Whalley get Sathish-faction

11:18am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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THERE was an air of disappointment around Station Road when Jagadeesh Arunkumar opted to play in the Indian Premier League with the Bangalore Royal Challengers rather than at Whalley.

But Sathish Rajagopal's form in the early part of the season has quickly dispelled any concerns.

The Chennai Superstars vice-captain blasted a masterful 192 against Earby in the Ramsbottom Cup on Saturday from only 109 balls - a knock that included 16 fours and 10 sixes.

That came on the back of his 141 in the LCB Knockout Cup against Glossop.

And skipper Richard Palmer is delighted that a twist of fate brought the 27-year-old all-rounder to east Lancashire.

He said: "There was a sense of disappointment when Jac decided not to come, but with all due respect, we're not disappointed anymore.

"Satty has been fantastic since he came here and his knock on Saturday was simply awesome. That's all you can say about it.

"It was as brutal an exhibition of clean-hitting that you will ever wish to see.

"As soon as he went to look at the track and felt it was firm, his eyes lit up.

"They're more like what he's used to playing on back home. He found it hard work on the wet tracks we played on at the start of the season.

"But he's a very quick learner and he's adapted very well to say he's never played professionally in England before."

Rajagopal came with a great reference from Lancashire and Chennai skipper Stuart Law, who heartily recommended him to the Station Road side.

Palmer added: "We'd seen him play in the ICL on Bollywood TV and he looked like a very accomplished cricketer but he played a very different role for Chennai.

"He was used as a finisher in 20/20 cricket but Stuart Law told us that he was a serious player and he's been proven right.

"We're not surprised by what he's done but it's fair to say he's exceeded our expectations with the way he's learned to play in English conditions so quickly."

Whalley's crushing 210-run win over Earby sets up a potentially explosive Ramsbottom Cup tie with Padiham, who won a high-scoring game with Great Harwood, and Palmer is hoping his side can challenge on all front - if he can put his best 11 out on a regular basis.

He said: "I read in the Telegraph that the East Lancs skipper was complaining about the commitment of some of his senior players and I think that may be a problem for us.

"It'll be a test this weekend as we face a double header.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, our strongest side is a match for anyone in our division. No one will look forward to playing us with our strongest side out.

"It's just a case of how many we can get out on a Sunday afternoon.

"That may be the best time for teams to play us."

And Palmer's side certainly face a challenge this weekend.

On Saturday, Whalley take on neighbours Clitheroe before facing a resurgent Edenfield on Sunday.

He added: "Both games are very tough.

"Clitheroe are our local rivals and Edenfield have had a fantastic start to their season and their pro, Babar Naeem, has proved to be one of the best professionals the league has seen in recent times so it's going to be a big weekend."