Lilley eyes all the big prizes

DUAL ROLE: Arron Lilley (left) with Lancashire colleague and fellow Oldhamer Luke Procter at Old Trafford.

Cricket: 

THERE’S something of a ‘new era’ feel about Delph Cricket Club this year as Lancashire prospect Arron Lilley prepares to take over the captaincy from Grant Jones.

Delph stalwart Jones has stepped down as skipper after 15 years, and all-rounder Lilley (24) has been handed the chance to lead the Drakes Huddersfield League Premiership outfit when his county commitments allow.

The colourful Lilley is excited at the prospect of being the main man at the Huddersfield Road outfit, which finished fourth in the table in 2014 but largely disappointed in the knock-out competitions.

Lilley said: “I was on a pre-season training trip in Sri Lanka when I got a text off Grant informing me he was stepping down, so I spoke to (Lancashire second team coach) Mark Chilton and he said it would be a good idea to have a go at it.

“I’ve skippered Delph a few times before in Twenty20 games when Jonesy wasn’t available, so hopefully the lads all know what I’m about and we can do well in 2015.

“I’m sure they’ll all back me, they’re a great bunch and we’re confident. We finished fourth last season, though we’ll be looking for better runs in the cups.

“There’s no reason why we can’t do well in the Sykes and Heavy Woollen cups and challenge for the title. We’ve recruited well. Chris Laker is a great prospect and Wasim Qasim is truly quick.

“We’ve got a good base too, in Jonesy, Graeme Simpson and Greg Buckley still in there, so there is strength in depth.”

There have been tweaks to what was already a strong Delph squad over the winter. Last year’s overseas player, Jamshad Ahmad, has not been retained, while Craig Fletcher has rejoined Kirkburton after one season at Huddersfield Road.

Joining Delph is opener Laker. He was previously with Dukinfield in the Lancashire County League and is a current Lancashire under-19s starlet.

Qasim has linked up from league rivals Elland, for whom he opened the bowling.

Delph open their league campaign on Saturday with a trip to a Scholes side who finished sixth in 2014.

They then tackle a Heavy Woollen Cup clash at Slaithwaite on Sunday.



twitter: @Smedders1966