Chorley paid man Petersen in a desperate search for form ahead of Blackpool clash
Chorley are banking on professional Keegan Petersen to help steer them away from relegation trouble.
The men from Windsor Park are looking nervously over their shoulders in the Northern Premier Cricket League division one with seven games of the campaign to go.
They sit just six points above the drop zone with second-bottom St Annes just one win away from hauling themselves out of the bottom two.
In fairness, the table is still tightly-packed with only 45 points separating leaders Netherfield and St Annes.
Chorley were left frustrated by the weather last weekend as their rain-affected match at home to Netherfield ultimately went in favour of the visitors.
They did, however, pick up five bonus points thanks largely to teenager Miller Childs’ fine 83.
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He has been in sparkling form especially in recent weeks, unlike skipper Petersen who has struggled for runs in the league throughout the campaign.
The South Africa Test star, who has skippered the team this season, has scored just 84 runs from nine appearances, with a top score of 26.
He has done better in the cups, averaging 47 but Smith admits it’s vital that their captain hits form with the bat in the final couple of months of the season to stave off the threat of relegation.
"Keegan has had a quiet season with the bat,” said the club director of cricket Oliver Smith, who takes his team to Stanley Park this weekend to face Blackpool.
"Absolutely he has – stats don’t lie. It’s difficult because he’s only batted eight times in the league but compared to last season where he had an absolute flyer and for me was the best batter in the league, he’s not that at the moment.
"So we’re hoping Keegan shows his undoubted quality over the remaining games of the season.
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"His performances are crucial to us winning games.
"His contributions haven’t been there this season, it’s not a criticism, it’s a fact.”
Meanwhile, one player who has been in top form is Harry Barclay.
His return to Windsor Park has been described as a blessing by Smith.
The wicketkeeper batsman re-signed for his boyhood club Chorley in May after a one-year stint playing for Leamington.
He has certainly made his presence felt since his return, scoring nearly 500 runs from 13 appearances, including a high score of 101.
In 254 league games sicne making his debut in 2016, Barclay (above) has accumulated more than 3,000 runs.
Last weekend, he even took over the captaincy to give professional Keegan Petersen a breather.
Smith said: “We have had amateurs who have stood out and performed and really contributed.
“Harry Barclay’s return to the club earlier in the season has been a real blessing.
“He’s been absolutely fantastic and has been by far our outstanding batter.”
FIXTURES
NPL Div One: Blackpool v Chorley, Longridge v Kendal, Netherfield v Carlisle, Settle v Leyland, St Annes v Garstang.
NPL Div Two: Carnforth v Whalley, Euxton v F&B, Fleetwood v Penwor-tham, Great Eccleston v Barrow, Morecambe v Preston, Thornton Cleveleys v Lytham.
PS Champ: Eccleston v Lancaster, Fylde v VC, Garstang v Penrith, Heysham v Netherfield, Mawdesley v Torrisholme, Westgate v Burneside.