Malan eyes productive campaign with Royton

EYE ON THE BALL . . . Pieter Malan is keen to succeed at Royton.

CRICKET:

NEW Royton professional Pieter Malan is relishing playing in the Lake Garage CLL.

The 24-year-old South African was a big hit with Barrow in the Northern League and, for two seasons, with Ramsbottom in the Lancashire League.

And though he signed for Royton only in January following the withdrawal of last season's pro Ben Dunk, Malan had no doubt Royton is the club for him.

"I hadn't been planning to come to England this year," said Malan. “But when Denny Hulme (Royton pro) contacted me things fell into place.

"I had been a sub pro in the CLL before and also for Royton, so I knew the club and some of the people here. I was happy to come. This is a strong league and the two division set-up makes for competitive cricket.”

He continued: "I have made a slow start with the bat, but you have to adapt and I want to contribute.

"The main thing is that the team does well, but if that happens there is a good chance I will be doing well personally, so that takes care of itself."

With a professional committed to success on and off the field, Royton looked to have backed a winner.



NOT a ball was bowled in the Lake Garage CLL at the weekend. All Saturday matches succumbed to rain and league officials decided yesterday morning to call off that day’s fixtures.

The games will now be played on free dates in September.