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Heywood line up for Wood Cup Final

31/ 7/2008

HEYWOOD travel to Werneth on Sunday to play Monton in the JW Lees Wood Cup final hoping to win the trophy for the fourth successive year.

Heywood vice-chairman Andy Hargreaves assesses the men who will be flying the flag for the Crimble club.

Bobby Cross – Captain since 2003 Right Hand top order batsman who has been playing at Heywood since 1990 aged six. Winner of the Frank Worrell trophy on three occasions and has also captained a Heywood League winning side once and a Wood Cup Winning side three times. Highest score 162 not out and was contracted to Lancashire County Cricket Club in 2003.

Tom Hardman – 17 year old right hand opening bat and right arm medium paced bowler, broken into Lancashire under 17’s side this season as well as Captain the Central Lancashire Leagues under 18 side. Recently made his maiden Central Lancashire League Centuary and has a very promising future ahead of him.

Royce Blight – Heywood’s Overseas Amateur from Perth, Australia. This is Royce’s third season with Heywood appearing for the side in 2005, 2006 making a triumphant return this year. Right hand top order batsman, right arm medium paced bowler and race horse owner.

Danny Pawson – left hand batsman and wicket keeper has come to Heywood for the first time this season from Milnrow C.C. Has been impressive behind the stumps in his first season with Heywood and has made several valuable contributions with the bat including a 66 against Royton. Another young player with a bright future ahead at only 17 years of age he has also played in the Central Lancashire League under 18 side.

Mark Kenny – right hand bat, leg spin bowler. Mark has recently turned 18 and has developed through the ranks at Heywood making a steady contribution to the Heywood first team this season. His prowess in the field has developed since the start of the season and he is one to watch. Has also played in the Central Lancashire League under 18’s side.

Chris Kaye – The stalwart of the side who has played at Heywood for over 25 years. Slow left arm bowler, right hand batsman. Over 40 wickets in all competitions and is the third highest wicket taker for Biwater Heywood Cricket Club. Former first team captain and has won five of all the wood cup finals he has appeared in more than any other player with Heywood.

Lee Grogan – Right hand bat, medium pace bowler another first team player who has come through the ranks at Heywood. Over the last couple of seasons he has established himself as a very useful member of the first team having taken some very valuable wickets and chipped in with useful runs down the order. Recently joined the Heywood Committee as fundraiser.

Jon Storey – Right arm medium pace bowler and right hand bat joined Biwater Heywood CC from Milnrow CC this season and has had immediate success with both bat and ball. His big hitting down the order in the quarter final against Littleborough helped seal Heywood’s victory.

Steven Cheetham – Right arm fast bowler and right hand bat, in his second season as a scholarship player with Lancashire and his third season at Heywood Steven has led the Heywood attack as opening bowler and his wickets have been crucial to Heywood’s success this season.

Robert Slawson – Right arm off spin bowler and right hand bat, Now a senior member of a young side although only under 30 himself he is also the vice captain of the side. Very useful with the ball and is on track for another successful season. Along with Chris Kay Robert is the only other Heywood player to have played in six consecutive Wood Cup finals.

Stephen Wallwork – right hand bat and right arm medium pace bowling Stephen although another senior member of the team who has come through the Heywood ranks at still only 28 he already has three Wood Cup winners medals to his name.

Ruvin Peiris – Sri Lankan Professional, his first season at Heywood although he has played in the Central Lancashire League previously. Left hand bat and left arm spin bowler. Tops the professional batting averages currently and has already scored a ton on Werneth this season. He has previous Wood Cup winning experience when he was man of the match at the final in 2002 playing for Middleton CC.

Christine Cross – Scorer, a keen sportswomen herself from an extremely sporty family, The Heywood captains’ mum and boss.

Robert Dearden - Heywood Coach. Former Chairman of the Central Lancashire League Bob has been Heywood coach for several years and has recently become Grandad Bob and was also recipient of the Rochdale MBC coach of the year award 2008.