Duo help to end Lancs’ title wait

TEAMWORK: Lancashire stars Kyle Hogg (left) and Luke Procter.

KYLE Hogg and Luke Procter made a vital contributions to a major sporting success in 2011.

In winning their first County Championship outright for 77 years, Lancashire answered the critics who labelled them favourites to be relegated from Division One.

Operating off a low budget, Lancashire were forced to rely on home-grown talent rather than import stars on lucrative contracts.

And the likes of Hogg, from Greenfield, and Procter, the Royton Cricket Club professional, answered the call in stunning style as the Red Rose county clinched the title on a dramatic final day which saw them pip Warwickshire.

The duo’s endeavours for Lancashire have also earned them a joint nomination in the Pride In Oldham sports performer category.

Hogg (28) claimed 50 Championship wickets and weighed in with key runs lower down the order in his 11th and best season so far at Old Trafford.

Procter, in his first full campaign in Lancashire’s first team, played in eight Championship matches, scoring 366 runs at 40.66 and taking nine wickets at 36.88.

And the efforts of rapidly-improving Procter (23) have secured him a new two-year contract at the club.

Hogg, grandson of West Indies legend Sonny Ramadhin, played his junior cricket at Greenfield.

As a teenager, he helped the Ladhill Lane outfit to the Saddleworth League title in 2000, before signing professional forms for Lancashire.

He represented England at under-19s level and was heralded as one of country’s brightest young stars after he burst on to the scene.

But injury, illness and stiff competition for places meant he has never been able to cement a regular slot in the Lancashire side — until know.

Procter began his cricketing career as a gangly youngster at Oldham CC and it soon became clear to many onlookers that he possessed huge ability, particularly as a batsman.

Technically correct, Procter quickly made his mark as an amateur in the Lake Garage CLL and it was no surprise in local cricketing circles when Royton offered him a contract as professional at the Paddock.

And he proved a model pro at Royton, shining with bat and ball and, just as significantly, helping to develop the many talented youngsters at the club.

Indeed, his subsequent achievements for Lancashire are likely to prove an inspiration for the new generation of young hopefuls at the Paddock.

As for the future, surely the only way is up for Procter.