THE start of the cricket season is only weeks away and everyone at Barnard Castle Cricket Club is preparing for a big summer ahead.
Steve Dixon and his ground-keeping team have been working on the outfield and square and with the first fixture of the season set for April 15, the adult and junior sides have been training at Mike Layfield’s gym in Richmond. With a bowling machine installed, it provides the perfect base for preparations for the season ahead.
Barney’s new signing Harry Austin is arriving from Queensland soon. At 22 years old, the Queenslander has impressive batting statistics. Barnard Castle’s captain James Quinn will be hoping he can transfer that form as he travels over for his first summer in England.
Finishing third in the NYSD premier division last year will have felt like a disappointment to the side, which shows how far they have come in such a short period. It wasn’t too many years ago that premier league cricket itself was the aspiration of the club, never mind challenging every year for a title.
Reaching the Kerridge Cup final along the way, but ultimately coming unstuck to Middlesbrough in the league and Richmond in cup competitions, meant the season ended trophy-less for the first XI.
The second team however did lift silverware, taking home the Hundred trophy. Dan Lee was a brilliant signing last year and his renewal brings on board his brother Simon who has regularly been top run scorer in the Darlington and District League for neighbours Raby Castle.
Adding to an already strong batting line up, the second team will be making a big push for promotion out of division two.
Opening bowler Josh Bousfield is taking charge of a lot of the coaching at the club and it is hoped the junior section will make strong headway in the next couple of years.
Transferring his knowledge gained through county training and mentoring by others, Josh is looking to build on the talent already at the club.
The first XI are away on April 15 to newly-promoted Darlington RA.
By Sam Alexander
