Woodcock vows to lead Church to final (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Woodcock vows to lead Church to final

9:03am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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LUKE Woodcock is determined to make up for lost time tonight as he aims to fire Church into the Lancashire League 20/20 Cup final.

The New Zealander, who only arrived in the country 10 days ago after problems gaining clearance to enter the UK, suffered a dismal introduction to the league last weekend.

He was out for a second-ball duck on his debut against Bacup and then saw his new team-mates miss out on a place in the Worsley Cup final when they lost at Ramsbottom last Sunday.

But now Woodcock aims to lead Church into the final of the short form game as they face Burnley in their delayed last-four tie.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “I want to help Church into the final and make up for last weekend.

“The lads were down after losing to Ramsbottom but we do have a second bite at the cherry and hopefully the English weather will allow us to get the game on.”

Woodcock, left, is just glad to be here after new visa rules threatened his chances of taking up his position at West End.

He arrived in England in May only to be detained by customs officials and sent back to New Zealand because of a problem with his paperwork.

“It was frustrating,” he said. “There were times when I thought I might not make it but I am here now and that’s all that matters.”

Woodcock’s delay may have contributed to his weekend woe and he added: “It is the middle of winter back home and I have only been able to net indoors.

“And then I got a very good delivery last week and that’s that.

“But it happens and I am sure I will come good and get some scores.

“Looking at the league I still think we are in with a shot at the league and, of course, we have the 20/20.

“We have a good bunch of lads here and all the teams are competitive and there is still a lot of cricket to be played.”

The winners of tonight’s semi-final will face Nelson in the final, which we be played next Friday night with the venue to be decided.