Countdown on to new cricket season
Last updated 15:54, Wednesday, 16 April 2008
THE North Lancs & Cumbria Cricket League campaign kicks off on Saturday with a local derby between Cleator and Whitehaven.
And Cleator captain David Rooney is hoping that his side can build on their success of last season with a good start against newly promoted Whitehaven (1pm start).
“We had a good cup season last year and won two trophies, and this year we’ll be hoping to turn our cup form into a run in the league,” says Rooney.
“We finished third in the league, but lacked that bit of consistency to challenge for the title. We began well and finished well but had a blip in the middle, which meant that we didn’t really mount a push for the title.
“So hopefully we can capture some of the energy we have shown in the cups and translate it into the league matches.”
In terms of personnel, Cleator have lost Darren Clark to Barrow, but Rooney is confident that the team has the right mix of youth and experience.
“We have a young squad, with a few older heads who have been with the club for years.
“Losing Darren is a blow, but we’re expecting big things from his brother, Graham, on the bat and bowl this season. We’re also looking for good seasons from Chris Quinn and Robert Mason, while Paul Nelson will be a valuable player for us when he comes back from injury around June-time.
“And our pro Paul Duffett is ready for the new season. This year is the first that he has not returned to Australia for the winter and he’s had a good old West Cumbrian winter behind him, so he’s well rested and raring to go.”
Rooney is therefore confident his charges can make a good start on Saturday.
“It’s good to see Whitehaven back in the league. In a way, it’s a shame that it’ll be the first game because, if had been played mid-season during the summer, the Cleator/Whitehaven games always attract a good crowd.
“But, as it is, we’ve got to be confident of beating anyone on our home soil.”
Whitehaven, whose side will again be captained by Jonny Bruce, are looking to consolidate after their promotion from Division One last season.
They have brought in Sri Lankan Jeewantha Saliyasanan as their new pro, and have added all-rounder Shakeer Abdulshulloor to their ranks, as well as Dominic Chadwick.
Also in action on the opening day, Haverigg, who finished fourth last season, host Keswick, and Millom play champions Workington at home.
For a full fixture list, see page 45.
