Heyside want more success

MINE'S A PINT . . . Heyside players and officials raise a glass or two to their title triumph in the Pennine Cricket League

NEVER mind settling for the JW Lees Brewery Pennine League Championship title, Heyside officials believe the club can go on to challenge at the top end of the Premiership table next season.

The Little Hey Street outfit sealed second-tier glory thanks to a thumping eight-wicket win against Ashton.

That capped a brilliant opening campaign in the new competition under the captaincy of Ryan Barnes, but there will be no resting on any laurels between now and next spring.

Heyside's PCL representative Mick Bloor said: "Everyone is delighted at the club and it has been a real team effort from top to bottom.

"From the committee down to the players, staff and supporters, everyone has put the effort in this season and we've deserved this success.

'AGREED'

"We don't want it to end here, though.

"We're already making plans for next season.

"Our pro Bilal Khiljee has already agreed to join us again in 2017, and we've got a meeting next week with our overseas player Jon-Ross Campbell as we want to him to stay too.

"Those two have been phenomenal this season, they've been real diamonds.

"Again, though, there have been good performances all round, and already we're looking forward to next season getting under way."

To that end, Heyside chiefs have already spoken about potential new recruits for 2017, as Bloor confirmed as he also revealed the club's ambition for next term.

"Although we've already got a great squad at Heyside, we still want to strengthen during the close season," added Bloor.

'BRING IN'

"We've already thought about players we want to bring in, and we are particularly in need of a wicketkeeper.

"I think we'll do far better again next season in the higher division.

"We're strong and I believe all the players don't realise just how good they are.

"We'll be going for the top three next season.

"With the players we've already got and the lads we're looking to get in, there should be no reason why we can't challenge up there again."