RYAN Canning wants to bring the glory days back to Church Meadow.

The Cape Town born right-hander has plundered 226 runs in his first two knocks for Ribblesdale Wanderers this term, including a splendid 126 not out in a weekend victory over Edenfield.

MORE TOP STORIES:

His unbeaten ton arrived on the back of a sparkling opening day century, when he also carried his bat, against Brinscall.

“I’m usually a slow starter, so I’ll take this any day,” said Canning.

“There’s a great history here, and when Ribblesdale came knocking on the door I knew it would be the right move.

“I spoke to the captain, Ian Britcliffe, and I was tremendously impressed with what he had to say. “ Canning admits his first stint in the Ribblesdale League represents a fresh challenge for the 31-year-old, who was Nelson’s professional in the Lancashire League last term.

And his skipper is convinced they have the right man at the crease to deliver them back to the top flight.

“Ryan is so calm, such a professional, self-effacing guy, and that is already rubbing off on the rest of the lads,” said Britcliffe.

“He has created a terrific buzz – and how the heck other teams have not come in for Ryan is beyond me because he is a very talented batsman.

“We were seven down wanting 110 off the last 12 overs against Edenfield, but Ryan got us over the line with five balls to spare.

“We didn’t put enough runs on the board last season, and this start has given us a tremendous boost.”

Wanderers have not won the senior title for 15 years, but with Canning in this sort of form it bodes well for Ribblesdale who also boast a proud record in the Ramsbottom Cup.

And with the final of the competition due to be staged at Church Meadow later in the summer, Britcliffe would love nothing more than to see the holders gunning for glory again after lifting the trophy in 2014, 2013 and 2011.

“I don’t want to be greedy, but wouldn’t it be lovely to defend the Ramsbottom Cup on our own patch in the final,” added the skipper.

Wanderers go to Barnoldswick on Saturday and Canning is hopeful to continue both his and the team’s fine form.

He added: “There’s bags of positivity about the place and this is a new chapter for me. I just want to keep going scoring runs now.”