DARWEN CRICKET CLUB:
First Team Captain: Jordan Clarke, Professional: Sami Aslam
Darwen Cricket Club aim for a strong 2015 season as they look to build on last seasons third placed finish. Darwen skipper Jordan Clarke looks forward to what he hopes will be another positive season for his Team:
"We are hoping that Darwen will have a strong year in the upcoming 2015 season. I think being the around the top three last season surprised a number of people.
I believe we have strengthened once again ahead of the new campaign. I think the Teams in the Division will see us as a threat where as last year there wasnt as much expectation.
Of course this brings more pressure, as the expectations are raised how we deal with that pressure is going to be important to having a successful season
Professional George Linde was superb; scoring over 750 runs and taking 65 wickets. Unfortunately due to SA Academy commitments, he is unable to return for a second season.
However, we have gone for Sami Aslam, a young Pakistan Under 19's captain and opening batter. His stats have been as good as any batter we have seen and we can not wait to see him in action.
Sami also bowls leg spin which may add something different in our bowling attack. Player wise, Chris Clarke has moved to London due to work commitments which is a huge loss as he had his best ever season with the bat in the 2014 season.
Darwen lad Niall Burke spent a couple of years playing in the Bolton Association League for Standish and is a good all rounder to bring back into the team.
He brings with him Dave Bowden, another allrounder who we are confident will make a big impression on the League. Finally, Mark Friend will also be joining Darwen from Orrell Red Triangle for the 2015 season. A good solid hard hitting batter who will provide some stability in the middle order.
Unfortunately he will miss the first few weeks of the season as he is currently enjoying his cricket in Australia.
We want to continue the momentum we were building on from last year and really kick on even more, we certainly have the players to, hopefully it can all gel together in time to play St.Annes on the first day of the season."
Article by Richard Edmondson
