’Keeper Jones hails Buckley’s impact

Drakes Premiership cricket. Shelley v Delph and Dobcross. Delph and Dobcross batsman, Greg Buckley.

CRICKET: 

LONG-STANDING wicketkeeper Grant Jones has saluted the impact of skipper Greg Buckley as Delph hunt down runner-up spot in the Drakes Huddersfield League.

In the absence of Lancashire’s Twenty20 hero Arron Lilley, who was appointed captain of the Premiership club at the start of the season, Delph have turned to the 26-year-old all-rounder.

The former Micklehurst and Kirkburton star has risen to the challenge, reaching 1,000 runs and in one memorable T20 clash hitting Barkisland for six sixes in an over.

Delph have won 13 of their last 15 fixtures, which raised hopes of finishing second place behind champions-elect Scholes - a superb end after a sluggish start to the season.

Delph host Hoylandswaine, who are above them in the table, on Sunday, 24 hours after welcoming Sykes Cup winners Barkisland.

“We’re playing well and there is lots of confidence in the side,” said Jones. “Whatever target opponents set we feel as though we can chase it down. Likewise, we are bowling well as a unit and haven’t missed Arron Lilley to a degree, as hard as that sounds.

“Greg has done very well as captain. He got thrown into but the lads have a lot of respect for him and obviously he is leading from the front with runs and wickets.”

Jones also praised the impact of Lancashire under-19 player Chris Laker in his first campaign at the Huddersfield Road club.

“He is only 18 and looks a completely different player compared to the first half of the season. He has got five 50s in his last six knocks and one of them he turned into 130. He’s settled in now, loves his cricket, loves the dressing-room banter and is a totally different player.”

Although Lilley is available for Delph’s remaining three league games, his friend Buckley will remain as captain.