WOODBANK spin star Nick Kennedy stuck the boot into Flixton’s GMCL Premier Division title hopes on Saturday before his captain Anthony Harris revealed he doesn't actually wear any.

Kennedy claimed 6-21 from 6.1 overs to help his side secure a four-wicket away win, bowling the hosts out for 112 and then chasing 113 to leapfrog them and take a one-point lead at the top heading into the final seven games.

“Nick’s our spin king,” said a delighted Harris.

“He’s a left-arm spinner, and it’s quite a strange one because he bowls in his trainers, not spikes.

“He doesn't put a massive amount of effort into his action, but he gets it down there and turns it a lot.

“He won’t buy spikes, and his mate has given him these trainers. He’s one of the best spinners in the league, and he’s bowling in a pair of borrowed old trainers!”

Kennedy has taken 33 wickets from 15 matches and is the fourth leading wicket-taker in the GMCL’s top flight, with Flixton’s off-spinning professional Usman Tariq top with 39.

On Saturday, Harris was then one of six Woodbank batsmen to make it into double figures, with pro Phil Hayes hitting 29, as they got over the line.

“It was a good toss to lose with the rain knocking about,” assessed Harris. “We managed to bowl them out early with Nick’s six-for.

“It wasn't easy with the bat.

“It was a turning wicket, and their pro’s bowled really well on it as well (1-24 from 13 overs).

“We’ve got another slow bowler, Chris Read. He’s more of a medium pacer really. He doesn’t spin it that much, just puts it in the right area, whereas Nick grips it.

“If they’d have got 150, it would have been a tough ask. But we just managed to hit the boundaries at the right time.

“We have strength in depth with the bat. We have Steve Dearden coming in at eight or nine, and he’s got a wealth of experience.”

There’s also Steve’s son, Harry, the Leicestershire batsman who is pro. He got 10 and didn't bowl.

“When Leicester allow him to play, it’s only as a batter,” explained Harris. “It’s a strange one because I think Harry’s bowled better than he’s batted. He’s a genuine all-rounder at this level.”

Only two points separate the top three teams, with Woodbank top (61), Flixton second (60) and Prestwich third (59).

And a crunch clash looms on August 18 when Woodbank host Prestwich.

“We’ve still got some good teams to play,” added Harris.

“Prestwich are a very strong side and Roe Green as well, so it should be a good run-in.

“Favourites, yes, because we’re top of the league and it’s in our own hands. But there’s still a lot of work to do.

“We have those tough games later in the month, which I’ve just mentioned. But we have everybody fit and available again after holidays.

“We’re all really looking forward to it.”