Trouble at t'mill

The dark billowing cloud of smoke from a nearby mill fire provided a backdrop to the home game on Saturday, and perhaps reflected some of the underlying mood in the camp at the moment. It's no secret that both teams are struggling at present and the players are naturally disappointed. Some of this may be bubbling to the surface, causing as much distraction as the inferno across the river.

But take a closer look and things aren't as bleak as they may seem. True, the first team has yet to win a game this season. But if we win at Foulridge on Saturday, and Cowling lose against high flying Crossflatts, we leapfrog both in the table. And recent performances have been promising - cruelly robbed by the weather three weeks ago, then a great bowling performance a fortnight ago but not quite getting the runs needed, and this week a good batting performance but not at the same level fielding. The elements are there - it just seems to need little luck and both parts clicking, and the wins will come.

For the seconds, things are a little rosier thanks to a couple of early wins, but they too need another victory to boost morale and break a losing streak. Playing top of the table Long Lee this week will be a massive challenge but despite the contrasting recent results, I think with a good batting display there could be an upset here.

As to the last round, the 1sts batted well and posted a competetive 168-9 with Ehsan Khan providing a powerful unbeaten 62. Sadly Sutton in Craven got off to a good start and were able to reach the target with 4 wickets to spare. The 2nds (I'm told) failed to turn a strong position into a win, but the game did see Akeel Rashid continue his impressive form with the ball taking 4 for 7 in just five overs. Sadly for Dale Pinkerton, his half century has now been reset to the 49 he thought he'd scored.

Unlucky Dale.

Onwards and upwards - let's find a winning spirit in both teams!