RADCLIFFE Cricket Club's Phil Hayes is spending the winter playing cricket in Hobart, Tasmania. Here is the latest instalment in his Radcliffe Times diary:

THE last couple of weeks haven't produced as much cricket as I would have liked.

A couple of washed out days adding to the misery of the poor weather early season.

We have managed to get a fair bit of good, intense training sessions in though, which have been invaluable to team morale.

One session included a team run known as 'Black Death'.

A run uphill which consists of steps and gradual inclines, all of which dampen the spirits as you progress up with your lungs reaching bursting point.

Everyone will be delighted to know that I tore the thing up for the 'Poms' and finished a convincing first!

On the game front, I suffered the selectors axe in the game against North Hobart when all of our state players were available.

The response I made, though, was positive. I made a solid 71 before playing the worst shot of my innings, getting out LBW to a leg spinner, when a 100 was surely beckoning!

This ensured promotion back to the 'A' grade for the next game, which proved impeccable timing, as this game was played at the Bellerive Oval - a Test and State venue.

This was an excellent experience, as I opened the batting against the strongest team in the league, making a solid five before copping the wrong end of a dubious run out.

The next 'A' grade game was a two dayer against Glenorchy, the first day of which was entirely washed out.

This week we managed to get a one dayer in against the same opposition.

This was a one-sided affair, in which Glenorchys Tasmania player made an impressive hundred.

During this game, I faced the State's quickest bowler, who, fresh from injury, was bowling off five paces.

Has anyone ever (apart from Ezra) faced a bloke who can bowl a quick bouncer off this meagre run up?

After facing John Punchard off a similar distance, this experience prove surreal!

On the social side of things, the club's Christmas function was held last week, a manic affair for all involved.

Our social secretary stole the show, hitting the town with a pair of cricket leg guards, padding up to any female who had the misfortune to cross his path.

I hope everyone has an excellent Christmas and I would like to say congratulations to my little sister for passing her driving test. She truly is the best cricketer in the family!

Hayesy