Thrilled Procter relives Lancs’ day of destiny

AS the book closed on his career as Royton’s professional, Luke Procter immediately tasted title glory with Lancashire.

Procter, who was at the Paddock for six Lake Garage CLL campaigns, was in the Red Rose side which clinched the LV= County Championship Division One crown at Taunton.

Having broken into the Lancashire first team this season, Procter’s availability as professional at Royton became less frequent.

But Royton’s loss certainly proved Lancashire’s gain as the 23-year-old produced a series of excellent performances which more than justified his inclusion in the county’s senior side.

And it all boiled down to a pulsating final day of the season.

With leaders Warwickshire seemingly in command of their game against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl, Lancashire knew all they could do was see off Somerset at Taunton and hope for good news from the south coast.

Procter takes up the story: “We said at the start of play that all we could do was win our game and not worry about what was going on with Warwickshire.

“But when we had Somerset eight wickets down just after lunch and news came through on the speaker that Hampshire had batted through until lunch without losing any wickets we knew we were in with a great chance.

"Then (Peter) Trego and (Murali) Karthik put on a big stand for Somerset and we were worried for quite a while before we finally got the last two wickets.”

Set a testing total of 211 runs at six per over, Lancashire had it all to do to clinch their first outright title for 77 years.

But Procter said: “We had no doubts about getting the runs and when we won it the feeling was unbelievable.

“There were about 2,000 Lancashire fans cheering us on and the atmosphere was tremendous.

“And we certainly celebrated. I don’t normally drink, but I had a few pints with the lads.

“I won’t be making a habit of it, though - I am back to not drinking again.”

Procter’s super debut season as a regular fixture in the first team has seen him rack up some impressive statistics and finish top of the batting averages.

He scored 366 runs at 40.66 and took nine wickets at 36.88.

In his third year on Lancashire’s books, Procter's efforts, which saw him play in eight championship games and most one-day matches, have earned him a new two-year contract.

And with a young and improving team around him, the Oldhamer can look forward to more success.

He said: “There are a lot of talented young players in the squad and we thought we had a chance of doing well this season. Hopefully, we can build on this in the future.”




tomorrow: The other half of Oldham’s dynamic Lancashire duo, Kyle Hogg, reflects on the county’s historic campaign.