Lancashire League: Taylor wary of Scuderi threat (15 May 1999)

15 May 1999

Lancashire League: Taylor wary of Scuderi threat

Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Haslingden will be keen to see the back of Joe Scuderi as they bid to maintain their impressive start to the season against Colne at Bentgate tomorrow.

The 1997 Lancashire League champions have won three out of their opening four games as they bid to recapture the title from Nelson.

But new skipper Stuart Taylor knows his side will face a major test against a Colne side which will be looking to kick their own season into life after last weekend's Worsley Cup triumph over Burnley.

"It's always a tough game, especially with Joe Scuderi who always seems to do it against us," admitted Taylor.

"But if we get him early we feel we've got a good chance. Our pro is in good form, although he has been a bit unlucky with his bowling and is due a few wickets. If he gets those then all well and good."

Scuderi, who made 98 in last Saturday's cup success, was certainly the scourge of Haslingden last season as he made an unbeaten 61 to give Colne the honours in the one League game they played.

And he also hit 68 as Colne relaxed Haslingden's grip on the Worsley Cup.

But Haslingden's own paid man, Brad McNamara, is also full of runs and the mood is upbeat at Bentgate. "We have made a good start so far. We are in a difficult position in the cup but apart from that we can't complain," said Taylor, who replaced Mark Griffin at the helm this summer. "It's vital to get a good start and hopefully now we can win these re-arranged games and get up there.

"We're well pleased so far but we just need to get a bit more consistency through the side. There are one or two doing it but we need that bit of consistency, especially with the bowling."

One bowler who hasn't struggled for wickets is Taylor himself, who is into double figures thanks largely to a remarkable 6-7 return in his side's win over Accrington a fortnight ago.

"It is was a one-off but whenever you get seven wickets you've got to be pleased," he added.

Surprise package Lowerhouse currently lead the way but Nelson are breathing down their necks and may again be the side to beat.

"When we get to play Nelson we've got to beat them, that's what it boils down to," admitted Taylor.

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

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