Watky dismayed as Lightning crash
6:30am Monday 11th August 2008
LANCASHIRE cricket manager Mike Watkinson bemoaned the decision-making of his batsmen after watching the Lightning lose to Worcestershire Royals in a shortened Pro40 League game at Old Trafford yesterday.
Watkinson’s men were bowled out for just 84 inside 18 overs of a game that was reduced to 25 overs because of rain. The margin of defeat was 105 runs.
Lancashire were chasing 190 after Royals’ wicketkeeper Steven Davies clattered a majestic unbeaten 103 off 83 balls.
Stand-in captain Glen Chapple, deputising for Stuart Law because of a minor rib injury, top scored with 23. But otherwise, only Mal Loye and Paul Horton reached double figures.
Watkinson said: “In a 25-over game, that was not what we were looking for. The first thing to look at it is the way we chased down those runs. We never gave ourselves a platform. It’s all about making good decisions, building partnerships, and we didn’t react in the right way to that.
“We know that our batting is not our strongest suit at the moment, and there are lessons that some of our batsmen can learn.
“In the field with the ball, I thought that our energy and plans were really good. Today we were on the end of a top innings when every little squirt of the ball seemed to go past the keeper.”
Lancashire slumped to 48-7 in the latest episode of their batting calamities. Former England off-spinner Gareth Batty claimed 3-2 from his three overs and pace bowler Gareth Andrew recorded 3-12 from 3.2.
“You can do all the hard work you like, you can spend the hours in the nets to feel good about things,” said Watkinson.
“But it is time in the middle that brings confidence. We have now got to react in the right way to this.
“We have got one day to rest now before Yorkshire in the Championship, but I am sure some of the batters will feel like they want to come in and have a bit of a knock in the nets.”
Our Top Stories
Neighbours in hostel protest
ANGRY residents have signed a petition in protest at a bail hostel which they claim is making their lives a misery.
Knill hits market for new signings
ALAN Knill is aiming to strengthen his squad with new signings ahead of Saturday’s visit of Gillingham.
BNP members’ details leaked on to the internet
THE personal details of British National Party members, including 52 living in the borough, have been leaked onto the internet.
Five-star charity treat
PATISSERIE Slattery’s is staging a five-star treat for charity by staging an open evening to give visitors a chance to see how the business runs, try their hand at tasks such as icing biscuits, and feast their eyes on the chocolate fountain.
Metrolink network reopens for Christmas shopping
The Metrolink network will be back up to full strength in time for the Christmas rush as the Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens stops reopen tomorrow.
Woman survives 40ft bridge fall
A 20-YEAR-OLD woman was rescued after falling 40ft from a bridge and landing on rubble alongside a river.
Bolton stab death: Man remanded on murder charge
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Bolton man Parwar Mulad, who died just seconds after arriving at a friend’s house.
Search to find a star
THE organisers of Bury’s Got Talent are widening the net to find the stars of tomorrow.
Beware illegal gym ‘gift letter’
Residents are being warned about a letter which is being sent out claiming that local businesses want to give them a gift.
Season of goodwill helps The Met
KIND-hearted bosses at a Bury printing firm are creating their own ‘banner headlines’ by providing Christmas comfort to The Met.
In this section
- Zaidi slowly on the mend
- Zaidi fighting for his life
- Saddleworth test for Bolton League
- Circle delight with new bowling starlet
- Bolton League prize winners
- Franklin is happy with his players
- Unveiled: The new-look Old Trafford Cricket Ground
- Walkden treble caps a memorable season
- Lancs rally but is it enough?
Sponsored Links
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
