Report: Peter Rogan

Before the cricket season gets into full flow, Ormsklrk Cricket Club have some unfinished business from 2017 to complete...

Having swept all before them last season, time ran out to complete the League Cup Competition (The Ray Digman Trophy) and so for the first time in the Competition's history the semi-final rounds were held over to kick off the competitive fixtures for this season.

On Saturday, OCC travel to Bootle CC in the hope of progressing to the final round and add to the Premier League Championship and the Lancashire Knockout Cup already secured in last season's campaign.

The following weekend sees the Premier League campaign get underway when Colwyn Bay visit Brook Lane and on the Sunday the defence of the Lancashire Cup starts when the visitors are Netherfield - neither game will be easy as both teams will be keen to beat what was undoubtedly the best team in Lancashire last season!

Ormskirk have never won back to back Championships and so the pressure will be on to achieve what predecessors have failed to do. Under the new captaincy of Nicky Caunce they hope to make that extra stride - but accept it won’t be easy.

Nicky, in looking forward to the campaigns ahead, told QLocal: "After last season’s unbelievable success we will be looking to replicate or go even better.

"The main objectives for the season will be to retain the League Championship and the Lancashire Knockout.

"Obviously it won’t be easy but I believe it is very achievable”

Matt Glayzer, Nick’s predecessor will not be playing the year and two star players, Michael Jones and Simon Kerrigan have moved on to play elsewhere. In their places Ryan Maddock, a talented all rounder has been recruited and talented young players from the second XI will be stepping up to first team duties.

“Yes, we will miss Michael, Simon and Matt," said Nicky, "but I have every confidence that their replacements will do us proud and we will be challenging for honours come the end of the season.”

After a long wet winter cricket fans can’t wait to welcome the new season. They have plenty to look forward to at Brook Lane for as well as enjoying the highest level of sport played in West Lancashire they can take full advantage of the now completed spectator and dining facilities.