Young aims swipe at missing players

SELECTION HEADACHE . . . Andy Young

ANDY Young saluted the players who represented the Pennine Cricket League - but also had a swipe at those who turned down the opportunity to play for the inter-league team.

The PCL, skippered by Greenfield's Chris Gill, suffered a five-wicket loss at the hands of the Liverpool Competition at Crompton's Glebe Street ground.

While lauding the effort put in by the XI on the day, joint team manager Young was frustrated that some refused the offer to serve the league in the Readers-backed competition.

"We named a provisional squad of 18 and out of those we ended up with eight, so had to find others to fill in," said Austerlands captain Young.

"I can understand that Clinton Perren is not particularly keen to play. He's in his 40s and it's hard playing three games in a weekend.

"I got a really nice message from Josh Lenihan, who played. He set a great example by thanking us for the opportunity.

"That's how I expect the league team to be viewed, but unfortunately that wasn't the response that I got from most.

"Most seemed to see it as an inconvenience, which is a sorry state of affairs, really."

Young featured in representative cricket for the Saddleworth League in the past and he saw it as an honour if chosen.

He added: "It was always one of the best things that could have happened during a season.

"It was quite disappointing, especially as it was a home tie as well.

"Those that played gave us absolutely everything and I couldn't have asked for more.

"I'm really grateful to Greenfield. Chris Gill suggested who I could bring in.

"Rochdale were great, with Ollie Makin and Chappy (Ben Chapman) helping. Jack Avery stepped up on the morning of the game because of a cry-off.

"We had two cry-offs on Saturday night, which didn't help. They were both injury-related, so I have no issue with that. Those things happen.

"Luckily there were people who could help out.

"I think with a full side out we would have been the better team without a doubt."

The PCL are away to the Ribblesdale on Sunday, July 9.

THERE was dismay at the under-18s Inter-League group fixture away to the Bolton League having to be called off 24 hours before it was due to go ahead - because no PCL squad had been selected.

The two sides were set to meet at Horwich last Sunday.

Scott Kershaw, who was charged with choosing the team, apparently informed the PCL junior section on the Friday before the match that a squad had not been picked and he was unable to get players' contact details until the next day.

Jim Bradbury, the PCL's junior section chairman, told John Hutchison, of the Bolton League, at 11am on Saturday that they would have to cancel the fixture.

The PCL's executive committee said they would compensate the hosts for any expenses incurred.

They have also offered to play a friendly match against the Bolton League, with all costs paid for by the PCL.