Two new faces at Fox Lane
Leyland all rounder Luis Reece
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Double Champions Leyland defend their first and second division titles in 2011 with a couple of new faces.
All rounder David Fisher joins the Fox Lane outfit from Preston CC after playing in Australia during the winter. Fisher, a heavy runs-scorer in Palace Shield cricket with Vernon Carus CC is a talented early order batsman, developing spin bowler and outstanding fielder.
Adam Coates also joins the champions from Westhoughton CC in the Bolton Cricket League. A consistent runs-scorer, Coates captained the Bolton
League side in 2010 and has been a fine wicketkeeper in his past but has now given up that role.
"Both players will be great additions to the First X1 squad," says Leyland captain David Makinson. "We haven't had anyone leave the club who were part of the first team squad, but obviously Australian Daniel Hall won't be returning, last season's Second XI captain Chris Dovey has retired and Tom Reece is playing nearer his home in Manchester."
Leyland all-rounder Luis Reece has been selected for the Unicorns squad and with his playing commitments for Leeds-Bradford UCCE may have restricted availability in the first half of the Summer.
Professional Brett Pelser returns for a second season after making a huge impression on and off the field last year. "Brett arrives in England three days before the start of the season," Makinson added. "He's had another good season in South Africa, averaging about 60 in first-class cricket, and even bowling himself a bit more. He has been selected to play for Highvield Lions in their next two four-day games. I've been in regular contact with him and he is looking forward to returning and full of optimism for the coming season."
Ian Farrington takes over as Second XI captain from Chris Dovey. "I'm sure he'll do an excellent job," Makinson adds. "He always has the best interest of the club at heart and will do his best to not only have a successful team and maintain a winning mentality, but also develop future First Eleven players.
"Our ambitions for this season are obviously to first of all, emulate last season's success in winning the League. We know it will be a difficult task, but with the addition of the two new lads and the growing maturity of our still very young team (with the odd exception) I can't see any reason why we can't do well.
"One area of improvement must be our attitude and performances in cup matches. I'd like to think we can have good runs in all 5 competitions we enter.
Hopefully the increased competition for places will ensure that we approach these games with the same intensity as we did the League matches in 2010."
Leyland pro Brett Pelser has another title in his sights
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