Skuse steps down as skipper

PETER Skuse has resigned as captaon of Saddleworth’s first team but will continue to play.

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Armstrong Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League by KEVIN RICHARDSON

PETER SKUSE, who guided Saddleworth to a clutch of silverware, has relinquished his role as captain.

The Australian has stood down with the Well-i-Hole outfit languishing bottom of the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The 39-year-old, who previously had spells in the CLL with Radcliffe and Walsden, will continue to serve the club as professional.

Skuse’s decision to vacate the captaincy after more than 10 years was taken after a run of poor results.

Saddleworth have won only three of their 17 league matches so far this season. Their last victory was against Stayley on June 20.

They crashed out of the Tanner Cup at the second round stage and made it through only one round of the Twenty20 competition.

Club officials stress there has been no fall-out and it was Skuse’s call to resign, with the view that a fresh outlook would hopefully bring an upturn in fortunes.

Saddleworth, under Skuse, were the team to beat in the early part of the decade.

The Aussie inspired his side to the league title in 2002 and 2004, and three Tanner Cup triumphs in 2002, 2003 and 2006.

Saddleworth, under Skuse’s leadership, were also the first team to lift the Twenty20 Cup four years ago.

They finished third last season only three points adrift of runners-up Uppermill, and hopes were high of another top-five finish to qualify for the LCB Cup.

But the loss of bowler Steve Holmes to injury and the no-show of Australian overseas amateur Matt Diedrich has seen them struggle to keep teams in check.

Steven Howard has stepped up from vice-captain to lead the side for the remainder of the season. He will be assisted by Danny Hesford.

Howard (42) said: “It’s important we get the old Pete back, not only for the club but also for himself.

“We want him to concentrate on scoring runs and taking wickets again, because we all know how good a player he is.

“He has had a lot on his plate recently in terms of chasing players to make up a team and it has affected his form, but the pressure of that is off now.”

Skuse is the second captain in the Saddleworth League to step down in as many weeks after Steve Whiston at Shaw. However, unlike Skuse, Whiston left the club.