HARROGATE skipper John Proud is looking for his side to continue their mini-revival when they welcome Cleethorpes to St George’s Road tomorrow (noon start).
Proud’s team are unbeaten in their last three Saturday fixtures after being called off at
Scarborough’s North Marine Road last weekend.
‘Gate took three points from the rain-off, seeing them climb up to tenth, following encouraging victories over York and Rotherham in recent weeks.
The captain admitted that his team were disappointed not to get a game last weekend, but is anticipating the challenge of facing Cleethorpes this weekend.
“It was a shame as we were really looking forward to playing Scarborough,” he said.
“It is a lovely ground, an ex-county ground and a good place to play cricket. However, one positive is that we are still unbeaten.”
The St George’s Road outfit are hoping to be at full strength against the east-coasters tomorrow, with Proud happy to welcome back top-order batsman Richard Rawlings, who has already notched a fine hundred in his limited appearances so far this season.
Strike bowler Dominic Sharp is also on the road to recovery having suffered a hamstring injury last week and might make the final eleven.
“We don’t know too much about them but they are mid-table and a decent side, so we will have to be playing well to beat them,” added Proud.
With Ashes fever about to grip the country, Harrogate will be staging their own version of the famous contest when they welcome Melbourne Cricket Club to St George’s Road on Sunday (1pm start).
As Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting’s men prepare to go head-to-head over the next couple of months, Proud’s Harrogate side will be looking to provide a good omen for the summer ahead.
Meanwhile ‘Gate’s U-17 team will get the opportunity to test their skills against their Australian counterparts from Westfield.
“Melbourne are the equivalent of our MCC and we believe that they will come with a strong side,” said Proud.
“We’re not too sure what to expect but we’re anticipating some competitive cricket and a good social day.”
Harrogate chairman Steve Culleton is looking forward to hosting the teams from down under.
“We are all anticipating a fantastic day and some excellent cricket,” he said.
“John should have a strong side out and it would be lovely to see cricket lovers coming to support the teams.”
Admission is free and the Tavern bar will be open from 12pm. A hog roast will also be served all day.
