Winnington Park Cricket Club

                                                                              

2008: A Brief Insight

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Winnington has seen many changes since the dramatic victory on the last day of the season at Hale Barns. Dave Hine has taken over the reins of the 1^st XI bringing with him high levels of enthusiasm and optimism.  I shall take a look at each team and pick out the vital players for 2008.

1^st XI

 

Nobody is hiding the fact 2008 will be a difficult year for the 1^st XI, after finishing 2^nd bottom last year improvements have to be made to retain county league status.  The unknown availability of Jeremy Casey has made this task all the more daunting.  However, with the arrival of the highly rated Sean O’Neil from Australia and commitment from several key players has made for a very interesting season.

Captain:

Dave Hine

The former Audlem keeper has been one of the most committed members of the squad over the past few years and has weighed in with valuable knocks at key times.  His enthusiasm and dogged determination will hopefully inspire his young and inexperienced squad.

 

2007 Player of the Year:

Jeremy Casey

Nobody quite knows the situation of the jewel in the WPCC crown, but any appearances in a Winnington shirt this season will be a big boost for the rest of the squad.  Scoring 800 runs last season was a fine return for the County League captain, a repeat performance would be priceless to the cause.

 

One to Watch:

Greg McKeown

After several seasons of being the prime second team batsman, he is making the step up to first team cricket.  I Doubt there is more of a determined batsman in the second team circuit and his ability to battle through innings is something that is desperately needed in the 1^st XI if 2007 is anything to go by.

Notable Mentions:

Tom Pilling – Dangerous bowler at all stages of the game, renowned for swinging both ways. Should be looking at 30+ wickets at least.

Mike Johns – Needs a good run of games, but the 1998 league player of the year still presents a big threat at the crease

Glinog Cherrian – Best trainer in the club, his work ethic last year earned him under 18s player of the season. 2008 could be a big year for him and he is confident he can deliver.

James Cowell – Looked to be regaining his old form towards the end of the season, following a strong winter net he could yet again become the star man for the park.

Sean O’Neil – Looks a very strong player, currently playing alongside Johnny Kettle (Oulton Park opening batsman) and is out-performing him.

(I realise I have mentioned half the squad but there are a lot of match winners in that side that will hopefully stand up and be counted this year)

Last Season: 11th

Editors Prediction: In my opinion (although not greatly informed) Irby and Hale Barns did not have better sides than us last season, Stockport Georgians and Marple will find it tough as well. I think we will avoid relegation but remain at the wrong end of the table

9^th.

 

2^nd XI

 

The 2^nd XI were desperately disappointed last season to miss out on promotion, a shortage of players at the back end of the season proved to be the downfall.  There were several great performances, most notably the demolition of champions Macclesfield in their own backyard.  2008 could prove a season of transition with a lot of new faces coming in, but there is still genuine quality that can beat any side in the league on their day.

Captain:

Ian Johns

The Chairman has come forward to lead the 2^nd XI after Bryan Shingler steps down after a successful time in charge.  This has been a popular appointment in the club and despite losing a handful of players to the first team, he is likely to have a talented pool of players to chose from.  We hope he can regain the form with the bat that won him 3^rd XI player of the year 2 years ago before injury held him back.

 

2007 Player of the Year:

Ian Connor

In a very strong side this was a hotly contested category, Greg McKeown and Bryan Shingler also had strong cases to take away the trophy.  He is a destructive bowler who really gets in the batsmen’s faces, one of the leagues leading wicket takers and looks set to do the same in 2008.  It is unclear whether he will play 1^st or 2^nd XI this season, but whatever team he plays in you can guarantee fireworks whether he is bowling or batting.  His partnership with Bryan Shingler with the new ball was unmatched at that level last season, taking 80 wickets between them

 

One to Watch:

Ian Petch

Although I haven’t seen much of Ian myself this season I am reliably informed he hasn’t developed a conjoined twin as his picture may suggest.  He comes highly recommended by both the under18s manger and 2^nd XI captain.  Apparently one of the best performers at indoor nets and has been described as “probably the best bowler in the seconds for 2008”.  Hopefully he can live up to this early promise he has shown.

