Skuse has made such a difference

PETER SKUSE . . . the Australian has guided Stayley to the top of the table

SKIPPER Peter Skuse is going down a storm at Stayley in the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League.

The Australian has a wealth of experience at local league level, having been the driving force behind Saddleworth's trophy-laden years at the turn of the new millennium.

Skuse took over the reins at Millbrook for 2016, and the man who he replaced as captain has heaped praised on the all-rounder's impact.

Stayley are riding high in the Championship, and team-mate Steve Bird said: "He is a winner, it's a simple as that.

"He brings so much belief to the team ­- he's a great motivator of people and it gives them confidence. The results on the pitch say it all.

"I had second thoughts about playing this season ­- I stepped down as skipper because of work commitments ­- but I'm glad I did as I haven't enjoyed it as much as this for a long time. There is a really good atmosphere about the place."

Stayley have Milnrow and Heyside breathing down their necks at the top, and it is the latter who they entertain in the league on Monday.

The Roberts brothers, Dave and Pete, have also had a big influence on lifting the club's fortunes, while overseas amateur Kenroy Williams has hit the ground running since his arrival from Barbados.

Bird went on: "He is a very correct player. Everything is on the floor and he's a good off-spinner as well."

It is a big weekend for Stayley.

They kick off with a Tom Hardman Twenty20 Cup Group 'A' game at home to Norden, followed by the visit of Heyside, and on Sunday Skuse's side turn their attention to the first round of the Tanner Cup and another home fixture against Championship rivals Ashton.

Tomorrow's Premiership programme sees a top versus bottom clash as leaders Walsden welcome Middleton.

Crompton get to grips with Glodwick at Glebe Street, while Greenfield go to Royton hoping to sustain their push towards the summit.

Saddleworth meet Norden at Well-i-Hole.

The two sides met in April in a curtain-raiser to the new PCL competition at Milnrow, with Norden comfortably coming out on top.

All eyes will be on the Tanner Cup on Sunday.

Werneth play host to fellow Championship club Heyside while Friarmere, who are going well in the second tier, visit Premiership outfit Crompton.

Fixtures -

Tonight, Tom Hardman Twenty20 Cup (6.15pm), Group 'A': Monton and Weaste v Micklehurst; Moorside v Heyside; Stayley v Norden. Group 'B': Crompton v Hollinwood; Milnrow v Ashton; Royton v Glodwick. Group 'C': Saddleworth v Shaw; Walsden v Middleton; Werneth v Littleborough. Group 'D': Friarmere v Rochdale; Greenfield v Uppermill; Oldham v Austerlands.

Tomorrow, Premiership (1.30pm): Austerlands v Littleborough; Crompton v Glodwick; Rochdale v Monton & Weaste; Royton v Greenfield; Saddleworth v Norden; Walsden v Middleton.

Championship: Ashton v Oldham; Friarmere v Milnrow; Shaw v Moorside; Stayley v Heyside; Uppermill v Micklehurst; Werneth v Hollinwood.

Sunday, Tanner Cup: Crompton v Friarmere; Glodwick v Oldham; Hollinwood v Shaw; Micklehurst v Monton and Weaste; Middleton v Greenfield; Royton v Milnrow; Stayley v Ashton; Werneth v Heyside.