Last updated at 12:20, Friday, 22 June 2012

Keswick have proved wrong critics who thought they would struggle this season – and an emphatic league win over Penrith on Saturday could see them move in to the Premier Division top four.

Keith Richardson

The Fitz Park outfit lie sixth, just 13 points behind Penrith, who they knocked out of the Higson Cup last weekend, skipper Glen Weightman top-scoring with 78 in a 21-run win

The victory saw them book a home semi-final berth against Cleator next month and with superb young pro Geeth Kumara set to return next season, the club is on the up.

“At the start of the season we lost a couple of first-team players who couldn’t play through work commitments and injuries, and one or two doom-mongers thought we would be lucky to stay up,” said chairman Keith Richardson.

“We have a very good young captain, very good young professional and a lot of young lads who work hard together.

“It’s a very young team that is growing in confidence. And the most important thing is that they enjoy their cricket.

“It’s always difficult to go to Penrith and win, so it was really pleasing to achieve that. They have been through a bit of a transition. Greg Hall is just a lad in cricketing terms but has shown a lot of potential.”

Keswick also boast a competitive second-string, unbeaten in league action in the Eden Valley competition since the start of 2011.

Richardson continued: “We have a very good base at junior level through the work of John Bryson, who has done a fantastic job. We haven’t got lots of those players but those we have are very, very good quality.”

Cockermouth head the table but champs Furness now trail by only six points after a sluggish start to the season, and Richardson reckons their title-winning experience will serve them well.

“Cockermouth are very strong, but Furness have been there and done it,” said the chairman, who disagrees with those who claim the Premier Division is not as strong as in the past.

“I don’t accept the standard has slipped. It is stronger than ever.”

First published at 11:27, Friday, 22 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk