New skipper keeps lid on expectations

Luke Procter... Lancashire commitments.

CRICKET:

ROYTON CC

ROOKIE captain Alan Durose is realistic about the chances of his young Royton outfit.

The all-rounder, signed from neighbours Werneth, will skipper a side brimming with potential, but perhaps lacking the experience of the top CLL teams.

Professional Luke Procter’s appearances may be limited by his Lancashire commitments, but plans are already in place for replacements when they are necessary.

Royton have a new overseas amateur in 22-year-old Australian Chris Hutchinson, who arrived in England on Sunday.

An aggressive, right-hand top-order batsman who can also bowl off breaks, he could prove to be a useful acquisition.

Also new to the team is 19-year-old Ryan Carruthers, who has represented Cumbria at all levels from under-11 to under-19 and is a highly-regarded top-order batsman who can bowl seam up.

Youngsters Liam Brown and Liam Mason, the latter having spent the winter playing cricket in the Sydney area, will be out to cement their places in the batting line-up.

And Matthew Hodson, who possesses plenty of raw pace, is booked for the opening bowler slot, possibly alongside one of the spinners, depending on the wicket and opponents.

And another young bowler, Matthew Smith (18), is likely to be given a chance with his medium pace.

Royton, who have a new main sponsor in Monarch Metals, also plan to introduce 15-year-old Kurran Hussain. The tall youngster is developing well and can bowl leg spin as well as bat.

Durose will obviously be a key member of the side with his batting and spin bowling abilities and the skipper said: “Basically, we have a young side who are not going to set the world on fire.

“But I have no doubt we will surprise a few teams along the way.”