Cricketers target late promotion push

Jul 21 2010 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

Motherwell Cricket Club

MOTHERWELL Cricket Club president Steve Young is hoping the club can put together a winning run towards the end of the season and clinch a promotion spot.

The local cricketers have struggled at the bottom of Western District Division Three in the first half of the summer but have gone on a run of four victories in five matches which has seen them consolidate their place in mid-table.

Their position could have been even stronger were it not for the fact they were deducted 20 points earlier in the season after a stormy derby clash with Hamilton.

“At the beginning of the season, we had a lot of players unavailable but we have had a more settled team in recent weeks,” Young said.

“The team has benefited from that which has showed because they have been playing well in the past few weeks.

“Not only have they been winning games but winning them comfortably.”

He continued: “There is still a lot to play for. We have had a good summer in terms of weather until the past couple of weeks.

“The games that we do play between now and the end of August we need to be looking to win.

“If we do that then there is a chance of promotion.”

One player that has impressed this season is teenage all-rounder Hoseifa Khan,pictured, one of three players who have come through the junior ranks in recent years.

President Young added: “Hoseifa is a good lad who has been with us all the way from the Under-13 team.

“He opens the batting, scoring some useful runs, and bowls leg spin, which is a bit different.

“He’s a young player with an eye for the ball and is a good fielder as well.

“One of the things that pleases me is seeing players come through from the junior sides into the first team.

“Every week we have Peter Keay, Hoseifa and Fraser McGlashan playing, and they’ve done just that.

“We also have two lads ages 15 who are playing for the second team and are comfortable at that level.

“Seeing that at the club is more satisfying than anything else.”