NEVER mind the Millenium, Walshaw's cricketers have been having their best knees-up for a decade since clinching the Bolton Association championship trophy.

It's ten years since they last won the same pot and there's been very little to cheer in between, with just two cups won by the juniors to fill the trophy cabinet.

They've been moaning about the electricity bill at Sycamore Road and one member reckons its because someone went into the trophy room after that last major success and left the light on. Only joking, lads!

It's been a bright few days for Walshaw since they were handed the Greg Cup before Saturday's game against Little Hulton and they celebrated in style with a seven-wicket win.

Teenager Paul Cox, brought up to Bury after being spotted at college in Chichester by Walshaw skipper and fellow student Rob Faulkner, flew back specially for last weekend's games and hit a ton to make it a really worthwhile trip. "Paul took a little time to settle in because of the wetter wickets up here, but he likes it and he's coming back again next summer," said Faulkner.

"I was at the same college studying sports science and played at the same club, Bognor CC, while I was down there.

"I told him the league cricket was a lot more competitive up here and he decided to come and give it a go."

Professional Jonathan "Trigger" Fielding has signed for another year and he chipped in against Little Hulton, hitting 54 with the bat and taking eight for 64 as the hosts were bowled out for 197.

It's no surprise that Walshaw have snapped up the former Ramsbottom and Lancashire all-rounder again as he is set to finish top of the averages in the Bolton Association batting and bowling charts.

Sunday's game at Lostock was a bit of an anti-climax as Walshaw went down to a six-wicket defeat in a low-scoring match - I wonder why!

It was still a special weekend for coach Mark Greenhalgh. The former Rishton and Accrington all-rounder has played his part on the field too this season, but has decided to retire because of injuries.

The Tottington-based engineer goes out on a high, though, after that marvellous title success.

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