McCullough's side relishing the chance to test themselves against the best

LEATHERHEAD & Cobham captain George McCullough insists his young side are relishing the chance to test themselves against some huge names from the cricketing world as they look to continue their impressive start in Surrey Championship Division Two.

The Fetcham Grove outfit have won two and lost one of their first three outings following promotion from division three.

Last Saturday's win over Egham was the perfect response after their opening day victory over Farnham was followed by a disappointing defeat at Camberley.

That match saw McCullough's charges pitched into battle against former England spinner Shaun Udal, who was enjoying a rare outing for his club side due to a blank weekend for his county Middlesex.

Udal is not the only former international Leatherhead will come up against in division two, with ex-Pakistan spinner and former Surrey favourite Saqlain Mushtaq signed on for the season at leaders Old Whitgiftians.

The chance to test themselves against such illustrious opposition is something that LCCC are enjoying and McCullough is adamant his side do not feel out of their depth in their new surroundings.

"Cricket is probably the only sport where you could come up against former internationals at club level," he said. "It's a fantastic challenge for us.

"Facing Shaun Udal last week certainly brought it home that we are now playing at a serious standard of cricket. He kept things very tight and was hard to get away.

"We've got Old Whitgiftians in two weeks time and we're looking forward to facing Saqlain. I think he was rated as the number one bowler in the world a few seasons ago and now we will be up against him.

"I'll tell the boys to go out and be positive and just to play the ball on its merits, without thinking too much about who is bowling it.

"Old Whits also have ex-Surrey players David Ward and Rupish Amin, so it will certainly be a tough game but one we are definitely up for."

A highlight of Leatherhead's win over Egham was the first half century on these shores for their new overseas star Australian opener Stephen Cush.

McCullough believes Cush, who scored 67, is slowly getting used to the bowler friendly conditions that the early part of the English summer usually brings, and is hoping he will play a key role.

"He's settling in well and it was nice to see him get the runs," said the LCCC captain. "He's had a couple of good starts before that and he certainly looks a good player."

Another who caught the eye was 15-year-old Adam Dyson who made a useful 33, while contributions down the order from Anthony Joblin and Matthew Roberts ensured LCCC posted a handy total.

Michael Wakefield (5-53) and Dillon Woutersz (4-35) then did the damage with the ball.

"It was a good team performance and we will need to carry on like that if we are to achieve our target and maintain our division two status," added McCullough.