Ashworth targets a top-four finish
6:00am Friday 10th July 2009 in Sport By Liam Chronnell
JOHN Ashworth is confident Elton’s young guns can still fire the club to a top-four finish.
The Bolton Association side have put their faith in youth this season with mixed results.
Elton currently lie in seventh and know they need a better second half of the campaign if they are to qualify for the Lancashire Knockout next year.
But veteran Ashworth believes the youngsters can still lead a surge up the table.
“Apart from me and the captain, Mark Gowers, it is a really young side,” said the big-hitting batsman.
“We had two 14-year-olds, Ashley Gowers and Matthew Ward, playing last weekend and the rest are in their teens and 20s — I don’t think we’ve got one player in their 30s.
“The majority of them played last season and they have benefited from being a year older and stronger. We’ve definitely improved.
“But, based on the potential the side has, we’ve not done as well as we could have, especially as, apart from Darcy Lever and Walshaw, who stand out because of their strength in depth, the league is very even and anyone can beat anyone.
“We need to improve if we are going to finish in the top four and qualify for the Lancs Knockout — but I’m sure we can do it.”
Ashworth returned to the Bury side, who entertain Blackrod tomorrow, after captaining Greenmount in the Bolton League last year.
The 45-year-old spent seven seasons at Leigh Lane in the 1990s, including five as professional, and has backed Liam Jackson, a summer acquisition from Walkden, to shine after a difficult start to his pro career.
“He’s doing okay but he’s better than the results show,” said Ashworth, who thinks next season will be his last in the game.
“It can be difficult when you make that move from amateur to professional, and the extra pressure that comes with that, but he scored 50 again on Sunday and I’m sure he’ll do very well for Elton.
“In fact, the club’s future is looking good and, if the youngsters stay, then I’m sure Elton will be up there and challenging for honours in the years to come.”
And should silverware arrive at Elton, then Ashworth’s family will be celebrating more than most as his three nephews, Peter and Daniel Lomax and Adam Stansfield all play in the same team.
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