7:20am Saturday 12th September 2009
By Neil Bonnar
CRICKET: Walshaw’s retiring captain Rob Faulkner doubts the championship winning side will recapture the longstanding dominance they enjoyed a few years ago.
The Bury side clinched their first Bolton Association title for four years last week.
Between 1999 and 2005 they were the league’s dominant force, winning the championship five years out of seven. They have been in a state of transition since that last title success as they developed a number of talented youngsters.
While they have always been title contenders during that time, the maturity of youngsters like Gavin Nicholl, Jamie Pilling, Mikey Watt and Nick Murphy, along with the introduction of quality experienced players, has seen them return to the top of the pile. But Faulkner, who is handing over the captaincy to Watt, believes it will be tougher than ever to stay there season after season as they did before.
He said. “They are looking at this merger between the two Bolton leagues, and if nothing comes of it our younger players might think what else can they do in this league? These youngsters are quite ambitious lads and we may lose them to clubs at a higher standard, and with our blessing.” Faulkner highlighted the importance of experienced quartet Darron Foy, David Mills, Steve Holt and departing professional Jon Fielding in winning the title.
“We brought in some experienced players this season,” he said. “And it has given us the right balance. Fielding’s the best pro in the league by a mile but he’s going to Ramsbottom.”
Faulkner can be added to that list of key old heads as he has been one of the most consistent players in the league with the bat and the ball for a number of years.
And he was the star of the show when they wrapped up the title against Elton last Sunday, hitting 105 not out, the only century scored by a Walshaw player all season.
“It was spooky really,” he said. “We’ve been getting good scores but no one’s got a hundred all season and then I get one the day we win the title in what will probably be my last game at Walshaw as captain.
“It was quite special.”
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