Lancashire League: Scuderi takes on captain's role (26 June 1999)

26 June 1999

Lancashire League: Scuderi takes on captain's role

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Joe Scuderi's contribution to Colne's Worsley Cup final bid will take on a third major dimension when he leads the side out against Haslingden tomorrow.

The professional, a key figure with bat and ball at the Horsfield, will also captain Colne in the semi-final clash in the absence of the suspended Gary Laycock.

But Scuderi remains unperturbed about the extra workload.

"Actually I see it is an honour and I am looking forward to it," he insisted.

"As a professional, whether you're captain or not, you try and lead by example.

"It makes no difference who the captain is, whether it's me or Gary or whoever, everyone's got their job to do and follow the lead."

Scuderi has made scores in the 90s in each of Colne's previous two wins to take them through to the last four.

And his form with the ball is no less impressive, taking five-wicket hauls in each of his last two league games.

However, he and his side will have to be at their best again tomorrow to repeat last season's win over Haslingden at the same stage.

"It will be tough. Haslingden haven't lost a game this season, apart from a bowl-out which doesn't really count, but we've had a good month," Scuderi added. "We had a little bit of an escape last weekend with our batting but everybody's confident, that's for sure. "Everyone is beatable on the day but we are just confident that if we play as we have been we are in with a shout.

"Haslingden are very strong club and a good side. I expect that if the weather is good there will be a good gate on and hopefully it will be a good game."

The tie will bring together two of the EW Cartons Lancashire League's top two paid players, with Scuderi squaring up to fellow Australian Brad McNamara.

"He's having a good year with runs and wickets. He's a tough man to get out and to keep out with the ball," admitted Scuderi.

Both men will only be able to bowl 10 overs, however, which leaves plenty of room for contributions from the others.

Unfortunately for Colne they will also be without seamer Nick Moulding - suspended for his part in incidents during a league match against Enfield which also landed Laycock with his two-match ban and Scuderi with a fine - as they bid to go one better than last year when they lost to East Lancashire in the final.

"Losing Gary and Nick Moulding is a big blow for us but there's not much we can do about it. We've just got to play as best we can.

"It left a bit of a sour taste, losing the final, and everyone is pretty keen to make amends," said Scuderi.

Holders East Lancashire entertain Enfield in the other semi-final at Alexandra Meadows.

Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph