Lancashire League: Don't write Oz off (29 May 1999)

29 May 1999

Lancashire League: Don't write Oz off

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

You could never accuse the Australians of lacking confidence. But they are also realists - take Enfield professional Dave Saker.

As his fellow-countrymen prepare for tomorrow's do-or-die World Cup showdown with West Indies at Old Trafford, the Victorian admits they face a very tall order to reach the 'Super Six' stage.

But - what else would you expect from an Aussie? - Saker (pictured) adds a timely warning not to write them off just yet.

If they fail to qualify from Group B, which is a distinct possibility, it will provide one of the major shocks of a tournament about to gather momentum.

And the Dill Hall Lane pro reckons it will be down to rest - or rather the lack of it, as players like Steve and Mark Waugh risk paying the price for a punishing schedule.

Former East Lancs pro Tom Moody got his first chance and breathed some fresh life into the side with his blistering assault on the Bangladesh attack on Thursday.

And he is set to play at Old Trafford with Saker's predecessor Shane Lee still struggling through injury.

Saker travelled to Cardiff last week to check out the Aussies in the surprise defeat by New Zealand, which could yet prove crucial in the final reckoning.

And he felt he saw a tired side. "I spoke to a few of the boys and they were still pretty confident, spirits were still high," he said.

"But, from my observations, they looked a bit flat, especially in the last 15 overs.

"It's going to be pretty tough for us to qualify now and we will have to beat West Indies comfortably at Old Trafford to have a chance.

"I think they have had a pretty long last 18 months and the build-up wasn't really good."

While Australia battle for World Cup survival, Saker and Enfield also face a big weekend. Ironically, he finds himself face to face with three more fellow-countrymen as Enfield bid to make progress in the EW Cartons Lancashire League, as well as the inter-league cup.

After taking on Haslingden and Brad McNamara at Dill Hall Lane this afternoon, they have a date with Todmorden and Queensland's Brendan Nash at Centre Vale tomorrow. The Bank Holiday weekend treble is completed with a trip to Rochdale - and Robbie Baker - in the knockout on Monday.

Saker made more than 150 runs last weekend, for once out, and picked up wickets as well in an Enfield double.

"It was good to get a few runs," he said.

"I felt I needed a bit of time in the middle and that's what happened.

"This is a big weekend for us but they're a good bunch of blokes here and I'm looking forward to it."

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

Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph