Faulkner hails super Walshaw (From The Bolton News)

Faulkner hails super Walshaw

10:00am Saturday 5th September 2009 in

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ROB Faulkner believes the current Walshaw team is probably the best he has played in.

The skipper, who was a key member of the side that won a trophy every season between 2000 and 2005, is delighted to be on the verge of another Bolton Association title success and has hailed the quality of players that are currently sweeping all before them at Sycamore Road.

The league will be wrapped up with two victories this weekend, and Faulkner also has his sights set on keeping the loss column down to just one.

“This team is possibly the best I have played in,” said Faulkner, who is a PE teacher at nearby Tottington High School. “The original side had a strong top six and one or two bowlers but we have real depth in the team now.

“Winning a title this season would make me as proud as ever because I remember three of the lads in our team starting school in year seven.

“Jamie Pilling, Mike Watt and Gav Nicholl all played in my football and cricket teams at school,” said Faulkner. “They have all played major roles for us this season and Mike has been exceptional as our wicketkeeper.

“To have such a good young wicketkeeper is brilliant.

“The challenge for this team now is to dominate the league for a good few years. We have to give them the platform to go and do what the other team did when they won a trophy every year, including four league titles.”

Professional Jon Fielding has scored 749 runs and taken 79 wickets in a prolific season, and he has also coached the club’s under-9s to a league and cup double.

The production line of young talent looks likely to continue, with the under-11s finishing second in their league and a large part of the under-13s squad won the Bury Schools Cup under Faulkner at Tottington High.

The club are, however, looking for experienced players to join their second and third teams to help blood the youngsters in senior cricket.

In the meantime, Faulkner and his young team are hoping victories over Blackrod on Saturday and Bury neighbours Elton on Sunday will be enough to seal a first league title since 2005.