After winning their opening three Palace Shield Premier Division matches, Penrith Cricket Club first team host another of the early season pace-setters, Barrow, this Saturday.
Penrith maintained an unbeaten league start to 2024 last weekend as they won by five wickets at Eccleston, who were also relegated from the Northern Premier last year.
Eccleston won the toss and batted first in high temperatures, posting 153 for seven from 45 overs. Recently signed overseas amateur Donovan Zealand continued his fine early season form with the ball, taking six for 48.
“It wasn’t easy from the start,” said captain Nicky Burns, “but the bowlers bowled really well and had them seven down for a score we were happy to chase.”
Penrith made a solid start to their reply, opener Ollie Greenwood (16), Ali Craig (10) and Zealand (33) all providing support to Burns (60), who was out with his team needing just two to win. They reached 154 for the loss of five wickets.
“My job particularly was just to bat through, maybe play with a bit of experience, not take many risks, build the singles and get the score down — tick it off. We managed to do that,” said Burns. Youngster Akshay Ram (12no) also impressed again.
“It was a good positive result away from home,” said the skipper, who declared himself “very happy” with his team’s start to the season.
Highlighting areas for improvement, he added: “As a bowling unit we can’t rely on Donovan every week. He’s not going to take five wickets every week, so some of the bowlers maybe just need to stand up and take a few more wickets which I’m sure they will do because they are bowling well.
“On the batting side of things, the lads are still settling in. It would be nice to see some more partnerships. But, apart from that, I’m more than happy.”
On Sunday, Penrith were beaten in the Meyler Cup by visiting Penwortham, who were all out for 124 batting first before dismissing their hosts for 103.
“They took regular wickets, we never really got a partnership going,” said Burns of his side’s chase. “We wish them all the best in the next round. They bowled really well at the start, so fair play to them.”
Penrith are third in the early Palace Shield standings, just two points behind leaders Carnforth and second placed Barrow, who travel to Tynefield Park this Saturday (1pm start).
“I’m quite confident going into that because, looking at their team, we think that man-for-man we’re a better team. I always say unless you bat well, bowl well and field well you won’t win the game and Sunday was proof of that,” said Burns.
“I know it’s only the fourth game of the season, but it sets a marker. It’s the first top of the table clash this season. Momentum-wise we’re looking forward to it. We need to win, gain more momentum and more confidence going to the following week against (fourth placed) Lancaster, which will be another tough game.”
There is extra spice this weekend for ex-Barrow man Burns.
“You’re under a little bit more pressure to perform,” he admitted of facing his former side. “I played with quite a few of the (Barrow) lads who are still playing even though it was 10 years ago. There are a few close friends who were at my wedding last year so it makes it a little bit more spicy.
“There are a few extra looks on the cricket pitch. It’s nice to see them. But it makes you want to beat them more!”
