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9:50am Friday 2nd May 2008
CUMBERLAND open their 2008 campaign against Bedfordshire in the Minor Counties Trophy one-day compet-ition at Netherfield CC on Sunday.
Once again, Marcus Sharp captains the side, hoping to continue the impressive team performances from last year's County Championship.
Cumberland's opening batsmen will be Carl Hey, who broke the Liverpool Competition batting record last season with 1476 runs, and Steve Knox, formerly with Ulverston CC and currently playing for Heriot's FP in Scotland.
A solid start is expected from these two experienced players and Hey can also bowl orthodox left-arm spin.
Ex- Cleator CC batsman Darren Clark, now with Barrow CC in the Northern League, will feature in the early order. Clark scored his maiden county century in the first game of last season's competition.
Former Durham County player Gary Pratt, who with Bishop Auckland in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League, bolster the middle-order.
Netherfield wicketkeeper Ryan Brown and Barrow CC's Graham Dawson will be hoping to provide the impetus to the innings, with Dawson offering support to the medium-paced bowlers when required.
Sedbergh Schoolboy Jordan Clark makes his one-day debut on Sunday, having played one championship game last term as a wicketkeeper.
Clark, who is a member of the Lancashire CCC Academy, has worked hard during the winter and is selected as a batsman/medium-paced bowler.
Off-spinner Chris Miller, who has switched from Kendal to the Netherfield club, provides the senior spin option.
A new name is Dan Conway, who made an impression with his lively medium pace during pre-season nets and is expected to open the bowling.
A team-mate of Pratt, he is also trialling at Northamptonshire CCC.
Workington CC's Matthew Gorley, although struggling with a shoulder injury, is expected to open the bowling, and feature with the bat.
Sharp brings his considerable experience to the captaincy and hopefully he keep the opposition in check when bowling.
Cumberland look to have a well-balanced team on paper and go into Sunday's game with confidence, knowing that Bedfordshire lost their opening game against Cheshire by six wickets with nearly four overs remaining.
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