Greenmount get an all-round boost
3:12pm Wednesday 17th September 2008
A FORMER Greenmount hero is returning to the club next summer determined to help the villagers win the Bolton League title for the first time since 1988.
All-rounder Phil Heaton, who has spent the last 15 seasons as professional for Huddersfield League side Shepley, is returning to play for his boyhood club – and he has his sights set on silverware.
Greenmount have been challenging for the title for the last few years, but they have struggled to break the dominance of Walkden – a team that completed a historic treble of winning the Bolton League, Hamer Cup and Lancs KO this season.
“Greenmount have done well over the last 10 years, but haven’t won the Bolton League since I left,” said the 36-year-old, who scored 12,000 runs and took over 740 wickets for Shepley.
“Hopefully I can do my bit next season and we can win it back. I can’t see any reason why we can’t do that.
“I have watched the team a few times and I know that we have got some good players.
“I am looking forward to returning to the club. The travelling to Huddersfield every weekend was one of the reasons I came back.
“I have a young family now, and I want to spend more time with them.”
And, it’s not just Phil who has a close affinity to Greenmount. His mother was secretary of the Brandleshome Road club for a number of seasons and his daughter will score for the club next season. His young son, Thomas, currently plays for Walshaw under-9s.
Heaton was recommended to Shepley by former England coach David Lloyd after impressing while on the groundstaff of Lancashire and the MCC.
And, he admits it’s a wrench to leave the club.
“I’ve had a brilliant time in the Huddersfield League and particularly at Shepley – it’s such a good place to play,” said Heaton.
“Everybody at the club, and in the league as whole, have been very friendly and welcomed me right from the start.
“I’ve had some great team mates down the years and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.
“But now I want to be a little bit nearer home.”
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