Simpson readyfor the season

The Beechgrove men start their defence with a home encounter with Fox Lodge this Saturday and the captain like everyone at the club can’t wait for the first ball to be bowled.

“It’s always that wee bit harder to defend a title, as teams always up their game against the champions,” conceded Simpson.

“However in saying that I feel that every team up their game whenever they come to play at Beechgrove, so we are used to sides raising their game.

“What we have to do is make sure that we are prepared and are ready for every challenge, starting with Fox Lodge on Saturday.”

Simpson is expecting the likes of Limavady and Strabane to be the main sides battling to take their crown.

“On paper Limavady have the strongest team, but I’m in cricket long enough to know that the strongest team down on paper doesn’t always win the league,” admitted Simpson.

“I also feel the likes of Strabane and Donemana are always hard to beat, while Bready and Fox Lodge are always capable of winning, sometimes they are let down in regards maintain consistency.

“Last season Fox Lodge were up towards the top of the table for a long while, but they slipped a bit at the end. Any side on their day can beat anyone in our league and I can’t see it being any different this year.”

Brigade have lost left hand opening batsman Chris Dougherty to CIYMS, however they have added Pakistani professional Ali Khan, however their captain is hoping everyone plays their part this season and he’s excited about the new bowling and batting power plays, which are introduced into North West cricket for the first time.

“We have lost a few players but we also feel that a few players who didn’t play to their full potential last season do this coming season.

“Captaining the side with the new rules is also going to be a new dimension to the game, but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”