Hall relishing his comeback

Aug 16 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

SKIPPER Andy Hall makes a welcome return to the Cheshire Minor Counties side on Sunday as the Western Division leaders look to win their first title of the season.

Hall, who averages an impressive 78.25 with the bat in the three-day Championship matches this season, has been absent for his side’s victory against Wiltshire and drawn match with Oxfordshire.

But after a month on the sidelines, the 34-year-old has recovered from his wrist injury and is relishing the chance to guide his team to silverware as Cheshire take on second-placed Shropshire at Nantwich Cricket Club (August 19-21).

“It’s been a brilliant season so far,” said Hall. “We’ve stuck together as a team and the confidence has always been there.

“It was hard not playing, but Nathan Dumelow did an excellent job as captain. Thankfully my wrist’s healed so I can get back playing.

“I’ll be honest, it’s frustrating not playing, but I’d rather be fit for these big matches. We’ve done the groundwork, but now it’s time to perform when it matters.”

Cheshire, who shared the Minor Counties Championship with Suffolk in 2005, lead Shropshire in the Western Division by 11 points.

CHESHIRE 14-MAN SQUAD: Andy Hall (captain), Matthew Dawson (Bramhall); Danny Leech, Ben Spendlove, Chris Bassano, Nathan Dumelow (Oulton Park); Oliver Sadler (Nantwich); Ismail Dawood (Urmston); James Duffy, Danny Woods (Hyde); Warren Goodwin (Chester Boughton Hall); Jason Whittaker (Walshaw); Adam Syddall (Bowdon); Chris Finnegan (Neston). 12th man: Chris Davies (Oxton).