Laker takes lead as Delph eye T20 glory

SKIPPER'S ROLE . . . Chris Laker has led Delph in the T20 series this season

DELPH are preparing for their first crack at silverware in what they are hoping to be a trophy-laden season.

Broad Oak lie in wait on Sunday in the final of the Drakes Huddersfield League's Twenty20 competition.

With home advantage, Delph are firm favourites to emerge victorious in the 20 overs per side slog-fest (4pm).

Andrew Gleave's men are setting a strong pace in the Premiership, while they are also in the final of the Sykes Cup.

It is impossible to rule out Delph remaining unbeaten in all league competitions in 2016, such is the confidence running through the veins of the men from Huddersfield Road.

Gleave, who has handed over the captaincy reins to opening batsman Chris Laker for the T20 series, said: "It's fantastic for the club.

"Everything has really clicked and to have Arron (Lilley) available has helped a lot.

"I think every one in the top six has got a century this season, which shows the depth of quality in the team.

"If Greg (Buckley) is out, Arron comes in and if he's out, we've got Shreevats Goswami, followed by Graeme Simpson and Nathan Jones. It's quite scary really."

On the appointment of Laker as T20 skipper, Gleave says it's a chance to blood a future captain of the club.

Laker, who is only 19, has been on Lancashire seconds duty this week.

Delph are still waiting to hear if fellow Lancashire man Lilley will be available for Sunday's showdown as the Red Rose county are in Royal London One-Day Cup action on the same afternoon.

When Delph won the T20 in 2008 Simpson was on the sidelines looking on, after being told he required a heart bypass operation.

The former Oldham and Shaw batsman was back playing a year later and remains an important member of the team.

Simpson will also be in action tomorrow as Delph go to Scholes in the hope of at least preserving their nine-point lead in the Premiership.

THE Delph club are also hosting the Huddersfield League's T20 Shield final on Sunday, between Thongsbridge and Clayton West (noon start).

WOODHOUSES are at home to Worsley in Greater Manchester Cricket League Division One tomorrow.