Delph have designs on top three

CRICKET:

DELPH believe they can compete with the best teams in the Drakes Huddersfield League this season.

They host Shepley on Saturday (start 1.30pm), before Sunday’s away trip to Wrenthorpe (Wakefield) in the opening round of the Heavy Woollen Cup.

Following last season’s fourth place finish — seven points behind Saturday’s opponents — Delph have the chance to make a statement of intent.

President Peter Gledhill expects it to be a tough division, but is confident captain Grant Jones and his men will enjoy a successful campaign.

He said: “There are a lot of good teams this season, with money being spent.

“But we wouldn’t swap our players for others in the league by any means.

“We’re aiming to finish higher in the table this time. This club is never satisfied with not winning.

“We will be able to call upon Kyle Hogg at certain points during the season, which can only be a good thing.”

Former Lancashire bowler Mike Smethurst is unavailable until July due to coaching commitments.

But Delph have a replacement in Matthew Norvall, who has signed from Swinton Moorside.

Norvall, an opening bowler, was born in Zimbabwe, but he has an English mother.

Classy overseas player Bilal Khiljee is due to arrive at the club from Pakistan this week.


MICKLEHURST are putting their faith in youngsters as they prepare for an eagerly anticipated return to action.

President Duncan Ross confirmed the club won’t be paying anyone this season and said every squad member will get a run in the side.

“We have a lot of promising young players here so they can expect to be called upon,” he added.

“There is no point in them standing around watching, because they won’t learn anything.

“Naturally it was disappointing to be relegated from premiership one but we are full of confidence going into this campaign, in the new Frank Platt Championship.”

Paul Barrow has been handed the captaincy following Andrew Gleave’s departure to Holmfirth.

A familiar face has returned to the fold. Andy Batty is back for his second spell at the Castle Lane outfit after a couple of years out of the game.

Ross said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Andy. He left to concentrate on work and family, but he loves his cricket and wanted to give it another go at this club.”

Micklehurst start their season at home to Meltham (1.30pm).