Willerton is already at home on the Heath

BRACEBRIDGE Heath are a team used to winning, and Alex Willerton believes that change in environment has made all the difference to his game – after he took a career-best seven wickets in last weekend’s victory over Grimsby.

Bracebridge have lifted six of the last ten Lincolnshire Premier Leagues, and with three wins from three the defending champions look strong once again – with Willerton’s 7-42 destroying Grimsby in their mammoth 254-run win.

Matthew Carter’s 82, ably supported by Carl Stubbs’ unbeaten 67, saw the hosts make 318-7 from 50 overs before Grimsby were dismantled for just 64 – largely because of Willerton.

The fast bowler, who plays minor county cricket for Lincolnshire, moved from Cleethorpes ahead of this season, and his attacking instincts have been encouraged by the club.

In three games he has a combined 15 wickets, and the 24-year-old says he is bowling better than ever.

“I am in the form of my life because I took six wickets the week before and then to top that with seven was great. I was chuffed,” admitted the seamer.

“I go to get wickets. I am bowling very attacking lines with the aim of taking wickets and that is working at the moment.

“One of the main reasons I went to Bracebridge is to get that winning mentality.We are very focused on winning, but it a very relaxed environment.

“You go out to win but you go out to play your game – no one tries to correct you if you bowl to take wickets or try hit every ball for four with the bat.

“They want you to play naturally and that is exactly what I need.”