Four weeks into the 2008 season and already we've had every conceivable form of weather thrown at us. Through most of April the prospects were gloomy with rain, wind, snow and hail, all designed to make the prospect of cricket seem as far away as ever.

True to form the first game of the season, traditionally a three-sweater opener, was lost to torrential rain. Shame that, as a trip to the picturesque village of Lurgashall should have been one of the highlights of the year!

So to Week Two and along came that other early season grumble, selection problems. Why is it, that after seven months of cricketing inactivity and an apparent desperation to get out for a game, the captains find themselves scratching round for two sides in late April? I know football may still be winding up and the weather was a bit of a dampener but shouldn't the prospect of a local derby with Thursley get the blood stirring?

In the event teams were put in the field but Thursley turned up seemingly more prepared and won fairly easily. Not the way we'd have liked to set off! The Twos prospered better getting five points from a winning draw with Puttenham. Into May, and a much better performance from the Ones saw them handsomely beat Tilford, six wickets for Fazal Syed being the main difference between the sides.

Even then, there was more disappointment as the 2nds suddenly found themselves without a game. Deepcut announced at the last minute that were struggling to put out a side and pulled out of the league. The weather had turned from wet and cold to warm and sunny, and there was no fixture!

The 1st X1's visit to 2007 champions Puttenham, already flying out of the blocks this year, looked a stern test but a strong team gave room for hope. As it turned out the home side scored 242 and Elstead could only muster 104 in reply. The 2nd X1 made up for that with a fine eight-point win over Tilford IIs. This was a rather turgid affair as the visitors struggled to 97 all out in 47 overs. Elstead openers, Simon Wade (37 not out) and Ian Gould (53 not out), saw off the target without undue alarm for a ten wicket victory.

So, we're underway, the weather has turned wonderfully summery and our defence of the Stevens Cup starts tomorrow. There's all to play for!