WHAT A turnabout as Moorside have been transformed from also rans to title contenders in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.
After one third of the season Moorside, who finished in the bottom half of the table in 2013, find themselves in second spot and through to the semi finals of the Tanner Cup.
It is also a dream debut season as captain for Danny Anchor who is hoping the club’s long wait for silverware may finally end – they were last champions in 2001.
Danny said: “It has been a fantastic start to the season and everything is going well. Hopefully we can win a trophy.
“There is a buzz about the club with the team doing so well and more people coming to games.
“For me, it is a huge learning curve but, I have been given a lot of advice, and I am loving it.”
He also pinpointed the acquisition of South African-born Grant Hodnett, the former Gloucestershire county player, as being instrumental in the upturn in fortunes.
Danny explained: “Grant has made a massive difference in the fact we are a lot more professional, both in training and games.
“We have set a lot higher standards, and that is down to the professional. Training is gruelling and involves circuit training on Tuesday andThursday.
“I think the players are realising that when they put the work in, they will get the rewards.”
Danny added that having a settled side also helps explaining that continuity is something they didn’t have in 2013.
He continued: “Last season we had a completely different team on Sunday from the day before with three or four unable to play on both days.
“It was mix and match and often on a Sunday the first team was like a second X1. When you are doing well, though, nobody wants to miss a game because they are frightened of losing their place.”
While Hodnett, who was previously pro at Bamford Fieldhouse, has been the catalyst, it has been by no means a one-man show with Hodnett and Richard Baines forming a great opening batting partnership, South African overseas amateur Francois Mostert performing well with bat and ball while Lee Warburton, Glenn McFadean and Jamie Taylor have also been amongst the wickets.
“We are fortunate to have four opening bowlers and trying to rotate them can be very difficult,” added Danny who also said new wicket-keeper Jamie Dell is performing well.
MOORSIDE WILL play Stayley at home while Saddleworth play hosts to Heyside in the semi finals of the Tanner Cup on Sunday, June 29.
Elsewhere, DELPH BEAT Golcar in a remarkable second-round tie in the Huddersfield League’s Heavy Woollen Cup.
Andy Gleave and Graeme Simpson shared a 267-run opening partnership as Delph amassed an imposing 343 for eight, Simpson hitting 10 sixes and 17 fours in his 168.
Golcar put up a terrific fight before being bowled out for 300.
