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Heywood given a cool reception at Craven

John Gwynne
28/12/2005

Round The Boards

HEYWOOD lost 7-3 at West Craven in their latest Lancashire GMC Super League first division match, Tony Smith averaging over 70 in picking up the match award.

He gained winning support from Paul Langford and Carl Langley while Geoff Farrar hit a 180 in defeat.

It was the fourth setback in six matches so far this winter, the others coming at the hands of Fleetwood 6-4, Rochdale 6-4, and Farnworth 7-3.

They opened up the season with a 6-4 win at Blackburn and shared a 5-5 draw with Littleborough at the end of October.

They reach the halfway point of the season when they take on Blackpool at the Stonemasons on 15 January.

"We have no excuses for any of the defeats," explained skipper Paul Benson. "But the one at West Craven was made worse by the conditions.

"It was really cold in the Earby Sports and Social Club where they play."

Benson is looking forward to better things and is confident his team can enjoy a more successful 2006.

"When we were promoted to the first division two seasons ago we knew it would be tough," he added. "We stayed up last year and that was is our intention now.

"In fact I think we can finish halfway up the table."

On the home front the Enterprise Inns Heywood Men's League resumes on 5 January.

The Heywood Ladies League starts on 10 January with a charity night on 3 January.