Worsley Cup: Our spirited team aren't flipper flops! (5 June 1999)

5 June 1999

Worsley Cup: Our spirited team aren't flipper flops!

The Lanchashire Evening Telegraph

Another weekend has arrived, and with it, two more very important games in Haslingden Cricket Club's season.

Saturday, away at Nelson in the Worsley Cup, the reigning champions and a team everybody has to beat. Finishing above them would surely bring any club the championship.

Sunday, away at Rawtenstall, a fiercely contested local derby, where atmosphere, rivalry, passion and aggression are all in abundance, sums up what league cricket is all about.

Following our recent Worsley Cup victory at Bacup Road in conditions best described as waterlogged, maybe they ought to re-name it Rawtenstall Sub Aqua Club as flippers and wet-suits were the order of the day.

People couldn't understand why we were reluctant to play, but with a reserve day available the following Saturday, postponement would have been the safer and sensible option.

This play-at-all-costs scenario is becoming a worry. Teams playing on unfit grounds in league games will increase, with only two points for a no-result match and 10 or12 points for a win, surely the current points system will be revised. On a more positive note, the season so far has been very successful for everyone at Bentgate with the loss of top players in Michael Tracey, Jack Simpson, Stephen Dearden and Graham Knowles in recent seasons, it is very encouraging to be top of the league and still in both Cup competitions. It shows with team spirit, good attitude and plenty of determination, a good team can become a winning team.

Add to these qualities Brad McNamara - in my opinion the league's best professional - and you have a team that is difficult to beat.

Hopefully, we can keep the unbeaten run going for quite a while yet, but this game has a habit of bringing you back down to earth with a bump and we won't be taking anyone for granted.

Finally, let's hope there is plenty of good cricket left in this season for everyone to enjoy.

Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph