Cole blow for Northern

Date: 31st March 2014

A Paul Edwards copyright exclusive for L&DCC Official Website.

.......not bowling for the foreseeable future.

Stephen Cole has suffered a recurrence of his foot injury and will not be bowling for the foreseeable future. The medium pacer, whose accuracy and movement earned him 62 Premier League wickets at 11.33 apiece in 2013, will shortly be seeing a specialist.

The news comes as a blow to Northern as they seek to retain the title they won in fine style last summer, although Cole himself will be the first to admit that the championship was won by a team of highly-motivated cricketers rather than a couple of individuals.

James Cole, who led the Moor Park team to glory last year, did not seek to minimise the impact of his brother’s absence, although he also hoped that others will step forward to fill the gap in the attack.

“With Lancashire having fewer second team matches finishing on a Friday we’re hoping we’ll see more of Tom Bailey,” said Cole. “In addition there will be plenty of opportunities for seamer Ryan Maddock, who has joined the club from Palace Shield side Penwortham.”