Focussing on objects in the mid distance

I used my EX1 to shoot a rugby match yesterday afternoon. Apart from the rain and having to work round the rain jacket, I couldn't focus the EX1 on the action on the other side of the pitch, say about 30m-40m away. I don't know the physics of lenses but is it unreasonable to expect the lens on the ex1 to focus on objects 30 metres away when using the telephoto? Does my lens need adjusting by Sony or are my expectations unrealistic? Also, what is the best lens cleaner to use in the rain to avoid smudges and smears on the screen?