10:44am Tuesday 9th March 2010
By Matt Donlan
GRITTY Lancashire captain Glen Chapple is determined to see the Red Rose bloom this summer – and reckons that a winter of discontent for some means that everyone will be ready for the season.
Lancashire’s stars, including the ageing bones of the 36-year-old captain, have been pushed hard by coach Peter Moores with punishing winter runs up Rivington Pike and other assorted hills that are better surveyed from afar.
And while there may have been moans from some of the squad, all the players are aware that such a schedule stands them in fine stead.
“It’s been tough,” laughed the former West Craven High School pupil, who started out at Earby.
“But we can’t complain about the running because Moorsey is right out at the front when we are running.
“We have trained really well as a squad, though, and that is great.
“We have had more players here than usual with not as many of the lads being away so we have wintered really well and are raring to go.”
Preparation is everything for Lancashire as they go in search of the holy grail of the County Championship.
The most treasured trophy in domestic cricket hasn’t been under lock and key at Old Trafford since 1934 and although the Red Rose shared the title with Surrey way back in 1950, Chapple admits it is about time that piece of silverware makes a long-awaited return to the famous club.
“It’s been away too long,” said Chapple. “I have been here a long time now and the title has been missing for about four times as long as I have been here.
“So I am not taking all the blame for it – but it would be lovely to lift that trophy in September.
“Without a doubt we want the Championship, just like every other club on the circuit.
“It is about small steps. We start with our tour to Barbados next week and we keep working to be as good as we can be.”
Lancashire fly to the West Indies next Sunday for a fortnight in the sun in which to hone their preparations ahead of the Championship opener against Warwickshire on April 15.
“This winter has been a focus on challenging the players to work on their weaknesses and improve on their strengths,” added Chapple, who has been part of the Old Trafford furniture since 1992.
“I have things to work on like everyone else. You can never stop trying to improve yourself and your game.
“We are a good age and we are a year older as a squad and hopefully we can turn the corner and take that extra step.”
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