Milnrow Cricket Club approaching new season with optimism

Milnrow Cricket Club

Milnrow Cricket Club is approaching the new season with optimism as the club embarks on its journey in the new Pennine Cricket League (PCL), seeking promotion from the PCL Championship to the PCL Premier League.

The club has been lifted by the return of Rudi Second as the club’s professional - following his record breaking season in 2014, he re-joins a team that has grown in maturity and is ready for the new season.

Skipper Max Power will lead a young team that has gained experience from a strong finish to the 2015 season, which saw them win seven of their final eight matches.

Milnrow finished third in 2015 but have increasing strength in depth.

Power finished top of last season’s batting averages in the Championship and he is finding that other players are ready to support his proven class and experience.

Wicketkeeper Lee Crabtree had an excellent debut season at the club with many good innings and consistently tidy work with the gloves. Crabtree brings quick scoring and is ready to play a leading role again.

The batting line up has been strengthened by the signing of Ian Helliwell from Rochdale CC and it was felt by many at the club that Steve Dryden had his best season at Milnrow last year and brings experience and important runs to the team.

In addition, there are a number of players competing for top order slots. Brothers Alex Willis and Joe Wilson both have real talent and look ready to learn from the captain and the returning Rudi Second. They both look ready to make big contributions. Other players such as Rob Wilman are pushing them all the time for a place in the team.

The bowling department looks exciting too.

Leading the attack will be left-armer Aaron Brown, who had an outstanding season in 2015 and he will be supported by 18-year-olds Charlie Lloyd Jones and Faad Khan. Both players bowled very well for the second team in 2015 and both are now ready to take wickets at first team level.

Matthew Owen will offer quality left-arm spin and other young bowlers such as Brad Smith are ready to come in.

The club is also "very excited" about the potential of Jack Wynn. Only 15, Jack is an outstanding talent.

The bowling attack will undoubtedly be strengthened with the addition of overseas amateur player, Fanie De Villiers Junior. The son of the South African test player of the same name, Fanie brings pace and aggression to the Milnrow attack and supporters hope he will help make the team tough to score against.

Captain Max Power knows that he has match-winners in his team and that in Rudi Second he has a batsman of the highest class. Second arrives on the back of another successful season at the Knights in South Africa but he is very much part of the team ethos that Milnrow have been working hard to create and will support Power in helping all Milnrow’s players to improve.

The club is looking forward to the season with real anticipation.

Colin Williamson, cricket secretary, said: “We have increasing strength in depth at the club and greater competition for places than in 2015. We have the class players to win matches and young talent ready to emerge and make a name for themselves. Everyone is ready for the season and can’t wait to get started.”