Spin ace Dinuk back for a third season
Sri Lankan pro Dinuka Hettiarachchi returns to Vernon Road
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St Annes just failed to defend their title in the Furness Building Society Northern Premier Cricket League (incorporating Readers Cricket Balls) in 2010.
Despite winning 15 and losing only four of their 25 games Andy Kellett's side finished third behind Leyland and Barrow. But their points-haul of 236 was ten points higher than the 226 they earned in their 2009 championship winning year.
Kellett has a settled squad at his disposal in 2011 with top Sri Lankan pro Dinuka Hettiarachchi returning for a third season.
The left arm spin ace took 94 league wickets at 11.80 in 2010, largely bowling unchanged from one end in a superb display of his craft.
Ben Dowling, who returned to the Club midway through last season will now be available for the whole year which will be a big boost for St Annes.
Pace man Dowling took 21 wickets at 14 last season and was one of the most hostile bowlers in the competition.
Club Coach Atiq Uz-Zaman who hit 927 runs at 54 to again lift the Amateur Batting award will again spearhead the batting.
St Annes have lost the services of top all rounder Stephen Twist whose availability was restricted last year anyway. Twist has joined Blackpool. Coming the other way is promising young batsman Nanthesh Kiruparan.
"Having Ben available for all season has given us a massive boost," says Kellett. "Dinuk will hopefully arrive in time for the start of the season and can't wait to get going again. They will provide the backbone of the bowling and young players like Ben Willis, Nathan Bolus, Nick Jones and Matthew Grindley will get plenty of opportunities."
The experienced Russ Bradley is available for first-team selection all season and his brother Neil is fit again after injury.
"Having Russ available is massive for what is a predominantly young side," Kellett says. "He's a proven first team player and will be a key member of our plans. Neil is a vastly under-rated cricketer who has recovered from knee and rib injuries and will have a big part to play."
Fresh from his appearances on the ITV1 entertainment programme Take Me Out Charles Boucher will again be an important member of the batting line-up and Kellett is hoping that teenager Nathan Armstrong maintains his progress and cements his place in the top five.
"Charles has had a busy winter and his television appearances have certainly got him in the limelight," the captain adds. "He has been doing some modelling work and some more television work is in the pipeline I understand. He's a talented cricketer without doubt but we're looking for more consistency from him.
Nathan will get his chance in the top order. He played some good innings towards the end of last season and is also a top fielder."
Top wicketkeeper Duncan Whalley remains behind the timbers and with his skipper will add experience and durability to the batting line-up.
David Bartholomew replaces Dave Watson as second team captain. "Barty has a young side under his charge and will be aiming to develop the next group of young cricketers at the club," Kellett says. "Sean Bickerdike has retired but the likes of Jack Todd, Matthew Taaffe and Mitch Bolus will all gain lots of experience playing under Barty.
"In both teams this year there is a great opportunity for some of the young players at the club to really stamp their mark on the game."
Charles Boucher has been a big TV hit over the winter
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