Royton plan to make an impact

LUKE PROCTER: The Royton captain impressed in Lancashire’s pre-season tour to Barbados.

Paddock outfit rings the changes

CRICKET is back on the local sporting menu this weekend with the return of action in the Lake Garage Central Lancashire League.

Last season’s double winners Monton and Weaste promise to be the team to beat once again, but this area’s four local teams will be doing their utmost to make a bold bid for honours.

There have been changes of personnel at all four with perhaps the most activity coming at ROYTON.

Luke Procter, professional for a third season, has been appointed captain and will be hoping to match his achievements of 2010 when he scored 1,162 runs at an average of 55.33 and took 79 wickets at 20.10.

The 21-year-old also had a superb season for Lancashire seconds, earning a professional contract at Old Trafford.

Procter may have to wait for a first-team chance at county level but, having top scored in Lancashire’s last game of their recent Barbados tour, it is only a matter of time before he makes the big breakthrough.

It seems likely that Procter will miss the odd game for Royton, but the amateur back-up in the side is much stronger than in recent years following the return of three ex-captains in Simon Brierley (Milnrow), Matthew Ward (Astley Bridge) and Lee Gibbons (break from cricket).

Brierley and Ward will form a potentially-lucrative opening partnership, while Procter and Gibbons will be expected to make runs in the middle order.

Gareth Lees is back as wicketkeeper after a spell with Werneth, and Royton will be hoping to bring on young players such as batsman Liam Mason, fast bowler Matty Hodson and all-rounders Tony Walsh, Matthew Smith and Liam Brown.

Walsh will not be available for selection until May because of college commitments, while Hodson will miss the first six matches after being banned for a breach of discipline.

Procter will carry the biggest threat with the ball, but young leg-spinner Joe Lovell could also make an impact after showing great promise last season and Ryan Mayes (pictured inset) — who has joined from Crompton — is likely to get plenty of opportunities with his fast-medium bowling.

Royton are unlikely to have an overseas amateur, however.

Aussie Ryan Carters, who played at the Paddock in 2009, is not returning, having recently broken into the Victoria Twenty20 team.

Also missing from the side this season are Barry Woodward, who did a fine job as captain last term but has retired from senior duty, and John Punchard — CLL all-rounder of 2010 — who will nurture the young players in the seconds captained by his son, Andy.