EAGLEY skipper Danny Counsell hopes tomorrow’s clash of the bottom two sides will spark a change in fortunes for the Dunscar Bridge outfit.

Going into the weekend double header, Counsell and his team-mates are rock bottom of the Bolton League with no wins and eight defeats from their nine matches.

After a home date with Little Lever today, the second of their weekend outings sees them travel to the only other winless team in the shape of Tonge.

Counsell sees it as a chance to leapfrog their hosts and finally break their duck – something he feels they deserve after some creditable displays.

He said: “It’s a tough position that we are in and, of course, the results have been disappointing and that is why we are down at the bottom. But we have not played badly in recent games.

“The team we have put out has done well and there is no lack of spirit.

“We were chasing 300-plus at Kearsley last weekend and got to 235 – in previous years we might have collapsed to 50 or 60 all out.

“We just need a bit of luck to go our way but it often doesn’t when you are down the bottom as Tonge will feel as well.

“We are not going into the game thinking it will be easy – we know we will have to play well to win but it’s a chance to get that first victory.”

Counsell believes bowling performances have been the main cause for concern but accepts the batting could also improve.

New professional Agar Salman is taking time to adapt to English conditions and that has played its part.

Counsell knows the lack of runs from Salman must change but is sure he will come good. And he says the rest of the team also need to chip in – including himself.

He added: “The pro has not scored many runs yet and when that happens it does affect you. It is his first time over here and maybe he is still getting used to the conditions but I am sure he will come good.

“It is not just about Salman, though, I did not get off to a good start with the bat either.

“We just hope things will turn around for us and we get results we think we deserve.”