Positive signs at the Pollards

CRICKET:

AT this stage last year, OLDHAM looked as though their acute shortage of players threatened their continued existence in the CLL.

But it is to everyone’s credit at the Pollards that they scrambled through last season and, 12 months on, prospects on and off the field are looking much brighter.

Chris McDonnell did a sound job as captain under difficult circumstances last summer, but the top-order batsman will have many more options in 2010 and should thrive alongside his deputy, Paul Thompson.

New professional at Oldham is Mohammad Hanif, a 24-year-old left-hand batsman and slow left-arm bowler.

Hanif, whose English status means Oldham did not face the hassle of applying for a professional’s work permit, has played for Harrogate in the Yorkshire League, taking 67 wickets in 2008 and 50 in 2009.

Oldham have also secured the services of South African Keelan Gossayn as their overseas amateur.

The 18-year-old, from the academy of former Pollards professional Mark Charlton, is a top-order batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler.

Dane Fletcher will don the wicketkeeper’s gloves following his move from Crompton while also on his way back to Oldham following many years away from the club is middle-order batsman Gary Crossley.

The 55-year-old won the Saddleworth League second XI batting averages at Uppermill last season and has played alongside Oldham cricket chairman Mel Whittle for Lancashire over-50s.

And there is a further boost for Oldham with the return of all-rounder Craig Whittle.

The former Crompton player, who has also turned out occasionally for Heyside in the Saddleworth League, will line up alongside his uncle, Mel, the evergreen bowler who continues to defy his years with long and productive spells for his club.