Lancaster CC players have pleased new skipper

Three victories from four games see Lancaster sitting second in the table as they prepare for the weekend trip to early leaders Euxton.

A period of adjustment might have been expected after relegation from the Northern Premier Cricket League last year, along with Steinson having replaced Jamie Heywood as skipper.

However, defeat to Torrisholme aside, it’s a case of so far so good as Lancaster look for an immediate return to the NPCL for 2024.

Steinson acknowledged: “All the lads are really positive and they are all contributing, whether it’s through their performances or helping me out on the pitch.

“We have a lot of experience in the team, alongside some of the younger lads as well.

“It’s a really easy team to captain in that sense; there’s knowledge and experience to pull through in tight situations, but people like Joseph Bradshaw and Thayne Nel give us that freshness as well.”

In terms of tight situations, Lancaster couldn’t have had a much closer one in victory over Penwortham last weekend.

Bowlers dominated at Lune Road, where Lancaster had been dismissed for 118 before bowling out their visitors for 114 as Ben Simm took 5-41.

“It took quite a while for the heart rate to settle down!” Steinson admitted.

“We always feel like we’re in a game with the bowling attack we’ve got, with the likes of Simmo.

“It’s really pleasing to come through in those tight moments because they can take you where you want to go during the season.”

Last Sunday’s Meyler Cup win against Preston made it a perfect weekend as Lancaster now look to try and end Euxton’s unbeaten start to the season.

Saturday’s hosts head the table, six points clear of Lancaster, in being the only team to have won every match so far.

The form guide points towards a good game at Balshaw Park but Steinson is wary of attaching too much importance to proceedings.

He said: “They have made a really positive start to the season.

“However, we’re only four games in and it’s still early days – but it’s an exciting fixture and we’re looking forward to it.”