Hard graft paying off at Moorside
Reporter: KEVIN RICHARDSON
Date published: 30 May 2014
CRICKET:
NO pain, no gain is the philosophy at Moorside these days.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, groups of men and boys are being put through their paces in a tough work-out designed by professional Grant Hodnett.
The scene is far removed from 12 months ago says captain Danny Anchor, when Moorside players went through the motions in preparation for the weekend.
He said: “Last year we rocked up at nets, had a bat, bowl or got out of it what we wanted and then went home. That’s not the way anymore. We practice two evenings a week. It is very good and the club’s second team are benefiting from it, too.
“Our fielding has been so much better this season, and that’s down to Grant.”
Hodnett, the former pro at Bamford Fieldhouse, has gone down a storm at the club.
The 31 year old has carried on where he left off at Hollin Lane last season, where he scored more than 1,600 runs in the league and cup.
“Everyone is chuffed to bits with Grant,” said Anchor. “His attention to detail is unbelievable and even after games, he will sit down in the dressing room and talk things through.
“He sets very standards. He has played at county level, so he knows what’s required. His commitment is unbelievable - and he’s a nice fella too!”
“I’m very pleased how things have started and have been made very welcome,” Hodnett says.
“I’m really enjoying my role as player-coach and the guys have responded.
“I didn’t bowl at all last season at Bamford as they had such a strong attack, but I’ve got more than a dozen wickets so far for Moorside and I’m really enjoying it.”
MOORSIDE’S assault on the title has had a boost with the addition of Rick Harrington. The all-rounder, who has played for the league’s representative side, started the season at Shaw and is set to make his debut away to Greenfield on Saturday.
He is ineligible for Sunday’s Tanner Cup quarter-final at Droylsden as he played for Shaw, ironically against Moorside, in the first round of the competition.
FIVE Saddleworth League sides had to resort to bowl-outs when all LCB Cup first-round ties were washed out on Sunday. Only Greenfield won.
The Ladd Hill Lane outfit, playing Palace Shield side Fulwood and Broughton, prevailed 4-2 to secure a second-round clash at Bolton Leaguers Green Mount on June 8.
Hosts Glodwick lost their bowl-out 3-2 to current Lancashire County League champions Denton West, while Saddleworth went down 1-0 to Bolton League visitors Westhoughton.
Uppermill lost 2-1 to Woodbank from the Lancashire County League at Leefields, while Whalley Range went out 3-1 at North Manchester League outfit Littleborough Lakeside.
