by Martin Morgan

Published at 14:09, Friday, 08 June 2012

Pro Saliya Saman has set some stiff personal targets that should help boost Carlisle’s Premier Division campaign.

Saliya Saman

The ex-Whitehaven star has long been one of the league’s leading performers, and he shows no signs of easing off this term.

“I’ve played eight league games and scored something like 270 runs and taken 26 wickets,” the Sri Lankan said.

“I think I’ve taken most wickets in the league, and my batting average is something like 48. In 2010 I scored 648 runs and took 58 wickets.

“My goal this year is to score 700 runs and take 60 wickets, and I think I can achieve it. This is my fourth year in Carlisle and I’ve made good friends. It’s nice to play here. I get good help from our committee and Alex Raybould, our captain, is also a big help. He is always supporting me, and that’s really nice.”

Carlisle have slipped slightly of late after a strong start to the campaign. They currently lie eighth on 80 points from eight games. And they did not enjoy a profitable holiday weekend, going down by seven wickets against Penrith.

But Saman reckons his club are well-placed for a strong second half to the campaign.

He added: “Last week we had two or three players missing because they are studying at Sedbergh School.

“When we get them back at the end of July we’ll be a strong team. I hope we can finish in the top five. That’s my goal.”

Millom lie second in the table, nine points behind Cockermouth, and he believes they are a powerful side.

“They have a good balance to the team, and that’s why they are doing well. They are the threat,” added Saman, who will be in the Carlisle side that faces struggling Lindal Moor tomorrow. We need to win our next couple of games. That will get us back in to a good rhythm. Lindal Moore were promoted this year and don’t have a pro.”

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk