Lloyd set for Accrington comeback
DAVID Lloyd is hoping to avoid having his parade rained on for a second time.
The 61-year-old's comeback for Lancashire League leaders Accrington was postponed, with their home clash with Burnley, along with the rest of Sunday's fixtures, a complete wash-out.
But, with a warm weekend in prospect, the former England international does not have long to wait before padding up at Thorneyholme Road, as he is named in the line-up to face Haslingden.
"He was gutted last weekend, but he's been picked again to play," said captain David Ormerod.
"He was down on Tuesday training with us, although he felt he wasn't up to scratch in the nets that night. He still sets himself very high standards and he is really keen to do well.
"He doesn't want to be treated any differently from any of the other lads, but it's just great to have him around the place.
"After he'd batted in training, he was standing behind the wickets and having a few words with the lads who had just batted.
"To have an ex-England coach advising you, is just fantastic for all of us."
But Ormerod believes it isn't just the club that is benefiting from Lloyd's expertise.
"It puts the league into the spotlight," he continued.
"We're very fortunate to have had so many good players, international-standard players, coming through our league.
"Hopefully it won't just have an affect on us but get more people going to Lancashire League games because of it."
However, HASLINGDEN captain Graham Knowles insists his side have to focus on their own play rather than worrying about the appearance of Lloyd.
And he was hoping the veteran, who is playing his first competitive match in 19 years, may be a little off the pace.
He said: "I was talking with his lad (Graham) and he said he's really been putting the work in over the last four or five months.
"In a way though, it could be a bonus for us having him in rather than a young lad. He's not played for a while and he could be a bit rusty.
"We've got to look after ourselves though and get back to winning ways."
When the two sides met last month, Haslingden had restricted them to 20 for four before rain stopped play.
Lee Ingham is missing due to work commitments and is replaced by M Imtiaz.
Skipper Matt Wilson is banking on team spirit to get COLNE through their poor start to the season.
Wilson, who takes his side to East Lancs looking for their first win, said: "The results haven't gone our way but the team spirit is superb.
"Everyone is pulling together and I am certain that camaraderie will help us turn things around."
David Spokes comes in to the starting line-up for the unavailable Colin Varley.
Matthew Kershaw will make his first start of the season as unbeaten RAWTENSTALL entertain Church.
The young batsman replaces Peter Seal while Graham King comes in for John Hayman who is also unavailable.
Skipper Payne is delighted with his side's early season form.
"We've played three and won three and you could not ask for a better start," said Payne. "Our poor start cost us the chance of winning the title last season so we are delighted."
Meanwhile, CHURCH skipper Phil Gilrane believes there is a lot more to come from big-hitting professional Niel Bredenkamp.
The South African slammed 94 in Church's convincing 75-run victory over Haslingden last week.
"It was an excellent win and hopefully we can keep that going," said Gilrane.
"When he hits the ball, it stays hit! Once he gets settled, he's difficult to get out. All he needs to do is reach 30 and take if from there."
5:33pm Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: hassybloke, haslingden on 8:13am Sun 11 May 08
It was good to see Bumble playing again although he played a couple of class shots he was in for quite a while for few runs.Dont think the Hassy lads minded him being at the crease. They were certainly glad to see the back of his son who batted really well. Mention also Graham Knowles and Hassy pro David Bandy who were fantastic to watch.
It was good to see Bumble playing again although he played a couple of class shots he was in for quite a while for few runs.Dont think the Hassy lads minded him being at the crease. They were certainly glad to see the back of his son who batted really well. Mention also Graham Knowles and Hassy pro David Bandy who were fantastic to watch.
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