Makinson not fearful of title rivals Blackpool

Leyland captain Dave Makinson says his men have nothing to fear as they prepare to face title rivals Blackpool on Saturday.
Photo: David Hurst Leyland CC V Longridge CC at Fox Lane, Leyland.  Leyland's Ross Bretherton bowls to Josh MullinPhoto: David Hurst Leyland CC V Longridge CC at Fox Lane, Leyland.  Leyland's Ross Bretherton bowls to Josh Mullin
Photo: David Hurst Leyland CC V Longridge CC at Fox Lane, Leyland. Leyland's Ross Bretherton bowls to Josh Mullin

Leyland retained their grip at the top of the Northern Premier Cricket League Division One table after picking up 11 points from a winning draw at Penrith last Saturday.

Second-placed Blackpool kept the heat on Leyland with a 12-point winning draw over Lancaster. ‘Pool should be without dangerous bowler Richard Gleeson who is expected to be in first class cricket action for Northants.

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Blackpool’s in-form pro Daryl Mitchell hit a century in the draw with Lancaster, but Makinson says his men are a match for anyone.

He siad: “Blackpool have got a really good pro in Daryl Mitchell, they have a nucleus of good young players and they are quite similar to us.

“They have a spinner (Dan Pile) from New Zealand and they have a really talented team. But we are not frightened of any team and I am confident that if we play to our abilities that we can beat any side and we will be at full strength on Saturday. I’d back our bowling attack to perform on Saturday - we do not fear anyone.”

And Makinson says his side were pleased to have picked up a winning draw on Saturday, and is confident his men can progress to the next round of the National Knock Out after their game against Longridge was rained off on Sunday and rearranged for this Sunday.

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He said: “Of course we would have preferred to have taken 15 points, but it was a really good game of cricket.

“We batted well all the way through. At tea we thought if we could get a couple of early wickets we would be in with a shot.

“But they didn’t lose a wicket until the 33rd over, and they were favourites to win the game. So from thinking ‘we can’t really win this’ so getting 11 points was a good thing.

“We were in control when the rain started (against Longridge) but I am confident we can get the right result.”