New skippers at Lune Road
Michael Stevens takes charge at Lune Road |
Michael Stevens takes charge at Lune Road looking to plot a revival in Lancaster's fortunes.
It was a season of mixed fortunes for the two senior sides in 2009.
The first eleven finished bottom of the league but the seconds were champions of the Second Division.
Stevens, a former Middlesex 2nd XI player has now finished his studies at Lancaster university and has secured employment in the city.
"I love playing at Lancaster and having laid down roots in the area it was the right time to take on this challenge," Stevens said.
"I captained the Twenty20 side two years ago and took us to finals day which was a great experience and that gave me a good insight into the job. I feel that now I'm not a student and have committed to staying in the area long term it's a good time to accept the appointment."
Last season's captain Tim Barry- easily Lancaster's best performing batsman with 645 runs at an average of a shade under 50- has stepped down but will provide backbone alongside veterans David Heywood and wicketkeeper Brendan Hetherington.
"Tim and David have both had the captaincy in the past and the philosophy around the club is that it's time for a fresh start," Stevens adds. "Both Tim and David just want to enjoy playing their cricket. They still have huge roles to play in the side and Brendan, especially being behind the stumps, can offer so much advice."
Stevens hit form towards the end of the season and finished just short of 500 runs. "I had some good opening partnerships with Jamie Heywood and we shall be opening together again at the start of the season," he said.
On the bowling front Lancaster hope that exciting teenaged prospect Charlie Swarbrick continues his development. Swarbrick is a talented all round sportsman and was involved with the England rugby union U16s set-up over the winter months.
But Lancaster have lost Indian spinner BV Rhagavendra who has moved out of the area. Rhagendra is replaced by off-spinner Ben Simm who returns to the club from Kendal.
"It's fantastic to have Ben back," Stevens said. "He lives close to the ground and knows the club well. We've also recruited Matt Weller, a quick bowler who's played in the Surrey League. He's doing a PhD at the university and he'll get his chance together with all rounder Ian Perryman who's a left medium bowler and batsman.
"We were rock bottom last year so things can only get better. I'm really looking forward to the season."
Sri Lankan all rounder Roy Silva joins the club as professional after helping Accrington to back-to-back titles in the Lancashire League. "Roy's a big signing and comes to us with a winning culture," Stevens said. "He'll arrive in time for our opening game of the season. We've had bad luck with pros lately so need the stability of a pro being here all season."
Craig Atkinson steps down as second team captain after leading the side to the title. "Craig did a fantastic job last year but this year aims to be pushing for the first team so Nick Davey will start off skippering the side," Stevens explained.
"Our second team was a real unit and we have some really solid second team players at the club. The next step is to get some of the challenging for first team places.
"Brian Gudgeon has done a brilliant job working on the ground and it's looking good despite the winter we've had."
Lancaster start their season at home to defending champions St Annes on 17 April (1pm).
Tim Barry was Lancaster's leading batsman last year |
