ROBINSON RETURNS TO HAUNT FORMER CLUB

Fox Lodge bounced back from their opening day loss to cause a surprise of their own as they beat a highly fancied Brigade. Johnny ‘Bap’ Robinson was to the fore as he and Gayan Maneeshan produced the match winning partnership.  

“It was great to bounce back from the opening day defeat to St Johnston with a win against a strong Brigade side. Hopefully we can take some confidence from that performance into the cup games against Bonds Glen and The Hills,” Robinson told the Chronicle.

“I was great batting with Gayan - he’s laid back and calm in the middle and it’s great he’s settled in quickly. He has been a great addition to the team.

“It’s always good to get a win against Brigade. It didn’t happen too often up until recently. There’s always a bit of banter when playing against old team mates on the pitch and over a drink after.

“We've faced some challenges in the bowling department due to injuries and availability issues, which was probably highlighted in the T20 versus Newbuildings where we ended up chasing 240,” added Robinson.

“If we can sort that out we know we have the potential to beat any team when we get it right. Our main aim this season is to finish in the top eight and guarantee Premier league cricket next year. I’d like to think we will be closer to the top end of the table than the bottom if we put the effort in and get our best team out as often as possible.”

There’s been a new role for ‘Bap’ in recent weeks, donning the wicket keeping gloves instead of plying his trade as an off-spinner.

“I injured my shoulder over the winter playing squash. I did bowl in the first game and couldn’t move for a few days after, really struggling to bowl and throw so I decided keeping for a few weeks to give it a rest.”

Fox Lodge start the defence of their Senior Cup with an away day trip to Bonds Glen on Saturday.