Third time lucky for Phil?

Phil Taylor

Local sport: Moore Cup Final preview II

AFTER two failed attempts to win some silverware, Heyside vice-captain Phil Taylor is hoping to make it third time lucky against Uppermill in the Moore Cup final on Sunday.

But the 31-year-old wicketkeeper (below) is just glad to be playing again after a health scare earlier in the season.

Taylor was rushed to hospital after collapsing at home. He had a spell in coronary care, before doctors realised what they were dealing with.

“My heart actually stopped beating for a short while, but it wasn’t a heart attack, it was a virus which had caused my heart to swell up.

“I was taking 12 tablets a day at one stage and was told not to play cricket for five weeks, but I could never give it up for that long and I probably came back before I should have done.

“Touch wood, I’ve been okay since and I’m looking forward to a good game on Sunday.”

Taylor has appeared in two Tanner Cup finals and lost them both, the most recent being in 2001 when Heyside were beaten by Stayley.

The former first-team ’keeper, he dropped down to the seconds last season when a broken a finger opened the way for club professional Roelof Hugo to take over behind the stumps.

One of four senior players in Ian Reddish’s side, they have the job of nurturing the burgeoning talent at Little Hey Street.

Among the young guns dreaming of cup-final glory this weekend are Richard Bennett, Michael Drew and Daniel Robertson.

And although Heyside are second favourites, Taylor believes a shock could be on the cards.

He said: “Uppermill are going well, but we pushed them close a couple of weeks ago.

“Revenge for that defeat would be nice and that’s what we are aiming for.

“We haven’t performed in the league this season, so this is our big chance.

“It would be a massive boost for the kids if we could win the Moore Cup. They have really blossomed in this competition.”