Chapple looking to build on promotion

LANCASHIRE may have secured promotion, but Glen Chapple believes that is just a step towards making the Red Rose county champions again.

A comprehensive victory over Derbyshire at Emirates Old Trafford last week secured the club’s return to Division One of the Specsavers County Championship at the first time of asking following last season’s relegation.

And tomorrow they can secure the Division Two title as they host Middlesex - coached by former Red Rose skipper Stuart Law. Lancashire have by far been the dominant force in the division this season with a well-balanced mix of youth and experience.

And they have done it despite carrying the pressure of being the favourites to go up.

And now Chapple is already looking ahead as he seeks to guide the club to their first County Championship crown since he won it as captain in 2011.

“The commitment the lads have show has been great and we are trying to build on that year on year,” said the head coach.

“We were under a lot of pressure and there were other teams who were fancied to come up who now won’t.

“While we knew we had the squad to achieve it, you still have to put in the performances.

“We had the pressures of being a big club but the squad have done it really well.

“You look back, last year we fought hard and played decent cricket, it was a tough league last year. We are looking at developing a team over time and if you have to face a year like this to do so then so be it. We are still trying to build on what we are doing.”

Although promotion was the main aim and so it’s mission accomplished, Chapple wants his side to finish the job off.

“We have achieved our main aim, but we want to win the division, that’s the main target,” he said. “We suffered disappointment in knockout stages of both one-day competitions this season so it is important to reinforce how well the lads have played this year. by winning the division.

“I want to win it by as many points as we can but, importantly, I want the performance to reflect the work we have done.”

Just as Chapple inspired his side as captain, current skipper Dane Vilas who took over from Liam Livingstone in the winter – has led from the front this season, scoring more than 1,000 Championship runs.

And his head coach has nothing but praise for the South African.

“He has scored more than 1,000 runs in 12 games and is averaging about 110 and keeping wicket in almost every game,” said Chapple.

“He has kept the lads fighting all year and played in every format. Enough said.

“Good players have a season when you think it’s amazing, but his normal seasons are good, too. He has been outstanding.”