Speed demon Liam has the tools to Hurt batsmen - Leyland CC have bolstered squad

​Leyland head coach Dave Makinson is expecting to see a lot of opposition batsmen ducking and diving this summer.

​The Fox Lane outfit have bolstered their bowling attack this year with the acquisition of fast bowler Liam Hurt.

The 32-year-old, who came up through the youth ranks at Leyland, has played county cricket for Lancashire, Leicestershire and Kent.

He has begun the season well, giving Leyland – who this year are once again captained by all-rounder Karl Cross – a platform to build on by taking early wickets.

In the two league stage matches of the 40 Over Cup, Makinson’s men have beaten both Blackpool and Longridge.

They were also victorious in the ECB National Club Championship on Sunday, getting the better of Bootle at Fox Lane on Sunday.

So far, Hurt – who is also big-hitting middle order batsman – has picked up eight wickets with his sharp away swingers.

“The addition of Liam has made a big difference,” Makinson said.

"We now have a strike bowler who bowls pretty quick. I doubt there is anyone who is anywhere near his pace.

"He’s probably the quickest bowler in the league, it’s hard to tell how fast he bowls but I would imagine he is bowling mid-80mph.

"We’ve not really played on any quick wickets yet, the wickets have been dry but not too hard so when they firm up a bit, he will have a few batsmen jumping about.

"He somebody on the helmet against Longridge and so a few will be a bit wary when he bowls.

"He’s a very powerful lad, he can can hit the ball a long way when he bats.

“Plus he’s got the experience of playing First Class cricket so when he’s out on the field, it’s like having another pair of eyes.

"He’s somebody who Crossy can talk to and get his opinion as he comes up with good ideas in the field.”

​Meanwhile, Leyland’s cup victory over Blackpool on the opening day of the cricketing summer will count for nothing when the two teams meet again this weekend.

​That’s the view of Makinson, who is hoping his men can maintain their 100% win record when they play host to Ben Howarth’s men in the first Northern Premier Cricket League (NPCL) Division One fixture tomorrow.

The first two weekends of the summer have been dedicated to the league stages of the 40-Over Cup.

Leyland visited Stanley Park a couple of weeks ago and came away with a rain-affected 32-run victory, but Makinson believes Blackpool will provide sterner opposition this time around.

“Blackpool are a good side,” he said. “We beat them in the cup but they had a couple of players missing.

“Their professional Ali Usman wasn’t playing and he’s a very good left-arm spinner.

“Another good player is Josh Boyne – he wasn’t playing, so it will be a tough game.”

​Last weekend, Luke Hands served notice of his huge potential with his first senior century for the club.

​The 17-year-old all-rounder struck seven sixes and six fours in an unbeaten century as Leyland defeated Longridge convincingly.

The England Under-19s star – who has featured for Lancashire in one-dayers – helped the hosts compile a huge 307-5. He was assisted by Xander Eyre, who struck 94, while skipper Karl Cross chipped in with a half-century at the top of the order.

In reply, the visitors folded to 159 all out with Hands also picking up a wicket.

“Luke has played for Lancashire and played in the Under-19s World Cup for England,” said Leyland head coach Dave Makinson.

“He’s quite young but he’s a very good player.

“He hit seven sixes but he just played good shots. He’s a strong lad.”

FIXTURES

NPCL Division One: Carlisle v Chorley, Garstang v Settle, Leyland v Blackpool, Longridge v Netherfield, St Annes v Kendal. Division Two: Barrow v Preston, Fleetwood v Morecambe, Fulwood & Broughton v Whalley, Lytham v Euxton, Penwortham v Great Eccleston, Thornton Cleveleys v Carnforth.

Palace Shield Championship: Burneside v Heysham, Lancaster v Penrith, Mawdesley v Garstang 2nds, Netherfield 2nds v Vernon Carus, Torrisholme v Eccleston, Westgate v Fylde.