PHC not taking Warwick for granted in Counties clash

Cup holders PHC will enter tomorrow’s Western Counties third round clash with Warwick as overwhelming favourites to retain the cup.

While PHC have been winning trophies in the Premier Division, minnows Warwick have worn the dreaded tag of First Division whipping boys.

Still, PHC fast bowler Kevin Tucker — one of the club’s leading lights — has warned his team-mates not to take their First Division opponents lightly.

He declared: “We aren’t taking anything for granted because Western Counties matches can be tricky at times. We will approach Warwick as we do any other team.”

Warwick have relied heavily upon young talent this season but are likely to call upon guest players Sammy Robinson and Johnny Ball to bolster the ranks ahead of tomorrow’s cup clash.

But they will find their work cut out for them against a PHC team that has clearly established itself a reckoning force in the top flight this season.

Kyle Lightbourne’s team defeated nearby rivals Southampton Rangers in the BELCO Cup final and then stripped the latter of their Western Counties crown in the first round of the competition.

Tucker said: “Every time we have dethroned Rangers this season it has been a great feeling because they are the hardest team to beat in the league.”

So what has been the key to PHC’s success?

“From one to 11…everyone has chipped in and you can’t single out any player,” Tucker said. “Everyone has chipped in this season and the guys are more serious and focused than last season. We are playing good cricket right now and I think we are one of the top teams in the league. PHC is definitely a team to watch out for.”

Tucker's own game has come on in leaps and bounds this season. He has taken nearly 30 wickets in all competitions and seemingly cemented a place in David Moore's senior national team.

He added: “Since I have been back in the squad coach David Moore has shown me different things about my bowling, and it has been working for me.”

Tucker, though, admits there’s always room for improvement.

“I think I have to get a fitter in order to bowl faster,” he said. “I am a premier bowler and so every time I bowl I have to represent. There’s no half-stepping — I have to go all the way.”

Tucker earned a late invite to play in St. George’s final Cup Match trial last month but was ultimately overlooked for selection.

Yet despite the snub the 31-year-old fast bowler is optimistic he will eventually make the breakthrough.

He added: “It was disappointing not to be chosen because St. George’s is the family team — but there's always next year.”