Cup crusade
Reporter: KEVIN RICHARDSON
Date published: 12 August 2011
ALL SMILES: Nick Campbell wears a broad grin after guiding Heyside to victory over Bamford Fieldhouse in the 2008 Tanner Cup final.
Heyside set sights on another final shock
CRICKET: NICK Campbell produced the innings of his life to guide Heyside to Tanner Cup glory in 2008.
Bamford Fieldhouse were red-hot favourites on that warm Saturday in September — the final had been postponed on four previous occasions because of rain — but the all-rounder’s unbeaten 67 ensured the underdogs prevailed.
Fast forward three years and the two finalists go head-to-head once again in this year’s renewal at Hollin Lane on Sunday.
One of Mark Barnes’ foot soldiers on that occasion, Campbell is now captain of Heyside as he attempts to orchestrate another upset.
“We’ve all got happy memories of that day,” said the 31-year-old, “and as long as Heyside win, I don’t mind who the hero is this time.
“It’s a one-off game, so anything can happen as long as we work hard and do our best.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for Bamford, but we’ve got a chance.”
Despite what the league table indicates, Bamford are favourites to clinch their third straight Tanner Cup triumph.
But Campbell, who also won the competition with Shaw in 2007, reckons the class of 2011 are a stronger bunch than three years ago.
“Roelof Hugo had to miss the previous final between the sides as he had to go home, so he’s desperate to do well,” said the skipper. “He wants to finish the season on a high.
“Our overseas amateur Bromwell Godea is probably the quickest bowler the league has seen for a few years.
“Then there are the likes of John Selby, who is having a great year with the bat, and Stuart Moore, who is one of the best amateur bowlers around.”
As for Paddy McKeown’s Bamford, they boast run machine Grant Hodnett, the only player to score 1,000 this season in the league.
The former Gloucestershire opener recently piled up 188 and 140 (not out) in consecutive days.
If Heyside can remove Hodnett early on, they will have a big chance of repeating their heroics of 2008.
