Wanted man

GIVE US A CHEER: Hollinwood players and supporters celebrate after beating Shaw in the final of the Saddleworth League's Twenty20 competition. Sponsor Iain Johnston (pictured far right), of 20-20 Vision, presented the trophy to captain John Winterbottom.

Armstrong Office Furniture Saddleworth and District League, by KEVIN RICHARDSON 

HEYSIDE are hoping to tie down prolific professional Roelof Hugo for another year — but they could have a battle on their hands.

The South African has carried all before him in the Armstrong Office Saddleworth and District Cricket League in 2008 with a string of impressive performances.

Closing in fast on a 1,000 runs, Hugo has attracted many admirers for his part in helping Heyside to a 33-point lead at the top of the table.

Rumours already abound of at least one CLL club interested in tempting the 25-year-old away from Little Hey Street, but captain Mark Barnes is eager to hang on to their prized asset.

He said: “We know people are looking at Roelof, but he’s happy here and hopefully we can sit down and get a new deal boxed-off.

“We haven’t talked terms yet, but we definitely want him to stay because he’s such a good player.

“Everybody can see that and his record backs it up.”

Hugo arrived from Johannesburg at the start of last season as third choice pro after deals fell through on Heyside’s first two picks.

The club had little time to check up on the wicketkeeper/batsman, but as the summer progressed it soon became apparent they had struck gold. He finished 2007 averaging 81 with 1,138 runs to his name.

Hugo was asked to bowl in the first few matches, but it was only after an injury to Phil Taylor, that he was handed his place behind the stumps.

And he was so committed to the Heyside cause, he turned down the chance to play for South Western Districts against Pakistan in a one-day match back home.

Hugo carried on where he left off in April, while his high point came earlier this month when he smashed 185 not out — the highest individual score this season — against Friarmere.

Barnes added: “He’s a model professional in whatever he does. He trains properly, works out in the gym, offers the juniors advice and is very good with the first team.

“As a ’keeper I can’t rate him highly enough. He covers the ground so quickly and also stands up a lot of the time, which puts batsmen in two minds whether to go down the wicket.

“He puts the bad ball away nearly every time, which is the sign of a good player. He is a very destructive batsman and will murder the bowling given a chance.

“The way he is playing at the moment, there is no reason why he can’t score 1,500 runs this season.”