Ad with Timer

Prestatyn caught a break – and new skipper Adam Tidswell is determined to make the most of it.

Last season’s bottom club would have been relegated from Division Two to the Southport and District league but for Alder’s decision to resign from the Love Lane Liverpool Competition.

The West Derby club took the decision with their own long-term future in mind. But in the short term at least, the North Wales side benefited.

Tidswell, who takes over from Andy Taylor, said: “We assumed we’d be playing in the Southport league and getting ready for the different challenges that would bring.

“Then we got notified by the league that Alder were looking to move down – credit to them, I think, they’ve been pragmatic about it.

“I totally understand why they did it and more clubs could learn from their approach.

“From our perspective, we’re lucky to still be in the league and we’re looking to make the most of that and not be in that position again.”

Listen to the Last Hour cricket podcast

Seamer Tidswell took 50 league wickets last year, including 9/47 at Parkfield Liscard, so he will be on other sides’ radar as a potential match-winner.

But with no overseas import, he hopes the rest of his side can fly under it.

“A lot of people will be looking at us thinking no pro, came bottom last year, not paying any players… but I think that makes us dangerous,” he said.

“We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain, without any fear or expectations.”

The 29-year-old has been with the club for 17 years and described taking over the captaincy as a “privilege”.

He added: “Andy did a great job but he’s got more commitments, he’s just had a little one and it’s a lot to juggle.

“I don’t have as much on, my work’s more flexible and I don’t have any children – I think I was the next cab off the rank.

“I’m looking forward to it. My brother plays for Prestatyn and my dad’s the chairman, so that cricket club has given me a lot personally, and to give a bit back is something I’m looking forward to.”

Tidswell certainly gave plenty back with the ball last year – if he can perform as well again, he knows he can help his side climb the table.

He said: “Last year wasn’t brilliant performance-wise but the only way is up.

“We’re looking forward to it, we want to work hard to improve on last year and hopefully get a bit of a better finish.

“I don’t think we did ourselves credit, we’ve got better players in our team than we showed last year and I hope some of our boys can play to their full potential this year.

“You never know how it’s going to come out until you get there on the day but I’m doing as much as I can to give myself a chance of doing well.

“Especially the second half of last year, it was coming out pretty well – you get a bit of momentum and a bit of confidence, and your perspective quickly changes. If I can replicate or better last season, I’d be happy with that.”

from Merseyside Cricket Online https://ift.tt/ieUHLoO

Labels: merseysidecricket