Overseas amateur Hamish Paterson ended his first season with Heywood on a high, picking up 6-21 in that stunning final-day victory over Royton.

He finished the season with 27 wickets at just over 28, but showed constant improvement in an alien and tough environment. And his batting showed promise, never more so than his biffing knock against Littleborough.

Here. in his own words, Hamish thanks the club for making him feel so at home - and states his desire to return next year (when he is old enough to bowl more overs!)

"Coming over to England and playing for Heywood has been a great experience and one I will never forget. I really didn’t know what to expect coming over but had only heard good things from Danny about the club and the people associated with it. The second night I was in England, I was taken to the Hare n Hounds to meet some of the Heywood boys. After a few drinks there and getting to know people like Bobby, Dogsy and Fash, I felt assured that Heywood was a warm, welcoming place and I was ecstatic that I would be spending the next six months at this club.

Being over here to play cricket, I was interested and was keen to play in conditions I would not normally experience when playing in Australia. One of the major differences was the pitches which were slower and generally softer. Also playing on grounds such as Norden and Walsden where you can get top edged for six meant that being hit for more boundaries was naturally going to happen and remaining positive was key.Hamish and Humza. Let's hope they'll open the bowling for Heywood next year

But hands down the biggest contrast and my favourite was playing in front of crowds at Heywood. At Croydon we are lucky to get twenty people down to a game watching but having the crowd support you and especially having the patio behind you gives you that bit extra.

Looking back on the season team-wise, it has been a very up and down year. The amount of first year and young players coming through the ones, and from what Bobby has told me, the loss of some good players has resulted in a less than successful season results wise. But the final four games of the season shows that the team is heading in the right direction and I reckon next year, Heywood will be pushing for that top spot.

Personally, I think my season has been so-so. I believed I have bowled well generally (except the Milnrow massacre) but the wickets haven’t really come and the luck just hasn’t been there. As an opening bowler, I would have liked to influence games a bit more with early scalps.

I have made some good mates over here and have enjoyed every moment with them. Whether it be a night out in Rochdale or a quiet few at the H & H, being around the team has been really good fun.

One good mate in particular I have made over here is my opening partner Humza. He is a class bloke and probably the best bowler I have seen for his age. He has become a lot more confident around the team and is a very funny kid. It is scary how good a player he is and how confident he has become, so watch out girls.

The mates I have made over here have helped make my time over here a lot easier and enjoyable and I would not hesitate in looking after anyone that was interested in coming to Australia and repaying the favour.

My favourite on field moment for the season would have to be the win against Royton and just generally our last four wins to beat them to the fifth position. Off the field would have to be the hypnotist night which was an absolute pisser and the cocktail night, which ended up in an eventful trip to Rochdale with Tom Blundell.

Hopefully I will be back next year, it would be an absolute pleasure to return and hopefully the knowledge I have gained playing over here this year will hold me in good stead for 2012. I would also love to be a part of a Heywood team that wins some silverware and I honestly believe that we have the ability to next year.

I would like to thank Bobby as captain this year for giving me have the opportunity to play with Heywood and for also everything he’s done for me off the field which does include usage of his spare room. I would also like to thank Danny for organising me to come over this year and for driving me everywhere and also to his parents for letting me stay with them.

Lastly, I would love to thank the Heywood Cricket Club community for being so welcoming and so much fun to be around."