ruled himself out, but brother Mickey is back in the XI, even if his hamstring injury will hamper him. "It's doubtful that he will be bowling," said the captain.
Ben Salter will take over behind the stumps and Simon Youngs and the skipper are likely to open in attack if Mickey Rinaldi's hamstring is not up to the job.
"We do miss an out-and-out quickie, but basically me and Simon will probably open again," said Jones.
The match will be played in memory of former Haverhill player Pat Nealon, who died from a brain tumour. Haverhill's three teams will donate their match fees (about £100) to Nealon's family, who will give the money to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where he was treated.
Exning make several changes to their team for the visit of Mistley in Division One.
Batsman Dave Monk replaces Peter Allen while bowlers Matt Lubbock and Keith Metcalfe step in for Andrew Longfield and Adam Grainger, who drop into the seconds.
Dan Baigent, meanwhile, impressed last time out. "He retains his place ? we liked what we saw," said Tony Catley, Exning's spokesman.
All-rounder Tim Milner will be the only absentee for Lakenheath, who have a strong unit for their clash with visitors Frinton in Division Two.
Kev Lister's 72 not out in the Fordham Midweek League could be enough to earn him a place in the Worlington side against visitors Mildenhall II.
Steve Smith, Worlington's skipper, said: "He's got the ability to score runs, but he's not always possibly got in with enough time to do it.
"He's not conventional with his batting anyway. He does tend to like to whack it on the leg side a bit."
Batter Matt Peachey (unavailable) and Craig Woollard (holiday) will not figure for Worlington, who have all-rounder Simon Rider back from his holiday.
Steve Lankester and Ian Handy return to a strong Mildenhall II line-up, which will be shorn of Lee Chipchase and Matt Grinham, who are not available.
Mildenhall III have the same side as last weekend for their home clash with Coggeshall II in Division Six.
But Jones hopes his third-placed side can put recent disappointments behind them against Dunmow tomorrow.
"I think the title is beyond us now," said Jones. "We have dropped too many silly games. We have lost three games that we should never have lost.
"I can't see them (second-placed Woolpit and leaders Harwich) losing three more games to be honest, although you never know in this league.
"Because we are such a young club probably (the aim is) consolidation this year and see what happens next season."
After last week's capitulation against Brightlingsea, when they let slip a strong position and lost by five runs, Jones is looking for an improvement, but he admitted players' confidence was down.
"The last couple of weeks we have thrown it away in the last 10 overs, certainly on the batting side," he said.
"We should have won the last two games."
Wicketkeeper Steve Rinaldi has ruled himself out, but brother Mickey is back in the XI, even if his hamstring injury will hamper him. "It's doubtful that he will be bowling," said the captain.
Ben Salter will take over behind the stumps and Simon Youngs and the skipper are likely to open in attack if Mickey Rinaldi's hamstring is not up to the job.
"We do miss an out-and-out quickie, but basically me and Simon will probably open again," said Jones.
The match will be played in memory of former Haverhill player Pat Nealon, who died from a brain tumour. Haverhill's three teams will donate their match fees (about £100) to Nealon's family, who will give the money to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where he was treated.
Exning make several changes to their team for the visit of Mistley in Division One.
Batsman Dave Monk replaces Peter Allen while bowlers Matt Lubbock and Keith Metcalfe step in for Andrew Longfield and Adam Grainger, who drop into the seconds.
Dan Baigent, meanwhile, impressed last time out. "He retains his place ? we liked what we saw," said Tony Catley, Exning's spokesman.
All-rounder Tim Milner will be the only absentee for Lakenheath, who have a strong unit for their clash with visitors Frinton in Division Two.
Kev Lister's 72 not out in the Fordham Midweek League could be enough to earn him a place in the Worlington side against visitors Mildenhall II.
Steve Smith, Worlington's skipper, said: "He's got the ability to score runs, but he's not always possibly got in with enough time to do it.
"He's not conventional with his batting anyway. He does tend to like to whack it on the leg side a bit."
Batter Matt Peachey (unavailable) and Craig Woollard (holiday) will not figure for Worlington, who have all-rounder Simon Rider back from his holiday.
Steve Lankester and Ian Handy return to a strong Mildenhall II line-up, which will be shorn of Lee Chipchase and Matt Grinham, who are not available.
Mildenhall III have the same side as last weekend for their home clash with Coggeshall II in Division Six.
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