Lancashire League: Church keep the faith (22 May 1999)

22 May 1999

Lancashire League: Church keep the faith

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

With the World Cup causing problems for clubs recruiting overseas professionals, Church kept their nerve and pinned their faith once again in Neil McGarrell.

And the West Indies all-rounder has repaid that debt by helping the club to two wins out of three in the Lancashire League since his return to Blackburn Road.

McGarrell missed the start of the season after being called into the West Indies squad for their one-day series against Australia.

And he could have been absent until the end of June if he had gained World Cup selection.

But Church were so pleased with his impact last season that they decided to retain his services, even if it meant using substitute professionals until his return.

"I was impressed with that and I am very pleased to be back," confirmed McGarrell, who was ultimately overlooked when the West Indies announced their World Cup party.

In his absence, Church lost their first two games but the Guyanian's return coincided with an opening win at Burnley, who were sped to defeat by McGarrell's best league figures of 7-22.

A knock of 77 couldn't prevent Rawtenstall winning a high-scoring encounter next time out and Church then suffered a crushing Worsley Cup exit to Lowerhouse.

But they got things back on track by thumping Rambsbottom last weekend when McGarrell scored 55 and claimed 4-13.

"I was impressed with the fellows and it was a good team effort," said the leg-spinning batsman, who is maintaining the decent form he showed with West Indies 'A' in India over the winter.

"I am doing pretty well so far. Conditions are a bit better this time around and I feel fairly confident.

"I definitely want to do better than last year."

That would mean improving on 752 league runs and 56 wickets. "The wickets part will be more easy," claimed McGarrell, who has backed up his argument with 14 in three games.

And after finishing fourth from bottom last summer, McGarrell is also looking for the team to improve.

After today's Lees Brewery Challenge Cup tie at Rochdale, their next test comes against second-placed East Lancashire at Blackburn Road tomorrow.

"We want to do a lot better than last time and we are playing more confidently.

"We treat every game as a normal game anyhow but we know we'll have to play hard cricket because East Lancashire are a good team to play," McGarrell added.

Also in tomorrow's programme, leaders Lowerhouse will be looking to maintain their bright start against a Todmorden side with just one win to their credit.

But the game of the day could be at Bentgate where fourth-placed Haslingden entertain champions Nelson, who are one place above them, in a dress rehearsal for their Worsley Cup quarter-final clash.

Tomorrow's fixtures: Accrington v Bacup, Church v East Lancs, Colne v Ramsbottom, Haslingden v Nelson, Lowerhouse v Todmorden, Rawtenstall v Enfield, Rishton v Burnley.

Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph