RETURN OF THE BOWLING KING (From Warrington Guardian)

RETURN OF THE BOWLING KING

PAUL Allen has returned to Middlewich something of an unsung hero after taming the Australians Down Under.

Allan is back in his hometown following a three-week tour of Australia where he represented England in the Deaf Ashes - a cricket series contested by the national deaf sides of Australia and England.

Despite losing the ashes series 1-0 and a one-day series 5-0 Allan, who plays for Winnington Park CC, has returned upbeat having been named England's Man of the Series.

Speaking to the Guardian he said: "The tour was a great experience. The Aussies are a tough side on the pitch, in your face all the time, but after the game they are a great bunch of lads.

"While the results were disappointing we improved as the tour went on and had some good individual performances."

And the side was made to work for these high points with the conditions certainly favouring the home side.

Paul added: "In the tests I was bowling 14-16 overs a day.

"It was hard wok in the heat and the wickets are like concrete so after 20 overs the ball is a bit ragged.

"But it was a big learning curve for me and I made steady improvement."

Allan was also involved in one of the finest English performances in the series when he and a team-mate built a new English record for an eighth wicket partnership - staying at the crease for more than two hours.

Paul and the rest of the team will be hoping that this experience will stand them in good stead for the World Cup which takes palace in India in November next year.

l SINCE returning from Australia Paul Allen has also been back in action for Middlewich Town Reserves FC and last weekend he helped them to an excellent 6-1 win over Crewe Reserves.

The goals came from Lewis Warren, Paul Scott, Paul Cooper and Allen while stout defending from Chris Hill, Andy Tutt, Steve Entwhistle and Nathan Morris ensured Crewe's chances were severely limited.