BEN Heap is dreaming big ahead of the 2015 cricket season.

The Burnley star has joined Ribblesdale League side Padiham as professional for the new campaign but it is the minor county circuit that the 26-year-old believes could provide him with his big breakthrough.

Heap has been training with Staffordshire this winter and has been invited back in the new year when a decision will be made on his future.


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If it does go his way Heap is hoping it could lead to a county cricket contract further down the line.

And if an offer is not forthcoming he insists he will be a much better player when he dons the whites for Padiham.

“I would never say never to getting into county cricket,” said Heap who lives in Burnley. “Michael and David Brown over at Burnley didn’t play until they were in their mid 20s so you never know.

“If I can impress a few people and get a couple of good knocks it could lead to something.

“The Lancashire League is a really good standard but you are going to get noticed a bit more in minor league cricket. Hopefully I can take my chance.”

And Heap believes his versatility could aid his cause as he chases a deal.

He said: “I have gone down there primarily as a batsman but I finished top wicket-taker in the Lancashire League Twenty20 for the last two seasons, and for the first time there is a minor counties Twenty20 next year so that might help me.

“I think Staffordshire are on the lookout for a few more players and a bit of strength in depth so it would be great to be asked to come back for the season.

“Either way if I can work hard with them and hit the ground running come April and May then it will have made me a better player.

“It is a real privilege to come down and just train with players of that standard.

“Even if it goes no further I think I will go back to Padiham a better player.”

Heap, who scored more than 500 runs last season while also weighing in with a handful of wickets as Lowerhouse won the title, admits it was a leap of faith to leave Liverpool Road, where he has won every Lancashire League honour going during his association with the club, and risk it in the minor counties market.

He added: “I have been at Lowerhouse for 15 years so it was a bit hard to leave because I had been part of a very successful side there.

“But I am 26 now and I didn’t want to regret not testing myself.

“I have signed on for Padiham and they will always come first but I am so pleased to have got the chance at Staffordshire.

“I sent my CVs off to a few minor counties clubs over the winter and Staffordshire got in touch which I was really pleased about.

“I am out of my comfort zone there and I do think I will be a better player for it.

“At Lowerhouse I struggled for consistency but I think part of that was I was too relaxed in the environment so hopefully a change will do me good.

“I was a bit nervous heading down there but now they have said to come back I actually think I can be a bit more relaxed.

“It is a really good set-up. Staffordshire mainly play on Sunday’s and Padiham mainly play on a Saturday so it should work out well.”