HALSTEAD Cricket Club coach Phil Toogood is demanding an improved attitude from his players after their “wake up and smell the coffee moment” in the derby day loss at Coggeshall.

They will be looking to bounce back from a humbling nine-wicket defeat by their local rivals when they end the first half of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one campaign by hosting Hadleigh tomorrow.

“It was a day to forget (against Coggeshall),” said Toogood.

“It was our worst performance by a mile.

“I will always find a positive somewhere.

“And from this performance the positive is to learn by our mistakes and strive for that ‘continuous improvement’ ethic we all need.

“Although we fielded a much weakened side through availability and injuries there are no excuses for that performance, especially being a local derby.

“I have played in many over the years and they have always been extremely hard-fought battles. I’m afraid this wasn’t.

“It was a damp and miserable day and that was how I would describe the three disciplines of our cricket.

“It was a wake up and smell the coffee moment for the team and they need to be honest with themselves in terms of contribution and ownership of their roles.

“We simply cannot afford to go into the next game with a similar mind set.

“I can assure all the supporters of Halstead Cricket Club that by the time this is printed, our attitude, preparation and approach towards Saturday’s game will be well and truly sorted, whatever the outcome.”