Lancashire League Preview (1 May 1999)

1 May 1999

Lancashire League Preview

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Andy McLeod is set to become the "senior pro" of his young Burnley side tomorrow - at the tender age of 25.

The unavailability of 33-year-old Ian Whitehead makes McLeod the oldest member of a side that is the surprise package of the early EW Cartons Lancashire League programme for tomorrow's home game against Enfield.

Two wins last weekend put last season's strugglers at the top of the table with 25 points before today's trip to Church and tomorrow's home game against Enfield.

McLeod said: "It's early days yet but it is nice to see.

"The team spirit is excellent and, if we all stick together, I really think we will be right up there in the next two years."

Burnley's youth policy, carefully nurtured by Peter Brown over previous seasons, is now starting to bear fruit.

And the blow of the loss of Michael Brown, who left to join Middlesex, has already been softened by the form of 16-year-old brother David.

His 43 in the win over Todmorden last weekend followed an unbeaten 40 in the rain-affected game with Haslingden the previous weekend.

The batting line-up has been further strengthened by the return of Peter Edmondson from Baxenden and he, too, chipped in with 37 against Todmorden.

Other youngsters have also made an early impression.

Opening bowler James Anderson, who took 3-31 against Bacup, and medium pacer Steven Oldham have both caught the eye of their skipper.

And McLeod also expects a year's experience to serve professional Anthony Botha well for the coming summer.

He said: "He seems to have quickened up over the winter. He has been playing one-day games for Natal so maybe needed to quicken up for those games.

"He bowled very well against Todmorden and sometimes turns it too much - you only need half a bat's width.

"He also scored 50 in the first game and I'm looking forward to seeing him get a few more runs this summer."

Tomorrow will be the first taste of Lancashire League action for new Enfield pro Dave Saker, whose wedding delayed his arrival in England.

But Burnley first have to see off another "new" pro in Church's Neil McGarrell, who arrived from the West Indies this week.

It is Burnley's first sighting of the slow left-armer as both Burnley versus Church games were rained off last season.

Accrington v Haslingden, Burnley v Enfield, East Lancs v Colne, Nelson v Bacup, Ramsbottom v Lowerhouse, Rawtenstall v Church, Todmorden v Rishton.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)