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Littleborough hopes raised by Ali cousins

26/ 4/2008

LITTLEBOROUGH are looking to a blend of youth and experience as they seek to improve on last season.

The Hare Hill outfit finished seventh in the league and failed to win a trophy which, by the high standards they set themselves, was extremely disappointing.

Boro welcome new professional Abbas Ali to the club. The 32-year-old is a left-hand bat and an off-spin bowler who has recently been playing for the Delhi Giants in the Twenty20 Indian League. He is the grandson of Mushtaq Ali.

He will be accompanied by his cousin Imran Ali, a left-arm spinner who will be the club’s overseas amateur.

Spearheading the attack will be Curtis Maguire, who at 16 years old showed great potential last season, and Matt Collins who, on his day, is a bowler who can trouble the best in the league.

Captain Phil Deakin, Gary Hulme, Bill Williams junior and Danny Thewlis provide the backbone of the batting, while youngster Callum Bamford is rewarded for his dedication in the pre-season nets and is set to open the batting.

Deakin has great hopes for Thewlis whom he feels has the talent and opportunity to establish himself in the team. He said: "There will be lots of opportunities for the younger players and we are looking to give them those opportunities.

"I think we have a good balance and will be competitive. I think the man we are looking to this season, and he may not be young anymore, is Danny Thewlis.

"It’s a massive year for him. He has the potential to be a very, very good player with bat and ball. He’s got the ability and this is his year to do it.

"In the past he’s never really had the opportunity because of other more experienced players. The opportunity is now there and I’d like to see him grab it with both hands.

The bowling attack will be spearheaded by two young players, while the evergreen Brendan Miskella provides back up

"We are hopeful Curtis Maguire will continue to improve and it’s a big year for him," added the Boro skipper.

"Matty Collins and Curtis will have the chance to lead the attack and Brendan won’t be the main strike force. It’s up to them. Hopefully they will enjoy it, but they will be given a chance, win or lose.

"We are looking forward to a good summer and it would be nice to win a trophy. Let’s wait and see. We’ll compete and we are definitely not a poor side."

Abbas Ali had not arrived in the country as the Observer went to press and looks doubtful for Littleborough’s opening fixture against Radcliffe at the Racecourse Ground.