A DELIGHTED Walkden captain Jonathan Fowler has challenged his Premiership title winners to add more silverware to their cabinet next season.

South African Fowler saw his side clinch the club’s first title since 2008, the last of three successive league triumphs, on Saturday when they won a hard-fought affair at Westhoughton.

They now lead the way by 22 points with only two rounds remaining.

Fowler hailed the team bond and admitted their success is more satisfying given the competitiveness of this season’s Bolton League.

“I’m happy with the team environment we have created, the guys have really gelled well,” he said after Saturday’s four-wicket win chasing 120 in 36 overs.

“The boys enjoy playing together, and we have good depth. The close games we used to lose we won this year, which makes all the difference.

“Should we have won a few more trophies? In my opinion, yes.

“But unfortunately that is the nature of the game. I’m still very happy to win the league.

“It’s been great having the league so competitive to keep you on your toes every game. We had no easy games.”

Walkden have only lost twice in their 16 Premiership games so far – both times to Bradshaw – but have not had the campaign they would have wanted in the various cup competitions, highlighted by a second-round Hamer Cup defeat to Astley Bridge in May.

“Thanks for reminding me!” said Fowler, who contributed a run-a-ball 19 to Saturday’s pursuit in a rain-affected clash with a battling Westhoughton side led by ex-Lancashire seamer Oliver Newby.

“The Hamer Cup was a hard pill to swallow, but the boys stepped up to make sure we concentrated on the league.

“With regards to the league games, we expected to lose a few with the league being so competitive. Bradshaw seemed to get it right against us, and credit to them.

“What stands out for me is the team as a whole, performing when it counts and everyone chipping in.

“We had a few games where we were in trouble and someone always stood up.

“Also, the time I had to leave for a family wedding for two weeks and the boys had two close games (wins against Westhoughton at home and Lostock away in mid-June).

“Again someone always stepped up.”

Walkden have the Premiership’s leading run-scorer in professional Akbar Ur Rehman with 634 – he is returning next season – and two of the top four wicket-takers in overseas amateur Nick Stobart and Tahir Maqsood, who have 49 and 43 respectively.

“I believe we can get better,” added Fowler.

“Hopefully we can build on this and defend the league title, and of course get ourselves another couple of trophies next season.”

Westhoughton were restricted to 119-7 from their 36 overs on Saturday, with new ball seamer Maqsood leading the way with 2-32 from 13 overs.

In reply, the champions were reduced to 58-5 before Liam Jackson’s patient unbeaten 24 from number three helped steer them home.

Even had Walkden lost, they would have still been crowned champions following Farnworth’s defeat at home to Bradshaw.