CLL: Royton keep faith in Luke

Luke Procter: another year with Royton

ROYTON have re-appointed Luke Procter as their professional for the 2009 Lake Garage CLL season.

The all-rounder has been paid man at the Paddock this season following his efforts as an amateur player in 2007.

Royton cricket section chairman Ian McGeary said: “Luke is looking a good bet for 1,000 runs this season and is in the top half of the league bowling averages, not to mention him being an excellent fielder.

“He has already set his standards higher for next year and has made a good impression with the Lancashire Academy this season, having played more than half of the matches for the second team.

“As a club with a strong emphasis on youth development – we have more junior teams than any other club in the CLL - we see Luke as a terrific role model, the lad himself having come through the league’s junior ranks.

“It gives a positive message that Luke was playing under-15s cricket just five years ago and is now rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mark Chilton, Francois De Plessis and Kyle Hogg at Lancashire, which shows what can be achieved with the right amount of hard work.”

McGeary said Royton also have high hopes for 13-year-old Connor Hey who, batting at number seven, scored a magnificent 47 not out to steer the second team to victory over Crompton on Sunday.

Connor has also been in form with the ball, taking his wickets at an average of 16.43 and recently collecting five for 20 against Littleborough.

He captained Royton’s under-13 team to the league title and is a member of Lancashire under-13s with whom he spent a week at the Taunton Festival under the guidance of former Red Rose paceman Peter Martin.