Maybe that is what I was doing wrong, I was trying to whack the ball. As a result was hitting nothing but air. Looking at that, I think I can see how I should stand now.
And yes, I know what being hit with a cricket ball is like, I got it in my right breast and its rather red and sore now.
I think I get the idea, seems like the fast bowlers just chuck at you and its like my natural instinct is to get out of the way. Also it didn'thelp that one of the girls pointed at me and went "crap" yeah that really helps your confidence.
Cheeky bitch. If I still had that cricket bat, I'd have walloped her with it, forgetting my non-violent ethos. I felt like turning round and saying if that's your attitude then hell with you and your team. I know its only a bit of fun, but I've had the P!$$ took out of me a lot over my life for one thing or another. So when you agree to something and try your best you don't want to be having jokes made about you.
Well I guess in the plus column when I basically keep blocking the fast bowler, they will mod their tactics to get me out I spose. There is another practice session tommorrow.
Thing is they all bowl so fast! Even when they are not going quick, I think I may have to face facts that I suck and just get on with it.
Even so thanks for the replies and advice guys. I'll give it a try and see how I do.