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Kerr likes shock factor

13/ 6/2008

OSWALDTWISTLE Immanuel pulled off the shock of the weekend - and pro Andy Kerr is hoping the young side have a few more surprises up their sleeve.

With only one win under their belt this season, the trip to one-time table toppers Edenfield on Saturday looked a tough one.

But Kerr and co despatched them with ease and the ex-Bolton League man is hoping this will now kick start their season for a top half of the table finish.

Chorley-based Kerr, 23, has got 228 runs so far for Ossie with a high score of 80 in his first season as a professional.

"It was a really good win for us - we have not had many good results but we got one of their players out with the first ball and you could see the confidence rise and feel a different atmosphere on the pitch," said the paid man.

"Edenfield have been doing well but it was a strong performance from us and, after what has been a frustrating season so far, I am sure we can surprise a few more people.

"It all came right for us and we were awesome - in batting, fielding and bowling.

"It was top notch and we have shown we can do it - now have got to do it every week."

Kerr, who currently works in retail but is going to college to study property development, admits it is a learning curve for what is a young side.

"I am the third oldest in the side I think and I am only 23. The average age is around 21 - and captain Gerard Metcalf puts that up a bit!

"We are an inexperienced side but Saturday’s win showed that we have the quality to win games and be a good side - a top half of the table side if we perform like that.

"We know we can give every team a good game, it just hasn’t been going our way so far.

"There have been close games where I have got 60, 70 or 80 runs but never quite made it to 100 which I am disappointed with. I should have perhaps batted through a bit more but I am learning too.

"It is my first job as a professional but I just see it as a title and don’t feel any pressure.

"I have got more responsibility but I just go out and play my game and have been reasonably pleased so far."

He admits he is enjoying the new challenges which playing in the Ribblesdale League brings.

"I have played as an amateur with Greenmount in the Bolton League and we finished second for three seasons and got to a number of cup finals.

"This is a different experience for me and a new challenge.

"When I first spoke to the captain and the officials at Oswaldtwistle about becoming their professional, it felt right.

"I didn’t feel the pressure because I know they didn’t have the best of seasons last season but they are ambitious.

"We are a young side who want to progress, we are aiming for a top eight spot and I want to help to bring the team on.

"It felt right and it is all about being patient and going forward.

"And, in the Bolton League, I knew every bowler and every batsman.

"In this league, it is all fresh faces and a different challenge every week.

"Some of the professionals are really good and I look forward to going up against them - especially Will Purser at Baxenden who I know from his Lancashire days."

Now Immanuel aim to replicate the form against Whalley tomorrow and start a move from second-bottom of the table.

"I know it may sound stupid with our start to the season but I think there are more positives to take out of it than negatives," said Kerr,

"One of them is young Daniel Metcalf who is only 15 but plays for Lancashire and has shown his class.

"And Andrew Metcalf got five wickets on Saturday - there is plenty to build on.

"Also, because we are all a similar age, the whole team socialise together and are close knit - they made me feel welcome straight away and we want a good season."

While Immanuel pulled off a shock, Baxenden stunned their local rivals by inflicting the first league defeat of the season on early league leaders Great Harwood.

Harwood have been on fire this season so far but local rivals Baxenden got the bragging rights.

They took charge with Purser and Ian Austin taking five wickets each to skittle Harwood out for just 47.

Ex- England one day specialist Austin also had a big say with the bat making 67 out of Bash’s 195-7 as Mark Rishton’s side - who finished runners-up last season - moved up to fourth in the table.

Harwood have another tough encounter against third placed Padiham at Cliffe Park tomorrow while Baxenden travel to Read.

Baxenden are also in Lancashire Cup action on Sunday, at home to Stayley Cricket Club.