``It means the youngsters at the club have learned how to win,'' reflected the former Australian Test leg spinner as he sipped a glass of champagne after yesterday's victory over Leicestershire which clinched the title.
``The lads have played really well as a unit all year and at least six or seven of them are ready to make a big impact at first team level.''
Graham Lloyd and Gary Yates played their part in the latest victory, but yesterday the crucial wickets were taken by young paceman Paul Ridgway, the medium pace of Steve Titchard and Mark Chilton, and finally the leg spin of Chris Schofield. The win was especially satisfying for Sleep who has been criticised for his aggressive style of captaincy since being recruited by David Lloyd three years ago, and also suffered a broken ankle playing football.
Then this month Lancashire seemed to have blown their title chance when they were docked 24 points for fielding two Australian players - Sleep and James Peterson - against Yorkshire.
``I was a bit miffed about that, so it feels good to have knocked Yorkshire off top spot again,'' he reflected.
Lancashire's 1986 success was inspired by the captain-coach team of David Hughes and Alan Ormrod, who then went on to take the first team to second place in the championship proper the following season.
¥Ian Austin struck three quick blows at Bristol against Gloucs today reducing the home side to 20-3 from 11 overs.
¥Phil Sykes has lost captaincy of Church cricket club. Vice-chairman Alan Gilrane said: ``Philip is disappointed but he has accepted it quite well. The committee believe a change could do some good.'' Peter Gilrane has been appointed to succeed Sykes.