BILTON skipper Carl Heptinstall has become the second captain casualty of the summer after announcing he has stepped down as skipper, and handed the reins to prolific Aussie Miles Corish.
Heptinstall quit at the end of their defeat at home to Adel on July 26 but has vowed to continue playing and help secure Bilton’s top flight position for another season.
The side are in serious danger of slipping into Division Two after last Satur
day’s defeat away at Kirkstall Education.
Bilton are now just three points clear of basement boys Pool, teetering over the precipice of the relegation places with only six games to go.
“It was a difficult decision for me as I have been very honoured to captain Bilton over the last two seasons,” he said.
“But after a long chat with certain individuals I made my decision on the Monday and the club placed Miles in charge for the Kirkstall game and the rest of the season.
“I would like to thank all those at the club that have helped me while I was captain and wish Miles the best of luck for the remaining games.
“It is nice just to be able to concentrate on my cricket again, I am totally focused on Bilton avoiding relegation and hope I can contribute to that for the remainder of the season.”
Heptinstall follows former BECKWITHSHAW captain Charlie Lister who resigned last month, with Ben Quick taking his place in the hotseat.
Ironically the two sides will come up against each other tomorrow (at Bilton 1.30pm start) with both fighting for very different prizes at the top and bottom of the table.
‘Shaw captain Quick is desperate for a victory in the intense local derby as his side look to break their recent Bilton Lane voodoo.
“We don’t have a good record on their ground,” said Quick.
“It’s a big game but Bilton have proved a bit of a bogey team for us over the last few years.
“We’ve only won there once in the last seven years so that’s obviously something we’re looking to break.
“At Beckwithshaw we can’t understand why Bilton are in the position they’re in. If you look at the top four they’ve got probably one of the strongest sides in the league.”
On Saturday ‘Shaw’s bowlers were in fine form against a poor Pool outfit to keep them in the Division One title hunt.
Nick Louden (3-40) and Joe Downing (4-16) proved their weight as the West Yorkshiremen collapsed to 118 all out.
Stuart Carey (50) and Phil Critchley (44) then guided the home side home on 119-3.
“Special mention has to go to Joe,” added Quick.
“He’s a product of the Beckwithshaw youth system and everyone was really pleased for him when he got his wickets.”
Meanwhile in Division Two KNARESBOROUGH welcome FOLLIFOOT tomorrow with ‘Boro’ Aussie Dale Tormey eyeing his third century on the bounce.
The prolific Melbourne star has already smashed 1,058 runs this season and continued his scorching form against Colton on Saturday.
“It’s been a super effort by Dale,” said ‘Boro’ skipper Adam Pryor.
“I think he’s got 1058 runs and needs around 1400 to break the record which he’s trying to do.
“But a special mention has to go to James Tattersall on Saturday.
The full article contains 573 words and appears in Harrogate Advertiser newspaper.
