With the season just one month away, Baston have been dealt a major blow as leading batsman, wicket-keeper and vice skip Jon Howard has left the club.
Jon Howard has decided that his 15 year spell at Baston has gone on long enough. He will be joining Bourne CC for the 2014 season.
“I scored 1273 league runs in 14 away games last year, and it could’ve been more, had my teammates not been so inept and unable to rotate the strike.
I’ve got to look after my physical and mental health, I’ve got a bad back from carrying that team every week.
I wish Baston good luck for 2014, and also in 2015 when I hope they can bounce back from their upcoming relegation”
When asked if he would be available for midweek games and sixes competitions, Jon said “no chance”
Hedley Stroud, CEO of Bourne Worldwide Cricket Enterprises Inc. said of his new signing: “Who? I’ve never even heard of him”
A few senior Baston players had the following messages to pass on to Jon;
Andrew Townsin, Chairman
“Good luck at Bourne Jon, you’ll need it”
Lloyd Stewart, Groundsman
“Thanks for all your effort on the field in the last few years Jon, as you’ve certainly not helped off it”
Adam Hilless, Treasurer
“Jon, good luck at Bourne, I will post you an invoice for all of your owed subs”
Ben Hudson, Secretary
“I’m not playing if Jon’s not”
John Lamin, General Misery
“Good”
Club captain Tim Dyer was unable to comment as he couldn’t stop crying for long enough to get any words out. However he did manage to reveal his new 'JH Forever' tattoo.