After earning the wooden spoon in 2002, the Drifter's scouting system unearthed some new talent for 2003. Straight wins catapulted them into the Cup competition but off the field incidents took their toll and reality returned with a defeat against the Perth Postels. This coincided with the enforced early return to England of Captain Pike, but modesty reigns and it was only coincidence that the wheels came falling off as soon as my back was turned.

The bitter disappointment of defeat still lingers, to the point where at least three of last year's squad are unable to travel in 2004, all for a variety of domestic reasons. This is a very un-Drifter like situation, but several have pledged to return in 2005. Hence, this year's squad is a little threadbare. We\are still unable to field the 2002 transfer scoop, Mark Patterson, whose gloriously named Patto's Pants are still displayed in Chiang Mai's Cricket Hall of Infamy. His reasoning this year is that a new job needs his undivided attention and that he needs to save up for Shotter's 40th birthday party in July. We suspect that the curse put upon him by Camp Wombat is holding firm. A personal appeal by our man in CM could not persuade Patto to join in this year. As ever, his company, character and friendship will be much missed by us all.

Last year we were sponsored by the Stairway to Heaven bar - I must look up the definition of sponsorship. Its American owner has moved on but the bar's support has been retained through the extensive efforts our man in CM, Mr David Walker, who has been fighting off approaches from other entrants in order to pledge his services to our cause.

So, alongside Dave will be old timers, Pikey, Neil Howe and Alan "Tubby" Jenner, who is looking to retrieve a camera and film that was stolen by an opportunist ex-friend of his. Lord Hall of Chester is returning and may even make Chiang Mai if he survives a diving expedition to Koi Samui prior to the tournament and a rendevous with John Bell in Bangkok. Yes, I wouldn't bet on it either.

That leaves a space for a virgin Drifter, Pete Dimitri. He is out of the Washington CC stable, which is rich source of talent and is arriving after a visit to Oz. He can play and is yet to realize what pressure he is under. We look forward to meeting old friends and surviving the cricket.