[N]ew Skipper Jonathan Osborne admits that it could have been easier: “We’ve lost a lot of experience since last season. But I’m thrilled to lead a young and very promising side out against the league champions at Leyland on Saturday.
“Our Pro isn’t able to be here for a cpuple of games, but it’s really exciting to have Michael Slack back as sub pro this week, he’ll add experience to both bowling and batting, I really am looking forward to it.”
The new league structure has relegation for the bottom two clubs at the end of the season, so the campaign will have a new edge.
Penrith will be relying on the Hall brothers Greg And Sam, as well as the skipper to give a lead and to provide runs and wickets alongside the sub pro. Australian player coach Jesse Dinnie has joined the side, and offers batting and off spin bowling to strengthen the side.
As a UK passport holder, he does not face the delays and bureaucracy that the Sri Lankan professional Bhanuka Rajapaksa does. Jesse will assume a very busy coaching in schools schedule, assisting at junior club sessions as well as being available for 1 to 1 coaching.
Bhanuka has now received his visa and should be availbale for the third game on Saturday 6th May once he has finished playing in he Sri Lankan provincial one day tournament. As an established Sri Lanka A allrounder who toured England last summer his arrival will significantly strengthen the side with his pace bowling and his ability to score runs very quickly indeed.
Chairman Andy Hall is very proud of the youngsters coming through: “We have worked very hard to bring young people into cricket from an early age, and most of the side, especially the young Marshall brothers, Jake and Henry, and Kieran Trevaskis, as well as the Halls and new Captain Jonathon Osborne, are the fruit of this work.
“I congratulate them on reaching the first team, and look for a great future for the club built around the blend of experience and youth. I also look forward to working with the new skipper to continue to bring high quality cricket to the town and area round about.”
