By Anna Thompson

Dravid averaged 66 with the bat for Scotland

The part-timers won four of their 18 matches - including beating County Champions Sussex and runners-up Lancashire.

Three of the wins came in the early part of the season and they ultimately finished bottom of the second division.

Wright told this website: "Our game in Scotland is in a healthier state than it was before the start of the season."

Scotland got off to such a flier, expectations were raised higher than they should have been, Wright believed.

But he said the team would take what it had learned from this season and move it forward to the next.

"We were under no illusions. We knew it would be hard work," he said.

Playing with someone of the calibre of Dravid can only be good for the team - he was a very focused individual Craig Wright

"But we were never bowled out for embarrassing low scores and we kept our discipline."

Wright said one of the highlights of the season was playing with Indian World Cup star Rahul Dravid.

And he revealed Dravid could be back again next year for the Saltires.

Wright said: "Playing with someone of the calibre of Dravid can only be good for the team. He was a very focused individual.

"He has said he is keen to play for us next season. If his schedule with India can be worked around and we can get the finance in place then hopefully we will see him next season."

Wright conceded if Scotland were to progress then they were going to have to employ some players on professional contracts.

Wright himself is a development officer with the Scottish Cricket Union, whereas other players have jobs ranging from a lawyer to a postman.

They do not get paid for playing for Scotland and have to take leave to attend games and do not have time to train together.

"Not being able to train is very difficult at the moment but if we could secure funding to get some players on contracts that would be a huge step forward," said Wright.

The Saltires are hoping to secure the services of Scots-born duo Gavin Hamilton and John Blain, who have been released by Yorkshire and Northamptonshire respectively.

And Scotland have a hectic programme in 2004.

As well as the National League and C&G Trophy, Scotland will be taking part in an ICC competition against the best five associate members in Dubai in February.