Don't forget you tetanus, typhoid and Hepatitis "A" jabs and by the way you will need to be up to date with your polio and take some malaria tablets!

Where are you going first? Polokwane followed by Duivelskloof, Mooketsi and Phalarborwa!

You may be forgiven for thinking that it was a Wildlife on One safari with David Attenborough we were embarking on, but no just the routine for a pre-season trip to the wilds of South Africa.

As most cricket followers will be aware it is at this time of year when the first real rays of sun start to appear that our thoughts turn to the new season. Many supporters will also be aware of the unpredictable English weather, which can regularly hinder a good pre-season training schedule and it is therefore hoped that two weeks in the South African sun will allow all the winter indoor practice and training to be put to good use.

It is also at this time of year that we are reminded of everything that took place during the 2002 season. The good, the bad and the individual performances, which all go together to define the season as a whole.

The good

Runners up in the One-Day National League after promotion the year before, a quarter final and a semi-final in the Nat west Trophy and Benson and Hedges Cup respectively. Ben Smith 1000 runs and Gareth Batty 50 wickets in there first full seasons with the County. Kabir Ali taking 71 first class wickets and being voted the Countries Young Player of the Year after dislocating a shoulder in 2001.

The bad

Missing promotion to the first division by just one and three quarter points not helped by the fact that we lost the services of Andy Bichel, our overseas player, who has gone on to prove what a quality player he is by way of his performances in the present World Cup in South Africa.

The individual performances - Graeme Hicks, 315 against Durham and Andy Bichels 9-93 against Gloucester were just two outstanding efforts.

With the incoming players from last year, Batty, Peters, Smith and Mason now settled and the hopeful addition of three new signings, Hayward, Hall and Harrity then the competition for places will be fiercer than ever. Combine this with the ever improving youth and the progression and development of University and Academy players and the future looks relatively bright both short and long term.

The last couple of years have seen the start of a new era since Tom Moody, Director of Cricket and Mark Newton, Chief Executive have taken the helm and although we may be some way off the golden days of the late eighties, during the Botham and Dilley era, we may not be too far away from something with a silver lining. Hopefully trophy shaped, but only time will tell.

Each week throughout the summer I will be writing a few words for the www.thisiswccc web site about the 2003 season, my benefit year and the ins and outs of a County Cricket Club as seen from a player's perspective and to keep in touch all you need to do is log on to www.thisiswccc.co.uk

Why not log onto www.lugsybenefit.com to see if there are any events or functions that may be of interest or e-mail secretary@lugsybenefit2003.com for information?