2025 PREVIEWS: New Lytham skipper Norris confident of promotion push

He admits he’s got big shoes to fill, but Ryan Norris believes he is inheriting a Lytham squad that is ready for a promotion challenge.

Previous skipper Matt Taaffe’s departure to Blackpool has opened the door for Norris to take charge of a squad which has spent much of the past four seasons just behind the front runners in Division One.

Last season’s effort tailed off and ended in seventh place, but Norris is confident of his side’s quality after a few key additions.

Seam bowling all-rounder Sheshan Udara arrives from Sri Lanka, a replacement for last season’s overseas, New Zealand international Zak Foulkes.

Wicketkeeper Stewart Davison, snapped up from Henley, boasts National Counties experience with Devon and Berkshire, and coaching prowess which has earned him a place in the Lancashire women’s set-up.

And Sabbir Patel has signed from Fleetwood Hesketh, bringing years of experience in the deadly art of left-arm spin.

Former 2nd XI skipper Norris said: “It’s a huge loss with Matt going but it’s an exciting prospect. 

“His runs, and having him around the club as a person, will be a great loss.

“Sheshan looks an exciting prospect, he’s young so will be keen to add some positive performances with us to his CV.

“Stewart looks a solid batsman and he’s a coach too. We can see from a few net sessions he’s keen to develop some of our younger players.”

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As well as the new arrivals, Norris is keen to see what 17-year-old prospect Matthew Wood and big-hitting 21-year-old Alex Higham can bring to the side this year.

And at the other end of the experience scale, he will be able to call on double title-winning captain Anthony Mulligan, who will be available a lot more having played only 11 games post-Covid.

Norris added: “We are looking to return to the Premier Division. I’m not afraid to put our names into the mix.

“With the ability that is in the squad, it’s all looking very positive. 

“I’m an eccentric captain, not afraid to try different things. I’m always looking to win games, I don’t want to turn up and draw.”

from Merseyside Cricket Online https://ift.tt/6ZViehn