Harding looks for his side to learn valuable lessons

BIGNALL End captain George Harding admits their NSSCL Premier B debut proved to be an 'eyeopening' experience for his players.

- Chris Travers

Former Durham spinner Harding has taken the reins at Boon Hill following the club's promotion from Division One at the end of last season.

However, the club's seasonal bow in the second tier ended in disappointment as they were soundly beaten by local rivals Wood Lane on home turf last weekend.

Bignall End were routed for just 78, before their visitors required just 13.4 overs to secure an eight-wicket win.

Harding, though, says that the heavy loss can ultimately benefit his side in the long run.

"I said to the lads after the game that it's not necessarily a bad thing to happen in the first game," said Harding.

"It showed us what to expect and Wood Lane are a good side, who will be challenging at the top end of the division.

"It was an eye-opener for us, but we had an honest chat afterwards.

"I'd just like us to show a bit more guts and endeavour at times. We've got good players, but we just need to apply ourselves for longer periods of time.

"We do have the ability, but the challenge for us is to perform consistently for longer."

Harding, well versed in local cricket after also playing for the likes of Stone SP, Leek and Crewe, says the step up the league ladder means there's less margin for error.

And he says that giving opponents a sniff of getting on top is something that his side can’t afford to do moving forward.

“When you play in Division One, you can probably be at 60 per cent sometimes and win games,” he explained.