WOODBANK are firmly in the title hunt in the GMCL’s Premier Division, but their captain Anthony Harris says they must improve.

In fact, Harris insists his side’s main focus should be on maintaining their top-flight future despite sitting just six points behind leaders Clifton after four wins from six matches.

The latest was Saturday’s three-wicket success at home to Heywood when they reeled in a target of 251.

Nick Kennedy was their standout performer with the ball, taking 4-41 from 15 overs, before professional Phil Hayes, a new signing from Haslingden, led the chase with 100 off 96 balls.

“Saturday was probably our worst performance so far,” said Harris, who also chipped in with 34 from number five.

“They were probably 90 off 10 overs. We just didn't bowl well as a unit before dragging it back. Nick bowled his 15 overs straight through and was really good. Then we just muddled through.

“When we had them 120-5, our target was 180. They ended up getting 250.

“Really, as a fielding and bowling unit, there’s room for improvement.

“Our two openers set it up nicely and got us off to a decent start. Will Turner, who is 17, attacks the bowling (and got 28).

“Phil just went in, batted for a long time and accumulated. That’s why we signed him as pro. That’s what we know he can do.

“Our aim is to stay in the league. Anything above is a bonus.

“We chased 250 down and had words in the changing room about our attitude and approach to games.

“We’re just looking to keep improving game on game because when you look at that league and start thinking ‘We’ll win this’, you can suddenly lose two or three and find yourselves in the bottom half.

“Last year, you could pick two or three teams who would be in and around relegation. But this year, you look at who has come up and we were thinking ‘Wow, there’s no games where we can easily win’.

“Every week, you are playing 100-per-cent cricket, which is great.”

Despite Harris’s caution, things are looking good for Woodbank in general.

They are into the second round of both the Derek Kay Trophy and the Lancashire Cup next month, with the latter seeing them host GMCL leaders Clifton on June 10.

They also have a fast-improving junior set-up and have been buoyed by the return home of Leicestershire batsman Harry Dearden.

“The league is what we’re putting everything into because we play that every week,” said Harris. “The others are bonuses.

“Things like the Lancashire Cup, the Twenty20 and the National Knockout are club days when we get crowds on to make all the hard work of those behind the scenes worthwhile.

“Our junior set-up is looking good. We now have juniors coming through from 15s and below.

“They should be our main aim to be pushing the first team.

“We do spend money on players, but not phenomenal amounts. We have to produce our own, and it’s starting to happen.

“We’re really moving on as a club.”