High hopes on return to action
LANCASHIRE League cricket returns to the Valley this weekend after an 18-month absence brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The dusting off of the whites, the thwack of leather on willow, the wicket appeals...all will be welcome signals of some semblance of normality returning to our lives.
Ramsbottom CC start their Division 1 campaign with a trip to Colne on Sunday and skipper Daryn Smit, who returned to the club as pro on 2019, can’t wait to get going – even if the uncertainty over professionals makes for an unpredictable landscape this summer.
Speaking to the Lancashire League’s official website, lancashireleague. com, he predicted the Rams would challenge at the top end of the division: “I always expect us to do well, every game, every format, every season. We don’t turn up just to make up the numbers.
“It’s so difficult to say with confidence (who will challenge) as firstly there are some new pro’s I’ve not heard of and secondly, it will be interesting to see which of those pro’s make it into the country and when.”
Josh Dentith joined the Rams from Church, while they said farewell to the likes of JJ Fielding (Southport & Birkdale), Rehan Udwadia (Middleton) and Jack Wynn (Woodbank).
Ben Parkinson took up the opportunity of a goalkeeping position in the USA but may return for part of the season.
In Division 2, Bacup captain Simon Newbitt will lead his team out against Enfield at Lanehead looking to set off the season on the front foot.
And he’s positive about the campaign ahead.
“There is a good vibe around the club as we approach what is hopefully a more normal LL season,” he told lancashireleague.com.
“With effectively no competitive cricket last year and a very limited pre-season it’s a little harder to predict how we will do but despite that I expect us to show a huge improvement on our 2019 finish and be a very competitive side in the division.
“The only positive of Covid-19 is that it has enticed quite a few former players back into the fold which has given us a stronger and more competitive group.
“Our game plan is simple in that we are looking for our senior players to contribute more consistently to support the pro (Sri Lankan Sachithra Serasinghe) which is the blueprint to be competitive and get out of this division.
“With a couple of exciting youngsters to unleash on the league we will be a very different/stronger team and I can’t wait to get going. Good luck to all sides in what promises to be two even and competitive divisions.”
Haslingden recruited Grant Roelofsen (South Africa) as their professional for the season and captain Jordan Shannon believes he can fire the side to challenge at the top end of the Division Two table: “It is fantastic to have a player of Grant’s calibre to be with us for the 2021 season, he’ll strengthen the batting and add a high level of quality and experience to the top of the order, there’s no question about that. Hopefully he can be the catalyst to drive us into the top division. I wish him all the best for the forthcoming season.”
Shannon is hoping for success across the club’s teams, as he told lancashireleague.com: “I think we will compete in every game we play in, we have slowly started to develop a squad that gives the club a bit more depth across the three senior teams. Everyone at the club is looking forward to getting a proper season underway and good luck to all the teams this year.”
Like Bacup, Rawtenstall has also recruited a Sri Lankan professional with Saliya Saman making the move to the Worswick Memorial Ground.
And captain Keith Roscoe admits the season’s success could rest on how well he adapts.
“Our season depends on how our professional performs. He is a proven match winner. We have players who are capable, but inconsistent. So looking forward to a strong showing this season.”
Saliya is a proven performer at first class level in Sri Lanka and boasts over 10 years of UK experience.
He has also been part of the Sri Lankan A teams regularly throughout his first class career.
Playing for Whitehaven CC in 2008 he scored 814 runs at 62 and 48 wickets at 17. Further stints then came at Carlisle and Netherfield cricket clubs with outstanding success.
Most recently he played for Colwyn Bay in the strong Liverpool Premier League where his highlight was a stunning 9/39 return against Birkenhead Park CC.
Rawtenstall chairman Vinny Hanson said: “Saliya is a very experienced pro who could have signed for the club in 2016 but was prevented by visa issues and we believe he is the ideal man to come in at this uncertain time, we didn’t want to take the easy option of not having a pro as a good professional can bring so much to the players, members and supporters.”