Team spirit shone through – Whittle

Mel Whittle

OLDHAM skipper Mel Whittle has heaped praise on his team for their efforts in clinching the runners-up spot in the Lake Garage Central Lancashire League.

Had it not been for poor weather during the title run-in, Oldham might even have overhauled champions Heywood.

But second place for a side which finished second from bottom last season represents huge improvement and the Pollards club will start the 2009 campaign with every hope of going all the way.

Said Whittle: “The lads have been absolutely brilliant. I told them before the start of the season that they had a chance of winning the title, but that they had to play as a team.

“There is a lot of individual talent in the side, but that’s no use if you don’t pull together.

“They have done that and our professional (Chinthaka Jayasinghe) has also been fantastic.”

Oldham are likely to start next season without Stuart Moore, who has told his team-mates he is joining Saddleworth League club Heyside, and Jason Maher – the big wicketkeeper indicating he is going to hang his gloves up.

But Craig Joy is in the frame to take over from Maher and Whittle says there are irons in the fire for other spots within the team.

nROYTON’S CLL campaign fell away during the second half of the season, leaving skipper Guy Lovell to rue the absence of several key players.

Lovell himself missed eight matches with a side strain sustained at work, while opening batsman Matthew Ward was another casualty with knee and wrist problems.

Fellow opener Ian Helliwell returned to Rochdale during the summer, while number three batsman Ryan Harding moved to Holmfirth and opening bowler Glenn Dickinson had to quit the team because of work commitments.

Said Lovell: “At the start of the season we had a balanced team, maybe not with any stars, but one which could compete with the top clubs like Heywood, who we beat at their place.

“But it becomes very difficult when you lose your top three batsmen and opening bowler.

“Suddenly, the depth you have in the side has gone and the wheels come off a bit.”

On a brighter note, Luke Procter acquitted himself well during his first season as professional and his fine recent performances for Lancashire augur well for his return to the Paddock as paid man next summer.

Royton have a strong youth section and several of the club’s youngsters have already been given their chance. A similar scenario is likely in 2009.