A View from Inside the Camp – Ben Heap

We asked Vice Captain, Ben Heap for an insight into the forthcoming season and his views on how last season went. Here’s what he said:

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I’m really looking forward to the 2014 season. The drive is there more than ever. The Lancashire League looks stronger than recent seasons professional wise and continues to be strong amateur wise.

I expect Ramsbottom to be title contenders and perhaps Todmorden to be an outside bet, if Michael Neser doesn’t get tempted else where and of course their amateurs fire.

Last year was a great follow up to the success of 2012. Three titles in a row has only been achieved a few times in the leagues history so to come runners up was a big achievement. I feel we missed a great opportunity in the Worsley cup against Burnley, with my own form contributing to a hurtful defeat, still doesn’t lie well with me.

The Twenty20 made up for it slightly but I hope if the cup game came around again things would be different.

I do think a slightly more relaxed frame of mind on match days due to nobody’s fault held us back from a third straight title but it’s not easy keeping up the intensity of Frankies first two seasons. Accrington were worthy winners playing with freedom behind a quality pro.

As for 2014 I have high hopes for the season. Cobus is a quality pro and captain of his state so I’m sure all our guys will learn new things of him. Jonny Whitehead will continue to score big runs and I’m sure Blez’s record will be in his sights. He’s a great fielder so hope he strives for more responsibility in the field. Jack Edgar will push for that more permanent batting slot and cement a place. Matt Walker will go from strength to strength, he’s going to be one of the leagues best with bat and bowl if he keeps his feet on the ground! Joe Hawke has bundles of talent and I hope the trip to Australia has matured him into a man we so glimpses of his talent last year expect more from him this year.

The Martin brothers again are a year older and a year wiser both need to continue to push for more responsibility in the side, they both big club men and I’m sure as they get older they will have more say in the dressing room. They both set an excellent example to youngsters around the club. Fergus Bailey is a fantastic bowler who just showed a lack of experience at times last year but he will learn from that. Fergus is capable of bowling very tight for long spells and batsmen find it very difficult to score of him.

Charlie, myself and Blez all hope there’s a real togetherness this year and we all push in the same direction. As for Finchy if he plays, thats great for Lowerhouse.

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