Champions prepare to defend their title

Apr 9 2009 by James Connor, Ormskirk Advertiser

Champions prepare to defend their title

WITH the start of the cricket season only a few weeks away, Ormskirk captain Adam Waterhouse knows his side face a tough task to regain the Liverpool and District Premier League.

Last year Ormskirk claimed their first league title since 2001 but now the Blue and Gold will have to cope with the pressure of being the side everyone wants to beat.

"It will be hard but I do believe we can retain the league title. I'd like to do better in the cup competitions this season and I don't think success in both is out of the question," said the skipper.

"We have a good side so now it's just down to us the players. If we perform to our level I think we'll be right up there."

Ormskirk start their campaign with a tough trip to New Brighton on April 18. The Rake Lane side have recruited well over the winter as have fellow title rivals Bootle. Both sides will be hot on Ormskirk's heels this summer.

"Bootle and New Brighton always challenge but Northern, Fleetwood Hesketh, Lytham and Colwyn Bay have improved their squads so the league will be very competitive. But success breeds success and our players will be up for the challenge," said Adam.

The Brook Lane side will be without the services of strike bowler Neil Wagner as the young South African has earned himself a professional contract with New Zealand state side, the Otago Volts. But Adam is hoping the addition of some experienced performers in Mark Jenkins and Phil Armstrong will bolster his bowling attack.

"Both players are very experienced at this level and they give me different options with the new ball. Phil has looked very good at winter nets and Mark has been a proven performer with St Helens Recs over the last few seasons."

Australian youngster Matthew Morgan also joins the squad as a like for like replacement for John Simpson who will not feature this year as he hopes to break into Middlesex's first XI. 19-year-old Morgan joins from Sydney University and is a hard-hitting wicket-keeper batsman.

"Losing Neil Wagner is a blow to us but now Nicky Caunce has no restrictions on how many overs he can bowl I am expecting more from him this year. Matt (Morgan) will strengthen the middle order and Simon Kerrigan and Martyn Farrell offer us plenty of bowling options," said Adam.

"There is lots of competition for places at the club this year and that will hopefully make us play better cricket."

The season starts at Brook Lane with two friendlies against Ramsbottom and Haslingden on April 11 and 12.