Longridge CC look to capitalise upon three matches in four at home

Longridge CC vice-captain Josh Mullin hopes to make the most of home advantage when the second half of the Northern Premier Cricket League season gets underway on Saturday.

After a two-week break for clubs to conclude the league’s 40 Over Cup group stage, Longridge welcome second-placed Carlisle to Newsham in division one.

It is the first of three home matches in four, with Kendal and Chorley making the visit after Longridge travel to Blackpool a week on Saturday.

Longridge sit sixth in the table, only 14 points behind Saturday’s visitors whom they defeated by 29 runs when the clubs met in Cumbria a month ago.

“I think I’d echo what other people would say in that the league is very tight, anyone can beat anyone and we’re hoping to finish as high as we can,” Mullin said.

“Carlisle have been top of the league for long periods but, if we want to climb the table, our home form is going to be key.

“Three of our next four games are at home, which will be crucial, though we know it won’t be easy against Carlisle.

“They are a good side with a good bowling unit and they have got a few good batters, but our home form has been good.

“(Overseas player) Matt De Villiers has been in brilliant form, so we have to rely on the other batters to chip in and support him in the second half of the season.”

With 19 points separating the top six, it means consistency will be crucial in the second half of the season if teams have an eye on silverware or a top-four finish.

Mullin’s eyes are pointing upwards, though he acknowledges the standard in division one means teams cannot have an off-day if they want to challenge.

“Carlisle are second but they could be fifth or sixth in a few weeks if results don’t go their way,” he said.

“You can easily get dragged down the table, which is why we need to get a run together with these home games.

“You want to test yourself against the best and this is the strongest league we’ve had.”