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Redbrook retainment task

26/ 4/2008

IT’S often said that retaining a title is more difficult than winning it in the first place, and a look at Rochdale Carcraft’s record over the past decade or so clearly illustrates that.

The reigning champions go into the new CLL season in the knowledge they have not achieved back-to-back titles since 1990 and 1991, even though they have been league champions nine times in the past 17 years.

That said, confidence is high at Redbrook that the mould may be broken this year, although skipper Simon Brierley is not saying as much.

He may be quietly confident, but the implacable skipper insists it will be business as usual.

That is, his team expects nothing. They will just approach every game as they did last season, with an unquenchable desire to win.

Certainly they will be weakened by the loss of prolific all-rounder Ryan Hinds.

Last year’s paid man has been elevated to the West Indian Test squad and is not available this summer.

His haul of 878 runs and 65 wickets at a cost of just 13.26 a wicket was a big factor in Rochdale winning the title last year.

But Brierley believes his loss will be cushioned by the fact that big-hitting Barbadian Alcindo Holder returns, while a newcomer is young left-arm spinner Dane Currency, also from Barbados, who will be the club’s overseas amateur.

Brierley said: "Ryan not coming is a big blow, obviously."

"We all know what Alcindo is capable off with the bat, but his bowling is not in the same class as that of Ryan. But there’s been a lot of talk about young Currency, and of course, no-one should forget that we still have Steve Oddy and Neil Avery.

"So, taking all these things into account, I would hope we have more than offset the loss of Ryan.

"Competition for places will be fierce this year. I have listed 15 players as first team contenders, including up and coming teenagers Scott Butterworth and Adam Smith, both of whom will get an early chance to show what they can do.

"Ian Gilbertson has also returned to the fold after his stint at Thornham, and his experience will be a bonus.

"We will again look to be competitive and adapt the same attitude as last year when every player knew his role and what was expected of him.

"We are all aware we have no divine right to retain the CLL title. That will only come about through sustained hard work, dedication and commitment, and I think I can promise our supporters that we will not shirk on that."