By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 12:21, Friday, 16 September 2011

Cockermouth are celebrating a successful return home this season following the floods that devastated Sandair in 2009 – and after claiming a hat-trick of honours an extension to their trophy cabinet may be next on the agenda.

Their first X1 won the County Cup for the first time since 1966, reached the Higson Cup last-four and finished third in the North Lancs and Cumbria Premier Division.

The club’s second-string proved masters of the Eden Valley Premier Division and not to be outdone, their third X1 weighed in with the Burton Cup.

“The club has done really well,” said secretary Geoff Minshaw. “In the league, Furness and Workington finished above us, and that’s just about right, to be fair.

“The second X1 were well-led by Steve Chambers, first-team captain in 2006 when we won the league.

“He added a bit of professionalism and it was a good effort by them to win the league. There are four or five good prospects in there. The club is built on youth and there’s obviously a progression.

“The third-team didn’t do anything in the league but won the Burton Cup. In a tight game at Workington they got over the line, which was impressive.

“The wicket will take a couple of years to bed in, but there’s a lot of promise at the club.”

Cockermouth did not engage a professional last year, when all their home games were played on the road while Sandair was redeveloped.

But the decision this term to sign Sri Lankan Amila Weththasinghe has paid dividends, and the club is keen on his return next season.

“He’s been marvellous,” Minshaw added. “He scored 1,094 runs in all competitions, took 61 wickets with 10 catches and a run-out.

“Amila’s played in England for five years so we did a bit of homework on him, but you still don’t know what you are getting.

“His attitude is fantastic, and not just on the field. The guy coaches and participates in the clubhouse, he’s popular with members and in the town.”

First published at 11:36, Friday, 16 September 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk