NEW Whalley skipper Richard Lamb says he is loving every minute of leading the Station Road outfit – and admits his time in charge couldn’t have got off to a better start.

Lamb, who replaced the long-serving Richard Palmer as captain over the winter, has overseen a perfect start to the Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale League season and his men sit joint top of the table.

But he knows there are challenges ahead, starting on Saturday when Whalley make the short trip to Read, the only other side to claim maximum points so far.

“It’s been good with the two wins from two games,” said Lamb.

“But you can’t start getting carried away when you have only played two matches, it’s a long season and a lot can happen.

“I know we have tougher tests to come, and they don’t really come much bigger than on Saturday at Read. That’s a real different kettle of fish “They are a side I fancy to be right up there and they have a lot of quality in depth – but that makes for a good game.

“I always enjoy going to Read and they are often good games with plenty of runs and hopefully Saturday will be the same.”

Much of the good start is down to overseas amateur Wilkin Mota, who arrived before the start of the season and hit the ground running.

“It makes a difference and he is a good player,” said Lamb.

“He has started really well with bat and ball and that gives a lift to the rest of the team.”

While Lamb, who scored almost 600 league runs for Whalley last season, is enjoying captaincy he knows he has a lot to live up to in replacing Palmer, who is now the club chairman.

“Richard was captain for a few years and brought a few good finishes and some silverware to the club too,” he said.

“He is a hard act to follow and it takes a little bit of getting used to but I am enjoying it so far.

“There is a lot more to it than people think, especially with selection and other bits and pieces that people don’t see. To be honest matchday is probably the easiest bit.”