Fylde coast cricket preview: Lytham look to pick up a first cup win

Lytham CC skipper’s thoughts on the first half of their maiden NPCL season.

Lytham CC captain Ryan Norris has delivered his half-term verdict on the club’s move to the Northern Premier Cricket League.

Lytham CC captain Ryan Norris (right) has given a half-term verdict on their season after joining the NPCL

placeholder image — Lytham CC captain Ryan Norris (right) has given a half-term verdict on their season after joining the NPCL

They are in their first NPCL division two season, having switched from the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition.

At the halfway point of the league campaign, Lytham sit sixth after picking up four wins from their first 11 matches.

Having spoken in pre-season about how the club was intrigued by the standard of cricket awaiting them, Norris has shared his thoughts on the campaign so far.

He said: “Some of the teams we’ve come up against are relatively strong, though there are some noticeable differences.

“There doesn’t seem to be so much depth in batting compared to the Liverpool Competition, but the pros that the teams have got in the Northern League are very good.

“Hardus Coetzer at Barrow is probably the best overseas player I’ve ever come across.

“We’ve had some good ones at Lytham but his batting, bowling and fielding were ridiculous.”

League matches now take a back seat for the next two weekends as the NPCL’s 40 Over Cup group stage comes to a conclusion.

Lytham have lost all four of their games and welcome a Settle team with one win from three on Saturday.

That comes seven days before the final group game at Great Eccleston, who are also still to pick up a cup win.

Norris added: “They are kind of dead rubbers, if you like, but we want to get that winning momentum back.

“Settle are struggling in the division above, so it’ll be a test for us to see what level they are performing at.

“Our first league game with Great Eccleston was abandoned, so it’ll be good to see the size of their ground and have a look at their bowling.”

SATURDAY:

NPCL 40 Over Cup (12.30pm): Blackpool v Penwortham, Carnforth v Fleetwood, Euxton v Great Eccleston, Lytham v Settle (11.30am), Netherfield v St Annes, Thornton Cleveleys v Garstang.

Palace Shield Championship (1pm): Lancaster v Fylde.

Palace Shield First Division (1pm): Fleetwood 2 v Rufford, Leyland 2 v Blackpool 2, Withnell Fold v Kirkham and Wesham.