Featured Player Number 2 -Chris Willett
Young Willett first came into the public eye after a chance appearance at a Newquay net session in 2003, and soon forced his way into the Lanherne first-team and social set-up. After a conspicious start to his career in which he struggled for runs and consistency, many local pundits were calling for his head, especially with the long line of talented wicketkeepers breathing down his neck.
Local celebrity John Biddick once described Willett as 'looking as conspicious as a Giraffe wearing dark sunglasses trying to get into an all-Polar Bear nighclub' when he walked out to bat, but Willett soon grew in confidence to silence his critics. His maiden 50 came in one of Lanherne's easy victories over Nancledra in July 2006 when he helped Lanherne along to a mammoth total with a patient 58. During the forgettable defeat to Boconnoc in the 2005 Village Knockout, he cracked the first ball of the innings for 4 with a trademark cut shot, before a batting collapse and an embarrasing defeat ensued.
Willett has introduced numerous characters and talented players to the Lanherne set-up, most notably Sam Beard, Gavin Pipe, Greg Prowse and Aaron Dilley. Willett is now the established first-team wicketkeeper and vice-captain, and is likely to lead Lanherne into battle this season as de facto captain during Millatt's absence.
Shaun Blake -
Shaun Blake first came to prominence during the 2002 season, after impressing club scout Matt Biddick during a net session, and was thrown straight into the Lanherne first XI. He hails from a strong Cornish agricultural background, and was raised in the Vale of Lanherne, a local hotbed of talent which has producers household names such as Ryan Chapman and Pete Biddick.
Although Shaun failed to impress in any of his Lanherne appearances, he did heroically bat out an over from a fired-up Nigel Logan in September 2003 to seal a memorable draw against Trengilly on their own turf. This was without doubt the highest point of his career, which has unfortunately gone steeply downhill since then. Numerous conspiracy theories have surfaced concerning his whereabouts, but the reality is that too many Big Macs, binge drinking sessions and YFC disco's have taken their toll on Shaun's rapidly-expanding frame, forcing him into an early retirment at the age of 18.
He will be sorely missed by all concerned, and was one of Lanherne's founding fathers, along with the likes of Sam Millatt, John Biddick and Mike King, and has been ensured a place in the new Lanherne hall of fame. Shaun is now working full-time on his father's farm, and drives a Mini. His interests outside cricket include cars and cakes.
