Skipper Walling relishes Premier Division battle

The Riverside outfit are the new league leaders after an excellent victory over Croston at the weekend.

Walling’s side hold a one-point lead over second placed Great Eccleston and a two point advantage over Freckleton, who sit third.

Garstang have eight league games remaining and they still have to play Great Eccleston, Freckleton and Longridge.

With all to play for, Walling wants his side to take each game as it comes starting

on Saturday when they host mid-table Fylde.

“It’s very tight at the top and there is a lot of cricket to be played,” he said.

“We need to treat each game as a cup final but I want us to enjoy being at the top.

“We’ve worked hard and now we’re up there.

“If we keep playing the way we are then there’s no reason why we keep winning and hopefully we will be at the top come the end of the season.”

Garstang had to work hard for their win at the weekend against Croston.

Relegation favourites Croston set a daunting total of 229-4.

But Michael Walling dug his heels in to score a match-winning hundred.

And skipper Ian Walling was full of praise for his brother.

“Michael batted very well – a few weeks ago he made a decision to wait for the balls that played to his strength,” he added.

“And now he’s getting himself in and reaping the rewards. We were disappointed with the Croston score, but we knew if we batted to our potential then we fancied our chances.”