Rochdale Cricket Club hoping for success in 2015

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After surviving relegation on the last day of last season, Rochdale will be hoping for a much better season on the field when the 2015 campaign gets underway on 19 April.

The club has lost the services of all rounder Scott Butterworth and Australian overseas Shayne Wornes but hopes the arrivals of Tom and Jack Avery, Mo Bux and Barbadian Maroodon Bend will improve performances and results.

Jon Henderson, who replaces Darryl Cryer and is back in charge, gave his thoughts on the forthcoming season:  “I’m delighted that the chairman approached me to skipper the first team, it’s a role that I am sure will challenge me but as a club we have the plans in place that I am confident will help the club back to where it should be… challenging for honours.”

Henderson, who captained the club during the glory days in the early 2000s, gave a quick  insight into what can be expected from him as captain, he said: "Organisation, calmness and most of all honesty is what you will get from me. I will be expecting a certain standard, both on and off the field, but I am always available to discuss ideas and listen to the players.”

Henderson’s first season back wasn’t great as a sixth place finish, with defeats to lower league opposition in both the Wood Cup and the T20, meant a disappointing season for the Redbrook men but he suggests its not going to be easy to improve as the standard of the Premiership is at an all time high.

“We need to be tough to beat, the standard is getting better each year so its not going to be easy, we need to fight for every single point.

"I truly believe we have the potential and bond at the club that can get us back to winning trophies, however, its up to the players where we finish, I am also looking  to improve on last season.”

Returning to Redbrook for 2015 is professional Wesley Landsdale and Henderson believes having a settled professional will help the club achieve its aims.

“Wes is a captain's dream, he gives us stability by returning, we know him, he knows us and this can give us an advantage by allowing us to have a good start and build momentum.

“He is a great cricketer, which of course helps, and the players can learn an awful lot from him.”

The club has been busy over the winter months, capturing the services of Mo Bux and Jack and Tom Avery. Henderson believes having Rochdale lads at the club is important: “Bringing Mo and the Avery’s back is massive as all three are fierce competitors who want to win and the more depth we have at the club the better.

"We are always looking at ways to improve the squad the more competition will make every player work harder.

"It will also bring out the character and performances from all of the lads and this is what we want at RCC.

"Tom and Jack were both players we wanted back at the club, they are the future of this club. ”

Henderson believes the club has one of the best CLL bowlers in their ranks, he added: "Buxy has been one of the best in the league for a number of years and his experience in what is quite a young squad will be vital for the side as this will also allow the younger lads to develop by speaking to Mo.”  

Henderson also confirmed that the club has completed the signing of Maraddan Bend from Barbados: “Maraddan is a top order batsman who comes highly recommended by former RCC professionals, we believe he will add to the quality of the squad.”

The club lost some players with Scott Butterworth leaving to Merseyside Club Bootle, Lee Crabtree joining Milnrow and Australian Shayne Wornes not returning. Henderson is looking for his current players to fill the void, he said: "Scott and Shayne scored 1,200 runs and in Scott’s case took 50 wickets. They are both great players and  people. Obviously it was a blow when we heard they won’t be playing for us but the challenge for the current squad is to score them runs and to take them wickets, hopefully the lads can come up with the goods.”

Preparations are under way ahead of the opening game against Royton at Redbrook on Sunday. Henderson states that the players can't wait and gives credit to the committee as his message is: “Preparations have gone well and the Club is in good shape.

"We have a hard working committee that grafts tirelessly behind the scenes allowing us to play this great game.

"I am confident we can produce results and give our loyal fans something to smile about this season.”