Notable Mentions:

Jereth Cormack –Jereth should be a big player for the seconds, reportedly available from the start of the season as (he says) ‘them don’t teach me much at uni’.  Making the step up from the 3^rd XI he will bring with him his aggressive bowling style that tore through many batting line-ups.  On his day he could claim to be the best opening bowler in that division, hopefully 2008 will bring him some consistency.  When he puts his mind to it he is a very talented batsman who can take the attack to the bowling side, finally realised some potential last season with his first 50, but like his bowling he needs to gain consistency and work hard.

Tom Norman – Unlucky to lose his place in the 2nds last season, he had an economy rate of around 2.5 opening the bowling.  When he returns from uni I believe he should be handed the new ball on a regular basis, he is a big guy who could become a first team player in the future with the right backing and Ian Johns is well known for getting the best out of his players.

 

Last Season: 3rd

Editors Prediction: On paper we have a weaker team this season, however there are a lot of talented juniors in there as you would expect from a Winnington side.  Although not promotion material there are a lot of poor teams in that division that we should be too strong for if we can build a strong batting line-up

6^th.

 

3^rd XI

 

The 3^rd XI were very strong last year thanks to a backbone of regular performers (Bunby, Hayes, Winder, Cormack), with at least 3 of these 4 not playing for the 3^rds this season they face an uphill struggle.  The standard of the league is poor at times and this should give Andy the opportunity to bring in some of the younger players.

Captain:

Andy Capper

Joining the club on a permanent basis from Audlem, Capper has a task on his hands to lead a depleted 3^rd XI.  Andy has a great desire to do well and win every cricket match he plays in, this attitude should give him a good base to build the side on.  He gave several important performances last season, this season he will have to do the same but on a much more regular basis.

 

2007 Player of the Year:

Jason Hayes

Understandably moving back up to second team cricket where he belongs.  Has the ability to tie any batsman down and on his day can bowl all day for next to no runs.  Proved to be too much to handle for many 3^rd XI batting line-ups, there is no reason why he can’t do the same for the 2^nds this season.  Should reach 25+ wickets.

 

One to Watch:

Paul Wollaston

New to the game aged 20, ‘Wally’ brings with him a desire to do well and immense power with the bat.  Considered a surprising selection to bat at 3 for the 4^th XI amongst some more experienced players, but with an average of 30 and a top score of 44 it was a pleasing introduction to cricket.  Equipped with his own bat and great enthusiasm he could be the surprise package of the season and maybe a contender for a second team place (you heard it here first).  Being one of the best fielders outside the first XI (some may say including) provides another string to his bow (2 catches and a run-out in his last game showed what he is capable of).

Notable Mentions:

Matty Jackson – Part of the 3^rd XI set up for a number of years now, this could be the season he becomes a big player for the 3^rd s.  Some impressive performances with the ball towards the end of last season will hopefully carry over into this year.

Joe Paterson – Has the naturally ability to turn a ball and this will always cause problems at this level.  He is a very committed player who will strive hard to improve his game and I believe he could get a good tally of wickets this year. My prediction 15+ to make the handbook, maybe 25+ if he gets a good run of form.

Joe Tracey – The other half of the new spin-twins on the block.  Already labelled the ‘new KJ’, although a tough name to live up to he has been performing well in nets and building on his early successes in the 4^th XI last season.  His ability to give the ball some flight whilst keeping a tidy line and length will get him many wickets of frustrated batsmen.

 

Last Season: 2nd

Editors Prediction: It is hard to predict what the competition will be like for the 3^rds this season, but based on last season they should do ok.  Andy Capper will have a real task on his hands to get a good level of senior involvement, but there are several players in that side that can contribute.  Big scores from the batsmen may be a problem, particularly for some of the younger players.

6^th.