Skipper Wright salutes Rehman's superb start

SIMON WRIGHT

AS first impressions go, they don't come much better than Akbar Rehman's for Crompton in the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League.

The Pakistani professional hit the ground running by scoring 118 not out on debut for the Glebe Street club against Rochdale, followed by a four-wicket haul, bowling leg-spin, 24 hours later at Stayley.

Now Crompton skipper Simon Wright wants the all-rounder to carry on the good work in tomorrow's Premiership clash at home to Walsden and the LCB Cup tie away to Penwortham on Sunday.

Rehman (33), who averages more than 38 at first-class level, was late arriving because of a visa hold-up.

His first appearance in this country this year was as a stand-in pro for Walkden in the Bolton League - and he got a ton in that game as well!

Reflecting on the innings against Rochdale, Wright said: "Akbar looks like he's got all the time in the world.

'FAULTLESS'
"It was a faultless knock. There were no rash shots. He kept his head when wickets were falling around him.

"When I was talking to him afterwards, he said he preferred four-day cricket as opposed to one day and T20. That's ideal - you want your pro to bat for 45-50 overs."

Crompton sit third in the table with four wins out of five.

They will hopefully have bowlers Aquib Zulfiqar and Carl Taylor back in the fold this weekend, but Sammy Ullah is still unavailable because of injury.

Despite the positive start, Wright and his team-mates are keeping their feet on the ground.

He said: "As long as we compete and give it a go, that's all I can ask for."

This weekend's fixtures -

Tomorrow, Premiership: Austerlands v Saddleworth; Crompton v Walsden; Glodwick v Stayley; Greenfield v Monton and Weaste; Heyside v Rochdale; Littleborough v Norden.

Championship: Oldham v Micklehurst; Moorside v Hollinwood; Royton v Middleton; Shaw v Milnrow; Uppermill v Ashton; Werneth v Friarmere.

Sunday, LCB Cup, round one: Fleetwood V Littleborough; Farnworth Social Circle v Glodwick; Rochdale v Walkden; Penwortham v Crompton; Haslingden v Greenfield; Walsden v Barrow; Norden v Netherfield; Prestwich v Saddleworth.