Cannock skipper Liam Hickey was delighted with his team’s start to their Birmingham League campaign in what he describes as a ’season of consolidation’.
They picked up a five wicket home win over Attock, thanks to Richard Hewitt, who top scored with 61, and 20-year-old left arm spinner Matt Robinson, who took 3-19.
After restricting the visitors to 155 all out, Cannock eased home with Hickey and David Womble scoring the winning runs and the captain was particularly pleased to see one of his young players coming to the fore.
“We’ve had a lot of changes here at Cannock, but we’ve kept the backbone of a good side and we’ve got a lot of young players coming through, so if we finish in mid-table I’ll be very happy,” Hickey said.”It’s time for those youngsters to come through now.
“They’ve got experience in the Birmingham League now and it’s time for a couple them to come and make their mark in the team and say to me ‘that’s where I’m batting’ or ‘that’s where I’m bowling’, which is why it was encouraging to see a young bowler like Matt Robinson play well against Attock.
“All in all it was a good start. It’s a season of consolidation, so I’m happy with how we’ve begun.”
Cannock travel to Harborne on Saturday, who Hickey rates as one of the best sides in the league.
“It was good to get 20 points on the board early on because Harborne is going to be a tough game,” Hickey said. “I think they’ll be top three this year, but I just take every team as they come and just play the cricket that we know we’re capable of regardless of the opposition.”
Richard Hewitt is unavailable for the trip to Harborne and young all-rounder Matthew Cottrill will come into the side as the only change from last week.
Halesowen skipper Mark Fisher put their defeat at Stratford down to ‘a bit of rustiness’ and a couple of missing players.
They were bowled out for 149 after being put in by the home side, who went on to record a five wicket victory.
“We didn’t score enough runs to be honest,” Fisher said.
“We lost the toss and our top order didn’t perform. We were 98-8 and our tail enders helped us to reach 149, but I think it was just a bit of rustiness really on our part.
“It was the first time that the lads had played on grass since last season and we’re still missing a couple of players through injury, so it can only get better on Saturday.
“Jack Horton has got a broken wrist and our wicket-keeper Luke Willetts is unavailable, so we’re not at full strength.”
Halesown host Wellington on Saturday.
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