Captain Ben Heap says Lowerhouse need to keep a level head if they are to be in the mix for Lancashire League honours again.

The Worsley Cup winners finished runners-up in the league standings to Walsden in 2018.

But Heap isn’t setting any lofty ambitions about going one better knowing plenty of clubs will be in a similar position to House this season.

“It’s a bit of a cliché but we need to keep our feet on the ground and take it game by game,” said the top-order batsman.

“It’s the same as any season at Lowerhouse though in that we want to be in the mix come the end of the season.

“You can’t single out one trophy because it’s such a high standard.

“With the first division being how it is after the change last year there’s six or seven teams that could win the league.

“Anyone can go on a cup run and to perform in the T20s it’s more about availability and what kind of squad you’ve got.

“We’ve got a core group of 13 or 14 and we’re looking forward to it.

“We’ve had a nice long rest over the winter but the spring weather has been fantastic and we’re eager to get going.”

House begin the new summer of cricket with the annual Ron Singleton Trophy clash between league and cup winners with Walsden the opposition at the Brooks Foundation Ground today.

Far from simply a curtain-raiser Heap is looking for an early season boost when they meet last year’s title rivals.

“It’s not the Worsley Cup final but it’s not a warm-up for us,” said the skipper, who will again be able to call on the services of professional Ockert Erasmus.

“We want to get a psychological edge ahead of the league games so we’re up for it and want to hit the ground running.

“We’ve got a good unbeaten run in cups and we’ll be looking to be ruthless.”
On Sunday their league campaign begins at home to Todmorden.

“It’s a tricky game first up,” Heap said.

“With there being two divisions now everyone has found their level and there are some mouth-watering fixtures on the opening weekend.

“We’ve had some tough games with Todmorden over the last couple of years and they’ve got some good young players but I’m confident we can gel quickly and put in a good performance.”

Elsewhere in Division One on opening day, Clitheroe host Norden, Church travel to Crompton, Ramsbottom welcome Darwen, Accrington are at Rochdale and Burnley make the trip to Walsden.