Interview with Netherfield Captain John Mason
John Mason, Netherfield Captain for 2012 |
Here is an interview I did with new Netherfield Captain John Mason, previewing the forthcoming season:
1. What are the teams aims and aspirations for 2012?
Our Aims will be the same as every year- we want to win the title,. We're under no illusions as to how difficult a task this will be, as the league is full of quality sides, but we're a close group and we'll be working hard to bring success back to the club. We are striving for some success in the cup competitions too.
2.You have secured the services of JJ Pienaar as The New Professional for the new season. Why did you choose JJ and what qualitys will he bring to the side?
We chose Cobus as he has a proven record in South Africa, and The Birmingham Premier League with bat and ball. He trains hard off the pitch and is the kind of model professional every club looks for. He's played alot of cricket with Brett Pelser (Leyland Professional) and Pieter Malan (ex Barrow Professional), so we know the level of quality we can expect.
3.You have also signed Chris Williams from Morecambe, what will Chris bring to the team?
Chris is a quality player and would be a prize asset to any side in this league. He's proved this with his performances for Cumberland, and we're delighted to have him on board. I've been impressed with his training regimen and his performance at winter nets, and I have no doubt he'll go well for us this year.
4.What type of improvements are you looking for from the team for the new season?
Leyland and St Annes have set the bar high, barely a week goes by all season without them picking up 12 points. It sounds like I'm stating the obvious, but we need to be a bit more ruthless and close out more games. We had a few low scoring games and we failed to produce the goods, mainly away from home. We've been working hard through the winter and we're confident that we're a stronger force this year.
5.The season starts with the highlight match of the opening day as you host St Annes, what are your thoughts on the game? and what are your thoughts on your opponents?
St Annes are quite clearily a strong side, as you have to be to win this league. They have a vastly experienced and wily professional in Dinuk who is extremely consistent in his performances every week, and they have a strong batting line up. However we know on our day we can beat any side, and we'll be looking to use our home advantage and start the campaign with a win!
6.What are you personally looking to improve with your own game for the new campaign?
I'm not too focused on my own performances, it's the team that counts. I'll obviously be looking to contribute with bat and ball, and working hard to acheive this, but I see my main role as captain as getting the most out of the other lads at the club. Luckily we're blessed with a wealth of talent at the club, and if things go well this season, I'm confident we'll have some silverware come September
