Whittle’s will to win as strong as ever

Photo: PICTURE: DARREN ROBINSON

Mel Whittle at Friarmere CC’s Slack Lane ground.

CRICKET watchers at Ellesmere Road couldn’t take their eyes off Mel Whittle.

The 67-year-old former Oldham stalwart bamboozled the South West Manchester batsman with figures of five for 38 on his debut for Friarmere.

It was decent return, especially for a first bowl - competitively or in the nets - since last September.

Whittle’s comeback was instigated by long-time friend Gary Kershaw, a player and committee member at Friarmere.

“I didn’t give Gary an answer immediately when it was put to me about playing,” said Mel. “I thought about it then told him I was available for every weekend, not just the odd game here or there.

“I ended up bowling 15 overs straight off on Saturday. The next day my stomach and shoulders ached, but I enjoyed it.

“I was very impressed with the Friarmere fielding. The players held some good catches and although we were only chasing 90-odd, our opening batsmen went about it the right way.”

Kershaw, who captained the Friarmere team in the absence of Andy Walker last weekend, said: “I honestly thought Mel had been retired for years, but once we got chatting I discovered he had played for Kearsley in the Bolton League last season.

“He was awesome at South West Manchester. He was swinging the ball both ways. I don’t expect him to score many runs, but in tandem with Adnan Farooq, I can’t see us having to chase down big totals.”

Whittle might disagree with Kershaw’s appraisal of his batting, but the impact he made against South West Manchester was not lost on his teammates.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Whittle cop a cabinet-load of wickets by the end of the season.

“Mel has lifted the whole club,” Kershaw explained. “He sat down with everyone after the South West Manchester game and talked how we need to believe in ourselves. Our lads were hanging on his every word.”

Could his arrival make it a magic summer at Friarmere? “I honestly think we can finish above half-way which, after some of the problems we’ve encountered, would be a great achievement,” said Kershaw