Review of 1998

Membership: Liverpool Competition
Captain: Dave Dove

Leigh ended its third season of Liverpool Competition cricket in 3rd position out of 21 teams with 11 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats after having been league leaders for five weeks during July and August. Although it was obviously disappointing to miss out on such a good chance of winning the championship, Dave Dove's side proved itself to be highly talented and entertaining. The players firmly established themselves among the league's elite whilst comfortably qualifying for the Premier Division when two divisions are formed next season. Leigh's league position also ensured a place in next year's Thwaites LCB Cup knockout competition.

The start of the season saw several new faces in the side. The club acquired the services of Kane Kersnovske, an all-rounder from the Valleys club in Brisbane, Australia and Chris Hall, the Lancashire 2nd XI off-spinner and batsman. Also joining the club were Andy Mullaney and Rob Clews ( batsman and wicket-keeper batsman respectively) from Golborne CC, Steve Davey, a left-handed batsman from Middleton CC and Steve Duxbury, a bowler and useful lower order batsman from Elton CC. Also, opening bowler Mark Whalin made a welcome return after missing the whole of the 1997 season. Any fears that the side would not gel, however, were soon dispelled as a good team spirit quickly developed under Dave Dove's well respected leadership.

Kane Kersnovske performed well to score 708 runs at an average of 54.46 and take 35 wickets and he generally looked a high class player. He was given good support by the stylish strokeplay of Dave Dove (482 runs at 43.82) and the aggression of Steve Bailey (467 runs at 31.13). Andy Mullaney and Tim McKiernan also produced some memorable innings and Chris Hall was a revelation, his confident batting producing 401 runs at 36.45. The bowling was held together by outstanding performances from Chris Hall (54 wickets at 14.20) and Graham Duddle (33 wickets at 16.15) with useful assistance from Dave Potter, but appeared to lack variety at times although never offering less than one hundred percent effort. Rob Clews had a superb season behind the stumps claiming 29 victims and being a positive influence on team spirit. Again, the side responded well to their captain's experienced leadership, enabling them to achieve a highly creditable league position after another fascinating season.

After many seasons in charge, Dave Dove has decided to stand down and Tim McKiernan will take over the captaincy in 1999. Dave's record as captain is: played 119, won 55, drawn 42 and lost 22.